Alex is the founder of 9Kilo Moving, which he started to help people easily find and choose the right moving company to make their move as stress-free and seamless as possible. He has spent over 20 years working in the moving industry, so he knows every aspect of the business and uses his knowledge to write about the industry and give moving advice. More on about us page
One of the largest and most popular cities in Washington is Spokane with a population of almost 228,989 people. Whether it’s educational opportunities, recreational facilities, or tons of real estate opportunities, Spokane has everything you’d want in a city. Not to forget are the gorgeous lakes and mountains here that add to the beauty of the city.
CALCULATE MY MOVE
The residents of Spokane enjoy several recreational activities outdoors and those looking for a vibrant city lifestyle can also go shopping in the downtown areas. If you’re planning to call Spokane your new home, you need to actually consider a lot of things before moving here. Here’s everything you need to know about moving to Spokane, Washington to help you plan your move here. Let’s just dive right in!
Spokane is known to have a pleasant and temperate climate throughout the year. While the summers are usually short and dry, winters are mostly cold and snowy. The months of July and August are pleasant and are the best time to enjoy a host of activities in and around Spokane. What’s also interesting is that the residents of Spokane get to enjoy all four seasons.
Winters in Spokane are cold with snowfall in and around the city. The months from December to February are considered the coolest months here. In Spokane, the average temperature during winters ranges from 27°F to 29°F. On days when it’s very chilly, the temperature can drop down to almost 22°F.
Most people enjoy living in Spokane because the city is known to have a warm climate for the majority of the time during the year. The months from June to August in Spokane have moderate summers with an average temperature from 52°F to 71°F. When the humidity increases, the temperature increases to almost 86°F here, so you’ll need your sunglasses and sunscreen before stepping outside your house.
There’s a reason Spokane is nicknamed ‘The Lilac City’! In springtime, the city has tons of events and activities that the residents enjoy. There’s the Lilac Festival and Bloomsday which has been a tradition in the city for over 40 years. The average temperature during the most awaited season, i.e the spring season is between 39°F and 46°F. You’ll love exploring the city’s hiking and biking trails during this time.
There’s no doubt that Spokane is the most picturesque during the autumn months when the trees exhibit autumn gold and earthy colors. The festive spirit is seen in all the residents of Spokane during the Harvest Festival that takes place during the fall. The average temperature during the autumn months ranges from 33°F to 49°F.
The public transportation system in Spokane is managed by the Spokane Transit Authority. They have almost 38 buses running in and around the city. The city’s thoroughfares are grouped into two parts - there’s Division Street that divides the east-west parts of the city and Sprague Avenue which divides the north-south areas of the city. One of the busiest routes in the city is from Interstate 90 north to the US 2 - US 395 junction. This is where most residents are caught up in traffic and congestion.
Let us take you through the different categories of transportation in Spokane, Washington:
The bus services provided by the Spokane Transit Authority run through almost 43 routes in the city. They operate in major parts like Spokane Valley, Cheney, Liberty Lake, Airway Heights, Medical Lake, and many other parts of the city. The Interstate 90 that runs from Seattle to the areas of Downtown, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, and Missoula is one of the major highways here. There are other highways like US 2 and US 395 that run through the northern part of the city through Division Street.
Apart from roadways, Spokane also has several airports that connect to various parts in and around the city. Speaking of airports, the Spokane International Airport is one of the major commercial airports in the city. It is located in the west of the downtown area and is known to be the second-largest airport in the state of Washington. There’s also the Felts Field airport that is located on the east side of the city along the Spokane River.
The rail service in Spokane is provided by Amtrak and Greyhound through the Spokane Intermodal Center. Empire Builder by Amtrak runs in this city and also connects to and from Chicago’s Union Station and then to Seattle and Portland. The BNSF Railway, Union Pacific Railroad, and Montana Rail Link have Spokane as one of their major railway junctions in Washington.
Unfortunately, the job market of Spokane has seen a decrease of almost 0.6% in the past year. So, it shouldn’t come to you as a surprise that the city has an unemployment rate of almost 6.3% which is higher than the national average of 6.0% as stated by BestPlaces. To give you an insight into the industries that dominate here, automotive, construction, healthcare, education, and finance sectors contribute greatly to the city’s economy. The median household income in the city is around $42,814 annually, which is lower than the national average of $53,842 as per the data shared by BestPlaces.
Here are some of the top companies that operate in Spokane, Washington:
One of the most important things to consider when moving to a new place is your residence. Would you prefer living in the cityside or want to reside on the outskirts of the city? Does your budget allow you to purchase your own house? Will renting an apartment be more affordable for you? It goes without saying that real estate will play a key role in helping you understand your housing needs in the city you’re going to live in.
If you’re planning to buy a house in Spokane, the median house cost would be around $387,564 in the city. The neighborhoods like Rockwood, West Hills, Manitocannon Hill, etc are considered to have relatively high housing prices in the city. So, if you’re considering an affordable place to live in, you can choose to live in neighborhoods like Hillyard, North Indian Trail, Logan, North Hill, etc.
Buying a house can be a huge investment and may not fit the budget of all people who’re relocating to a new place. There’s always the option of renting a house if you can’t afford one. The median house rent in Spokane is around $1,261 per month. Keep in mind that the size of your apartment, the number of bedrooms, and its location are some of the main factors that can increase or decrease the rent of your house.
Also See: Best U.S. Cities to Rent in | Best Real Estate Markets
This is again one of the most important things to consider before relocating to a new place. After all, a safe city will assure you of a good quality of living there. The crime rate for violent crimes is 5.58 (per 1,000 residents) in the city which is relatively lower than the national median of 4 (per 1,000 residents).
When it comes to property crimes, the city has a crime rate of 50.28 (per 1,000 residents) which is much higher than the national median of 19 (per 1,000 residents). Do keep in mind that these crime rates could vary based on the locality you choose to reside in. If you’re moving here, you can choose to reside in safer neighborhoods like Latah Valley, Duncan, Glenrose, Dartford, etc.
Although Washington is a relatively expensive state to live in, Spokane is one of the most affordable cities in the state. That’s because its overall cost of living is almost 4% lower than the national average.
If you’re considering moving to Spokane, you need to make a budget for all your daily utilities here. Let’s take a look at your basic utility costs as stated by Payscale. For example, to keep the current flowing in your home, you’ll have to keep aside around $126.75 per month. You’ll also have to pay the phone bill that’ll cost you around $135.11 on a monthly basis. If you’re considering using your own private vehicle to get around the city, a gallon of gas will cost you around $2.93.
Speaking of utilities, even your grocery prices will be almost 3% lower than the national average in Spokane. Payscale has given certain estimates for your basic grocery costs. Your everyday breakfast items like a loaf of bread will cost you around $3.23. Other food items like a carton of eggs will be around $1.75 and a gallon of milk will cost you around $1.88. If you choose to feast upon a hamburger from outside, you’ll have to pay around $4.11.
Spokane doesn’t fall behind when it comes to education. The Spokane Public School District is the largest school district in the city. The other popular school district in the city is Mead School District in the northern part of Spokane County. In terms of public education, the areas of Mead, Cheney, and West Valley are known to have good quality education and high ranking.
Here are some of the top-rated schools, colleges and universities in Spokane:
Just head around 2 miles from Downtown Spokane and you’ll reach Manito-Cannon Hill. The place is known for its vibrant culture as it hosts several theater events and performances that the residents enjoy. One of the most talked-about events here is the Spokane Symphony Orchestra that one certainly cannot miss. When it comes to real estate, the housing costs seem to be on the expensive side in Manito-Cannon Hill. Right from Victorian-style houses to modern homes, you’ll have tons of options to choose from. The neighborhood is also home to Gaiser Conservatory Botanical Gardens making it an ideal place for both families and retirees.
Median Home Value: $580,000
Monthly Median Rent: $983
Rockwood is one of the oldest and most beautiful neighborhoods in Spokane. One of the best things about living in Rockwood is that it’s in close proximity to Downtown Spokane. Here, you’ll find tons of real estate options to choose from. Rockwood is considered to be an ideal place for families. That’s because it’s home to popular institutions like Hutton Elementary School, Lewis & Clark High School, etc. There are tons of recreational activities like yoga classes, meditation, etc that many residents enjoy at the beautiful parks here.
Median Home Value: $679,000
Monthly Median Rent: $950
If you want to stay close to Downtown Spokane, then you should definitely consider living in Cliff-Cannon. The neighborhood has a vibrant and lively lifestyle because of several cocktail bars, restaurants, and lovely architectural homes. For those seeking a career in healthcare, you’ll be glad to know that the Sacred Heart Medical Center is in close proximity to Cliff-Cannon. It is also home to several schools like Roosevelt Elementary School, Wilson Elementary School, etc. So if you’re looking for a place to move in with your family, this neighborhood could be a good choice to consider.
Median Home Value: $449,000
Monthly Median Rent: $900
One of the most popular neighborhoods in Spokane is North Hill. The place has a nice country vibe to it as it has several events like horseshoe tournaments, dog shows, etc. North Hill is also home to the Garland Theater and The Blue Door Theater which organize several events here. Right from retail shops to exquisite cuisines, the place has many things to offer you. Some of the schools in this area are Willard Elementary School, Ridgeview Elementary School, North Central High School, etc.
Median Home Value: $294,100
Monthly Median Rent: $1,261
Located around 5 miles from Downtown Spokane, this neighborhood has tons of recreational activities like biking, hiking, etc. Lincoln Heights has some of the most amazing recreational gardens like Lincoln Park, Thomas Murphy Park, etc. There are several wine bars and restaurants in this neighborhood and so you can be rest assured that the place has a nightlife full of activities and events. Lincoln Park is also a good place for families to move in as it has popular schools like Hamblen Elementary School, Chase Middle School, Ferris High School, etc.
Median Home Value: $377,500
Monthly Median Rent: $1,105
See Also: Moving to Washington State | Cheap Movers in the USA
Summing Up
If you’re planning to move to Spokane in Washington, we’ve covered everything you need to know in our moving to Spokane guide. Right from recreational parks, restaurants to good real estate, the city has many things to offer you. Does Spokane tick off all the boxes for you on your checklist? If yes, then you can start to plan your move here.
Is Spokane A Good Place To Live?
Spokane has several family-friendly neighborhoods, lively downtown, a low cost of living, and tons of recreational activities. If you’re looking for a city with good schools, close-knit neighborhoods, and urban amenities, then Spokane is certainly a good place to live in.
What Are Winters Like In Spokane?
Spokane experiences cold winters with an average snowfall of around 44 inches every year. To give you an insight into the average temperature here, it falls in the range between 27°F and 29°F.
What Is A Good Salary In Spokane?
Do keep in mind that your electricity and phone bills, grocery costs, transportation, and other basic expenses need to be met with your income. So, to meet your basic utility costs in the city, you will need an annual salary of around $48,000 to live in Spokane.
Fill Out the Form and Get 100% Free Moving Quote!
Quick Response
Satisfaction Guarantee
Expert & Professional
Professional Approach
High Quality Work
24/7 Emergency
Complete the form to get instant quotes! Its that easy!
Privacy Policy Terms Of Use
We will send you a text with a short verification code
9Kilo brings the movers directly to you! We'll find the top moving companies for your needs and have them call you right away. Search no more. Just sit back and relax!
This is your estimated moving cost. Professional movers will contact you within one business day.
We're sorry, but we are unable to service this move because it is considered a local move.