An airport-adjacent small town with lots of shopping
Airway Heights is a semirural small town with a surprisingly sizeable shopping and dining scene. Its name reflects its proximity to both Fairchild Air Force Base and Spokane International Airport, and much of its growth has been influenced by the military presence and associated industries. Its proximity to Spokane itself, which is within a 10-mile drive of most residents, also makes it a popular landing spot for commuters looking for more of a small-town atmosphere. “It’s got more going on than most small towns,” says Realtor Steven Silbar of John L. Scott Realty, who has lived and worked in the area for over a decade. “You can get most of your shopping done in town; there are some nice restaurants, and you can always head over to Spokane. But it still feels country, which is a big draw.”
The Spokane international airport provides quick travel only a short drive from Spokane.
The Palisades Park neighborhood features lots of commercial shopping.
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Midcentury homes and modern construction
Housing in Airway Heights consists of a fairly balanced mix of older homes, newer subdivisions and condo complexes. Like much of greater Spokane, the city has experienced significant residential growth in recent years, with new single-family homes and multiunit buildings being added to accommodate a growing population. Many of the homes are relatively affordable compared to housing prices in nearby Spokane, attracting first-time buyers and families looking for more space. The median price of a single-family home in town is a little under $400,000. The area also has several mobile home parks and rental properties, making it accessible for a range of income levels. The local climate is pretty standard for the inland northwest: it’s notably drier than Western Washington. Summers are hot and winters get pretty chilly, though not as chilly as in nearby northern Idaho. The city is under the jurisdiction of the Airway Heights Police Department, but recent statistics on local crime rates are unavailable.
Airway Heights features lots of planned new construction communities.
Ranch style homes makes up the majority of older homes in Airway Heights.
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Shops and restaurants along U.S. Route 2
Airway Heights’ retail and dining options have expanded in recent years as a consequence of the city's growth. U.S. Route 2, the city’s commercial corridor, is home to multiple department stores and supermarkets, along with a sizeable selection of local and chain restaurants. “It has really become a kind of retail hub over the last few years,” says Silbar. “It used to be you had to go to Spokane proper to get your shopping done, but now you can do most of it in town.” Northern Quest Resort & Casino and Qlispé Raceway Park, owned by the Kalispel Tribe, are among the area's biggest attractions, featuring restaurants, a hotel, a spa and an event center that hosts concerts and other performances. Spokane Tribe Casino, another major gaming destination, recently opened on the west side of town.
Highway Two connects Airway Heights to Spokane only a short drive away.
Airway Heights has lots of commercial shopping along Highway Two.
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Sunset Park and nearby Riverside State Park
Sunset Park, the largest public park in the city, features sports fields, playgrounds and picnic areas. The park is also a gathering place for community events, including summer concerts and holiday celebrations. Residents looking to enjoy a bit more wilderness can head northeast to Riverside State Park, a popular destination for hiking, biking and camping.
Bowl and Pitcher provides scenic view points over the Spokane River.
Sunset Park has a walking trail that surrounds the park.
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School commutes can be a bit long
The city falls within the Cheney School District, which has a B-minus rating on Niche. The district covers a fairly large area, and Cheney High School, which serves Airway Heights’ older students, takes more than 20 minutes to get to via car and longer by school bus.
Cheney High School is located just a few minutes from the university.
Westwood Middle School features a newly renovated building for its students.
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Bloomsday and Hoppsfest
Airway Heights’ event calendar is fairly limited. However, residents are within a short drive of Spokane, which hosts a number of major events each year, including the Bloomsday Festival and Hoopsfest, the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world.
Hoopfest lines the streets of downtown Spokane with basketball courts.
Runners dash from the starting line for Bloomsday 2024.
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Getting around via U.S. Route 2
Transportation in Airway Heights is centered around U.S. Route 2, which connects the city to Spokane, a little less than 10 miles away. Spokane Transit has multiple bus routes that run through town and connect to downtown Spokane. Just south of town, Spokane International Airport offers connections to 30 locations around the country. Air traffic noise is an occasional problem in some parts of town, but most neighborhoods lie outside the airport’s flight paths.
I-90 provides quick transportation between Cheney and Spokane.
Locals like to float along the Spokane river in West Spokane.
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Written By
Andrew Moreno
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Wong
Video By
Luke Basinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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an experienced agent in this area.
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