Firstly why Spokane-Valley, Washington?

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

• City: Spokane-Valley
• State: Washington
• Population: 109,405 people
• Spokane-Valley’s quick summary would be Celebrated for its family-friendly communities and the vibrant Spokane Valley Mall.

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: 8,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 5,000 annually
• Net Migration: 3000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,000
• Number of Homeless people: 300

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features access to outdoor activities and a suburban atmosphere attracting families

Perk #1: Spokane-Valley Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 63%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $55,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Spokane-Valley is $60,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $5000 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-Valley’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 120 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,110
• Property Tax %: 1.08%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,400
• Rent for an average house: $2,100
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Spokane Valley
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Spokane-Valley, Liberty-Lake, Millwood, Greenacres, and probably could include Spokane
• Avg. Age of Homes in Spokane-Valley: 52 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.2%

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-Valley’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Spokane-Valley are  Manufacturing, Retail, and Healthcare
• Spokane-Valley Job Scene: moderate job market focused on healthcare and retail
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech community with a focus on local industries and services , ,
• Spokane-Valley Resident’s pay $1,100 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Spokane-Valley: 8.1%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 60 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 8

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-Valley

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $120 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-90 runs through Spokane Valley connecting it to major cities
• Commute Time: 23 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion on E Sprague
• Transportation Score: 29 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Spokane-Valley: 49,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Spokane-Valley: dol.wa.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 64 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-Valley’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in Spokane-Valley is best described as cold winters warm summers with moderate rainfall
• Winter Weather in Spokane-Valley i’d describe as cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Spokane-Valley can be described as cool with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Spokane-Valley are mostly warm and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Spokane-Valley is usually cool and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 23 days in summer
• Days in a row in Spokane-Valley below Freezing: 6
• Average Annual Rainfall: 40 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality supported by regional regulations
• Spokane-Valley Winter Air generally good air quality minimal pollution sources

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-Valley Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Spokane-Valley 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Spokane-Valleys’s city limits are 3
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Spokane Valley 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-Valley Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Spokane-Valley only Doctors is about 15
• Local Hospitals here is  3
• Full-time Spokane-Valley only Police Officers is about 80
• Crime Rate Index: 25/100

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-Valley’s Monthly utility bill average is $120
• Spokane-Valley’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
• Spokane-Valley’s Water Quality Score: 72

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-Valley

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: suburb with access to outdoor activities and family-friendly amenities
• You might enjoy live shows at local parks
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Spokane-Valley  has friendly local bars and dining suitable for casual gatherings appealing to families and friends

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-Valley

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers local diners and a mix of casual dining options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 25 scattered around Spokane-Valley
• The Popular Sports Team is Spokane Valley Shock
• Top Level Political Climate in Spokane-Valley can be described as politically mixed with emphasis on local governance
• Spokane-Valley’s Longer standing religious establishment is Spokane Valley Community 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-Valley Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Spokane-Valley has 25 Parks?
• Spokane Valley Parks is Spokane-Valley’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Spokane Valley Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-2pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and parks

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-Valley Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Spokane-Valley can be described as steady suburban pace with a focus on family and community
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Spokane-Valley hiking local trails exploring parks picnics
• The Cities people commute to from Spokane-Valley are Portland 7 miles away Battle-Ground 21 miles away Washougal 10 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-Valley 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: traffic congestion on E Sprague. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Spokane-Valley’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Spokane Valley is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Spokane-Valley are Portland 7 miles away Battle-Ground 21 miles away Washougal 10 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 25 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Spokane-Valley has 6 days in a row below freezing and 23 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-Valley people have an average (positive or negative) $5000 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
   300 homeless people living in Spokane-Valley. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed with emphasis on local governance 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-Valley.

Retiree & Senior Life in Spokane-Valley

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might enjoy property tax relief programs aimed at older homeowners
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Gardens
• Spokane Valley Senior Center features wellness programs recreational activities and social events

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-Valley, Washington?

If Spokane-Valley, 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-Valley, Washington, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!