The largest city between Seattle and Minneapolis, Spokane is currently the second-largest city in Washington state. Often called the Lilac City because of the beautiful flowers known to grow there, Spokane is also known for being a gateway to the northwest Rockies, Glacier National Park, and the Columbia Valley wine region. Spokane is a city known for its natural beauty, and also for its friendly people and welcoming vibe. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in Spokane, you’ll find a lot about it to love!
A Look at Spokane’s History
The area that is now Spokane was initially founded as Spokane Falls in 1872, by a group of settlers who recognized the value of the Spokane River and the areas around it. Eventually, as more and more people came to the area it grew, and that growth was encouraged exponentially when a main line of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company was built in the area. It also became an important mining and logging center and remains so today. Today, Spokane is a vibrant, multi-cultural area with beautiful scenery, friendly people, and plenty to see and do.
Spokane - A Few Fun Facts
Read more fun facts about Spokane here.
The LGBTQ Community in Spokane
Spokane is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Spokane is the city's local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical and important role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
Odyssey Youth Group is a LGBTQ community center for youth in the greater Spokane area. The group seeks to promote equality of all youth in the greater Spokane area through youth-driven programs and community education.
What's the Weather Like in Spokane?
Spokane has a continental climate with short, warm, and dry summers, and fairly snowy winters, due to its elevation. Spokane averages 17 inches of rain each year, and approximately 44 inches of snow. Summers highs in July average around 84°F and lows in January can drop to an average of 34°F.
Can’t-Miss Events in Spokane
Spokane Pride is the city’s annual LGBTQ pride celebration, and it’s one event you’ll definitely want to put on your calendar. Join with old friends and meet new ones in Downtown Spokane as you celebrate all that the LGBTQ community adds to the city with parades, parties, family-friendly activities, and more.
The Best Neighborhoods in Spokane
Unlike some larger cities that have one specific “gayborhood,” where most of the gay community lives, Spokane tends to an LGBTQ community that is a bit more spread out across the city, as there are many neighborhoods that are great places to call home. Browne’s Addition, the Downtown area, the Garland district, and Peaceful Valley are all popular neighborhoods within the LGBTQ community. Browne's Addition is a historic area with many great older homes. Condos in Browne’s Addition are priced at around $205,000, but there aren't many. Single-family homes range anywhere from $120,000 to $610,000.
In Peaceful Valley (not to be confused with the city of Peaceful Valley that's to the northwest of Spokane), you'll find many people are descended from Russian immigrants. The entire area has many Slavic influences. Single-family homes here range from $165,000 to $975,000. Condos are fairly expensive here, with many priced around $825,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Fox Theater is an iconic theater in Spokane that opened in 1931to much fanfare. Designed by famed architect Robert Reamer, also famous for his design of Yellowstone National Park’s Old Faithful Inn, the beautiful Art Deco building still hosts a variety of shows, performances and other events throughout the year.
Northwest Museum of Art and Culture
The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, or the MAC as locals often refer to it, is the largest cultural institution of its kind located in the Inland Northwest. The museum features five underground galleries and rotating exhibits, and focuses on regional history, visual arts, and American Indian culture. With more than one million artifacts in its collection, the MAC has more than one million artifacts in its collection and is a perfect way to spend an inspiring and educational afternoon.
Parks and Recreation
The Centennial Trail is a 37-mile path that stretches from the Idaho state line to Nine Mile Falls, Washington. It’s perfect for walking, running, skating, biking, and enjoying the beauty of a day outside in Spokane.
The Riverfront Park area is thought by many to be one of the best areas in town to enjoy so much of what Spokane has to offer. With hiking, dining, and shopping opportunities, and beautiful views of Spokane Falls too!
Spokane Nightlife
The Blind Buck calls itself “Spokane’s hetero-friendly gay bar” -and it is truly a nightspot that is popular with and welcoming to all. With a full food menu, great drink specials, theme nights, and friendly crowds, you’ll definitely want to put it on your list of must-try places for a night out in Spokane.
Baby Bar Spokane is a cozy, hideaway type bar known for its strong cocktails and draft brews, live music, and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great place to spend the evening relaxing with old friends – and meeting new ones.
Contact a Spokane Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Spokane, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Spokane, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Spokane gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
