Is Spokane a Good Place to Live? 11 Pros and Cons to Help You Decide

Spokane is a city located in eastern Washington that is known for its beautiful natural landscape, thriving community, and diverse cultural attractions. With a growing economy, four distinct seasons, and proximity to other major cities and tourist destinations, living in Spokane offers residents a unique quality of life that is difficult to find in other urban centers. 

However, like any city, Spokane has its share of pros and cons that may influence a person’s decision to call it home. Whether you’re considering renting an apartment or house in Spokane or purchasing a home in the area, we will explore 11 pros and cons of living in Spokane to help you decide whether it is the right place for you. From outdoor activities and cultural attractions to traffic and public transportation, we will take a look at what life is like in Spokane in order to help you make an informed decision about whether it is a good place for you to call your next home.

Pros of living in Spokane

1. Access to outdoor opportunities

Spokane is an outdoor paradise, offering a wide range of activities that are sure to satisfy any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you are looking to hike, bike, ski, fish, climb, or simply enjoy nature, Spokane has it all. The city is surrounded by beautiful lakes, rivers, and mountains, providing endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. During the summer months, residents can take advantage of the many hiking trails in the area, including Iller Creek Conservation Area, Micah Peak Conservation Area, and Beehive Lakes. The city is also home to several great parks, including Riverfront Park, which offers a carousel, skate ribbon, playgrounds, river views, concerts at its pavilion, and Riverside State Park, which offers views of the Spokane River. For water lovers, Spokane is a perfect destination, with nearby lakes such as Lake Coeur d’Alene and Lake Pend Oreille offering a range of activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. During the winter months, residents can hit the slopes at nearby ski resorts such as Mt. Spokane, 49 Degrees North, or Schweitzer Mountain, which offer a range of skiing and snowboarding options. 

2. Central location

Spokane’s central location is one of its greatest assets. The city is situated in the eastern part of Washington state, which makes it a convenient base for exploring the Pacific Northwest. Residents can reach several major cities such as Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver, as well as popular national parks like Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. 

3. Four distinct seasons

Spokane’s four distinct seasons are one of the many reasons why people are drawn to the city. Each season offers unique weather patterns and activities, providing residents with a diverse range of outdoor experiences throughout the year. The warm summers are perfect for hiking, biking, and exploring the local lakes and rivers. The fall season brings cooler weather and stunning foliage displays, making it a great time for outdoor festivals and events. Winters in Spokane are cold and snowy, providing ample opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. The spring season is known for its mild weather and beautiful blooms, with many parks and gardens coming alive with colorful blooms. Overall, Spokane’s four seasons offer a variety of activities, events, and scenery to keep residents engaged throughout the year. 

4. Less traffic

While Spokane is a growing city, it has managed to maintain relatively light traffic compared to other urban centers. The city’s layout is designed to reduce congestion and improve flow, making commuting to work or running errands much easier and less stressful. Several major roads pass through or near Spokane, including I-90, US 2, and US 395, some of which provide a direct route to Seattle and even all the way to Chicago. 

5. Cultural attractions

Spokane is rich in cultural attractions, making it an ideal place for those who appreciate art, history, and music. The city is home to a variety of museums and galleries, such as the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, which showcases the region’s history and art, and the Spokane Art School, which offers classes and exhibitions for local artists. The Bing Crosby Theater, which has been a fixture in the city since the 1920s, hosts a variety of music, theater, and film events throughout the year. In addition to these cultural attractions, Spokane is known for its vibrant festivals and events. The Lilac Festival, which takes place every May, is a celebration of the city’s history and culture, while Hoopfest, the world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament, draws thousands of visitors to the city each year. 

6. Growing economy

Spokane’s growing economy is one of the many reasons why it is a great place to live and work. The city has experienced significant growth in recent years, with opportunities in healthcare, education, technology, and other sectors. Additionally, the city has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, with many startups and small businesses finding success in Spokane. This has led to a thriving business community, with resources such as the Spokane Small Business Development Center and StartUp Spokane providing support and resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners. In addition to these developments, Spokane is home to several major universities and medical centers like Gonzaga University, Whitworth University, Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, and MultiCare Deaconess Hospital, which contribute to the city’s growing economy and offer numerous employment opportunities. 

Cons of living in Spokane

7. Harsh winters

While Spokane’s winters can be beautiful, they can also be harsh and challenging for some residents. The city experiences cold temperatures, snow, and ice, with an average snowfall of around 7 inches and an average low of about 28℉ during the winter months. The snowy landscape can also make it challenging to get around, particularly for those who do not have experience driving in winter conditions.

8. Fire season

Spokane’s fire season is a potential downside for residents, as the region is prone to wildfires during the summer months. These fires can be dangerous. However, the city has taken steps to prepare for and prevent wildfires. The Spokane Fire Department has a comprehensive wildfire prevention plan in place, which includes education, planning, and response measures.

Additionally, the city and county have implemented fire restrictions during the summer months to reduce the risk of wildfires, including bans on campfires and outdoor burning.

9. Limited public transportation

Spokane’s public transportation system is limited compared to other major cities, which can be a challenge for residents who rely on it to get around. The bus system does cover much of the area, but the routes can be infrequent and may not run late into the night. Additionally, there is no light rail or subway system, which can make it challenging to travel across the city efficiently. While there are some bike lanes and trails in the city, the hilly terrain in areas like South Hill can make biking difficult for some residents.

10. Lack of walkability

With a walkscore of 49, Spokane’s lack of walkability can be a challenge for residents who prefer to get around on foot. The city is sprawling and hilly in some parts, with wide roads and limited sidewalks. While Spokane may not be the most walkable city, there are still opportunities for residents to explore the city on foot. The city has several walkable neighborhoods, such as the downtown area, South Perry, and Kendall Yards which offer a range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Additionally, the city has invested in creating more walkable spaces, such as the revitalization of Riverfront Park, which is also connected to the Centennial Trail. 

11. No sports teams

While Spokane may not have any major professional sports teams, it still offers a range of opportunities for sports fans to enjoy their favorite activities. The city has several minor league sports teams, including the Spokane Chiefs hockey team and the Spokane Indians baseball team. In addition, Spokane is home to the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Known for their strong basketball program, the Bulldogs have consistently been one of the top teams in the country in recent years, regularly making deep runs in the NCAA tournament. Gonzaga’s basketball success has helped to put Spokane on the map as a basketball town.

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