Published:
February 18, 2021
Last updated:
January 6, 2026
Top 5 Neighborhoods To Live In Spokane, WA 2026
In This Article

Thinking about buying a home in Spokane, WA? 

Spokane is a decently-sized metropolitan area, with a sprawling population of nearly 600,000, almost triple the number of people in the city proper. There are plenty of beautiful neighborhoods to choose from. Whether you prefer Downtown or in the ‘burbs, Spokane has a location for you.

Spokane is the jewel of eastern Washington state, with spectacular falls, stunning architecture, and a family friendly vibe. Find out which are the best neighborhoods to live in Spokane, and what makes them so special.

The Best Neighborhoods to Live in Spokane

The Lilac City has no lack of beautiful neighborhoods, and many have been designed for walkability, making it possible to enjoy city life without needing a car. If you’re lucky enough to remote work, Spokane becomes even more appealing.

Depending on your budget and preferences, any one of these neighborhoods could be the destination of your dreams. With WA state mortgage rates at record lows, it could be just the right time for a change. Here are the top five neighborhoods to live in Spokane.

Browne’s Addition: Urban Planning 2.0

With only a moderate housing density, a perfectly apportioned mixed-use rating, and a medium home cost of around $379,950, accordiong to RedFin, Browne’s Addition is an up-and-coming Spokane residential neighborhood.  

The American Planning Association slates Browne’s Addition as not just a top ten neighborhood in Spokane or WA state, but nationwide. The reason? Urban planning done so well, residents can enjoy almost everything they need within a few blocks of their homes, without noise pollution or traffic. 

The bulk of the neighborhood’s perimeter tops a steep bluff overlooking Peaceful Valley. The rest is fenced in by a busy arterial, with emptiness on the far side, keeping through-traffic to a minimum. 

Historic, custom built mansions abound, with many converted into small apartment complexes while others remain single family homes. There is a wide range of architectural variety among newer structures, but all sidewalks are detached and street trees provide a canopy for luxurious walkability, with Downtown but ten minutes away by foot.  

The South Hill: Soul of Spokane

The South Hill is a charming collective of smaller neighborhoods, with low housing density, a fair mixed use assortment, and home prices averaging a median of around $633,989. It’s a perfect example of why people move from Seattle to Spokane for a lower mortgage payment but a high standard of living. 

Known locally as the Soul of Spokane, South Hill is the neighborhood young couples from the north side aspire to, and the one to whom native return after venturing elsewhere in the country. South near 29th you can find plenty of ranch and split-level ranch homes, while north close to 14th Avenue becomes more commercial.

The older Rockwood section features basalt monuments, as well as the Blvd Gateway which is a landmark. There is a wide range of diversity when it comes to architecture in these more aged areas, with mansions, cottages, Tudors and Victorians all represented. 

Most homes open up to the street, and the majority of streets connect thanks to a sensible grid street pattern. Less dense areas feature longer, meandering drives and ornamental lawns. While the sidewalks are not detached, plenty of street trees offer shade for an afternoon stroll. A vehicle is rather a necessity to reach any kind of shopping unless you live off of Grande.

Peaceful Valley: What’s on the Tin

Peaceful Valley is all about what is on the label of the tin – you get what is advertised. The housing density is light to moderate, the median home price pegged at around $370,000 and the mixed use rating excellent thanks to proximity to Downtown. 

Based picturesquely at the bottom of the Spokane River George, just west of downtown, Peaceful Valley is ringed by steep bluffs, the river itself, and Latah Creek. This forms a seemingly isolated capsule of natural beauty that is in reality just a short walk from the heart of Spokane.

Spokane mortgage companies can wax poetic about this narrow, long neighborhood. It straddles the Spokane river, and has inexhaustible character. The Peaceful Valley park creates a kind of center, located under Maple Street Bridge. Natural areas along Latah Creek provide ample room for relaxation. 

Architecture ranges from the large and historic to the quaint yet modern. There is little commercial availability aside from multi-family homes, but amenities are a short walk away, making the neighborhood car-optional. The street grid-pattern is challenging as many streets dead-end at a bluff or waterfront.

Audubon-Downriver

Audubon-Downriver is strikingly similar to South Hill in feel, but less pricey; median home prices run around $353,000. Housing density is almost exclusively single family, although the mixed use rating is above average. 

Audubon-Downriver could be seen as two distinct neighborhoods, separated by Northwest Boulevard. However, both areas share the same characteristics and architecture, namely a charming English brick cottage vibe interspersed only scantily with more modern structures. Most commercial activity takes place along the Boulevard.

Downriver is anchored by the Spokane River bluff, which it straddles on the neighborhood’s southern side. To the north, Audubon is anchored by Audubon Park. A healthy tree canopy envelops the area, for comfortable pedestrian shade.The brick homes provide a feeling of 1920s continuity as you pass from one side of Northwest Boulevard to the other. 

North Indian Trail: Recreational Bliss

North Indian Trail is widely considered one of Spokane’s most desirable neighborhoods due to its balance of livability, location, and long-term value. Situated on the city’s northwest side, the area offers elevated terrain with scenic views, well-maintained streets, and a strong sense of community that appeals to families, professionals, and retirees alike. Homes in North Indian Trail tend to be newer and well cared for, with a mix of modern single-family properties and established residences that contribute to consistent property values.

One of the neighborhood’s biggest draws is access to outdoor recreation. Residents are minutes from Indian Canyon Golf Course, walking trails, parks, and natural green space, making it easy to enjoy an active lifestyle without leaving the city. At the same time, North Indian Trail provides convenient access to shopping, dining, schools, and essential services, with major roads connecting residents quickly to downtown Spokane and other employment hubs.

The area is also known for lower crime rates, strong schools, and stable demand, which has supported steady home appreciation over time. Combined with its quiet suburban feel and proximity to urban amenities, North Indian Trail continues to attract buyers seeking quality of life and long-term investment potential.

The median home price is around $541,250, but with plenty of variance. 

If you’re looking at buying a home in Spokane, you can’t do much better than North Indian Trail.

Why Choose Sammamish Mortgage?

At Sammamish Mortgage, our focus is helping you find your dream home in a neighborhood in Spokane that fits your lifestyle now and in the future. These areas represent the finest neighborhoods to live in Spokane, whether you’re looking for a rustic century old hideaway or a more modern, commercially adjacent landing spot.

Sammamish Mortgage has been in business since 1992, and has assisted many home buyers in the Pacific Northwest. If you are looking for mortgage financing in Washington State, we can help. Sammamish Mortgage offers mortgage programs in Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and California.

Contact us if you have any mortgage-related questions or concerns. If you are ready to move forward, you can view rates, obtain a customized instant rate quote, or apply instantly directly from our website.