Where Are Spokane Homebuyers Moving?

With home prices staying high and mortgage rates impacting affordability, Spokane residents are starting to look elsewhere for their next home. But where are they going?

Based on data from Realtor.com’s Cross-Market Demand Report, these are the top 10 locations Spokane buyers are searching for right now.

Why Are Buyers Leaving Spokane?

Spokane’s median home price remains in the mid-$400,000 range, making affordability a challenge.

• For nearly three years, home prices have hovered around $430,000.
• Mortgage rates are another factor – even small increases can add hundreds to a monthly payment.
• As of now, rates have dropped slightly, sitting at 6.89%, giving some relief to buyers.

Additionally, remote work and job opportunities elsewhere are driving people to explore new cities.

Spokane’s Population Growth: Is It Really Booming?

Despite the common belief that Spokane’s population exploded during the pandemic, the data says otherwise:

• Since 1990, Spokane’s population has grown at a steady 1-2% annually.
• In 2018, growth dropped below 1%, even before the pandemic.
• The growth rate during COVID was actually lower than previous decades.

How Does Spokane Compare to Other Growing Cities?

• Austin, TX, for example, had 4%+ annual growth for years but saw a drop-off post-pandemic.
• Spokane’s growth never surged dramatically and is now projected to stay below 1% through 2035.

With fewer people moving in and more people moving out, Spokane’s net growth is slowing down.

The Top 10 Cities Spokane Homebuyers Are Moving To

According to Realtor.com, these are the most searched destinations for Spokane buyers:

10. Bremerton, WA

• Median home price: ~$625,000
• Why? Proximity to Seattle, waterfront lifestyle, high-paying jobs.
• Even with higher home prices, Bremerton offers better salaries to offset the cost.

9. Boise, ID

• Median home price: ~$570,000
• Why? Growing tech sector, strong economy, lower cost of living than major metros.
• Boise feels like a larger, more developed version of Spokane.

8. Portland, OR

• Median home price: ~$600,000
• Why? Bigger job market, urban lifestyle, cultural scene.
• While Portland has its challenges, it still attracts people looking for a vibrant city atmosphere.
• Bonus: Way better Asian food than Spokane.

7. Lewiston, ID

• Median home price: ~$425,000
• Why? Lower cost of living, small-town feel, outdoor recreation.
• Many buyers are looking to own rural property while staying close to Spokane.

6. Yakima, WA

• Median home price: ~$410,000
• Why? More affordable housing, larger homes for the price.
• Growing medical field (many doctors/nurses moving for work).

5. Phoenix, AZ

• Median home price: ~$510,000
• Why? Warmer climate, lower taxes, strong job market.
• Many Spokane homeowners tired of snow are heading south.
• Phoenix’s metro population (5M) is 10x Spokane’s.

4. Kennewick, WA (Tri-Cities)

• Median home price: ~$510,000
• Why? Fast-growing economy, lots of new construction, strong job market.
• Businesses view the Tri-Cities as a strategic location in WA.

3. Sandpoint, ID

• Median home price: ~$820,000
• Why? Lake lifestyle, Schweitzer Mountain access, quiet living.
• Sandpoint is pricey, but it offers a resort-town feel.

2. Seattle, WA

• Median home price: ~$725,000+
• Why? High salaries, tech jobs, world-class amenities.
• Finding a house under $1M is tough, but many Spokane buyers are drawn to job opportunities.

1. Coeur d’Alene, ID

• Median home price: ~$722,000
• Over 11% of Spokane homebuyers are searching in CDA.
• Why? Idaho taxes, beautiful lakefront, resort-town lifestyle, rapid growth.
• Post Falls (near CDA) is also exploding in popularity.

What Does This Mean for Spokane’s Real Estate Market?

For Home Sellers:

• There is still demand for Spokane homes, but buyers are carefully weighing their options.
• Many are choosing between Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, evaluating which side of the border makes more sense for their needs.
• If you’re thinking about selling, now may be a great time to capitalize before more people leave.

For Home Buyers:

• Spokane is still growing, just at a slower pace.
• The local economy is strengthening, with aerospace and tech industries expanding.
• Affordability is a challenge, but interest rates are beginning to decline, making homeownership more accessible.

Thinking About Selling or Moving?

If you’re considering relocating out of Spokane, my team specializes in helping homeowners sell and can connect you with trusted realtors in your next city.

Where would YOU move if you left Spokane?