Spokane, WA downtown

2021 Top 100 Best Places to Live In America Sponsored by:

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

liv score
672
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 33
Demographics 35
Economy 56
Education 66
Health 71
Housing 65
Infrastructure 51

#75. Spokane, WA

This eastern Washington city has a robust economy, unparalleled outdoor recreation options, a gorgeous landscape and an affordable cost of living. Spokane’s 215,000 residents also get to take advantage of its top-notch health care and education options, as well as diverse neighborhoods and housing choices ranging from super contemporary homes to historic apartments.

Top Colleges/Universities: Gonzaga University & Whitworth University

Top Industries & Employers: Military/defense, aerospace, health care, advanced manufacturing.

Weekend Plans: Walking or biking the Centennial Trail, a 40-mile paved trail that crosses the border between Washington and Idaho.

Favorite Place to Feast: Frank’s Diner, an American restaurant located inside a repurposed train car that serves up tasty fried green tomatoes and huckleberry everything.

Beloved Beverage: Coffee, coffee, coffee. Spokanites take their java very seriously, frequenting top coffee spots like Atticus Coffee & Gifts, Indaba Coffee and Ladder Coffee Roasters regularly.

Outdoorsy Activity: Canoe or kayak on one of the 76 lakes and dozens of rivers in the Spokane region.

Rooftop Bar: Remedy, a modern bar and restaurant in Spokane’s historic South Hill neighborhood.

Why Your Pet Will Love It, Too: If you decide to get your pet a brother or sister (or you hope to start your pet-ownership journey soon), the Spokane Humane Society is a highly respected organization with a pet food bank, a low-cost veterinary clinic and tons of volunteers. 

Remote Work Perk: If you’re contemplating making the leap into running your own business, or you could just use a little daily camaraderie as you do your remote work, look no further than StartUp Spokane, which has a coworking space and tons of programming for entrepreneurs.

One More Thing … Spokane is home to Riverfront Park, created in 1974 as part of the World’s Fair. The 100-acre park features impressive public art, fountains, a carousel, a skating ribbon, a suspended “Skyride” and tons of other cool activities. It’s also home to regular events and programming for the whole family.

– Sarah Kuta

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