Spokane, WA Real Estate: About Spokane

NEAR NATURE, NEAR PERFECT Spokane is located 18 miles west of the Idaho state line and 110 miles south of British Columbia between the Rocky and Cascade mountain ranges. Kick back and enjoy a lifestyle away from the frantic pace of big city life, away from commuters gridlock. The topography varies from wheat fields and desert to the west, snow capped forested mountains to the north and east and the rolling hills of the Palouse (worlds largest producer of lentils and peas) to the south. Near nature, near perfect! Live here and enjoy a city of neighborhood parks and tree lined streets.

Forbes (July 14, 2009) rated Spokane the #1 cheapest city to live in the Pacific region. A New York Times article (July 1) highlighted a Cannon Hill listing, photo and quote by SAR REALTOR in its "Great Homes and Destinations" feature. Next Generation Consulting (July 11, 2009) featured Spokane as one of America's Next Cities, the best places to live and work for young professionals

We enjoy four seasons of weather, plenty of sunshine and moderate snowfall. We are protected from the rainy weather that is experienced in Seattle by the Cascades. We average 16.5 inches of precipitation and 50 inches of snow fall each year. The mountains around us average 200-400 inches, giving us a ski season from Thanksgiving to Easter. There are 7 ski areas within 2.5 hours of Spokane. There are on average 29 days above 90 degrees and 24 days under 32 degrees.

The first inhabitants of the area were the Spokane Indians and the Inland Northwest tribes gather at the site of traditional fishing grounds to celebrate their heritage with dance, drumming and handicrafts in the Riverfront Park.

There are 75 lakes within a 50 mile radius of the city so there are many opportunities for all water sports. Golf courses in and around the area are described as affordable, accessible and diverse. There are 19 public courses within a 45 minute drive of the city. Spokane City golf courses.

Spokane county parks system has more than 75 parks and pathways with more than 3,488 acres of protected green space. Plus 12 national parks within a days drive.

There are many attractions, arts and entertainment opportunities and regional wineries to enjoy.

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Special events held annually in Spokane include
Komen Race for the Cure Spokane in April
Lilac Bloomsday Run, largest timed footrace in US 12 km in May
Annual Spring Barrel Tasting local wineries - Mothers Day weekend
Lilac Festival and Armed Forces Torchlight Parade
Hoopfest, largest 3on3 basketball tournament, 2 days, 6245 teams, 395 half-courts, in June
Artfest - 3 days outdoor art , music & childrens festival
Valley Fest - fun run, parade, booths, concerts in Sept
Annual Holiday Wine Fest local wineries - weekend before Thanksgiving
First Night Spokane on New Years Eve - downtown live performances and multicultural events

As a Hub city for the Inland Northwest there are many more facilities available than the population size might suggest. 2007 population estimate is over 450,000 for the county of Spokane and has increased steadily each year. The Spokane HotZOne is the nations largest municipal wi-fi network deployment. A high-speed broadband wireless network covering a 100 block area of free public internet access.

Spokane is a trade and medical center for a 36 county region. The Spokane International airport has non-stop service to Chicago, Minneapolis, Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Burbank, Portland, Boise and Seattle.

Spokane has one of the largest medical centers in the Northwest with four full service hospitals as well as three speciality hospitals including The Sacred Heart Cancer and Research Center and the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Educational opportunities are provided at various colleges and universities (Eastern Washington University, Washington State University, Gonzaga University and Law School, Whitworth College, Intercollegiate Center For Nursing) two community colleges (Spokane Falls Community College, Spokane Community College) and three private universites (Park University, University of Phoenix and Webster University).

The Spokane economy is heavily trade and service oriented. The four top employers (source: Journal of Business 2010 Book of Lists) are State of Washington, Fairchild Air Force Base, Sacred Heart Medical Center & Childrens Hospital, and Spokane Public Schools.

There is no Washington State personal income tax. Sales/usage tax for Spokane is 8.4% with 6.5% remitted to the state of Washington and 0.6% is a public transit tax.