Spokane, Washington, offers a range of neighborhoods that cater to families, with features like top-rated schools, parks or green spaces, neighborhood amenities and a variety of home types. Here’s a closer look at just a handful of Spokane's great family-friendly areas. Let’s dive right in.
Indian Trail
Located in the northwestern part of Spokane, Indian Trail is a quiet, suburban neighborhood that’s perfect for families. Known for its peaceful environment, large homes, and proximity to parks, it offers a slower pace of life.
- Outdoors: Sky Prairie Park is a favorite among local families, offering a large playground, picnic areas, tennis, and more. Families can also take advantage of nearby Riverside State Park, which provides miles of hiking trails, picnicking spots, and river views.
- Schools: Indian Trail is served by the Mead School District, which includes highly-rated schools like Meadow Ridge Elementary and Mead High School. Saint George's School, which is one of the highest rated schools in Spokane is located near Indian Trail neighborhood.
- Neighborhood Amenities: Indian Trail is quieter than other parts of Spokane but still offers necessary amenities like grocery stores, local shops, and dining options at Five Mile Shopping Center. While it doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of South Hill, its suburban charm appeals to families.
- Walkability: Indian Trail is not particularly walkable, as most amenities require a short drive. However, the neighborhood’s quiet streets and proximity to parks make it a comfortable area for taking a stroll or biking.
- Average Housing: Homes in Indian Trail are primarily single-family residences, often featuring larger lots and modern build designs. The area is known for its newer homes that cater to families looking for more space and less upkeep.
Spokane's South Hill
South Hill is one of Spokane’s most desirable neighborhoods, especially for families seeking a peaceful, well-established community. It offers great schools, parks, and convenient access to amenities while being only minutes from downtown Spokane.
- Outdoors: The South Hill is home to Manito Park, one of Spokane’s most beloved outdoor spaces. The park features beautiful botanical gardens, a pond, playgrounds, and walking paths, perfect for family outings. Other popular parks include Comstock Park, with a pool and sports courts, and Cannon Hill Park, offers lovely green space and walking paths. Families can also explore the Bluff Trails, which offer miles of scenic hiking and biking routes. The High Drive Parkway provides stunning views of the Latah Valley and is a popular spot for walking, running, and cycling.
- Schools: The neighborhood boasts some of the best schools in Spokane, such as Hutton Elementary and Wilson Elementary. These schools are known for their academic excellence and community-focused atmosphere, making them great options for families.
- Neighborhood Amenities: South Hill is well-equipped with neighborhood grocery stores, coffee shops, and local businesses. The Perry District is a popular area featuring local markets, restaurants, and family-friendly events.
- Walkability: The South Hill is moderately walkable, particularly in areas like the Perry District, near 29th, Manito Park area or Cliff-Cannon area. The tree-lined streets make walking pleasant, but due to the large size of the neighborhood, walking access to amenities due vary by exact location within the South Hill.
- Average Housing: The South Hill features a mix of architectural styles, with many mid-century homes, historic houses, and limited new constructions. Homes are typically larger, single-family residences on spacious lots, making it ideal for families looking for ample space.
Related: Exploring Spokane’s South Hill Neighborhood.
Related: Find out more great coffee shops and a spotlight on mid-century homes in my Spokane Relocation Guide from a Local.
Spokane Valley
Spokane Valley is located east of downtown Spokane and offers a more suburban experience with a family-oriented atmosphere. It’s known for its affordability, growing communities, and ample parks.
- Outdoors: Mirabeau Point Park is a large, well-loved park in Spokane Valley, featuring a splash pad, Discovery playground, and the iconic hike to Mirabeau Springs waterfall. Plantes Ferry Sports Complex offers numerous sports fields for soccer, baseball, and other activities. Spokane Valley is also close to the Centennial Trail, a 37-mile path along the Spokane River, perfect for hiking, biking, and family walks.
- Schools: Spokane Valley is served by the Central Valley School District, which includes highly rated schools like Chester Elementary, STEM Academy at SVT and Central Valley High School. This neighborhood also offers alternative schools such as the Pioneer School.
- Neighborhood Amenities: Spokane Valley has a range of amenities, including shopping centers like the Spokane Valley Mall, which offers dining, movies, and retail stores. The area is also home to many family-friendly restaurants and community centers such as CenterPlace Regional Events Center and the YMCA Spokane Valley.
- Walkability: Spokane Valley is mostly car-dependent, with most amenities requiring a short drive. However, parks and trails offer plenty of opportunities for family walks and outdoor activities.
- Average Housing: Spokane Valley offers a mix of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments with a mix of newer and established neighborhoods. The area is known for its affordable housing compared to other Spokane neighborhoods, making it an attractive choice for families.
Related: Exploring Spokane Valley: Outdoor Fun Meets Small Town Charm.
Related: My blog Spokane Real Estate Market: What Does $450k Buy in 2024? showcases beautiful, new construction homes in Spokane Valley.
Mead, WA
Mead, located just north of Spokane, is a rural yet thriving community known for its peaceful atmosphere and excellent schools. It offers an attractive blend of suburban and rural living, making it a popular choice for families seeking space and proximity to nature, while still having access to city conveniences.
- Outdoors: Mead offers access to several outdoor recreational areas. The nearby Mt. Spokane State Park is a highlight, providing year-round activities such as hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. Families can enjoy exploring nearby lakes such as Bear Lake, Loon Lake and Deer Lake, which features a swimming areas and picnic spots—perfect for a family day out in nature. From Mead, travel east less than 10 minutes to access Green Bluff and all of it's family-friendly produce and activities.
- Schools: Similar to Indian Trail, Mead is served by the Mead School District, which includes highly-rated schools like Meadow Ridge Elementary and Mead High School. Saint George's School, which is one of the highest rated schools in Spokane is located just south of Mead, WA.
- Neighborhood Amenities: While Mead retains its rural charm, it also offers convenient amenities. Northpointe Plaza, just a short drive away, has grocery stores, retail shopping, restaurants, and more. Additionally, families in Mead benefit from proximity to both suburban amenities in north Spokane and the rural countryside.
- Walkability: Mead is not generally a walkable neighborhood, as it is more spread out large lots and rural roads. Most residents rely on cars for commuting and errands, though the quiet streets are suitable for walking, biking, or jogging.
- Average Housing: Mead offers a mix of single-family homes and rural properties, many of which sit on larger lots or acreage. Homes in this area are often newer and more spacious, making it ideal for families looking for room to grow. Many properties offer rural-style living, with plenty of space for outdoor activities and gardening.
A recently sold home by Behler Homes on the edge of Lincoln Heights neighborhood overlooking Spokane, WA.
Lincoln Heights
Lincoln Heights, located on Spokane’s southeast side, offers a blend of suburban and urban living. It’s an established neighborhood with convenient access to amenities and outdoor spaces.
- Parks: Lincoln Park is a popular destination for families, offering proximity to the South Hill's parks, as well as neighborhood playgrounds, and beautiful views of Spokane. Thornton Murphy Park is a family-friendly spot with a playground, picnic areas, and sports fields. And, Ferris High School offerings tons nicely maintained sports courts and fields available outside school use. The neighborhood’s proximity to Upper Lincoln Park and Glenrose Trailhead offer opportunities for hiking and exploring the outdoors. Families can also enjoy nearby Iller Creek Conservation Area, which features scenic trails and wildlife viewing.
- Schools: Families in Lincoln Heights benefit from proximity to top-rated public schools such as Lincoln Heights Elementary School and Ferris High School. Ferris High School is also known for quality sports programs.
- Neighborhood Amenities: The Lincoln Heights Shopping Center provides convenient access to grocery stores, restaurants, and retail shops. The neighborhood’s central location offers easy access to public transportation and medical services, with the many optometry, dental and other non-hospital services close by.
- Walkability: Lincoln Heights is moderately walkable, with many residents able to access parks, schools, and shopping areas on foot. Like the South Hill, some of the walkability to amenities is dependent on the exact location within this neighborhood.
- Average Housing: Lincoln Heights features a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, ranch-style houses, and newer developments with larger apartment complexes. Some established homes can be found the edge of this neighborhood that take advantage of the hillside geography for lovely Spokane, WA views.
Each of these neighborhoods offers something unique for families, from spacious suburban homes to vibrant established and historic communities. With excellent schools, parks, and access to outdoor recreation, Spokane provides so many wonderful neighborhood settings for families looking to put down roots.
If you’re considering a move to Spokane or looking to relocate to a new Spokane neighborhood, I’d love to be your experienced, local real estate agent. Feel free to take a look at my listings here or reach out to me.
