The Best Neighborhoods in Spokane

Welcome to Spokane, Washington

Where Pacific Northwest charm meets affordability, Spokane offers a unique blend of city convenience and laid-back community living. Whether you're relocating to Spokane for work, searching for family-friendly neighborhoods, or downsizing into a quiet suburban setting, this city has a community to match every pace of life.

This guide explores the best neighborhoods in Spokane, WA, backed by lifestyle fit, housing styles, commute access, and local amenities.

Garland District

Best For: Artistic spirits, vintage lovers, urban explorers

Vibe: Retro, walkable, small-town charm

The Garland District feels like stepping into a 1950s time capsule think vintage theaters, funky thrift shops, and old-school diners. Just north of Downtown Spokane, this neighborhood is ideal for those who want walkability without the crowds.

Why it stands out:

• Home to the historic Garland Theater
• Affordable homes with character bungalows, mid-century houses, and fixer-uppers
• Great for first-time buyers looking for charm and convenience

🎯 If you want creativity and comfort, Garland offers both in spades.

Indian Trail

Best For: Families, retirees, nature lovers

Vibe: Quiet, scenic, residential

Located in northwest Spokane, Indian Trail combines suburban quiet with stunning natural beauty. It’s especially appealing to those seeking larger homes and safe neighborhoods in Spokane, WA.

Highlights:

• Excellent schools like Woodridge Elementary
• Panoramic views of the valley and nearby hiking trails
• A mix of mid-century homes and new builds

🌄 Want peaceful mornings and easy access to nature? Indian Trail delivers.

South Hill

Best For: Families, professionals, historic home enthusiasts

Vibe: Classic, tree-lined, family-friendly

South Hill remains one of the best neighborhoods in Spokane, WA due to its historic homes, top-rated schools, and walkability.

Notable perks:

• Strollable access to Manito Park, Comstock Park, and Cannon Hill
• Craftsman homes full of character
• Walk-to-school lifestyle with neighborhood cafes and local markets

This neighborhood blends tradition with convenience perfect for raising kids or enjoying a balanced lifestyle.

🏠 If you dream of a home with a porch swing, South Hill is calling.

Audubon / Downriver

Best For: Young families, outdoor enthusiasts, budget-conscious buyers

Vibe: Cozy, green, up-and-coming

Just west of downtown, Audubon/Downriver offers the vibe of South Hill at a lower cost. It’s a great pick for buyers looking for a quiet, established neighborhood with lots of green space.

Why locals love it:

• Downriver Golf Course
• Walkable to coffee shops, local markets, and scenic trails
• Safe and welcoming with growing property values

💚 Ideal for those who want an affordable entry into a scenic Spokane neighborhood.

Liberty Lake

Best For: Upscale suburban living, lake access, growing families

Vibe: Clean, calm, spacious

Located 20 minutes east of Spokane, Liberty Lake offers a luxurious suburban feel with lakefront charm. The well-kept homes and master-planned community feel make it one of the best areas to live in Spokane, WA for families seeking space and amenities.

What makes Liberty Lake shine:

• Lake access with trails, paddleboarding, and picnic spots
• Great schools and wide sidewalks
• Newer builds with modern layouts

💼 Perfect for professionals commuting to Spokane or Coeur d’Alene.

Peaceful Valley

Best For: Artists, outdoor lovers, downtown commuters

Vibe: Quiet, tight-knit, riverside retreat

Nestled along the Spokane River, Peaceful Valley lives up to its name. This secluded yet central neighborhood is just minutes from downtown, yet offers stunning views, river trails, and a unique sense of privacy.

Neighborhood benefits:

• Waterfront living at lower prices than Kendall Yards
• Active neighborhood association and artist community
• Close to Riverfront Park and the Centennial Trail

🌅 For riverfront views without sacrificing proximity, Peaceful Valley is a gem.

Perry District

Best For: Creatives, first-time buyers, walkability fans

Vibe: Hip, local, charming

Located on the lower South Hill, the Perry District is full of character. Locals rave about the neighborhood farmers market, walkable cafes, and the sense of community.

Why Perry stands out:

• Classic Craftsman bungalows
• One of Spokane’s most walkable areas
• Growing foodie scene with bakeries and boutiques

📸 Want walkability with artistic flair? Perry’s your perfect fit.

West Central

Best For: Young families, urban adventurers, budget-savvy buyers

Vibe: Diverse, revitalized, community-focused

West Central is a neighborhood in transition with affordable homes, access to bike lanes and trails, and a growing collection of local businesses like Doyle’s Ice Cream.

What to expect:

• Proximity to Centennial Trail and the Spokane River
• Revitalized real estate and increased interest from younger buyers
• Strong local identity and neighborhood pride

🔧 If you’re into revitalization, West Central is full of potential.

Kendall Yards

Best For: Professionals, empty nesters, foodies

Vibe: Modern, trendy, pedestrian-focused

Perhaps the most talked-about neighborhood in Spokane, Kendall Yards is a riverside development that has become a city favorite.

Reasons to move:

• Boutique shops, restaurants, and a buzzing Night Market
• Beautiful river views and direct trail access
• Newly built condos, apartments, and townhomes

🧘 Live in Spokane’s most walkable, stylish neighborhood with views and vibes.

Mead & Deer Park

Best For: DIYers, rural lifestyle seekers, families wanting land

Vibe: Quiet, expansive, community-rooted

To Spokane’s north lie Mead and Deer Park, two rural neighborhoods offering affordable acreage and a country-town feel while still being within driving distance of the city.

Standout features:

• Highly-rated Mead School District
• Ample space for gardening, animals, or hobby farming
• Quieter pace of life and tight-knit communities

🌻 If your dream home includes chickens and a garden, head north.

Find Your Ideal Life in Spokane

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the best area to live in Spokane, WA but there is a best neighborhood for you.

Ask yourself:

• Do I value walkability or privacy?
• Is proximity to work or school a priority?
• Am I a park-and-trails person or a porch-and-coffee person?