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So you aspire to move to Spokane. This is a wise decision and you are not alone. There are hundreds of people planning to moving to Spokane from different parts of the country. Let’s here decode the mystery of passion towards Spokane and understand what makes this city so special.
A Beautiful City in Washington State
Situated in eastern Washington, along the Spokane River, the city of Spokane is spread over 59.2 square miles and has a population of 215,973, which means a density of 3,648 people per mile. Spokane is less dense than many other cities of comparable size. The Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area boasts a population of 556,634 people.
Weather in Spokane
Spokane experiences an amazingly pleasant climate, which allures people from around the country to live in. Here, the average annual temperature is 48.05 degrees. The average annual low temperature is 38.5 degrees, while the average annual high is 57.6 degrees. July is the hottest month when the average high temperature will touch 83 degrees, while the coldest month is December when the temperature will drop down to 22 degrees. The average rainfall here is 16.52 inches per year. November being the wettest month witnesses 2.28 inches of rainfall, while August is the driest month, with an average rainfall of 0.59 inches.
Interestingly Spokane is free from hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Since there are no natural disasters, it is normal to be the most sought-after moving destination.
Housing in Spokane
Spokane has a robust housing system which is comparatively the most affordable in the United States. In Spokane, the median home value is $175,100, which is 13% below the US median value. The median price per square foot in Spokane is $143. In the past five years, Spokane has seen an increase in home values by 6%. For renters; the rent is affordable with a median rent in Spokane being $1,117 per month, which is 22% lower than the US median. Over the past year, rental rates in Spokane have increased by 5.9%.
Economy and Unemployment Rate in Spokane
The economy of Spokane has been a little sluggish over the past couple of years. The Spokane metro area’s GDP grew by 13% between 2011 and 2016, from $21.2 billion in 2011 to $23.9 billion in 2016, a total increase of $2.7 billion. The metro area has a per capita GDP of $43,075. As per several studies, the median household income in Spokane is $49,042, which is 17% lower than the national median. Also, the unemployment rate in Spokane is 5.1%.
Cost of Living In Spokane
Spokane has a low cost of living. It is 4% lower than the national average. Since there are more job opportunities and attractive income, gas, groceries, and health care are cheaper in Spokane. Apart from that, health and transport are also comparatively affordable in Spokane than its neighboring cities.
Employee Benefits in Spokane
Living in Spokane gives several benefits to employees, which include
- Vacation Leave
- Sick Leave
- Holidays
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Long-term Disability
- Spokane Employees Retirement System (SERS)
Best Neighborhoods in Spokane
Moving to Spokane, you aspire to live in a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle. We’ve filtered out some of the best neighborhoods here
- Vinegar Flats
- Comstock Neighborhood
- High Drive
- Garland
- Corbin Park
- Lower South Hill
- Indian Canyon
- Medical District
- University District
- Lincoln Park / Altamont
- Audubon / Downriver
- Peaceful Valley
- South Perry
- West Central / Kendall Yards
- Downtown
- The South Hill
- Browne’s Addition
Worst Neighborhoods in Spokane
In Spokane, you will find neighborhoods of all types. You’ve got hipster areas, preppy places, neighborhoods where college kids thrive, and of course, ghettos. We studied each neighborhood in the city considering multiple factors and have sorted out 10 places that don’t fit into Spokane’s reputation.
- Chief Garry Park
- Riverside
- Nevadalidgerwood
- West Central
- Hillyard
- East Central
- Emersongarfield
- Logan
- Thorpewestwood
- Whitman
Pros and Cons of Moving to Spokane
Like every city, Spokane also has its share of positives and negatives. Let us have a look at some of its pros and cons.
Pros of Moving to Spokane
Spokane is an amazingly beautiful city to move in. The city has ample green space, pleasant climate, and fabulous infrastructure. Here are some of the reasons you will love Spokane.
- Robust health system
- Cheap commercial space
- No Scarcity of Outdoor Activities
- Climate is always pleasant
- Amazing wildlife
- Waterfall Amidst Downtown
- Friendly neighborhoods
- No hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes
- Ample museums
- Entertainment options are many
Cons of Moving to Spokane
Let us now have a look at some of the cons of moving to Spokane:
- Wildfire is a common occurrence
- Crime rate is too high
- Traffic is too bad here
Entertainment in Spokane
Moving to Spokane is a smart decision as the city has several entertainment options to keep you busy on a weekend. There are avenues for both indoor and outdoor activities here. Let us now have a look at some of them.
- Explore the Riverfront Park
- Be adventurous at Centennial trail
- Visit the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox
- Explore the Lilac Festival
- Check-Out Hoopfest
- Enjoy the Beauty of Spokane Falls
- Appreciate the Architectural Beauty of St. John’s Cathedral
- Explore the Beauty of Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture
- Explore Mount Spokane State Park
- Visit John A. Finch Arboretum
Crime in Spokane
Spokane’s crime is a serious concern for everyone moving there. The city’s crime rates are 205% higher than the national average. That’s shocking. But more shocking is that violent crimes in Spokane are 110% higher than the national average. As per studies, in Spokane, you have a 1 in 13 chance of becoming a victim of crime.
Tax Benefits for Retirees
Spokane does not tax social security, pension, or retirement accounts. Apart from that, the city also boasts a lower than average property tax and has no inheritance tax for estates less than $2.193 million. This makes it convenient for retirees to settle in Spokane to spend their rest of life.
It is an Education Hub
Spokane is a major education hub in the Inland Northwest region. There are several schools and colleges in this region and the majority of elementary, junior high, and high school-age children in Spokane attend Spokane public school, the second-largest school system in Washington State with 29,000 students.
Some of the top-ranked public schools in Spokane are:
- Hutton Elementary School
- Wilson Elementary School
- Brentwood Elementary School
- Moran Prairie Elementary School
- Prairie View Elementary School
The higher education institutes in Spokane are:
- Washington State University
- Eastern Washington University
- Whitworth University
- Gonzaga University
Spokane has everything to claim as your home. Impressive infrastructure, premium education institutions, ample entertainment, and dining options and rich historical past make Spokane one of the most desired cities to move in. And above all, the cost of living is too low but job opportunities are too high. And what a new reason you need?
