Spokane Zip Codes/Neighborhoods (South Hill, Fairwood: real estate, rental, crime)

[TheLeonLurker]

Hello! My family is considering moving to Spokane sometime next year. We have done our research on the city, climate, crime, transportation, etc. and have weighed the pros and cons. My question now is for those of you who are familiar with the area...What neighborhoods or zip codes would be best for us to search for housing.

Here's a little about what we are looking for:
We are a young couple with two small children. School is not an issue for us just yet, but it is something to think about for the future or for resale.
We would like to live in an active community within walking distance to nice parks and other family activities.
We would like to be close to the hub of the city, but not right down town.
A nice grocery store relatively close by would be ideal.
Our price range for a minimum 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is under $200K ($160-170 preferred).
Everything within walking distance is not a priority....we are coming from Texas so we are used to driving everywhere.
We would like a neighborhood where the sidewalks are shoveled.
We don't need a big yard.
One story houses are preferred.

As a side note, my inlaws are also considering the move...so how far are the casinos?

Thank you for your help! Have a great day!

[Count David]

South Hill (99203, 99204), and possibly Sunset Hill (99224, north of I-90) are places to start. South Hill has a few good schools, and Sunset Hill's kids are bussed to a good one on South Hill.

Sunset Hill might not be what you are looking for (it's where I lived), but High Bridge Park and the Spokane River are literally walking distance from some parts of it. South Hill has Manito, and others.

Both areas are extremely convenient to downtown, but are insulated from the hustle/bustle. There are plenty of nice grocery stores around.

Your price range fits Spokane well.

I don't know how much snow you have to shovel in TX, but shoveling is usually the job of each home's resident, though I'm not sure about Spokane's rules on the subject, many locales have the option of ticketing people that don't shovel their sidewalks. Some areas have kids that come around that offer to shovel your walk for money.

Northern Quest Casino is out by Wal-Mart in Airway Heights, maybe 15 minutes from downtown. Coeur d'Alene Casino is about 40 minutes away. And you can't set foot in a gas station in Montana without hitting a video poker machine.

Job?

[skinem]

In Spokane, homeowners are responsible for shoveling their sidewalks. It's also a liability issue, so you do want to ensure it gets done. It may be that there are some developments with HOAs that take care of it.

[Deena160]

With your parameters I would look in Shadel Park Area. That's NW of the downtown core with easy access. We thought it was a nice, older neighborhood. Probably mostly built up in the 50's-60's and a fair amount of ranch homes--IMO probably much better built then 90% of new construction even if you do have to peel off some wallpaper and replace pink tiled bathrooms. It's a little less expensive then places in South Hill or South Valley. I've seen a lot of nice homes on the MLS that are there though. I get the impression that it's kind of a neighborhood that's turning around from the old owners to the new. If so, there'll be more younger families moving in. :~) D

[Poolwa]

Just north of Spokane is Colbert Wa “Greenbluff Area” stay in the 99005 zip. I have lived all over the country looking for the spot Sarasota Fl, Lake Arrowhead Ca, Tucson Az and now Wa for the last 2 years and love it. Colbert is out of the city about 5-10 minutes to all the big boxes. Quite with the chance of no crime and no need for private schools to boot "mead district". We both work out of the home "internet biz" “Day Trade” live next to a doc, Pham’s and a percher. You should not move here with out a job in place. If you have kids I would stay out of Spokane city area. It’s a little more expensive in Colbert but worth every bit. Large fields, horses, just a great place to raise my 2 princess. Good Luck.

[chopperimpala]

There are literally DOZEN'S of houses on the market with the parameters you are looking for, and we are now going into the "slow season" for real estate sales. So prices are dropping, or homes are coming off the market. Not many people want to go "looking for houses" in the snow, and many sellers don't wan't people tracking wet/snowy shoes into thier hoses?!?! Just my thoughts though. The market is a buyers market for sure right now. I have a house listed, that 6 months ago, was appraised at $150,000.00, and we now have reduced it to $129,500.00 with out even an offer!!! It is a rental, so does need some TLC, but is priced below the neighborhood comps. and still "no sale". If you are looking, I myself (I am not a realtor, nor an expert on realty) would consider checking out houses soon, or plan on waiting till April/May, but then again as the area warms up, the prices may increase "a little" but probably not too much. North, past town is more farmland praire area, like was mentioned, but to "me" it is a little to desolate for my tastes. Shadle: 99205, is a great place, Valley: 99216, is a great place (money to house size value) South Hill is VERY nice but a little to old and out of my price range for me?!?!? Just some opinions, as I myself do NOT like Spokane, (I love San Diego) But I do concede....It IS A VERY GOOD place to raise a family.....Ken

[Godfrey01]

Good suggestions here; especially South Hill. Also try Five Mile or Fairwood Park, north of town; both are within five minutes of shops and twenty minutes of downtown, yet they offer great neighborhood parks, top-quality Mead Schools and newer, larger houses for your money.

[Grandma(in waiting)]

The area around North Indian Trail (99208) is also very nice. My son and his wife originally wanted to rent there, but finding cat-friendly rental properties in Spokane, particularly houses/duplexes in certain areas, can be an exercise in futility. Of course, if you intend to buy, that takes that concern out of the equation.