Spokane, WA apartments for rent

Spokane is the largest city and county seat of Spokane County in Washington state. Ranked among WalletHub’s “Top 100 Best Cities for Renters,” it’s known as the birthplace of the Father’s Day celebration, as well as being designated as an All-American City by the National Civic League. The city’s motto, “Creative by Nature,” highlights not just its closeness to nature and status as the capital of the intermountain northwest, but also its cultural, artistic and even culinary diversity.

How big is Spokane?

Spokane is the second-largest city in Washington by population after Seattle. With a total area of nearly 70 square miles, it’s almost half the size of Seattle.

What cities are close to Spokane?

Located near Washington’s eastern state border, Spokane is 75 miles from Pullman, Wash.; 280 miles from Seattle; and a 6.5-hour drive from Boise, Idaho.

What is the weather like in Spokane?

Spokane has a dry continental climate, with dry, warm summers and cool winters. Average summer highs can reach the mid-80s, while in the winter, temperatures can drop as low as the 20s. The city’s arid climate means that it typically gets around 17 inches of rain per year and 11 inches of snow.

What are the pros of living in Spokane?

Living in Spokane will always keep you busy with things to do — so much so that you won’t even feel the need to leave the city, except for the occasional hiking adventure. Here, national parks just waiting to be explored surround you in pretty much every direction. Or, if you’d rather keep it local, the city offers something for everyone, from cultural amenities to entertainment venues, great restaurants and annual festivals.

What are the cons of living in Spokane?

Being surrounded by so many national parks and forests may be a perk for some, but it can also be a drawback to living in Spokane. For example, the city is quite far away from other major cities, which can give it a remote feeling. The weather also plays a part, with cold winters and cloudy days that far outnumber the sunny ones. The unemployment rate, which is higher than the Washington state average, is also a factor.

How much is public transportation in Spokane?

Public transportation in the city is provided by the Spokane Transit Authority, which operates a fleet of 156 buses and covers an area of around 248 square miles. A two-hour pass with unlimited rides costs $2, with daily passes available for $4 or monthly passes for $60.

How much does a meal cost in Spokane?

The cost of living in Spokane is higher than it is in Pullman, but significantly lower than Seattle. A three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costs around $67.50, which is more expensive than the national average. Yet, the price of a single meal in an inexpensive restaurant is on par with national figures at $15. 

How much are utilities in Spokane?

Monthly utilities for a 915-square-foot apartment in Spokane are $136.62, which is below the national average and also drastically lower than the Seattle average — a whopping $192.24. Internet services cost an additional $63.67 per month.

Spokane Housing Statistics

What are the major industries in Spokane?

Being so close to mountains and forests means that these play an important part in Spokane’s economy, with mining, forestry and agribusiness being the main industries in the city. Spokane is also home to the headquarters of gold mining company Gold Reserve, as well as Potlatch Corporation, both of which are Fortune 1000 companies. 

What are the top employers in Spokane?

Some of Spokane’s top employers include Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s Hospital, which is also the top private employer in the city. Fairchild Air Force Base and the State of Washington also make the list as top public employers.

What are the top colleges in Spokane?

If you’re looking to pursue higher education in Spokane, there are several options to choose from. Gonzaga University was ranked fourth by U.S. News & World Report as a regional university in the west, and it’s definitely one of the city’s highlights. Spokane Community College and Spokane Falls Community College are also attractive alternatives, each serving 25,000 students each year.

Spokane Employment Statistics

Spokane Education Statistics

Spokane Household Statistics

Where to go out in Spokane?

If you’re looking for a fun day out in Spokane, the best place to start is by taking a stroll through the city’s downtown area. You can explore the city from Riverfront Park all the way to the Arts and Entertainment District and enjoy the numerous bars and locally owned restaurants along the way. The Spokane Valley Mall is a shopper’s paradise, and if you’re in the mood for a live performance, the Bing Crosby Theater is your best bet. 

How many parks are there in Spokane?

With 87 parks spread across more than 3,800 acres, Spokane is truly an amazing place for those who love outdoor activities. Spokane Falls is a breathtaking dam and waterfall, and it’s also located right in the heart of the city’s business district. Also, Riverfront Park offers around 100 acres of idyllic scenery — most of which is on an island — and is also home to the 1902 Great Northern Tower.

What sports teams play in Spokane?

Spokane is home to several semi-professional sports teams, such as the Spokane Shock (indoor football), Spokane Indians (minor league baseball) and Spokane Chiefs (junior ice hockey). You can also watch the Gonzaga Bulldogs play at Avista Stadium. Or, if you’re in the mood for a quick trip into nearby Pullman, you can join the Cougar football fans as they cheer for their favorite team.

What are the main annual events in Spokane?

From St. Patrick’s Day to fireworks on the 4th of July, there’s always an event to look forward to in Spokane. Food lovers will be offered some serious fun during the Pig Out in the Park festival in September, where you can sample delicious bites from more than 40 food vendors, as well as more than 80 live music performances from local and national artists. And, of course, don’t forget about the Father’s Day celebrations — they did originate in Spokane, after all. 

What are the best museums in Spokane?

The Northwest Museum of Art and Culture is a must-see for art and history lovers, featuring traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian alongside permanent displays located on a five-acre campus in downtown Spokane. Families with kids will have an exciting and educational day out visiting the Mobius Children’s Museum and its hands-on exhibits. Also, if you’re exploring the city on foot, make sure to check out the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along the Riverfront Park.

What are the renters’ rights in Spokane?

Before you decide to make Spokane your new home, one of the main things to bear in mind is that rent control is illegal in the state of Washington. This means that landlords have the legal right to raise rent as much as they want, provided they comply with the appropriate notice period. On the plus side, the law also stipulates that landlords are required to act on needed repairs within a fixed timeframe from the moment they were notified of any issues with the rental. For example, landlords have: 24 hours to provide tenants with basic amenities like heat, electricity and running water; 72 hours to fix major plumbing issues; and 10 days or less for less-urgent repairs. It’s also important to read through your lease agreement carefully before signing, as rental agreements can vary from case to case.