Why People Are Leaving Big Cities and Moving to Spokane, WA

There’s a quiet migration happening—and Spokane is at the center of it. People from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and Portland are packing up and heading north. Spokane, Washington may not have made their original short list, but it’s quickly becoming the better life plan for thousands of families, retirees, and remote workers.

What’s driving this surge into Eastern Washington? Here’s a deep dive into the data, the stories behind the migration, and what it means if you’re considering the same move.

Spokane Is On the Map—and the Numbers Prove It

According to Redfin’s latest data, Spokane is attracting serious attention:

Top cities searching for homes in Spokane (past 30 days):

1. Los Angeles – 460 searches

2. Houston – 260 searches

3. San Francisco – 194 searches

4. Portland

5. San Diego

Also in the top 10: Denver, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Pullman, and Walla Walla.

The most surprising part? Seattle didn’t even make the list. Spokane is no longer just a West Coast escape hatch—it’s now a contender on the national relocation radar.

Why People Are Leaving (And What They’re Finding Here)

This isn’t about a Pinterest-perfect mountain town. Most people aren’t moving to Spokane for the aesthetic—they’re moving because something’s not working where they are. And Spokane offers a better balance.

The Common Threads:

• Cost of living – Home prices in Spokane are 2–4x lower than in LA or the Bay Area.

• Commutes – Say goodbye to 90-minute drives. In Spokane, almost everything is 10–20 minutes away.

• Space – Yards. Trees. Elbow room.

• Safety & cleanliness – Less chaos, more calm.

• Nature access – Hiking trails, ski resorts, rivers, and national forests are all close by.

• Travel convenience – A small, efficient airport just 15 minutes from downtown.

For many, it’s less about chasing a dream and more about reclaiming time, sanity, and quality of life.

One Real Example: From San Jose to Liberty Lake

One retired couple sold their $2.5M home in San Jose and moved to Spokane’s Trutina at River District—a 55+ community in Liberty Lake. They custom built a 2,000+ sq ft home with Greenstone Homes, choosing every paint color, fixture, and layout detail. Final cost? Around $775K—and that included river trail access, neighborhood amenities, and room to breathe.

In San Jose, $775K might get you a teardown or a small condo. In Spokane, it bought them freedom, fresh air, and financial stability.

What They’re Leaving Behind

• In LA: 6-lane highways, public safety concerns, $6 gas, and $1.5M starter homes.

• In Houston: humidity, hurricanes, and 50-mile commutes across endless loop roads.

• In Portland: rising housing costs, safety concerns, and a vibe that’s changed for many long-timers.

For many buyers, Spokane isn't just more affordable. It's livable.

What They’re Looking For

Buyers moving into Spokane often want:

• A real yard (not just a shared wall)

• Quiet streets and good schools

• Walkable pockets like Kendall Yards or Perry District

• Custom homes or new construction without bidding wars

• Mountain access but still a real city with stores and services

• Fast internet (important note: some rural areas still require Starlink or limited providers)

They’re often choosing between neighborhoods like Five Mile Prairie, South Hill, Liberty Lake, or Spokane Valley, depending on whether their top priority is schools, space, scenery, or price.

But Spokane Isn’t Perfect

Let’s be clear—Spokane isn’t paradise. It has its trade-offs:

• Wildfire smoke in late summer

• Long, icy winters with snow removal required

• Limited public transit —you’ll want a car

• A mixed job market —growing, but not a tech or finance hub

• Rising housing prices —the $250K starter home is long gone

The average buyer today is spending closer to $450K–$550K for a move-in ready single-family home.

Tips for Anyone Considering the Move

If Spokane is on your list, here’s what to know before making the jump:

1. Visit in summer and winter
   Get a feel for both seasons before deciding if you can handle the gray skies and icy roads.

2. Test your remote work setup
   Make sure the neighborhood you’re looking at has access to reliable internet—especially if you need fast upload/download speeds.

3. Be clear about your must-haves
   Want walkability? Quiet? Schools? Trails? Spokane has a lot of variety, but no one-size-fits-all neighborhood.

4. Understand the market
   Good homes still sell fast. Multiple offers are common in the $400K–$600K range. Be ready.

5. Work with a local expert
   Spokane has huge differences in terrain, elevation, and vibe from one neighborhood to the next. Google Maps won’t tell you which streets are steep, shaded, or snow-packed. Local advice matters here.

Final Thoughts

Spokane isn’t the cheapest city in the country. But for many, it’s the best value—especially for people coming from more expensive metros who are looking to stretch their equity, retire well, or reset their lifestyle.

If that sounds like you, make sure to grab a free Spokane Relocation Guide or schedule a no-pressure planning call to figure out what fits your goals. The right move starts with the right info—and there’s a lot more to Spokane than most people realize.