Spokane

Spokane is the second largest city in Washington State and the economic, cultural, and healthcare hub of the Inland Northwest, serving Eastern Washington, North Idaho, and Western Montana.

Regional Hub & Economic Identity

• Spokane sits along the Spokane River, with Riverfront Park and Spokane Falls at the center of downtown—one of the few U.S. cities with a major waterfall in its urban core.

• It is the largest city in Eastern Washington and anchors a metro area of roughly 600,000 residents, functioning as the region’s primary center for healthcare, education, government, and commerce.

Major employment sectors include:

• Healthcare (Providence, MultiCare, regional trauma and specialty care)

• Education (multiple universities and community colleges)

• Government & military (Fairchild Air Force Base)

• Manufacturing, logistics, and growing biotech/medical research.

• Spokane is often described as “big enough to have amenities, small enough to be livable”, with less congestion and lower housing costs than Seattle or Portland while offering many urban services.

Community Character

• Known as the “Lilac City,” Spokane blends historic neighborhoods, a revitalized downtown, and access to nature within minutes of most homes.

• The city has distinct neighborhoods (South Hill, Kendall Yards, Garland, Browne’s Addition, Spokane Valley nearby), each with its own housing stock and community feel.

• Spokane offers a lower cost of living than Western Washington, with home prices and rents remaining below state averages, though they have risen since 2020.

Recreational Activities

Spokane is widely considered one of Washington’s strongest cities for four season outdoor recreation combined with urban amenities. Outdoor & NatureCentered Recreation

• Riverfront Park anchors downtown and features:

• The Looff Carousel (1909)

• Numerica SkyRide gondola over Spokane Falls

• Miles of riverfront walking and biking paths.

• The Centennial Trail runs nearly 40 miles through Spokane and Spokane Valley, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and river access points.

• Hiking, trail running, and biking are popular at:

• Riverside State Park

• Mount Spokane State Park

• Iller Creek and Palisades Park.

• Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, just 30 minutes away, offers skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in winter.

Arts, Events & Sports

• Spokane hosts signature national events, including:

• Bloomsday (the nation’s largest timed road race)

• Hoopfest (the world’s largest 3on3 basketball tournament).

• The city supports a strong arts and culture scene, including theaters, museums, live music venues, and festivals throughout the year.
• College and minorleague sports —especially Gonzaga basketball—are a major source of civic pride and regional visibility.