Spokane, WA Real Estate: About Spokane

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.

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. After clicking on the weather blue button, you can select a weather map for the area of your choice.

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.

Special events held annually in Spokane include Lilac Bloomsday Run (largest timed footrace, 12 km, in May), 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), First Night Spokane on New Years Eve (downtown live performances and multicultural events) and Valley Fest (Sept, fun run, parade, booths, concerts).

As a Hub city for the Inland Northwest there are many more facilities available than the population size might suggest. 2003 population estimate of 197,400 for the city and 428,600 for the county of Spokane. The SpokaneHotZOne is the nations largest municipal wi-fi network deployment. HA 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, Minneapols, Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Burbank, Portland 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 2005 Book of Lists) are Fairchild Air Force Base, Sacred Heart Medical Center, US Government (various federal agencies) and Spokane Public Schools.

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.. There is no state income tax.