The 5 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Moving to Spokane (and How to Avoid Them!)

If you’re planning a move to Spokane, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that could make your transition more stressful than it needs to be. In this guide, we’ll cover the top five mistakes people make when relocating to Spokane and offer some tips on how to dodge these pitfalls. Whether you’re just starting your home search or getting ready to move, this guide will help you settle in smoothly. Let’s dive in!

Mistake #1: Not Researching the Right Neighborhoods

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not doing enough research on Spokane’s diverse neighborhoods. Each area of Spokane offers something unique in terms of lifestyle, amenities, and housing styles. For example:

• South Hill: A classic Spokane neighborhood with tree-lined streets, historic homes, and easy access to parks, schools, and shops.
• Indian Trail/Five Mile: Known for newer homes with larger lots and bigger garages.
• Spokane Valley: More suburban with newer construction options and access to outdoor recreation areas like the Dishman Hills.

The key takeaway? Each neighborhood has its own vibe, so take the time to explore or talk to a local real estate expert (hint: that’s me!) who can guide you to the best fit for your lifestyle.

Mistake #2: Underestimating the Cost of Living

Spokane is generally more affordable than bigger cities like Seattle or Portland, but it’s still important to be realistic about the cost of living. Housing prices have risen over the years, especially in popular neighborhoods. For context:

• Spokane’s median home price is around $450,000.
• Utilities, property taxes, and general living expenses can vary, but Spokane tends to be more affordable compared to California or Texas.

If you’re curious how Spokane compares to your current city, there are cost-of-living calculators that can give you a side-by-side comparison. Make sure you’re budgeting for housing, utilities, and other expenses before you make the move.

Mistake #3: Not Factoring in the Weather

Spokane experiences all four seasons—and they can be intense! Summers are hot and dry, with the potential for wildfire smoke rolling in, while winters bring significant snowfall that can impact daily life.

For example:

• Air conditioning is a must-have for hot summers.
• Snow blowers or snow shovels are essential if you’re not planning to hire someone to help during the winter.

Some homebuilders, like Greenstone Construction, offer homes with advanced air circulation systems that keep wildfire smoke out, making Spokane’s extreme weather more manageable.

Mistake #4: Rushing the Home Search

Moving quickly can lead to buyer’s remorse. Spokane’s real estate market offers a lot of variety, and you don’t want to make a hasty decision that you’ll regret. For instance, I recently worked with clients who wanted to move again just months after buying their home because they hadn’t fully thought through how many stairs their house had!

Take the time to think about your long-term needs:

• Do you want a single-story home?
• Do you need space for a growing family?

Working with a local expert can help you avoid making a decision that doesn’t fully meet your needs.

Mistake #5: Forgetting to Plan for Commute Time

Spokane’s traffic isn’t terrible compared to larger cities, but it’s still something to think about—especially if you need to commute during rush hour. Some things to consider:

• Downtown Spokane to Spokane Valley: This commute can be longer than expected, particularly during peak times.
• Liberty Lake to Airway Heights: I’ve had clients with long commutes from Liberty Lake to the Air Force Base, sometimes taking up to 50 minutes.

If you want to avoid long commutes, make sure you’re choosing a neighborhood that keeps you close to work, school, and other daily destinations.

Wrapping Up: Plan Your Move to Spokane the Right Way

Moving to Spokane doesn’t have to be stressful if you avoid these common mistakes. Whether you’re still exploring the right neighborhood, budgeting for living costs, or factoring in Spokane’s weather and commute, a little bit of planning goes a long way in making your move smooth and successful.