Firstly why Spokane, Washington?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Spokane
• State: Washington
• Population: 228,989 people
• Spokane’s quick summary would be Known for its beautiful Riverfront Park, the historic Davenport Hotel, and vibrant cultural festivals.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 12,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 12,000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 3,000
• Number of Homeless people: 600

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a growing economy and diverse cultural offerings appealing to families

Perk #1: Spokane Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 55%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $50,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Spokane is $52,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $2000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Spokane’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 125 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,998
• Property Tax %: 1.17%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,200
• Rent for an average house: $2,000
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Kendall Yards
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Spokane, Cheney, Airway-Heights, Medical-Lake, and probably could include Mead
• Avg. Age of Homes in Spokane: 59 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Spokane’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Spokane are  Healthcare, Education, and Manufacturing
• Spokane Job Scene: strong job market centered on education and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: emerging tech landscape with focuses in healthcare and local businesses , ,
• Spokane Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Spokane: 8.1%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 80 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 22

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Spokane

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $130 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-90 runs through Spokane creating significant regional connectivity
• Commute Time: 24 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy evening traffic on I-90
• Transportation Score: 42 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Spokane: 84,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 6 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Spokane: dol.wa.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 62 of 100
• Local Airport: Spokane International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Spokane’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in Spokane is best described as cold winters warm summers with less humidity
• Winter Weather in Spokane i’d describe as cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Spokane can be described as cool and rainy
• Summer’s in Spokane are mostly warm and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Spokane is usually cool and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 53 days in summer
• Days in a row in Spokane below Freezing: 25
• Average Annual Rainfall: 36 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality largely unimpeded by pollution sources
• Spokane Winter Air generally good air quality but affected by seasonal events

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Spokane Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Spokane 5
• While the number of trade schools inside Spokanes’s city limits are 6
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Spokane Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Spokane Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Spokane only Doctors is about 45
• Local Hospitals here is  8
• Full-time Spokane only Police Officers is about 200
• Crime Rate Index: 40/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Spokane’s Monthly utility bill average is $130
• Spokane’s Monthly Gym Membership: $38
• Spokane’s Water Quality Score: 70

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Spokane

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: city with a vibrant downtown and access to outdoor adventures
• You might enjoy concerts at the Spokane Arena
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Spokane  features a vibrant nightlife with a mix of local bars restaurants and cultural events for a rich experience

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Spokane

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a vibrant food scene with local restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 50 scattered around Spokane
• The Popular Sports Team is Spokane Chiefs
• Top Level Political Climate in Spokane can be described as progressively leaning city focused on social services and community
• Spokane’s Longer standing religious establishment is Spokane Valley First Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Spokane Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Spokane has 40 Parks?
• Riverside State Park is Spokane’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Spokane Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and fishing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Spokane Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Spokane can be described as moderate urban pace focusing on culture and outdoor activities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Spokane hiking local trails community events exploring parks
• The Cities people commute to from Spokane are Bellevue 9 miles away Renton 9 miles away Issaquah 7 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Spokane or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy evening traffic on I-90. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Spokane’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Kendall Yards is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Spokane are Bellevue 9 miles away Renton 9 miles away Issaquah 7 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 40 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Spokane has 25 days in a row below freezing and 53 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Spokane people have an average (positive or negative) $2000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   600 homeless people living in Spokane. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general progressively leaning city focused on social services and community could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Spokane.

Retiree & Senior Life in Spokane

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for senior property tax exemptions enhancing affordability
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale
• Spokane Senior Center offers various programs meal services and activities for older residents

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Spokane, Washington?

If Spokane, Washington ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Spokane, Washington, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!