Living in Spokane Valley

Where it is

Spokane Valley became its own city on March 31, 2003. It lies between Spokane and Liberty Lake, with I-90 running through the middle and the Spokane River along its north side. About 103,000 people lived here at the 2020 census.

Parks and places

• Centennial Trail: the paved trail follows the river for about 37 miles, from the Idaho line to Nine Mile Falls, and crosses the length of the Valley.
• Mirabeau Point Park: meadows and a waterfall by the river, next to the CenterPlace event center.
• Dishman Hills Natural Area: rocky, forested hiking trails on the city’s south edge.
• Shopping: Spokane Valley Mall and the Sprague Avenue corridor cover most errands without a trip into Spokane.

What the homes are like

The Valley has one of the widest ranges in the county: mid-century ramblers on large lots, split-levels from the 1970s and 1980s, newer subdivisions toward the east end, plus condos and manufactured homes. Lots are often bigger than in the city of Spokane.

Schools

Three school districts serve the city: Central Valley, East Valley and West Valley. The boundaries do not follow neighborhood names, so confirm the assignment for the address.

What to check before you buy

• Which district. Two homes a few blocks apart can be in different school districts.
• Sewer or septic. Most of the Valley is on sewer now, but ask, and ask whether any connection charge is still owed.
• Mid-century systems. On older homes, have your inspector look at the electrical panel, plumbing, roof and sewer line.
• Road and rail noise. I-90, Trent Avenue and the rail lines cross the Valley. Visit at different times of day.

Drive times are free-flow estimates from mapping data, not traffic-aware. Ask me and I will time the route you would actually drive.