Spokane's Riverfront Park showcases the second-largest urban waterfall in the United States, with the Numerica SkyRide providing aerial views of the spectacular Spokane Falls. The 37-mile Centennial Trail follows the Spokane River, connecting to 87 parks and 4,100 acres of green space throughout the city. Outdoor recreation ranges from hiking at Mount Spokane State Park to exploring the Japanese gardens at Manito Park. The dining scene features local favorites like Mizuna, which serves vegetarian specialties alongside meat dishes, and Wild Sage American Bistro's regionally sourced Northwest cuisine.
The median sale price for homes in Spokane is $405,100, with approximately 1,000 properties currently available. Single-family homes have a median price of $430,000, while townhomes typically sell for $390,000. One-bedroom condos have a median price of $189,000, and two-bedroom condos sell for $275,000. South Hill's Rockwood neighborhood commands the highest median single-family home prices at $802,800, while Lincoln Heights offers more affordable options with a median price of $411,500.
Spokane's cost of living sits 3.1% below the national average. A family with school-age children needs an annual income of $103,000 to live comfortably, while renters should aim for $51,000. Monthly grocery costs run $1,700 for families and $700 for renters. The combined sales tax rate is 9.43%, and the property tax rate is 0.86%. Spokane Public Schools includes Lewis & Clark High School, rated A by Niche, while private options include the A+ rated Saint George's School. The Spokane Transit Authority provides bus service throughout the city, and Seattle lies 280 miles west, accessible by a 4.5-hour drive or one-hour flight.