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.

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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!

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Exploring Lennar’s 2 New Communities in Latah Valley

  Lennar is expanding their reach in Spokane with two exciting new communities in the Latah Valley: Meadowlane Greens and Tangle Ridge. These developments are set to bring a range of beautiful new homes to the area, offering options for various budgets and lifestyles. If you’re considering a move to this part of Spokane, here’s a detailed look at what to expect.   Location Overview: Why Latah Valley? The Latah Valley is a desirable area just southwest of downtown Spokane, offering a blend of natural beauty and convenient access to the city. Nestled along Highway 195, this location gives you the best of both worlds—peaceful suburban living with quick access to downtown Spokane and beyond. If you’ve heard me talk about Eagle Ridge before, you’ll know how much I rave about this well-planned community, and Lennar is now adding its own touch to this popular area.   Meadowlane Greens: From Golf Course to Community Meadowlane Greens has an interesting backstory. It used to be a nine-hole, par-three golf course, but Lennar purchased the land and is now transforming it into a neighborhood with 31 homes. Priced between $450,000 and $650,000, these homes feature familiar floor plans like the Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet, which offer three to four bedrooms and two to two-and-a-half baths. These range from 1,600 to 2,000 square feet, with larger options like the Hawthorne and Benton offering even more space. One standout feature of Meadow Lane Greens is the larger-than-average backyard sizes. For a new construction community, this is a rare find, especially when compared to similar Lennar developments like Woodridge and Stone Hill. Some homes even offer extra privacy with no rear neighbors, backing onto open spaces or drainage areas.   Tangle Ridge: A More Exclusive Feel Just up the hill, Tangle Ridge offers larger homes and a more exclusive community feel. Homes here are priced between $550,000 and $750,000 and include both two-story and single-level options. If you’re looking for more space or a premium view, this might be the spot for you. Several homes back up to incredible views of Tower Mountain and the surrounding natural beauty, and some lots even extend beyond their fences, giving you the option to create your own trail down to the walking paths below.   Traffic and Infrastructure Concerns One of the main issues to be aware of in Latah Valley is the traffic. With only a few entry and exit points, it’s not uncommon to see bottlenecks, especially during rush hour or when construction is happening. Thankfully, improvements are on the way, with new bridges and road expansions planned to help alleviate some of this congestion.   Community Perks: Living in Latah Valley Despite the traffic concerns, living in Latah Valley has plenty of perks. You’ll find miles of walking trails, multiple parks, splash pads, and community events like movies in the park. If you’re looking for a family-friendly neighborhood with a strong sense of community, this is a great option. However, if you’re not into suburban life, Latah Valley might not be for you. It’s quintessential suburbia, but it comes with plenty of amenities that make it an attractive choice for families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle close to nature.   Privacy and Lot Layouts One of the unique features of both Meadow Lane Greens and Tangle Ridge is the layout of the lots. Many homes enjoy more privacy than you might expect in a new development, with fewer direct neighbors or homes backing up to open spaces. This gives you a bit more breathing room compared to other, more densely packed communities.   Lennar’s Signature Features Lennar’s homes in these communities come with their signature "Everything's Included" package, meaning your new home will come with quartz countertops, wood cabinets, vinyl fencing, and even landscaping like green grass in the backyard—all included in the price. There’s no need to worry about extra costs or upgrades after you move in. Lennar also tends to offer great incentives, especially as we head into the winter months, so you could benefit from interest rate cuts or closing cost coverage if you act soon. If you’re looking for a well-planned, family-friendly community with modern homes and plenty of amenities, Latah Valley—especially the new Lennar communities—could be a perfect fit. Whether you prefer the more affordable Meadow Lane Greens or the larger, more exclusive homes in Tangle Ridge, there’s something for everyone. However, be mindful of the potential traffic issues, and make sure to get in early if you want to secure a lot with the best views or the most privacy. Prices are still relatively low, and as construction progresses, those prices are likely to go up. If you’re interested in buying a home in Meadowlane Greens, Tangle Ridge, or anywhere else in Spokane, I’d love to be your real estate resource. Feel free to call, text, or email me anytime. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you in the next update!

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