Forbes evaluated close to 1,000 cities across the United States and Spokane made the top 25. The recognition is official, the data backs it up, and for anyone already considering a move here, the timing could not be better. Here is why Spokane earned its spot.
📊 Why Forbes Chose Spokane
Forbes ranked cities based on affordability, healthcare access, air quality, walkability, crime, climate risk, and overall quality of life. Spokane scored well across the board.
- 💰 Affordable housing. Average home value of approximately $395,000, well below Washington state's average of $601,000 and a fraction of Seattle or California prices.
- 🏥 Healthcare access. Strong ratio of primary care physicians per capita, a key factor for retirees evaluating long-term care.
- 🌬️ Good air quality. Consistently cited as a positive for overall livability.
- 🚴 Walkable and bikeable. Supported by the Centennial Trail, Riverfront Park, and a connected network of paths throughout the city.
- 💼 No state income tax. One of Washington's most significant financial advantages, especially for retirees coming from California, Oregon, or Texas.
- 🎓 Vibrant mixed-age community. Gonzaga University, Whitworth University, Eastern Washington University, and Spokane Falls Community College create the kind of energy Forbes consistently favors on this list.
📰 What the Experts Are Saying
"Spokane has been blessed by adequate property availability, and housing prices have remained, compared to the national average, somewhat below. It has been an attractive place for retirees to reinvest their money, especially when they come out of communities where property values are very high."
⚖️ A Balanced View
Forbes also noted two considerations worth knowing.
- Crime rate. Above the national average overall, though South Hill, Liberty Lake, and Spokane Valley consistently rank as the safest neighborhoods in the metro.
- Natural hazard risk. Moderate, but significantly lower than coastal markets prone to hurricanes, wildfires, or flooding.
🏡 What This Means for the Spokane Real Estate Market
This is the third consecutive year Forbes has named Spokane to this list. That kind of sustained national recognition brings more qualified buyers to the market, particularly retirees with equity from high-priced markets who can buy outright or significantly reduce their mortgage in Spokane.
- Inventory in the $350,000 to $500,000 range continues to move fastest
- Senior-friendly neighborhoods and downsizing opportunities are in growing demand
- Out-of-state buyers from California, Oregon, and Texas remain the largest sources of inbound migration
🌟 Thinking About Retiring in Spokane?
Senior transitions and retirement relocations are Emiley's specialty. Whether you are moving to Spokane from out of state, downsizing within the market, or simply exploring your options, she helps you understand what your budget gets you and which neighborhoods fit the life you are building next.
Reach out to Emiley at Rios and Co Real Estate to start the conversation.
