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
Shannon Dayton,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Cheney, WA sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Cheney, WA over the last 12 months is $415,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled against Eastern Washington University's scenic grounds, this beautifully maintained and renovated home combines historic charm with modern comfort. Built in 1885 at the time of the city's founding, this property offers a rare opportunity to own a much-loved home of historic significance. On a double lot with lush lawn, mature trees and flowering shrubs, near Sutton Park and Turnbull
Welcome to this beautifully maintained rancher tucked into a warm, welcoming community just minutes from The Plains Golf Course. This Hidden Gem features a thoughtfully designed open-concept layout that makes daily living and entertaining feel effortless and inviting. The heart of the home is the kitchen, which flows seamlessly into the living and dining areas, creating a light-filled, cohesive
Exquisite 4 bedroom 3 bath single-level home just 10-15 min from downtown Spokane, the Airport & Fairchild Air Force Base. Situated on a nearly 1/2 acre lot at the outer edge of development with extraordinary territorial views looking out over the surrounding countryside and farmland! 9-ft ceilings throughout & 12-ft cathedral ceilings in the great room. Stunning kitchen has granite countertops,
Peace, privacy, & panoramic views await at this beautifully updated home on 3.45 acres—about 20 min from Spokane. The spacious open layout offers 3 beds & 2 baths upstairs, newer flooring, a cozy stone gas fireplace, big windows that flood the home w/ natural light, & a remodeled kitchen w/ marble counters, soft-close cabinets, gas range, & farmhouse sink. Step onto the main deck to soak in lake
Opportunity knocks at this incredible Cheney property located right next to Turnbull Wildlife refuge! Bring your tool belt to fix up this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home or use it as a temporary home while planning to build your future home! This property has the ultimate privacy and beautiful views of the surrounding area with tons of wildlife around. An incredible 30X60 shop also gives you endless
Welcome to this charming duplex located in the heart of Cheney. Both units feature two bedrooms, a well-appointed bathroom, and a spacious living room just off a galley style kitchen. The homes boast everything on one level, providing ease of accessibility and minimal stairs. Plenty of closet space throughout the home and an outside shed, perfect for all your storage needs. Explore the vibrant
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!
Like New home less than a year old in West Terrace Community! Home features attached garage, fully fenced/landscaped and professionally maintained front and back yard, open floor plan and so much more. 4 bedrooms, 2 bath, and large living spaces! Close to schools, shopping, and easy access to Interstate 90. 10 minutes to downtown Spokane! Move in ready!
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.
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