Home - Flavor

Home sweet home
Local neighborhoods

-Sandra Hosking photo.

Downtown
Location: Spokane's downtown area hugs both sides of the Spokane River and stretches from Peaceful Valley to Hamilton Street.

Urban living options have increased in Spokane over the past several years with new lofts and condominiums, many in restored historic brick buildings. Favorite places within walking distance include the Davenport Hotel, Steam Plant Square, the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, Auntie's Bookstore, Riverfront Park, and the Spokane Falls. The Spokane Center hosts a bevy of conventions, nationally touring shows and concerts, and community events. The River Park Square shopping center and a skywalk system connects people to home, work, eateries, shopping, art, culture, entertainment, and leisure activities.

Several shopping and business districts are adjacent to downtown:

• SoDo, between First and Third avenues, is home to Saunders Cheese Market, Lolo Boutique, Finders Keepers, Taste Café & Gourmet to Go, Sun People Dry Goods, and others.

• East Main, between Division and Stevens streets features the Main Market Co-op, the Community Building, Zola, Merlyn's, and more.

• Carnegie Square, at First Avenue and Cedar Street, is a collection of restored buildings, such as a Carnegie Library that is now home to Integrus Architecture. The Rocket Bakery is a popular meet-up spot.

Browne's Addition
Location: West of Maple Street between
Third Avenue and the Spokane River

Browne's Addition is Spokane's oldest residential neighborhood, which today features a mix of grand historic mansions in Queen Anne style and restored and modern apartments and condominiums. It is also home to the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture and Campbell House, as well as several bed-and-breakfasts. The intersection of Pacific Avenue and Cannon Street houses several of the neighborhood's popular hangouts, including the Elk Public House. Each June, Coeur d'Alene Park plays host to ArtFest, a celebration of arts, crafts, and community.

The South Hill
Location: South of downtown Spokane between U.S. 195 and Browne Mountain

The hill's elevation provides for stunning views. Manito Park, designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers who designed New York's Central Park, is a favorite spot.

The South Perry Street neighborhood, near Eighth Avenue, dates back to the late 1800s. The South Perry Business & Neighborhood Association, a group of involved residents and business owners, has been instrumental in creating a pedestrian-friendly shopping district. Popular eateries include the Perry Street Café, and South Perry Pizza. During the warm months, The Shop café hosts the Thursday Market.

The North Side
Location: North of Mission Avenue and beyond

The neighborhoods and business centers north of Spokane are a sign of the city's growth. The area features single-family dwellings for all income levels, sprawling apartment villages, and retirement communities. It is home to the Holy Family Hospital medical district, NorthTown Mall, Whitworth University, Spokane Country Club and golf course, and Saint George's School. Further north are the small communities of Mead and Deer Park. It is surrounded by recreation areas like Riverside and Mount Spokane state parks, the two largest in the state.

• Corbin Park, just west of Division Street between Buckeye and Euclid avenues, is the site of Spokane's first fairgrounds. It is surrounded by historic homes. The Wall Street Diner is a popular nearby eatery.

• North Monroe Street just north of the Spokane River is flanked by a collection of antique shops, law offices, and the acclaimed Milford's Fish House. The historic Spokane County Courthouse rises just to the west.

• The Garland Business District sits on Garland Avenue between Monroe and Howard streets. The Garland movie theater's marquee makes the district easily recognizable. Other businesses include Mark's Guitar Shop, the Blue Door Theater, Tinman Artworks, Bead Addicts Attic, and Celebrations cupcake shop. Each summer, the district hosts the popular Garland Street Fair.

• Toward Mount Spokane, the Greenbluff area is an agricultural treasure. From strawberries in the late spring to summertime peaches to the fall harvest festival to Christmas tree cutting, Greenbluff's farmers offer home-grown fruits, vegetables, and more.

West Plains & Airway Heights
Location: 10 minutes southwest of Spokane

The town of Cheney incorporated in 1883 and is home to Eastern Washington University. Nearby recreational activities include the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, various lakes, and the Columbia Plateau Trail State Park.

Airway Heights is a growing residential, retail, and commercial community. It features affordable apartments and single-family houses and is home to Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane County's largest employer, Spokane International Airport, and the popular Northern Quest Hotel & Casino.

The Valley
Location: East of Spokane to the Washington-Idaho border

Like Spokane's North Side, the valley to the east of the city is a mix of suburban neighborhoods, retail centers, and agriculture. It features the municipalities of Spokane Valley, Millwood, and Liberty Lake. Business centers include the Spokane Valley Mall and the Spokane Business & Industrial Park. The Dishman Hills have acres of forest to explore, while Mirabeau Park is has walking trails, picnic areas, and a waterfall. It hosts the family-oriented Valleyfest celebration each September. To the east, Liberty Lake, which has been known as a high-tech center with companies like Telect Inc. and Itron Inc., has a growing medical community, several golf courses, and waterfront living. The Centennial Trail follows the Spokane River runs through the area, which has several put-in spots for rafters.

North Idaho

Across the border lies Idaho's panhandle which is populated by smaller but growing communities with rich timber and mining histories. Many residents commute across the border to work or school.

• Post Falls is our closest neighbor and elements of its timber-based economy remain. In addition to its quiet neighborhoods, the city features access to the river, hiking, and rock climbing at Q'emiln Park.

• Coeur d'Alene, whose population has nearly doubled in the past 20 years, stretches from Lake Coeur d'Alene to Hayden Lake. The Coeur d'Alene Resort, with its hotel tower and world-class golf course, is a popular destination. North of the city rises Silverwood Theme Park.

• To the east of Coeur d'Alene is the Silver Valley, named for its mining origins, home to towns like Kellogg, Silverton, and Wallace. The Silver Mountain resort features an indoor water park, excellent skiing, and outdoor summer concerts.

• Sandpoint sits north on U.S. 95 and on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille. Beyond that, is a favorite vacation area, Priest Lake near the Canadian border.

• South of Coeur d'Alene lies the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation, home to the beautiful Circling Raven Golf Course at the Coeur d'Alene Casino & Hotel.