5 Most Underrated Spokane Neighborhoods

When people start researching where to live in Spokane, the same names always pop up—South Hill, Spokane Valley, maybe Liberty Lake. But some of the best neighborhoods in the area are the ones you don’t hear about until you’re standing in them. These are the places with real character, bigger lots, hidden trails, or views you’d never expect—yet they barely show up in most online searches.

Here’s a breakdown of five Spokane neighborhoods that are flying under the radar... for now.

1. Chester / Ponderosa (South Spokane Valley)

Average Home Price: $548,000
Vibe: Spacious, peaceful, wooded
Lot Sizes: Many over half an acre
Schools: Ponderosa Elementary, Horizon Middle, University High

Located in the southwestern corner of Spokane Valley, Chester and Ponderosa feel like a secret retreat with suburban conveniences nearby. Homes here often come with mature trees, large yards, and extra square footage that’s hard to find closer to town. Some properties even back up to the Miller Creek Conservation Area.

There’s a blend of architecture—from updated 1970s ranchers to mid-century gems with vaulted ceilings and custom woodwork. For buyers looking for space, elbow room, and a slower pace—without venturing too far from grocery stores or coffee shops—this neighborhood delivers.

2. Downriver

Average Home Price: $364,000
Vibe: Mid-century charm near golf and trails
Standouts: Walk to Downriver Golf Course and Riverside State Park
Local Favorites: Flying Goat Pizza, Little Garden Café, Cedar Library

This pocket of northwest Spokane sits tucked between Northwest Blvd and Downriver Golf Course, and it’s easy to miss if you don’t know where to look. The architecture here leans heavily into Spokane’s mid-century history—think vaulted ceilings, large corner windows, original hardwoods, and big basements.

There’s a nostalgic, almost vacation-like feel to the tree-lined streets. Homes often have views toward the Spokane River, and the area is a favorite for runners, bikers, and golfers who love the easy access to Riverside State Park and disc golf courses. For those who fly often, the airport is just 20 minutes away—quicker if you know the back roads.

3. Otis Orchards

Average Home Price: $482,000
Vibe: Rural, diverse, off the radar
Lot Sizes: Up to 5+ acres
Schools: East Valley School District

This northeast community often gets overlooked—but Otis Orchards is one of the most unique real estate mixes in Spokane County. The area spans from mobile homes under $100K to gated estates with views and RV garages over $1.5M.

There’s space here—lots of it. Homes on acreage, large ranchers with daylight basements, and even a hidden subdivision built around an old horse racetrack (Happy Trails Lane) offer privacy, custom builds, and serious elbow room. It’s not walkable, but it’s quiet, peaceful, and growing in value—up 18% year-over-year in some spots.

4. Sunset Hill / West Hills

Average Home Price: Varies widely due to limited inventory
Vibe: Quirky, tree-filled, undiscovered
Nearby: Finch Arboretum, Indian Canyon Golf Course, Palisades Park

Tucked above the Indian Canyon and west of downtown, Sunset Hill is one of Spokane’s true hidden gems. With only around 30–40 homes total, it’s the kind of neighborhood you stumble into while taking the scenic route—or never discover at all.

The homes here are eccentric, creative, and full of character. Vaulted ceilings, angular architecture, and massive windows are common. It feels tucked away in nature, but it’s less than 10 minutes from downtown. A bonus for hikers and birders—Palisades Park and the Rimrock View Trail are practically in your backyard.

5. Parkwood South (South Hill, Lincoln Heights)

Average Home Price: Around $500,000–$650,000
Vibe: Quiet, elevated, mid-century modern
Amenities: Private HOA pool, clubhouse, direct access to Lincoln Park trails

You won’t find this one labeled on any map, but Parkwood South is a micro-HOA nestled in the eastern portion of Lincoln Heights. Built between the late ’80s and early 2000s, these homes have tons of personality—angled roofs, quirky floor plans, and oversized windows overlooking the bluff.

The location is secluded but surprisingly central. Residents enjoy access to a private community center and pool, and the trail system connects straight into Lincoln Park and even over toward the Perry District. For those who like character, a sense of community, and being surrounded by trees—this is a true hidden pocket on the South Hill.

Looking for Something Off the Map?

If your home search keeps bringing up the same neighborhoods over and over, try zooming in on some of these less-obvious options. They may not make the top of national ranking lists, but they offer space, charm, and lifestyle benefits that often go overlooked by out-of-town buyers.