Cheney is an unassuming exurb a little over 15 miles southwest of Spokane that offers residents a unique blend of rural charm and university-town sophistication. Home to the main campus of Eastern Washington University, the town has become a popular landing spot for Spokane area homebuyers looking for a bit of extra space or a little peace and quiet. “You definitely get more house for your dollar compared to Spokane,” says Realtor Mike Bass of Century 21 Beutler & Associates, a lifelong area resident. “And it has more of a small-town feel, obviously, which is a real draw. But you still have supermarkets and restaurants and a little bit of culture and sports through EWU, so it’s not like you have to go to Spokane all the time if you don’t want to.” On top of all that, Cheney is next to large Columbia Plateau wilderness areas, which provide extensive opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Eastern Washington University attracts students to Cheney from all over the state.
City Center Spokane offers beautiful views over the Spokane river.
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Historic bungalows and modern subdivisions
Benjamin Pierce Cheney, known for starting the company that became American Express, founded both the city of Cheney and Eastern Washington University in the early 1880s. Over the course of the following century and a half, the city has seen waves of residential and commercial development, many of which are still visible today. Homes in the city range from turn-of-the-century Craftsman bungalows to midcentury ranch-style homes to modern subdivisions. The neighborhoods near the EWU campus are predominantly rental properties, including apartments and older homes converted into student housing. Further from campus, contemporary developments dominate the landscape. The median sale price for a single-family home is a little over $400,000 — similar to Spokane proper. However, houses in Cheney generally offer a bit more square footage as well as a bit more yard space compared to those in the big city. According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, Cheney’s violent crime rate is similar to Washington State’s, while its property crime rate is well below the state average.
Modern subdivisions are starting to become more popular in Cheney.
Small bungalows make up a majority of the historic homes in Cheney.
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Eastern Washington University is the heart of the city
Cheney is served by the Cheney School District, which has a B-minus grade on Niche. Cheney High School has a C-plus grade and offers students the opportunity to take dual enrollment courses at Eastern Washington.
Located in the heart of town, EWU plays an outsize role in Cheney life. While many residents commute to Spokane for work, the university is by far the biggest employer in town. On top of that, its undergraduate population is just a little smaller than Cheney itself. “I think, on the whole, the university is a huge plus for most residents,” says Realtor Steven Silbar of John L. Scott Realty, who has worked in the area for over 8 years. “Even if you don’t work there, everyone goes to the football games in the fall or basketball in the winter.” EWU also hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year, including art installations, concerts and theater productions, almost all of which are open to the public. At the same time, parts of campus, as well as nearby high-rental residential areas, can get a bit noisy on weekends during the school year.
Eastern Washington University provides lots of entertainment for the community.
Cheney High School is located just a few minutes from the university.
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Opportunities to explore the Columbia Plateau
Cheney is home to a number of well-maintained public parks, most of which feature a playground and athletic fields. The scenic EWU Campus is also a popular jogging and walking spot among residents. However, the city’s most impressive outdoor offerings aren’t actually part of town. The Columbia Plateau State Park Trail passes through Cheney, but most of the 130-mile rail trail lies well outside of town. The mostly gravel trail is one of the most popular cycling routes in Eastern Washington — it’s also frequented by hikers and runners — and runs from just north of Cheney all the way down to Pasco and the Tri-cities. Immediately south of Cheney, the trail passes through Turnbull Wildlife Refuge, a 23,000-acre preserve that’s home to elk, moose and a wide variety of migratory birds. Cheney experiences a four-season climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. Hiking and biking are popular summer sports, while cross-country skiers groom a number of local trails in the winter.
Cheney is located on the west plains with lots of green space.
Cheney has a couple outdoor laboratories at the Turnbull refuge.
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1st Street eateries
Shopping in Cheney is concentrated along 1st Street, also known as Anderson Memorial Highway, the main road through town. While the bar and restaurant scene in town isn’t huge, many of the town’s eateries have been around long enough to become important parts of the community, including The Mason Jar coffee shop and Farmhouse Cafe. The local Safeway supermarket and a selection of chain restaurants can be found on the north side of town. For most major non-grocery shopping trips, residents will typically need to head out of town, either to Spokane or Airway Heights.
The Mason Jar Coffee is a local favorite to stop by in downtown Cheney.
Many locals come to downtown Cheney to shop or visit one of the local restaurants.
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The Cheney Rodeo and other events
Cheney hosts several community events throughout the year, many of which are tied to Eastern Washington University. The Cheney Rodeo, held annually in July, is a popular event featuring traditional rodeo competitions and family-friendly activities. The city also holds a farmer's market at Veteran's Memorial Park during the warmer months.
The Cheney Rodeo is hosted the second weekend in july every year.
Cheney hosts many events for their students during the summer months.
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Easy to get to Spokane
State route 904 connects the city to Spokane and Airway Heights to the north and Interstate 90 to the south. It’s about 16 miles to Spokane by car and a little less than 15 miles to both Airway Heights and the Spokane International Airport. Buses to and from Spokane run regularly throughout the week and are popular with EWU students, many of whom commute from the city.
The Spokane international airport sits within ten minutes to the Palisades Park neighborhood.
The West Spokane neighborhood features quick access to the interstate.
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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?
Reach out to
Paige Wheelhouse,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Cheney, WA sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Cheney, WA over the last 12 months is $420,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
MOTIVATED SELLER! Beautiful home situated on the 5th green at the Plains Golf Course! 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 3 car tandem garage. Home offers main floor level living with an open concept. You will love cooking in your gorgeous kitchen equipped with granite countertops, tons of cabinet space and stainless steel appliances!(new dishwasher& microwave) LVP and tile flooring throughout the home.
The Maple floor plan delivers 2,002 sq. ft. of modern, functional space in this 5-bed, 3-bath Smart Home. A main-floor bedroom with a 3⁄4 bath offers great flexibility. The open kitchen includes a large pantry and connects to a dining area with patio access. Natural light fills the spacious great room. Upstairs, discover three bedrooms, a shared full bath, a linen closet, and laundry. The primary
Welcome to the Sherwood by D.R. Horton, designed for effortless entertaining and comfortable living. The main level features an open-concept great room that seamlessly connects to the kitchen and dining areas. The kitchen is a chef’s delight, boasting an oversized walk-in pantry and stainless-steel appliances, including an electric range, microwave hood, and dishwasher. Upstairs, the expansive
This custom contemporary home with striking modern architecture and high-end finishes, features radiant heated floors on the first floor, with individual climate control and beautiful engineered hardwood throughout the home. Large black Coeur d'Alene windows fill the space with natural light, and nine-foot ceilings create a bright, open feel. Enjoy a cozy wood-burning fireplace with a full home
Modern Home with Practical Design. This newer home with four bedrooms and two bathrooms is designed for practical daily living. High ceilings enhance the open concept layout that connects the main living areas, creating clear sight lines and easy flow. Generous window placement brings in steady natural light without sacrificing privacy. Quartz countertops anchor the kitchen island, paired with
This magical mansion in the woods sits on over 17 secluded acres with it's own dock, and being less then 20 minutes from downtown Spokane, is the perfect location for any buyer. Feel free to pull up to the luxurious main level with it's own courtyard style pull around and elegant Bridge entrance, or you can take the private drive to the left where the oversized 4 car garage boasts a
MOTIVATED SELLER! Beautiful home situated on the 5th green at the Plains Golf Course! 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 3 car tandem garage. Home offers main floor level living with an open concept. You will love cooking in your gorgeous kitchen equipped with granite countertops, tons of cabinet space and stainless steel appliances!(new dishwasher& microwave) LVP and tile flooring throughout the home.
Cheney Remodel! Come see this 3 bedroom and 1 bath home with over 1600 square feet. The interior improvements are: New flooring (carpet, LVP), Fresh Paint, New lighting, ceiling fans and electric heaters. The bathroom has been completely updated with new vanity, toilet, and shower surround. Large Kitchen with new appliances. Exterior of home has metal Siding, New doors, new roof! A fenced
Incredible home on 10 serene, level acres with a private backdrop. This beautifully designed home features an open floor concept with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and refinished hardwood floors that bring elegance throughout. The heart of the home is the island kitchen, complete with granite countertops, a large pantry, and plenty of room to cook and entertain. The luxurious primary bedroom
Welcome home to this spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bath residence in Cheney, Washington, offering comfort and functionality. Built in 2001 and thoughtfully remodeled in 2010, this home features a brand-new A/C and furnace for year-round efficiency. The main level showcases a bright dining area with an eat-in kitchen, granite countertops, pantry, and built-in oven, perfect for everyday living and
Discover the exclusive charm of Lot 7 at Heritage Homesteads, an exquisite 20 acre estate marked by its favorable southern exposure. This lot is an embodiment of perfect balance — providing ample sunlight for those dreaming of a sun-drenched haven. The smaller acreage of Lot 7 does not compromise on its promise of expansive living. Its orientation maximizes natural light, offering an ideal
Discover a beautiful parcel in an exclusive gated community. Build your dream home. This property adjacent to the 8th tee box on The Plains Golf Course offers stunning views and breathtaking sunsets. The neighborhood is quiet, peaceful, with beautifully maintained homes, providing an ideal setting for building a dream home. Located in the highly desirable west plains area with convenient access
Discover Lot 5 at Heritage Homesteads, featuring 25 acres of prime land with the unique addition of stunning lake views. This lot combines the expansive living of Lot 6 but with a picturesque aquatic vista, making it a rare find. Without any CC&Rs, you have the freedom to build a dream home tailored to your liking. Whether you seek a private retreat, a sustainable farm, or a recreational haven,
Potential Future Opportunities! This stunning 10-acre parcel sits directly across from The Fairways Golf Course, offering breathtaking views and endless potential. Located just minutes from town, this beautiful property combines peaceful country living with convenient access to amenities. A brand-new county park is being developed next door, adding even more appeal and future value. Whether
Excellent investment opportunity just steps from Eastern Washington University. This well-maintained up/down duplex offers two separately metered units, each featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom making it ideal for consistent rental demand in a prime location. Long-term tenants are already in place, providing immediate cash flow. The property includes a shared carport, private patio area, and
Eagle Point delivers the best Cheney experience that is second to none. Check out the photos for a look at the community you’ll love. Not only do we offer an array of floorplans, but our community is packed full of resort-style amenities that make it so you never have to leave!
Discover comfortable living at Willowwood Village Apartments, offering spacious 1 and 2-bedroom units in a serene, park-like setting. Enjoy on-site amenities including a pool, fitness center, and pet-friendly community with a pet park!Come see why Willowwood Village is the perfect place to call home!
Up To TWO MONTH FREE with 10 & 12 Month Lease Terms! Now Offering Winter & Spring Lease Terms! Now Leasing for the 2025-2026 School Year! Starting at just $595!!!School House Lofts is an ALL INCLUSIVE Student Living Community located next to the EWU Campus. We are currently leasing our remaining Shared-Suite Private-Bedrooms.Special rates on our Current
The Benjamin Lofts delivers the BEST Cheney has to offer! One block away from EWU and a mild walk to downtown Cheney, your new home is located in the area's most prime location. We are an ALL-INCLUSIVE housing community with fully furnished units that are rented by the bedroom. Need a roommate? No worries, we can assist with that.
Adjacent to Salnave Park in Cheney, your new home is beautifully located with scenic views and easy access to everything. Five minutes to downtown Cheney, I-90 Access and Eastern WA University.
At Brewster Hall, we offer modern, fully furnished suites designed for both short-term and long-term stays. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply looking for a comfortable place to call home, our thoughtfully designed spaces provide everything you need.Located just one block from downtown Cheney, Brewster Hall gives you easy access to local businesses, dining, and community
Welcome to The Boulder Apartments! Live an independent lifestyle near all the conveniences of Eastern Washington University. Our community consists of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartment homes. Reserve your new apartment home today!NOTE: The Boulder Apartments does not accept comprehensive reusable tenant screening reports.
Our pet-friendly apartment community offers you every convenience for the best value, so you can worry less about the little things and focus on your living-learning experience. From fully furnished units with private bedrooms and bathrooms to a vibrant community with plenty of resident events, you'll love every moment of your time at the Grove.Start your day with a boost from our
Welcome to Barrington Place Apartments, where cozy living meets convenience in Cheney, Washington. Our spacious one, two, and three-bedroom apartments features in-unit home appliances, ample storage, and patios or balconies, designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming home.Enjoy community amenities like a fitness center, clubhouse, carports and garages, all supported by professional
Welcome to Rock Springs Apartments in Cheney, WA, where comfort living meets convenience! Our community offers spacious one, two, and three-bedroom apartments designed with open-concept living spaces, fully equipped kitchens with in-unit appliances, and private patios or balconies. With an outdoor basketball court and beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces, Rock Springs Apartments provides a
2 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom Upper Floor Unit w/ Balcony - We offer 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units located in a peaceful, friendly, non-smoking community. All apartments have large kitchens that include range/oven, refrigerator, dishwasher. All apartments offer carpet/vinyl flooring, mini-blinds, as well as phone/cable hook-ups. Most apartments have balconies or patios. We require a Security Deposit (equal
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