How Does Spokane Compare to Other Similar Cities?

  Today we review an article written by the Inlander, a local newspaper here in Spokane comparing the Spokane Metro area to other similarly sized metros and our surrounding major cities. How does Spokane stack up in these twenty different categories, let's find out! METRO POPULATION Ask anyone what being a Spokanite means, and you'll get as many different answers as there are people. But the numbers don't lie: We are whiter, poorer and less educated than many of our peer cities.     SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau"> SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau PERCENTAGE OF WHITE RESIDENTS AND FOREIGN-BORN RESIDENTS    SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau"> SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau PERCENTAGE OF RESIDENTS 25 AND OLDER WITH A COLLEGE DEGREE    SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau"> SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau PEOPLE PER SQUARE MILE    SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau"> SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME    SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau"> SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau PERCENTAGE POPULATION CHANGE Everyone knows it: We're growing. In some ways, that's good. Our city is strengthened by new people, not to mention the taxes they pay. And while it's become more difficult to buy a house or afford rent, we avoided the biggest growth seen in Boise and, perhaps better, the recent shrinkage of Seattle and Portland.    SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau"> SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN HOME VALUE Exactly zero people will be surprised to see that our home values outpaced nearly every other city in our list over the past five years, except Boise. But look at the last year and you'll see a cooldown of sorts, putting Spokane on par with all of our peer cities, except again for Boise, which saw its red-hot market go ice cold.     SOURCE: Federal Housing Finance Agency"> SOURCE: Federal Housing Finance Agency MEDIAN RENT FOR ONE-BEDROOM APARTMENT    SOURCE: Zillow"> SOURCE: Zillow ANNUAL DEATHS INVOLVING FENTANYL Overdose death data isn't reported the same across the country, with some jurisdictions still finalizing recent data, and others lumping fentanyl-involved deaths with those involving other opioids. In some cases, suspected overdose deaths aren't differentiated by drug at all. The data below is an annual estimation using the most recent data we could find (data for Durham-Chapel Hill was not available.)    SOURCES: Local health departments, medical examiners, health data websites"> SOURCES: Local health departments, medical examiners, health data websites CLOSEST SKI AREA TO CITY CENTER    "> TALLEST BUILDING It seems like every year a developer files plans with the city to build a new skyscraper downtown. (The barren lots on the edge of the University District are a popular spot for these.) But our tallest building was built more than 40 years ago. Of course, that doesn't count the fictional 78-story GNB Tower that was built in Spokane in the sitcom How I Met Your Mother.    "> PRICE OF A BUS TICKET Like every other transit agency, STA was hit hard by COVID. Yet transit officials say ridership has bounced back to 80 percent of pre-pandemic performance, and its City Line system is on pace to begin operating this summer. Still, the cost of a two-hour fare knocks on the upper range of fares. Unless, that is, you're under 18; then riding a bus in Spokane is free.     SOURCES: Local transit agencies"> SOURCES: Local transit agencies MAJOR POTENTIAL NATURAL DISASTERS    "> NUMBER OF MAJOR HOSPITALS (300 beds or more)    "> NUMBER OF UNIVERSITIES (more than 1,000 students)    "> CAR THEFTS REPORTED IN 2021    SOURCE: FBI"> SOURCE: FBI NUMBER OF COPS    ">     PEOPLE KILLED BY POLICE SINCE 2015    Source: Washington Post police shootings database"> Source: Washington Post police shootings database HOMICIDES IN 2021, INCLUDING PEOPLE KILLED BY POLICE    SOURCE: Police annual reports, news reports, health data"> SOURCE: Police annual reports, news reports, health data

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A Guide to Spokane's Different Sectors: Where Should You Move?

  If you're considering moving to Spokane, Washington, or you're already living there and looking to relocate, it can be overwhelming to know where to start your search. With so many neighborhoods and areas to choose from, it's challenging to narrow down your options. In this blog post, we'll explore the different sectors of Spokane, giving you an overview of what to expect in terms of home prices and what each area has to offer.   Let's start with Liberty Lake. This area is one of the most popular locations in Spokane, primarily due to its proximity to the lake and the fantastic views. The average home price in this area is around $450,000, with some properties costing well over a million dollars.   Next up is Deer Park, a small town located 20 minutes north of Spokane. If you're looking for a more rural lifestyle, this area may be perfect for you. Home prices in Deer Park are lower than in Liberty Lake, with the average price being around $330,000.   Other areas to consider in Spokane include North Spokane, South Hill, Spokane Valley, and Medical Lake. North Spokane is known for its affordable home prices and quiet neighborhoods, while South Hill is known for its higher-end properties and historic homes. Spokane Valley is a great option for families looking for affordable housing, and Medical Lake is a small town located west of Spokane that offers a peaceful and quiet lifestyle.   So, how do you decide which area is right for you? If you're looking to buy, sell or invest in Spokane's real estate market, we recommend narrowing down your search to factors like location, price point, and type of home to avoid buyer fatigue. By focusing on a specific area that aligns with your needs, you'll have a more productive home search experience.   In conclusion, knowing the different sectors of Spokane and what they have to offer can help you make an informed decision about where to move. Keep in mind your lifestyle preferences and budget, and with the right real estate agent, you can find your dream home in no time.

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Is Spokane, WA A Good Place to Live? | [Safety!]

  If you're thinking about moving to Spokane, you're probably wondering what it's like to live there. Luckily, we have a local's perspective to share with you. In this informative video, you'll learn about the cost of living, weather, safety, things to do, and how to choose the right location for you.   Cost of Living One of the first things people usually consider when thinking about moving is the cost of living. According to the cost of living calculator on bestplaces.net, Spokane is still affordable compared to other major metros. While home prices have gone up, there are still many affordable options available in Spokane.   Weather Another important factor to consider is the weather. Spokane has a four-season climate with hot summers and cold winters. However, the city's location in the Pacific Northwest means it has less precipitation than other cities in the region.   Safety Safety is also a top concern for many people. Spokane has a relatively low crime rate compared to other cities of its size. Additionally, the city is home to many great neighborhoods that are safe and family-friendly.   Outdoor Actvities When it comes to things to do, Spokane has a lot to offer. From outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and biking to cultural events like concerts and festivals, there's always something going on in Spokane. Plus, the city is home to many great restaurants, breweries, and wineries.   Location Choosing the right location to live in Spokane is also important. Different neighborhoods offer different advantages and disadvantages. Some neighborhoods are close to downtown and offer easy access to amenities, while others offer more space and a quieter lifestyle.   Overall, Spokane is a great place to live. With affordable housing options, a moderate climate, a low crime rate, and plenty of things to do, it's no wonder that over 120,000 people have moved to Spokane from more expensive markets. We hope this local's perspective has been helpful in your decision-making process.

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