Medical Lake is a scenic lakeside town in a convenient location
Medical Lake is a semirural, suburban community west of Spokane founded as a resort town in the late 19th century. By the 1930s, the resorts' popularity had waned, but the construction of nearby Fairchild Air Force Base in 1942 brought a surge of residential development to the area. "Military families move there because of the base, and retirees go there for the lake and the slower pace of life," says local Realtor Steven Silbar of John L. Scott Realty. "It's also close enough to Spokane and Airway Heights for convenient shopping."
From midcentury ranches to luxury waterfront homes
Most of Medical Lake's homes date from the 1950s or later. Housing styles range from midcentury ranch-style homes to modern subdivisions and upscale properties along the waterfront. Properties often come with larger yards or even a bit of acreage. It's not uncommon for incoming residents to purchase a plot of land and build their own home. Most homes in the area sell for between $400,000 and $800,000, while lots can go for anywhere from $50,000 to over $200,000.
Recreation centers around local lakes
Most retail in Medical Lake can be found along Lefevre Street, which runs north-south through the center of town. This includes the local supermarket, Lakes Harvest Foods, and a few restaurants and smaller shops. Those looking for additional shopping options can find them in Airway Heights, about 8 miles away, while residents looking to enjoy a nice night out are more likely to head to Spokane. Military employees in the area also tend to do a fair bit of shopping at the on-base Fairchild Commissary and Fairchild Main Exchange.
Limited shopping and dining on Lefevre Street
There are a number of city parks scattered around the community, many of which are located along the shores of its namesake lake. "The lake is a big part of life," says Silbar. "Boating, fishing, swimming, they're all popular. And community events tend to be held along the waterfront." Waterfront Park is 45 acres on the south side of the lake and has picnic areas, a playground, a swimming beach and a boat launch. It's also the southern starting point of the 3-mile Medical Lake Trail, which runs along the west side of the lake, connecting to other parks.
Medical Lake's public schools
The public schools in the area are overseen by the Medical Lake School District, which has a B-plus grade on Niche. Anderson Elementary School has an A-minus, while Medical Lake Middle School has a B-plus. Medical Lake High School has a B rating, and offers dual enrollment courses through Eastern Washington University and Spokane Falls Community College.
Easy access to Spokane, the airport and Fairchild AFB
State Route 902 is the major arterial road in town, overlapping with the main local road, Lefevre Street. It's about 15 miles from central Medical Lake to downtown Spokane via Route 902 and Interstate 90, and a little less than 12 miles to Spokane International Airport. The Spokane Transit Authority's Route 62 bus connects Medical Lake to Spokane, with most stops concentrated along the 902. Fairchild Air Force Base, one of the largest employers in the area, is about 10 miles north of central Medical Lake.
Medical Lake's farmers market
Medical Lake hosts various community events, including Founder's Day, Fall Festival, Winter Festival and the Trailblazer 5K. The Medical Lake Farmers Market is held on Lefevre Street on the first and third Saturdays of warmer months.
The Gray Fire
The 2023 Gray Fire began in Medical Lake in August 2023 and burned over 10,000 acres and 250 structures. The fire, which was started by a faulty street light, burned for nearly two weeks before it was contained. Wildfire remains a risk in the area, but a more common issue is air pollution from summer wildfires closer to the coast, which has become a recurring problem in the greater Spokane area.
