Latah Valley is one of Spokane’s most picturesque areas, offering a mix of natural beauty, newer homes, and sought-after communities like Eagle Ridge. As more people discover the appeal of this untapped region, the demand for housing continues to grow. However, with this growth comes significant controversy, from traffic concerns to wildfire risks. Here’s an in-depth look at current developments in Latah Valley and what they mean for the community. Overview of Latah Valley Located in the southwest portion of Spokane, Latah Valley extends along Highway 195, below South Hill. Known for its wooded landscapes, golf courses, and rural charm, this area has a unique appeal. Homes in the valley range from spacious properties on 10+ acres to suburban-style neighborhoods like Eagle Ridge. Key Challenges in Latah Valley Traffic Issues: Highway 195 is the primary access point, with limited on-ramps and intersections that pose safety hazards. During rush hour, traffic congestion exacerbates these problems. Wildfire Risk: The area’s dense trees and proximity to previous wildfire zones raise safety concerns, especially with plans to increase population density. Development Moratoriums: New building projects have faced restrictions due to these challenges, delaying much-needed housing developments. Current and Proposed Developments 1. Proposed 160-Acre DNR Land Sale Details: The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is considering selling 160 acres of state-owned land along Highway 195 to developers. The proposed development could bring up to 1,000 homes, making it one of Spokane’s largest residential projects. Developer: Blue Fern, a Redmond-based company, owns an adjacent 100 acres and is looking to combine the parcels for a 260-acre development. Promise to the Community: The developer has proposed including schools, parks, trails, a firehouse, and commercial spaces to create a well-rounded community similar to Eagle Ridge. Public Concerns: Traffic: Increased congestion on already strained roads. Environmental Impact: Potential loss of public space and ecological damage. Accountability: Skepticism about whether the developer will follow through on promises without strict zoning regulations. 2. Marshall Creek Development Details: Approved for 425 homes, this project was grandfathered in before the 2020 moratorium. Location: Off Cheney Spokane Road, just behind Eagle Ridge. Infrastructure Upgrades: A new roundabout at the Cedar Road and Cheney Spokane Road intersection will improve safety. Updates to the Cheney Spokane Road on-ramp to I-90. Potential Impact: While the upgrades are a step forward, construction and increased traffic during development may temporarily worsen congestion in the area. Traffic and Infrastructure Concerns Access to and from Latah Valley is limited, with bottlenecks at key points like the Thorpe Road and Highway 195 intersection. Solutions like extending Eagle Ridge Boulevard or adding new on-ramps are being discussed but remain years away. These challenges underscore the need for better long-term planning to support new housing. Balancing Development and Community Needs The Case for More Housing Spokane faces a housing inventory crisis, with demand outpacing supply. New developments could help address this issue, especially with plans for mixed-use communities. The Drawbacks Most new homes in these developments are unlikely to be affordable for first-time buyers. Rising construction costs, including compliance with Washington’s energy codes, are pushing prices higher across all levels of the housing market. Looking Ahead As development in Latah Valley progresses, residents and city officials must weigh the benefits of expanded housing against the challenges of traffic, environmental impact, and safety. While projects like the DNR land sale and Marshall Creek hold promise, community engagement and proactive planning will be crucial to ensure these developments align with Spokane’s long-term goals.

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  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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If you’re looking for a great place to live in Spokane, then look no further than Latah Valley. It has everything from beautiful parks to great restaurants. But what about education options? You’ll be glad to know that the Latah Valley neighborhood is served by three great schools in nearby neighborhoods. Let’s take a closer look at each one.   Wilson Elementary School Wilson Elementary School serves students in grades K-5 and is located just a few blocks away from the Latah Valley neighborhood. It offers an array of programs and classes such as physical education, music, art, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The school also works closely with parents to ensure their children are getting the best possible education.   Jefferson Elementary School Jefferson Elementary School is another great option for students living in the Latah Valley neighborhood. It serves students in grades K-5 and is located just a few miles away from Latah Valley. Jefferson offers its own unique set of classes such as language arts, social studies, math, science, physical education, art, music theory and technology classes. In addition to these core subjects, Jefferson also has an after-school program that focuses on STEM activities like robotics and coding.   Sacajawea Middle School Sacajawea Middle School is located within walking distance of the Latah Valley neighborhood and serves students in grades 6-8. This school offers core subjects like math and language arts along with specialized electives such as music theory and choir. Sacajawea also provides after-school programs with enrichment activities like art classes or sports teams for those who are interested in exploring different activities outside of school hours.   All three schools offer quality educational experiences for residents living in the Latah Valley area of Spokane WA! Whether you’re looking for elementary or middle school options or after-school enrichment programs - there are plenty of choices available near this wonderful neighborhood! So if you’re searching for your next home - consider all that this vibrant community has to offer! And don't forget about all the excellent educational opportunities nearby too!

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