2025 Visit Spokane Relocation Guide

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SPOKANE

SPOKANE welcome to

Spokane has everything you hope a destination in the Northwest would have. Breathtaking nature, great restaurants and venues, and diverse nightlife; all packed into a mid-sized city. Across the Spokane region, in every city and neighborhood, you will find friendly people and a focus on community.

Spokane, Sp’q’n’i in Salish, means “Children of the Sun.” The area is rich in Native American history. The Spokane Tribe of Indians would host large tribal fishing gatherings at Spokane Falls while chinook salmon ran the river.

Later, Spokane became a western boomtown, then a vital railroad hub, and has grown to be the cultural center of a fascinating region. It is the smallest city ever to host a World’s Fair.

Each phase of our growth left rich layers of history, culture, and pride.

Today’s Spokanites have used these qualities to build a foundation for what’s next: a place where warmth, pride and kindness collide with ambition, creativity, and community.

You’ll come to Spokane, feel welcome, and discover things you never expected to find. We’re not quite like anywhere else.

That’s why our region of Washington has become a hotspot for relocation.

SPOKANE CAN’T WAIT TO WELCOME YOU!

REGION THE

The Inland Northwest is a region encompassing Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho that extends across 80,000 square miles and is home to over two million residents.

Spokane County has a total area of 1,781 square miles, bordered on the west by the Columbia Basin, and on the east, the foothills of the Rockies – the Coeur d’Alene mountains. The county serves as a hub for business, retail, medical, and financial services, and as of 2024, has an estimated population of 554,000. The Idaho border is just 18 miles east of Spokane, and the Interstate 90 corridor from Spokane to Coeur d’Alene creates a thriving pathway of business, residence, and recreation across the two states. The Spokane, WA - Coeur d’Alene, ID combined statistical area has an estimated population of 790,000.

The area is a diverse and productive agricultural region known for rolling hills of farmland. With several major rivers, 70+ lakes within a 50-mile radius, 5 major ski and snowboard areas within 90 minutes of downtown Spokane, 25+ golf courses, and over 128 parks in Spokane County alone, it is an outdoor recreation paradise.

Nonstop Service to Top Destinations Throughout the U.S.

Spokane River through Peaceful Valley

VOIC BUS MAT

View from Mount Spokane

CITIES THE

SPOKANE

The City of Spokane is the second-largest city in Washington State, with an estimated population of 230,000 as of 2024. At the center of Spokane is Riverfront Park, 100 acres of beauty surrounding the Spokane River, making downtown a perfect nature meets urban experience. Travel in any direction, and within minutes, you’ll find yourself in a unique district, each with a distinctive feel. Spokane is home to beautiful architecture, thriving arts, culture, and entertainment districts, and an incredible food, coffee, craft brew, and winery scene. It also boasts an abundant network of neighborhood and state parks, unparalleled for a mid-size city. my.spokanecity.org

LIBERTY LAKE

Liberty Lake is near the Idaho border and is known for its beauty, family-friendly atmosphere, and strong community spirit. With a population of about 13,000, it offers abundant parks, trails, and recreational opportunities, including access to Liberty Lake and Mica Peak. Residents enjoy a blend of outdoor recreation, community events, and convenient access to larger urban centers. libertylakewa.gov

SPOKANE VALLEY

The City of Spokane Valley is a sprawling community with approximately 111,000 residents. It has quality neighborhoods, great schools, a robust retail center, scenic parks and trails, and many recreation access points to the Spokane River. spokanevalleywa.gov

Post Street looking south Downtown Spokane
Hilltop view of Liberty Lake
Dishman Hills overlooking Spokane Valley

WEST PLAINS

West of downtown Spokane, you will find one of the fastest growing areas of our region, the West Plains, which encompasses three small cities: Airway Heights, Cheney, and Medical Lake. Airway Heights is 10 minutes from Spokane and home to Spokane County’s two largest employers — Fairchild Air Force Base and Amazon. Also located here is the Spokane International Airport, a growing retail and manufacturing hub community, as well as two popular entertainment venues, Northern Quest Resort & Casino and Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino. cawh.org

Cheney is home to Eastern Washington University (Go Eagles!) and is 17 miles southwest of Spokane. It features the beautiful Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, two districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and an annual PRCA-sanctioned rodeo.

cityofcheney.org

Medical Lake is a community 15 miles southwest of Spokane that offers quaint shops, local restaurants, and small-town living with easy access to all of Spokane.

medical-lake.org

You can find more information about the West Plains at westplainschamber.org.

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THE REGION’S POLY TECHNIC

Welcome to Eagle Country! Eastern Washington University is committed to enhancing the region’s growth and vitality by meeting current and future workforce needs.

We do this by partnering with the region’s business and nonprofit communities to align our academic offerings with employer demands. #GoEags ewu.edu

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

DISTRICTS THE

garLanD DIsTrICT

norTH Monroe

kenDaLL YarDs

broWne’s aDDITIon

DoWnToWn

unIVersITY DIsTrICT

HIsTorIC HILLYarD DIsTrICT

sprague unIon DIsTrICT

souTH HILL

souTH perrY

THe norTH sIDe
norTHToWn MaLL

DOWNTOWN

Spokane’s downtown area hugs both sides of the Spokane River and Riverfront Park. You’ll find urban living options, restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, wineries, theaters, galleries, and parks. River Park Square and a variety of shopping all within a walkable area. A skywalk system connects many office buildings and stores, so rain or shine, getting around is climate-controlled. Spokane Transit’s all-electric City Line and convenient bus service network will conveniently take you to any district in the city from downtown.

downtownspokane.org

BROWNE’S ADDITION

Browne’s Addition is Spokane’s oldest residential neighborhood, featuring a mix of historic mansions alongside restored and modern apartments and condos. Nestled in the district, you’ll find the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, Campbell House, several popular eateries and pubs, and Coeur d’Alene Park which is host to a seasonal farmers market and other community events.

UNIVERSITY DISTRICT

Spokane’s University District is a vibrant, fast-growing area just east of downtown. As a hub for education, health sciences, and research, it plays a major role in shaping the city’s future economy and identity. With five major universities, two medical school programs, two top-notch community colleges, a nationally recognized smart city testbed, and a burgeoning life sciences ecosystem, this is an idea-generating and innovation-focused community to its core.

spokaneudistrict.org

It only takes 15 minutes to get from Browne’s Addition to the University District on the City Line, with frequent stops 7 days a week. Learn more at spokanetransit.com/cityline/

KENDALL YARDS

On the north bank of the Spokane River is downtown’s newest urban district, Kendall Yards. The unique neighborhood offers a mix of homes and apartments, diverse businesses, local restaurants and wineries, and gorgeous views. Kendall Yards Night Market is one of Spokane’s most popular seasonal events and takes place Wednesday evenings, May through September. The Centennial Trail connects through the district, offering easy pedestrian and cycling access to Riverfront Park, downtown, and Riverside State Park.

kendallyards.com

Historic Patsy Clark Mansion Browne’s Addition
Downtown Spokane Riverside Avenue
Gonzaga Campus University District
Summit Parkway Kendall Yards

NORTH MONROE

Head north from Kendall Yards and you’ll quickly be in North Monroe where you’ll find fabulous antique and vintage shopping, great restaurants, and an eclectic mix of other local businesses. The surrounding neighborhoods are filled with homes that exude historic charm.

meetonmonroe.com

GARLAND

The Garland District is a unique blend of establishments, including retail shops and eateries. It is also home to Spokane’s longest operating, independently owned movie house, The Garland Theater. The businesses along Garland Ave are surrounded by a charming neighborhood filled with classic Craftsman homes. garlanddistrict.com

HISTORIC HILLYARD

Aged to perfection, this historic district is on the Spokane and National Historic Registers. The working-class neighborhood was built around the rails in the 1800s, making for cool architecture now filled with pubs, shops, arts and entertainment. Community spirit is strong in Hillyard and the newly opened Children of the Sun Bike trail and Beacon Hill recreation areas make for family-fun.

hillyardspokane.org

THE NORTH SIDE

The North Side encompasses a vast area spanning from Garland to the north end of Mead, extending east and west to the edge of Spokane city lines. You will find dense shopping and business districts as well as charming neighborhoods both historic and modern. Indian Trail, Shadle, Wandermere, and Five-Mile are just a few communities within this space featuring beautiful parks and welcoming businesses.

Looking north over Kendall Yards
Hillyard
The Milk Bottle in Garland
North Monroe Mural

SPRAGUE UNION

One of the newest districts to reinvent itself and revitalize historic spaces, Sprague Union is connected to the University District by the pedestrian Gateway Bridge, and just a five-minute drive from downtown. You’ll find a continually growing variety of retail stores, galleries, eateries, and brewpubs. Frequent seasonal community events make it a go-to for residents and visitors.

spragueuniondistrict.com

SOUTH PERRY

South Perry is part of The South Hill, but has emerged as a distinct district. With unique shops, a food & drink scene, and a neighborhood park compacted into a few city blocks, its amenities are walkable from the nearby residential neighborhood. From May through September, it hosts the Perry Street Thursday Market, a local farmers market favorite. southperry.org

THE SOUTH HILL

The South Hill begins just south of downtown and continues to the Moran Prairie, where you can connect onto the Palouse Highway, an alternate route to Idaho. Homes cover the gamut of architectural styles, reflecting the city’s growth through the decades and trends of the times. Manito, Cannon Hill, Comstock, Cliff, Liberty, Lincoln, and Ben Burr parks are located here, creating a mecca for outdoor family activities. South Hill residents enjoy easy access to shopping and dining, ranging from locally owned shops and eateries to chain restaurants and national retailers.

Manito neighborhood South Hill
South Perry Pizza in South Perry East Sprague Avenue

LIBRARIES

Seven modern and updated Spokane Public Library locations in neighborhoods across the city provide access to free books, movies, music, events, printing, computers, meeting rooms, and much more.

AQUATIC FACILITIES

City of Spokane provides many free splash pads and six affordable pools in city parks during the summer. Spokane County operates Northside and Southside Aquatic Centers, with slides and lazy rivers, movie nights and on-site concessions. Swimming lessons are available as well.

OR SCAN
OR SCAN
Central Library Downtown Spokane
OR SCAN
Photo credit Inside Spokane

AND PARKS RECREATION

The Spokane region boasts hundreds of parks, gardens, and trails. From quaint neighborhood green spaces to two of Washington’s largest state parks, the diverse landscapes, and our incredible four seasons make for unlimited family-friendly exploration.

Japanese Garden Manito Park
Cannon Hill Park
Duncan Garden Manito Park
Riverside State Park
Finch Arboretum
Mount Spokane State Park

BIG CITY MID-SIZED CITY WITH AMENITIES

Spokane feels bigger than it is because it’s a regional center with diverse amenities, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and a downtown that merges urban infrastructure with outdoor access. Combine this with surrounding communities and charming districts, each offering their own unique ambiance, and you get the feel of a major city—without the price tag or traffic.

Enjoy Best of Broadway, the world-class Spokane Symphony, a thriving live music and comedy scene, a network of art galleries, and the Smithsonian-affiliated Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture.

Those who can’t live without a foodie culture will delight in diverse cuisine options curated by local chefs, coffee roasters, brewmasters, and winemakers. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy Spokane Chiefs hockey, Spokane Indians baseball, Spokane Zephyr and Velocity soccer, college teams, and youth and international sporting events hosted in our amazing venues.

Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture
Rancher Fry Bread, Indigenous Eats

arts & culture

Spokane Arts supports arts and culture in the region through grantmaking, programming, advocacy, and professional development. spokanearts.org

Spokane Art School offers classes and events in painting, drawing, sculpture, and more for all skill levels. spokaneartschool.net

Inland Northwest Business Alliance (INBA) aims to develop a prosperous business community by advocating LGBTIA2S+ and Ally business perspectives. inbachamber.org

Inland Northwest Juneteenth Coalition celebrates African American culture and history through events and education. inwjc.org

Latinos En Spokane supports citizen participation, integration, community development, and empowerment of the Latino population in Spokane. latinosenspokane.org

Terrain is a non-profit that believes everyone needs art. Terrain programs include large-scale events, a retail store, a gallery, workshops, and more. terrainspokane.com

AHANA works to create successful and thriving multi-ethnic and multi-cultural businesses and nonprofits in the Inland Northwest. ahana-meba.org

Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Coalition (AANHPI Coalition) fosters cultural pride, promotes health and wellness, and creates opportunities for artistic expression and cross-cultural understanding. aanhpispokane.org

Carl Maxey Center is a neighborhood cultural center and gathering place, and a community-based organization that provides programs and services focused on addressing the needs of Spokane’s African American/ Black community.

Asians for Collective Liberation (ACL Spokane) centers the power of Asians and Asian Americans to build a just, healthy, and thriving community for all through community building, arts & culture. aclspokane.org

Filipino American Northwest Association (FANA) is committed to building a compassionate and resilient community by addressing food insecurity, promoting health and wellness, and celebrating Filipino arts and culture. filamnw.org

Manzanita House welcomes and equips immigrants with tools, resources, and connections to achieve equity in the Inland Northwest. manzanitahousespokane.org

NAACP Spokane Chapter works to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equity of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons. naacpspokane.com

Nuestras Raíces Centro Comunitario/Hispanic Business

Professional Association promotes and serves business growth, professional development, education opportunities, cultural preservation, community wellness and social justice for the Hispanic/ Latine community. nuestrasraiceswa.org

Spokane Pride is dedicated to organizing and hosting inclusive, queercentered events throughout the Inland Northwest year-round. spokanepride.org

Spokane Folklore Society promotes a broader community awareness of our cultural and folk traditions, such as music, dance, and other folk arts. spokanefolklore.org

Spokane Slavic Association facilitates pathways to self-sufficiency through accessible resources and support. spokaneslavicassociation.org

Patti Warashina - 1940 Rome Series Portrait #8

adventure & hobbies

Bloomsday Road Runners Club A longstanding club supporting runners of all levels, organizing events and group runs. facebook.com/bloomsdayroadrunnersclub

Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance A chapter of the national Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, focusing on trail maintenance, advocacy, and group rides for mountain biking enthusiasts. evergreeneast.org

Flying Irish Running Club Hosts weekly 3-mile fun runs followed by social gatherings, welcoming runners of all abilities. flyingirish.org

Friends of the Centennial Trail An organization working to maintain and enhance the Spokane River Centennial Trail through volunteer efforts and community engagement. spokanecentennialtrail.org

Inland Northwest Hikers A meetup group organizing hikes, snowshoeing, kayaking, and biking trips for all skill levels, focusing on social and inclusive outings. inlandnwroutes.com/inland-nw-hikers.html

Inland Outlook Photo Club For photography lovers of all levels, this club hosts photo walks, contests, and educational sessions. facebook.com/groups/InlandOutlookPhotoClub

Lilac City Roller Derby A women-led roller derby league offering competitive play and community events. Open to new members and fans. facebook.com/LilacCityRollerDerby

ParaSport Spokane Provides sports opportunities for kids and adults with physical disabilities. parasportspokane.org

Spokane Bicycle Club Organized rides, races, and social events for cycling enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. facebook.com/spokanebicycleclub, spokanebicycleclub.org

Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club (SCKC) A 50-year-old club offering flatwater and whitewater paddling events, clinics, and conservation efforts for all ages. sckc.club

Spokane Fencers Unlimited A club member of USA Fencing, dedicated to promoting the fun and competitive nature of Olympic Fencing in a safe and friendly environment. spokanefencersunlimited.com

Spokane Fly Fishers Club Meets monthly (September–April) to discuss fly fishing techniques and conservation efforts. spokaneflyfishers.com

Spokane Handweavers Guild Focusing on hand weaving, spinning, and other fiber arts. facebook.com/spokaneweavers.org

Spokane Mountaineers A century-old club offering activities like hiking, mountaineering, skiing, and paddling. spokanemountaineers.org

Spokane Riverkeepers Non-profit organization working to protect, preserve, and restore the Spokane River for future generations. spokaneriverkeeprs.org

Spokane Potters Guild A volunteer-run studio promoting ceramics education and community engagement. spokanepottersguild.org

Side by Side Brings people with and without disabilities together for activities like biking, walking, and field trips, fostering friendships and community connections. sidebysidespokane.org

REGIONAL RESOURCES SERVICES AND

MEDICAL FACILITIES

With one of the largest concentrations of medical services in a four-state region, Spokane is a hub for health services, education, research, and development. Spokane has six hospitals, two of which are the second and third largest in the state, and a comprehensive network of supporting clinics and specialty care providers.

509.456.0107 WWW.SPOKANEEYE.COM

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital

509-474-3131 | providence.org/locations/wa/sacred-heart-medical-center

Providence Holy Family Hospital

509-482-0111 | providence.org/locations/wa/holy-family-hospital

MultiCare Deaconess Hospital

509-473-5800 | multicare.org/deaconess-hospital

MultiCare Spokane Valley Hospital

509-924-6650 | multicare.org/valley-hospital

Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center

509-434-7000 | spokane.va.gov

Shriners Hospital for Children

509-455-7844 | shrinerschildrens.org/spokane

DOWNTOWN

427 S Bernard Street Spokane, WA 99204

CENTRAL 31 E Central Avenue Spokane, WA 99208

NORTH 9651 N Nevada Street Spokane, WA 99218

SPOKANE VALLEY 16201 E Indiana Ave Suite 5000 Spokane Valley, WA 99216

@Spokane Eye Clinic FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

Photo Credit Aaron Calendine, WSU Spokane

EDUCATION

Spokane is known for quality K-12 schools, public and private, five universities with programs in Spokane, a vibrant community college system, and alternative learning and trade education opportunities.

UNIVERSITIES

Eastern Washington University

Gonzaga University

University of Washington

Washington State University

Whitworth University

SPOKANE COLLEGES

Spokane Community College

Spokane Falls Community College

NURSING & MEDICAL SCHOOLS

Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine

Eastern Washington School of Nursing

Gonzaga School of Nursing

UW School of Medicine

WSU College of Nursing

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Carrington College

Paul Mitchell School

PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS K-12

Central Valley School Dist. #356

Cheney School Dist. #360

Deer Park School Dist. #414

East Valley School Dist. #361

Freeman School Dist. #358

Great Northern School Dist. #312

Liberty Lake School Dist. #36

Mead School Dist. #354

Medical Lake School Dist. #326

Nine Mile School Dist. #325/179

Orchard Prairie Dist. #123

Riverside School Dist. #416

Spokane School Dist. #81

West Valley School Dist. #363

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Grades Pre K - 8

All Saints Catholic School

Assumption Catholic School

Cataldo Catholic School

St. Aloysius Gonzaga

St. Charles Catholic School

St. John Vianney Catholic School

St. Mary’s Catholic School

St. Thomas More Catholic School

Trinity Catholic School

Grades PreK - 12 (programs vary)

Mount St. Michael’s

Northwest Christian

The Oaks Classical Christian Academy

Palisades Christian Academy

Saint George’s School

Spokane Christian Academy

Spokane Valley Adventist School

Valley Christian School

Grades 9-12

Chesterton Academy of Notre Dame

Gonzaga Preparatory High School

SPECIALTY SCHOOLS

Apple Program K-5

Innovation High School

Lumen High School

NEWTech Skills Center

Salish School of Spokane

Spokane International Academy

Spokane Valley Tech

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & BUSINESS CATALYSTS

Advantage Spokane advantagespokane.com

Downtown Spokane Partnership downtownspokane.org

Greater Spokane Inc. greaterspokane.org

Ignite NW ignitenorthwest.com

Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce spokanevalleychamber.org

West Plains Chamber of Commerce westplainschamber.org

Spokane Business Association spokanebusinessassociation.com

Spokane University District spokaneudistrict.org

Visit Spokane visitspokane.com

BUSINESS

NET WORKING

Launchpad INW launchpadinw.com

National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) nawbo-ie.org

Spokane Professionals Society spopro.org

Spokane Independent Metro Business Alliance (SIMBA) spokaneindependent.org

SCORE Spokane score.org/spokane

Executive Women International (EWI) ewispokane.org

NEWSPAPERS

Spokesman Review spokesman.com

Journal of Business spokanejournal.com

The Inlander inlander.com

The Black Lens blacklensnews.com

The Fig Tree thefigtree.org

OTHER RESOURCES

STATE OF WASHINGTON

Motor Vehicle & Driver’s Licensing dol.wa.gov

Washington State Tourism stateofwatourism.com

AIR QUALITY INFORMATION

Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency spokanecleanair.org

ANIMAL ORDINANCES & LICENSING

SpokAnimal spokanimal.org

SCRAPS spokanecounty.org/SCRAPS

Spokane Humane Society spokanehumanesociety.org

FISHING

& HUNTING

Department of Fish & Wildlife

Spokane Office wdfw.wa.gov

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Spokane Police Department spokanepolice.org

Spokane County Sheriff’s Office spokanecounty.org/sheriff

Washington State Patrol wsp.wa.gov

Crime Check Spokane County spokanecounty.org/1076 Crime-Check 509-456-2233

IMMIGRATION & NATURALIZATION SERVICES

Federal Courthouse uscis.gov/about-us/WA/spokane 800-375-5283

SENIOR & COMMUNITY CENTERS

City of Spokane my.spokanecity.org/recreation/facilities

City of Spokane Valley spokanevalleyseniorcenter.org

American Indian Community Center aiccinc.org

DRIVE

PERFECT PROXIMITY

Once you situate in Spokane you’ll quickly discover how easy it is to get around. We are your gateway for exploration.

BANFF

CALGARY

Life is a balancing act. We’re here to help you balance better with a full range of personal and business financial services, from checking and loans to mobile banking and more. Visit your local ICCU branch to see how we can help you achieve financial success.

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