Waaaay over on the eastern edge of Washington, Spokane is the largest non-Seattle city in the state, smallest city ever to host a World’s Fair, and the first place to celebrate Father’s Day. And it must smell terrific. Why else would they call it The Lilac City? So what do you need to know to move in?
It’s a good time to rent in Spokane
Waaaay over on the eastern edge of Washington, Spokane is the largest non-Seattle city in the state, smallest city ever to host a World’s Fair, and the first place to celebrate Father’s Day. And it must smell terrific. Why else would they call it The Lilac City? So what do you need to know to move in?
It’s a good time to rent in Spokane. You might hear from an individual landlord that it’s best to jump on a deal in his or her part of town, but if you pull back and look at the city as a whole, you’ve got a wide range of choices from single family home rentals, duplexes, multi-unit complexes, and Victorian flats. One year leases are typical and you can expect to be asked for first month’s rent up front in addition to a deposit. Things are sluggish in the rental market, though, so don’t be shy about negotiating terms regarding lease length, utilities, or pet deposits.
If you’ve ever wanted to live large, this might be the time to start. Vacancy rates in Spokane are highest in units with three or more bedrooms and, frankly, it’s getting to the point where some landlords not only want, but need to move people in. Play your cards right, you might get a three bed for just a whisper more than a two.
Spokane is divided into north and south by the Spokane River. The North is almost entirely residential to one degree or another. Chances are good you’ll find your new neighborhood up here, especially if you’re on any kind of budget. Here are some tips for this half of town.
Locals and visitors alike often complain that the North side of Spokane is not particularly walkable. Garland is an exception, and only seems to be gaining momentum as a hub for pubs, entertainment, food, and people watching. You’ll pay 10% more than elsewhere on the north side to live here, but may find it worth the cost.
Not afraid of a little commute? It’s not unheard of to trade some time on the road for the chance to rent a house with a yard and some room to spread out. Spokane Valley is just a few miles east on I-90 and lots of folks range as far as Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, thirty three miles to the east, to find what they’re looking for.
