There's no place like Spokane!
Recently, Forbes Magazine named Spokane, Wa. as one of the top 25 places to retire in 2026!
Spokane is often considered one of the best smaller cities in the Northwest for retirement because it combines affordability, natural beauty, healthcare access, and a slower pace of life without feeling isolated. Here are some of the biggest reasons retirees are drawn to the area:
Four Distinct Seasons Without Extreme Crowds
Spokane offers all four seasons — colorful falls, snowy winters, blooming springs, and warm summers — while still feeling manageable and less hectic than larger West Coast cities. Many retirees enjoy having seasonal variety without the congestion and pricing of places like Seattle or Portland.
More Affordable Than Many Western Cities
Compared to much of the Pacific Northwest, Spokane’s housing costs, property taxes, and overall cost of living are generally more attainable. Retirees relocating from California, Seattle, or Denver often feel they can stretch retirement income further here.
Excellent Access to Healthcare
Spokane is the medical hub for Eastern Washington, North Idaho, and parts of Montana. Major healthcare systems like Providence Health & Services and MultiCare Health System have large regional campuses here, giving retirees access to specialists, hospitals, and advanced care without needing a major metro area.
Outdoor Lifestyle
One of Spokane’s biggest advantages is how easy it is to stay active:
- Miles of walking and biking trails
- Golf courses throughout the city
- Skiing within driving distance
- Lakes and rivers nearby
- Hiking almost everywhere around town
Popular spots include:
- Riverfront Park
- Manito Park
- Centennial Trail
- High Drive Bluff Park
Strong Sense of Community
Many retirees say Spokane still feels neighborly and community-oriented. There are active churches, volunteer opportunities, local arts, seasonal markets, and community events that make it easier to build connections.
Easy Access to Nature and Travel
Within a short drive, you can reach:
- Lake Coeur d'Alene
- Mount Spokane State Park
- Priest Lake
And Spokane International Airport makes travel relatively easy without the stress of a massive airport.
Lower Traffic and Easier Pace
Many retirees appreciate that Spokane is large enough to have amenities, restaurants, healthcare, and entertainment — but small enough that errands and appointments don’t consume the day.
Popular Retirement Areas Around Spokane
Retirees often gravitate toward:
- South Hill for walkability and established neighborhoods
- Five Mile Prairie for views and quieter living
- Liberty Lake for golf and newer homes
- Mead for semi-rural space
- Nearby Coeur d'Alene for lake lifestyle
A Few Things Retirees Should Consider
No place is perfect. Spokane winters can feel long to some people, smoke season occasionally affects summers, and certain neighborhoods are better suited for retirement than others depending on walkability and services.
For many people though, Spokane hits a sweet spot: beautiful surroundings, manageable cost of living, strong healthcare, and a comfortable pace of life.
As a life long resident of Spokane WA- and a 23 year Realtor (in the top 2%) I would welcome a conversation about your options when looking for just the right property to purchase when retiring in Spokane. Some common options are
- One level homes with attached garages
- Condo's for low maintainance
- 55+ communities
- View homes with main floor living
VISIT MY WEBSITE! www.TheresNoPlaceLikeSpokane.com
Let's chat! "BethAnn in Spokane" 509-362-4607 #relocatetospokane #retireinspokane
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