Spokane, WA Real Estate: About Spokane

NEAR NATURE, NEAR PERFECT Spokane is located 18 miles west of the Idaho state line and 110 miles south of British Columbia between the Rocky and Cascade mountain ranges. Kick back and enjoy a lifestyle away from the frantic pace of big city life, away from commuters gridlock. The topography varies from wheat fields and desert to the west, snow capped forested mountains to the north and east and the rolling hills of the Palouse (worlds largest producer of lentils and peas) to the south. Near nature, near perfect! Live here and enjoy a city of neighborhood parks and tree lined streets.

We enjoy four seasons of weather, plenty of sunshine and moderate snowfall. We are protected from the rainy weather that is experienced in Seattle by the Cascades. We average 16.5 inches of precipitation and 50 inches of snow fall each year. The mountains around us average 200-400 inches, giving us a ski season from Thanksgiving to Easter. There are 7 ski areas within 2.5 hours of Spokane. There are on average 29 days above 90 degrees and 24 days under 32 degrees.

Spokane boasts 20 wineries and counting, Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (a Smithsonian affiliate), Mobius Children's Museum, historic homes and neighborhoods, farmers markets and the Spokane River running through it. Home of the Gonzaga "Bulldogs" basket ball team Spokane Chiefs, hockey and Spokane Indians Minor league Baseball teams.

The first inhabitants of the area were the Spokane Indians and the Inland Northwest tribes gather at the site of traditional fishing grounds to celebrate their heritage with dance, drumming and handicrafts in the Riverfront Park.

There are 75 lakes within a 50 mile radius of the city so there are many opportunities for all water sports. Golf courses in and around the area are described as affordable, accessible and diverse. There are 13 golf courses in the county and 4 Resort courses within a 45 minute drive of the city. Spokane City golf courses.

Spokane county parks system has more than 75 parks and pathways with more than 3,488 acres of protected green space. Plus national parks within a days drive.

Visit SpokaneWelcome to Spokane, WA! There are many attractions, arts, entertainment, winery and micro breweries to enjoy.

Special events held annually in Spokane include
Lilac Bloomsday Run, largest timed footrace in US 12 km in May
Annual Spring Barrel Tasting local wineries - Mothers Day weekend
Lilac Festival and Armed Forces Torchlight Parade
Hoopfest, largest 3 on 3 basketball tournament in the world, 2 days, 6245 teams, 395 half-courts, in June
Artfest - 3 days outdoor art , music & childrens festival
Gathering at the Falls Powwow
Valley Fest - fun run, parade, booths, concerts in Sept
Annual Holiday Wine Fest local wineries - weekend before Thanksgiving
Christmas Tree Elegance in Historic Davenport Hotel - Dec

Enjoy the different walkable districts
The Cork District - walk to the downtown 15 award winning wineries and tasting rooms - corkdistrict.com for the app
The Garland District - vintage Main Street focussing on arts and music with Mary Lou's Milk Bottle for Ice cream & an old fashioned burger
The Perry District - one of the oldest areas dating from 1800's, pedestrian friendly, walk to restaurants, pubs, hair salons, coffeeshops, and more.
Kendal Yards - multiple dining experiences

As a Hub city for the Inland Northwest there are many more facilities available than the population size might suggest. 2021 population estimate is over 546,000 for the county of Spokane and 229,071 for the city of Spokane.

Spokane is a trade and medical center for a 36 county region. The Spokane International airport has 5 airlines providing non-stop service to 18 destinations.

Spokane has one of the largest medical centers in the Northwest with four full service hospitals as well as three speciality hospitals including The Sacred Heart Cancer and Research Center and the Shriners Hospital for Children with a childrens ER.

U District has five major universities, two medical school programs and top-notch community colleges - Eastern Washington University, Washington State University, Gonzaga University and Law School, Whitworth College, Moody Bible Institute, Spokane Falls Community College, Spokane Community College and two private universites, Park University and Carrinton College-Spokane..

The Spokane economy is heavily trade and service oriented. The four largest employers in Spokane county (source: Journal of Business 2018 Book of Lists) are Fairchild Air Force Base, Providence Health Care, State of Washington, and Spokane Public Schools.

There is no Washington State personal income tax. Sales/usage tax for Spokane is 9.0% with 6.5% remitted to the state of Washington and includes 0.8% public transit tax.