Spokane Valley 85 Exceptional
Spokane Valley Livability #20 ranked city in Washington#357 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas

Spokane Valley, WA - The Heart of the Inland Northwest

Spokane Valley, WA, known as 'The Heart of the Inland Northwest,' offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and modern urban amenities. Located in Spokane County, Spokane Valley is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Spokane (10 miles) and Coeur d'Alene, ID (30 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Spokane Valley's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Spokane Valley is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Spokane Valley Mall, the historic Dishman Hills Natural Area, and the scenic Mirabeau Point Park. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Centennial Trail to the bustling Valleyfest, known for its shopping and dining. Spokane Valley's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from Pacific Northwest cuisine to international dishes.

Annual events such as the Spokane Valleyfest and the Valley Chamber After Hours highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Spokane Valley's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like Spokane Community College contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.

The arts and culture scene in Spokane Valley is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center and the Valley Art Center are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Spokane Valley provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.

Spokane Valley’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Spokane Indians (baseball) and the Spokane Chiefs (hockey) in nearby Spokane, providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Spokane Valley include healthcare, education, and manufacturing, with significant employers such as Providence Health Care and Central Valley School District driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and the Spokane Transit Authority, making it easy to navigate the area. The weather in Spokane Valley features cold winters and warm summers, perfect for a variety of outdoor activities year-round.

Pros and Cons of Living in Spokane Valley

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

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What's it like Living in Spokane Valley?

Spokane Valley, Washington is a moderately-sized city with a population of 99,275 people. According to the most recent Census, 89% of Spokane Valley residents are White, 2% Asian and 1% Black. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Spokane Valley will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Spokane Valley is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Washington, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Spokane Valley and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Washington and national averages.

Spokane Valley has a livability score of 85/100 and is ranked #26 in Washington and #357 in the USA. Clearly, Spokane Valley is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Spokane Valley has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Spokane Valley has higher than average rankings for the following: cost of living (B+), education (B) and housing (A+).

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Spokane Valley, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Spokane Valley undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Spokane Valley has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Spokane Valley. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Spokane Valley are affordable. The median home price for Spokane Valley homes is $226,800, which is 15.8% lower than the Washington average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Spokane Valley, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4, which is 7% lower than the Washington average.

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      Spokane Valley transportation information

      Statistic Spokane Valley Washington National
      Average one way commute20min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.1%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.3%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.0%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.4%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home6.9%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Spokane Valley, WA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).