South Hill

Spokane's South Hill: A Beloved Neighborhood for Families & Outdoor Lovers

Located just minutes from downtown, South Hill remains one of Spokane’s most sought-after neighborhoods—especially for families looking for a quiet, established community with access to top-rated schools, gorgeous parks, and charming neighborhood vibes. With its mix of historic homes, lush tree-lined streets, and welcoming local businesses, South Hill offers a blend of nature and neighborhood you don’t often find in a city this size. The South Hill is not a technical neighborhood according to the city of Spokane, and to locals can incorporate a number of neighborhoods. In general, I'll be highlight Rockwood and Manito/Cannon Hill neighborhoods, but also including bits of Cliff-Cannon, Comstock, Lincoln Heights and even East Central - the main hub of Perry District falls within this neighborhood, but seems fitting to include when talking about the broader South Hill region. 

Outdoors: Spokane’s Green Heartbeat Lives on the Hill

South Hill is home to one of the most iconic green spaces in the Inland Northwest: Manito Park. Spread across 90 acres, the park offers five distinct botanical gardens, a duck pond, playgrounds, a conservatory, and miles of peaceful walking paths. Whether you’re exploring the Rose Garden in summer or visiting the Gaiser Conservatory during its holiday light display, it’s a neighborhood treasure year-round.

Other beloved parks on South Hill include:

• Cannon Hill Park – a serene space with walking paths and a reflecting pond
• High Drive Bluff Trails – over 22 miles of mixed-use trails perfect for hiking, biking, or a scenic sunset walk
• Comstock Park – with its outdoor pool, tennis courts, and open green spaces this park is a destination for locals. While not "technically" in my outlines neighborhood, it can be accessed from 29th so I'm including it.

Schools: Top-Rated Education in a Community-Focused Setting

South Hill is known for its high-performing public schools, including:

• Hutton Elementary – Tucked into the historic Rockwood Blvd neighborhood and known for its beautiful campus and academic strength
• Wilson Elementary – a top-rated K–6 school known for its welcoming culture and community engagement
• Sacajawea Middle School and Lewis & Clark High School round out a strong K–12 pipeline within Spokane Public Schools.

Private options like Cataldo Catholic School also serve families in the South Hill area.

Neighborhood Amenities: Local Life Done Right

From family-owned coffee shops to neighborhood grocery stores and local gems, the South Hill makes everyday living easy. Most commercial retailers are tucked into neighborhoods in historic buildings, offering additional charm and walkability.

• Huckleberries - a specialty grocery store with deli and hot bar
• Rut – for elevated vegetarian and vegan fare and nicely balanced cocktails
• South Perry Pizza – a neighborhood staple for wood-fired pizza
• Wisconsinburger  – butter burgers and cheese curds
• Rockwood Bakery and Rocket Bakery - for casual eats and specialty coffee
• Manito Tap House - for pub fare with a focus on local brews

You’ll also find major grocery chains like Rosauers, Trader Joe’s, and other larger retailers just a short drive away on 29th Avenue, along with healthcare services, local boutiques, and wellness studios.

Walkability: Leafy Streets, Local Stops, and Scenic Loops

South Hill is known for its walkable pockets, particularly around:

• Cliff-Cannon – a historic sub-neighborhood with gorgeous homes and walkable blocks
• Manito Boulevard & Rockwood Boulevard – wide, tree-lined avenues perfect for strolling
• Perry District – a lively, walkable business district with shops, restaurants, and weekly events

Due to the size of the hill and its residential layout, walkability varies by location—but many areas are ideal for walking, jogging, or biking to parks, schools, and local businesses.

Average Housing: Vintage Charm, Mid-Century Appeal, and Room to Grow

South Hill is known for its mix of architectural styles—ranging from early 1900s Craftsman and Colonial Revival homes to Mid-Century Modern ranchers and 1950s brick houses. Homes often feature:

• Spacious floor plans (many 2,000+ sq ft)
• Wood floors, fireplaces, and mature landscaping
• Finished basements, detached garages, and tree-canopied lots

Average home prices range depending on size, updates, and location within the neighborhood. Luxury listings and historic homes near Rockwood and Hutton can exceed $1M, while mid-century gems in quieter pockets of the hill remain a strong value for families.

Whether you're looking for a forever home or simply exploring Spokane’s most walkable, family-friendly neighborhoods, South Hill offers timeless appeal, rich history, and unbeatable location.

Related: Exploring Spokane’s South Hill Neighborhood