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
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Cheney, WA sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Cheney, WA over the last 12 months is $409,995, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Now with fencing and FULL landscaping being added, this move-in ready, mid-sized rancher offers both space and comfort. This Hudson boasts an extended 3-car garage, providing ample parking, storage, and/or workspace. A covered patio allows comfortable outdoor living space to watch the evening sunsets. The open kitchen is a chef's dream, with counter space galore, plenty of cupboard storage, and a
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
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, and a breakfast bar. The expansive
Impeccably maintained rancher ideally positioned on the golf course with serene water views and a peaceful setting. This beautifully designed home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with upscale finishes throughout, including luxury LVP flooring and elegant tile work. The open-concept layout is enhanced by surround sound inside and out, creating the perfect atmosphere for entertaining or relaxing
Effortless comfort in this beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in the charming town of Cheney, where space, comfort, and scenery come together. The light-filled living room is highlighted by soaring vaulted ceilings that create an open, welcoming atmosphere. The kitchen is thoughtfully laid out with quartz countertops, abundant cabinet storage, and ample workspace; ideal for 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
Ask about Seller Financing Options! Step into the serene beauty of Lot 8 at Heritage Homesteads, encompassing 21.44 acres of land blessed with a southern exposure. This captivating lot is defined by its expansive tree coverage and a unique southern aspect, which not only ensures your home is awash with natural light but also provides a warm, sunlit environment year-round. With no CC&Rs to curb
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
Escape to your private retreat with this charming 2-bedroom, 2 bathroom home on over 8 peaceful acres. Designed with modern finishes throughout, the home offers a bright and inviting great room that flows seamlessly into the spacious kitchen, creating an ideal setting for everyday living. The primary suite is generously sized and features double closets along with a private ensuite complete 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
Seller Financing Options at 7.5% down!! Discover unparalleled spaciousness with nearly 30 acres in the serene Heritage Homesteads. Lot 6 promises freedom with no CC&Rs, allowing you to bring your custom home vision to life. This expansive lot not only provides ample space for personal or agricultural use but also captivates with its natural rock formations and vast territorial views. Ideal for
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
Welcome to your dream estate where modern design meets peaceful country living. Situated on 20 sprawling acres in Cheney, this contemporary two-story home offers over 5490 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with endless possibilities for multi-generational living, rental income, or your own private retreat. Inside, you'll find five spacious bedrooms and six bathrooms with laundry
Step into a cozy, well-designed 3 bed, 2 bath home with an open great-room layout that just works. The private rear primary suite offers an ensuite bath and walk-in closet—your own quiet retreat—while two front bedrooms share a full bath. Bonus: $20,000 in completed landscaping is already done, and the seller will consider concessions at closing. Compared to new construction—where you’re still
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
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!
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 studios, one-, two-, three-,
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.
We have 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms in this duplex-like community with a wide variety of floorplans. Perfect location at a great price. Quick access to Salnave Park, as well as an onsite park in the middle of the complex. This quiet, complex has mature landscaping and beautiful views. Close to grocery, Salnave Park, and along the STA bus line. For more information on these units or any others we may
Parkview is a smoke-free multifamily apartment community, located just 2 blocks from Eastern Washington University. We are conveniently located across the street from Hagelin Park's new aquatics center, city transit and public schools. Our professionally managed community has an on-site laundry facility, 24-hour emergency maintenance, and off-street parking.Parkview Apartments is a
We are located on the main street in Cheney, right on the bus line, only 0.8 miles from Eastern Washington University. This is a quiet, cozy, little complex with lots of green spaces and wildlife.
119 L Street is a quiet complex featuring studio and 1-BR apartments. These apartments were completed in the Fall of 2019. They feature washer/dryer, dishwasher and air conditioning, as well as wood vinyl flooring in the kitchen and bathroom. Located across the street from Grocery and adjacent to the STA Bus hub. Minutes away from EWU & a short distance to Spokane. The studios are single
"Let Us Find You Your New Home" ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED. Unit includes range, refrigerator, air conditioning. On-Site shared laundry. Close to EWU, Grocery Shopping, Parks & Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. Covered parking available. For more information on these units or any others we may have available, please contact our office located at 304 1st Street #102 Cheney, WA. We are an Equal
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