Cheney, a college town near eastern Washington’s wilderness
Just southwest of Spokane, Cheney is a small city known for being the home of Eastern Washington University. Students and people unaffiliated with EWU make their lives here, drawn to a mix of older and newer construction houses, access to Interstate 90 and the proximity of major hiking trails through the rocky Channeled Scablands region. Cheney combines the comforts of beloved local businesses, community events and college town energy with the rugged recreation destinations of rural Spokane County.
Eastern Washington University attracts students to Cheney from all over the state.
Downtown Spokane offers beautiful views over the Spokane river.
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A range of historic and modern homes for prices comparable to Spokane
While many people rent apartments in Cheney, there are still plenty of opportunities to own. Residential roads rise into hills off of First Street, lined by a mix of Victorian and National homes built in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Decades of development from the 1950s through 1970s brought in blocks of ranch-style homes, Colonial Revivals and bi-levels. Since the 1990s, New Traditional houses in different sizes and levels of luxury have been built in suburban subdivisions. Most homes are on smaller city lots or in suburban subdivisions, but you can find custom estates or historic farmhouses on acreage on Cheney’s outskirts.
Single-family homes built before the 1990s sell from the lower $200,000s to the mid-$400,000s. Houses built since the 1990s range from the lower $300,000s to the mid-$600,000s. Cheney’s median single-family home price is in the lower $400,000s. That’s on par with nearby Spokane, but the typical house in Cheney was built in the 2000s, while Spokane’s median build year is in the 1950s.
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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Academics and affordability at EWU and Cheney School District
At Eastern Washington University, about 10,000 students work toward earning undergraduate and graduate degrees, alongside other polytechnical and professional certificates. “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 served 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.” Eagle Nation pride and affordability draw many to EWU, with the institution boasting the lowest in-state tuition of all of Washington’s public universities.
The city’s younger students are served by Cheney School District. Kids can attend Cheney High School, which offers access to the "EWU in the High School" program. Through the program, public school students can earn college credit while in high school at no cost.
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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City parks near major eastern Washington recreation hubs
From Cheney, residents can go down the street to city parks or out into the rugged, recreation-packed wilderness of eastern Washington. Sutton Park is a pine-shaded green space with a playground, picnic areas and winding walking paths. The Columbia Plateau State Park Trail takes cyclists, hikers and cross-country skiers through the Channeled Scablands, a region of meandering channels and basins carved by glaciers. You can find many towns and recreation hubs along that 130-mile path, including the nearby Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. Spanning 20,000 acres of wetlands and forests, the refuge promises visitors opportunities to spot elk, moose and many bird species on scenic auto tours and hikes. Fish Lake Regional Park, a popular spot for kayaking, swimming and fishing, is also along the trail, just outside of Cheney.
Cheney is surrounded by plenty of green space.
Cheney has a couple outdoor laboratories at the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.
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Small businesses and eateries along First and Second streets
Many of Cheney’s locally owned businesses line First and Second Streets. “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,” says Mike Bass, a Realtor with Century 21 Beutler & Associates. Residents love restaurants like:
The Mason Jar, a cafe serving locally sourced coffee and seasonal menu items
Bene's, a brunch spot known for its many creative variations of eggs Benedict
Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant, a casual eatery known for quick service and authentic Mexican staples
Barrelhouse Pub & Pizza, where locals enjoy beers and Italian comfort food
Eagle's Pub, a place to order drinks, shoot pool, play trivia and sing some karaoke
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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Commuting around Spokane County
State Route 904 connects to Interstate 90, a major highway that can take you from Cheney to Downtown Spokane in about 25 minutes. You’re only about 20 minutes from Fairchild Air Force Base, a major employer, and Spokane International Airport. The Spokane Transit Authority operates multiple bus routes in the city, including express routes to Spokane and local loops around Eastern Washington University and the rest of Cheney.
The Spokane International Airport is close to home.
You're not far from Interstate 90.
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Cheney’s college events and small-town festivals
Cheney hosts several community events throughout the year, many connected to Eastern Washington University. Some of the most popular include:
Cheney Rodeo, a multi-day PRCA rodeo each July that brings a parade, live music and vendors to downtown
Homecoming Weekend, the highlight of football season for EWU students, alumni and other community members
Cheney Farmers Market, a pop-up at Veterans Memorial Park that continues through 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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Written By
Julia Szymanski
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Wong
Video By
Luke Basinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Katie DeBill,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Cheney, WA sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Cheney, WA over the last 12 months is $405,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
At 1800 sf, this move-in ready Orchard is an efficiently designed, over-sized single level home offers 9ft ceilings or vaulted ceilings throughout, as well as an extended garage, providing space for comfort, entertainment, and storage. The open kitchen is a chef's dream, with counterspace galore, plenty of cupboard storage, a walk-in pantry with wood shelving, coffee station, and a breakfast bar.
Our 1388 sf Dover is located on a spacious homesite on the Peach Tree Ct cul-de-sac, now with FULL landscaping and fencing! This home provides a peaceful setting with a covered front porch and covered back patio for relaxing, as well as an extended 3-car garage for plenty of parking and storage. Vaulted ceilings span the dining room and living room. The kitchen provides ample counter space and
Flexible space is the greatest asset of this Orchard Encore floorplan. At 2258 sf, this completed home is a favorite of frequent entertainers for its expansive kitchen, open-concept main floor living, and second junior suite. The wide hallways welcome you into the home, while the 9ft and vaulted ceilings throughout provide a sense of openess, with a view of the fireplace as you enter the living
Country Living on 9.55 Acres! Beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering privacy, space, and room to enjoy the country lifestyle. Extensive updates include new flooring, updated kitchen with cabinetry, granite counters and appliances, refreshed bathrooms, new paint, fixtures, PEX plumbing, hot water tank, roof and gutters. Property features a 2-car attached garage, RV parking, 40x40 shop
Discover the possibilities with this charming single-level home in Cheney, offering comfort today and exciting potential for tomorrow. Inside, you'll find two comfortable bedrooms, a 3/4 bathroom, and a functional kitchen featuring built-in cabinetry and a sleek glass-top range. The inviting living room is filled with natural light thanks to updated vinyl windows, creating a warm and welcoming
Looking for low maintenance living. This newer build home has 4 spacious bedrooms and 2 beautiful bathrooms. Entry is only one step in and is a classic rancher. The yard is manageable with a nice secluded patio off the dining room.Gas range and instant hot water. Take as long as you like in the shower or enjoy a nice hot bath while the laundry runs. The master bedroom has a very roomy walk in
Beautifully updated and move-in ready in Hayford Village! This spacious 1,582 sq ft Triple-wide offers 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with thoughtful updates, stylish finishes, and attention to detail throughout. The bright, functional layout provides plenty of room to spread out, while the primary suite features its own private bath with a relaxing garden tub. Major improvements include a roof
Charming Craftsman character meets exceptional convenience just one block from the Eastern Washington University campus. The main level features two comfortable bedrooms, a full bathroom, a functional kitchen with built-in cabinetry including an electric range and refrigerator, plus a formal dining room for gathering with family and friends. Upstairs, the finished attic provides a versatile space
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
Tucked away on 6.49 private acres, this exceptional property offers the perfect blend of seclusion, convenience, and readiness to build. Situated just off a paved road, a newly installed driveway leads you into a peaceful, wooded setting where a cleared homesite is already prepared—saving you time, money, and hassle. This property is truly build-ready, featuring a high-producing well with pump
Incredible opportunity to build your dream home on 10 acres! This property is located just outside of Cheney but less than 15 minutes to downtown Spokane with the ease of highway and freeway driving to the property. You'll find incredible views from every direction of rolling farms fields and trees around. Power is at the property line and an existing, high producing well is already in and ready
Position your next investment just ½ mile from Eastern Washington University with this rare, build-ready duplex opportunity in Cheney. Terra Vista offers six R-3 zoned duplex lots—ideal for owner-occupants seeking income potential or investors building long-term rentals in a high-demand location. Lots are $115,000 each, or $660,000 for all six, reflecting a $5,000 per-lot discount for bulk
Charming 4-Plex located in the heart of Cheney! Two units have 3 bedrooms and a bathroom with over 1000 sqft of living space, and two units have 2 bedrooms and a bathroom just shy of 700 sqft. Each home boasts everything on one level providing ease of accessibility, and the large corner lot offers additional parking or storage needs. Explore the vibrant locale just steps away from an array of
Solid multifamily opportunity in Cheney just minutes from Eastern Washington University. This 4-plex features all units occupied, providing immediate rental income. Each unit includes its own washer and dryer for added tenant convenience. The property offers off-street parking and a location close to campus, dining, shopping, and everyday amenities—making it attractive for tenants. Great
Position your next investment just ½ mile from Eastern Washington University with this rare, build-ready duplex opportunity in Cheney. Terra Vista offers six R-3 zoned duplex lots—ideal for owner-occupants seeking income potential or investors building long-term rentals in a high-demand location. Lots are $115,000 each, or $660,000 for all six, reflecting a $5,000 per-lot discount for bulk
*ONE MONTH FREE*Welcome to Eagle Point Apartments, a comfortable and conveniently located community in the heart of Cheney, Washington. Just minutes from Eastern Washington University and a short drive to Spokane, Eagle Point offers the ideal balance of peaceful living and easy access to everything you need.Choose from a variety of thoughtfully designed floor plans, including
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.
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
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.
Move in Special! 1 months rent FREE! Never Occupied MH by Fleetwood!! This affordable 13'x 56', 746 sq. ft. 2 bedroom, 1 bath home in the Pine Grove Estates MH park, is close to shopping, schools, Eastern Washington U, Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge & hiking trails. If that's not enough, Spokane International Airport and FAFB are just a short drive, and downtown Spokane is only a 20 minute
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