Spokane Neighborhoods: Where Buyers Want to Live vs. Where They Actually End Up!

Welcome to today’s blog post, where we’ll be exploring Spokane's most desirable neighborhoods! If you're considering a move to Spokane and wondering which areas are best suited for you, this guide will help. We’ll dive into where people think they want to live and where they actually end up settling. Whether you're just starting your home search or narrowing down your options, this guide will help you find the perfect neighborhood. Let’s get started!

First Up: South Hill – The Classic Spokane Neighborhood

South Hill is consistently at the top of buyers’ lists when moving to Spokane. This neighborhood offers that classic, established vibe with its tree-lined streets, beautiful parks, and easy access to schools, shops, and medical facilities. Whether you're looking for character-rich older homes or more modern builds, South Hill has it all.

But here’s something I’ve noticed—people always bring up the Perry District when they talk about South Hill. It’s an eclectic, walkable area with a lot of charm, shops, and restaurants, and it often comes up as a dream location. However, most buyers don’t actually end up living here. Instead, they find homes in nearby pockets just outside the Perry District.

For example, some buyers prefer to live:

• Just off 18th before prices climb in Rockwood.
• Near Lincoln Park in more affordable areas like Freya and Rei.
• On the western side of South Hill, near the Cliff/Cannon area, close to Manito Park and the bluffs for hiking.

Buyers can get more space and value by zooming out from the Perry District while still staying close enough to enjoy its amenities. Another alternative? Corbin Park, just off of South Hill. With its historical homes and proximity to the up-and-coming Monroe District, it’s a hidden gem!

Next: Meade – Space, Affordability, and Top-Rated Schools

Buyers also love Meade for its suburban feel, affordable homes, and top-rated schools. However, when people say they want to live in Meade, they often don’t mean the tiny area known as "Old Meade" (which is not as upscale as they might think).

Instead, buyers are really looking for homes in the Mead School District, which covers a wide area, including:

• Five Mile Prairie: A popular spot offering suburban homes with spacious lots.
• Fairwood and Country Homes: More established communities still within the Mead School District.
• Green Bluff and Peone Prairie: For those seeking land and a rural feel.

In reality, "Meade" means anywhere within the Mead School District boundaries, whether you're closer to Mount Spokane or in Colbert.

Indian Trail – Quiet and Tucked Away

If you’re looking for a quieter, tucked-away neighborhood, Indian Trail might seem like a great option. It’s located in the northwest corner of Spokane, with minimal traffic and its own grocery stores and amenities. However, in my experience, few buyers end up choosing Indian Trail itself.

More often, they prefer new construction in the Lennar community at the top of Indian Trail or they opt for homes in the nearby Balboa neighborhood. And for those commuting to the Air Force Base, the commute from Indian Trail is longer than expected—about 45 minutes—which is often a dealbreaker. As a result, many military families end up closer to Liberty Lake or Medical Lake for easier access.

Liberty Lake – Lakeside Living with a Suburban Feel

Many buyers fall in love with the idea of Liberty Lake, with its proximity to golf courses, the lake, and its own thriving community. But when people talk about living in Liberty Lake, they often mean the surrounding areas, not just the central (and more expensive) part of Liberty Lake proper.

Most of my clients end up in:

• River District: A fast-growing area with more affordable homes.
• Green Acres: South of Shelly Lake, where homes offer a suburban feel with larger lots at a better price point.
• Legacy Ridge: While this community has luxury homes, some of the properties here are more affordable compared to central Liberty Lake.

Spokane is full of diverse neighborhoods, and there’s something here for everyone. Whether you're drawn to the eclectic Perry District, the quiet of Indian Trail, or the suburban vibes of Liberty Lake and Meade, there’s a community that will fit your lifestyle and budget. But the key takeaway? Sometimes the neighborhood you think you want isn’t where you end up!

Need Help Finding Your Perfect Spokane Neighborhood?

If you’re ready to explore Spokane and find the right neighborhood for you, let’s talk! Whether you're moving to Spokane or just want to learn more about the real estate market here, I’d love to be your real estate resource!