Why Are So Many People Moving to Spokane?

As a new city, Spokane is experiencing rapid growth, attracting people from all over the world. With the Spokane International Airport being one of the largest airports in the area and a major hub for Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, there’s no question that air travel to and from Spokane is convenient and comfortable.

And what about the rest of it? The roads, the schools, the hospital, even the climate – is there something about living in Spokane that appeals to everyone? Let’s dive into the numbers to find out what’s driving the migration here.

Is It The Warm Climes?

Spokane does get quite a bit of rain, with about 41 inches of precipitation falling annually. However, the weather is mild and pleasant, rarely getting below freezing. In fact, the average daily temperature is 45 degrees Fahrenheit, which is much more pleasant than some of the cold temperatures you might experience in a more northern location. If you’re not a fan of cold weather, this might be the place for you.

Spokane’s location in the mountains makes it susceptible to mountain weather. Although the farther south you go, the more continental weather you’ll encounter. The only parts of Spokane not officially in the Mountain Time Zone are the airport and a few other small areas. Nevertheless, the weather should be commutable.

Is It The Economy?

The Spokane region’s economy benefits from a diverse range of industries, including technology, healthcare, and, to a lesser extent, retail and manufacturing. There’s a large presence of industry here, which is attractive to workers from all over the country. In fact, 63% of the population is within a 20-minute drive of some kind of industry, which helps to maintain a steady stream of jobs.

Spokane’s economic health is important to its future growth as a city. Without the presence of industry, jobs in the area can become increasingly scarce. Additionally, with over 55 million passenger trips annually, the Spokane International Airport is a major aviation hub. The flight connections here are impressive and there are plenty of routes to choose from, enabling you to reach almost any destination.

Is It The Education System?

Spokane’s education system is ranked 8th in the country and 2nd in the region. The city is home to the University of Washington, which is one of the largest universities in the country. The campus is quite expansive and offers a wide range of degrees. There’s also a smaller, private university, Eastern Washington University, with a highly regarded engineering program.

Spokane’s education system is a significant draw for prospective students, especially those looking for a large, urban university experience. With over 7,000 students enrolled at the University of Washington alone, there’s plenty of opportunity here to join a vibrant academic community.

Is It A Family-Friendly Environment?

One of the reasons why so many people are moving to Spokane is because of the city’s family-friendly environment. The median age here is 36.1 years, which is much lower than the national average of 42.3. There are a lot of child-friendly activities available in the city, including museums, parks, playgrounds, and sports complexes. There are also plenty of family-friendly restaurants here, serving everything from pizza to Chinese food. If you’re a family man or woman, moving to Spokane is an attractive option.

The environment is a significant factor in a city’s appeal. It can make or break your decision to live there. Do you want lively bars and restaurants or are you looking for a more sedate lifestyle? What about the nightlife? Is it something you want or don’t want in your city? These are all important questions, which you might want to consider before making a decision.