Wondering whether Spokane’s east side or north side will feel more like home? If you’re relocating, that choice can shape your commute, housing options, weekend routine, and day-to-day convenience. The good news is that both areas offer strong lifestyle advantages, just in different ways. This guide will help you compare the east side and north side of Spokane so you can narrow in on the best fit for your move. Let’s dive in.
East Side vs North Side Basics
When people talk about Spokane’s east side, they usually mean communities along the I-90 corridor, especially Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake. According to the City of Spokane Valley relocation guide, Spokane Valley is centrally located between Spokane and Liberty Lake in the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene I-90 corridor. Liberty Lake notes that it is about 20 minutes from downtown Spokane, which gives the east side a distinctly corridor-based, suburban feel.
Spokane’s north side covers a broader mix of settings. It includes closer-in neighborhoods like North Hill and extends to areas such as Mead, which the Mead School District says is just north of Spokane and about 10 miles from downtown. In practical terms, the north side can feel more varied, with older in-city neighborhoods in one direction and more edge-of-town living farther north.
Commute and Transportation
East Side Commutes
If freeway access matters to you, the east side has a clear advantage. Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake are closely tied to I-90, which makes east-west travel a major part of daily life. For many relocation buyers, that means simpler regional access and a more predictable suburban commute pattern.
Transit has also expanded in this corridor. Spokane Transit Authority says the Mirabeau Transit Center opened in 2025 to improve connections between Spokane, Spokane Valley, and Liberty Lake. STA also says Route 7 connects Liberty Lake, Spokane Valley, Downtown Spokane, and Spokane International Airport, with frequent weekday service and hourly evening and weekend service.
North Side Commutes
The north side works differently. Travel patterns are more north-south, with key connections running toward downtown and through major commercial corridors. STA reports that Route 4 Monroe/Regal and Route 25 Division are important north-south routes, with Route 25 ranking among the system’s highest-ridership lines.
There are also long-term transportation projects to watch. STA says the planned Division Street BRT will connect downtown Spokane to Mead with fast zero-emission service starting in 2030. WSDOT also notes that the final North Spokane Corridor to I-90 connection will be built in phases between 2026 and 2030, which could shape future access patterns for north-side residents.
Housing Style and Neighborhood Feel
What the East Side Feels Like
The east side generally leans suburban. Spokane Valley’s comprehensive plan says many residents want to preserve large-lot single-family homes, while newer multifamily development tends to cluster near business centers, major arterials, and transit. The city also supports a mix that includes accessory dwelling units, cottage housing, and other innovative housing types while preserving established neighborhoods.
Liberty Lake adds another layer of planning and variety. Its development code includes single-family, multifamily, mixed-use, commercial, and central business districts, showing a more intentionally planned housing mix. If you want a community with suburban structure, newer-feeling development patterns, and built-in convenience, the east side often fits that goal well.
What the North Side Feels Like
The north side offers more range. In North Hill, the neighborhood profile says many homes were built in the early 1900s near former streetcar lines, with styles that include Craftsman bungalows, Tudor homes, cabins, and Swiss Chalet architecture. It also notes that more contemporary homes and low-rise apartments were added from the 1950s through the 1970s.
As you move farther north, the feel shifts. Mead is described by the Mead School District as combining city conveniences with a country-life environment. That makes the north side appealing if you want options, whether that means an established neighborhood closer to Spokane’s core or a more suburban-to-country setting farther out.
Outdoor Access and Recreation
East Side Parks and Trails
If your ideal routine includes local parks, paved trails, and easy outdoor stops during the week, the east side stands out. Spokane Valley highlights Discovery Playground at Mirabeau Point Park near the Spokane River and points residents toward the Centennial Trail. The city also promotes Dishman Hills Natural Area for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing.
Liberty Lake expands those options with more than 25 miles of multi-use trails, the Centennial Trail, Liberty Lake Regional Park and Trailhead, and the Saltese Uplands Conservation Area. For many buyers, that creates a strong blend of recreation and daily convenience.
North Side Regional Recreation
The north side tends to offer bigger destination recreation. Riverside State Park has about 9,194 acres, nearly 80 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, plus 40 miles of the Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail. That scale is hard to ignore if you like larger outdoor spaces.
Mount Spokane State Park adds another draw. The park offers 100 miles of trails and nearly 37 miles of groomed Nordic ski trails in winter, and it sits north of Spokane in Mead. If your weekends are centered around mountain recreation or larger park experiences, the north side may feel like a better match.
Shopping, Dining, and Daily Errands
East Side Convenience Corridors
The east side is designed around convenience. Spokane Valley says it offers a vibrant mix of retail shopping, restaurants, and entertainment options, while Liberty Lake emphasizes a diverse and sustainable business environment. Liberty Lake also highlights Town Square Park and its weekly farmers market, which reinforces a planned-community feel with nearby amenities.
For relocation buyers, that often translates to simpler errands and easy access to major services. If you want everyday needs clustered around major corridors, the east side checks that box.
North Side Neighborhood Convenience
The north side shines in a different way. North Hill’s neighborhood profile says the Garland Avenue business district includes entertainment, art-oriented shops, services, restaurants, and nightlife. It also points to the Maple-Ash corridor and Division commercial area for practical stops like groceries, banking, health care, hardware, coffee shops, and restaurants.
That can make daily life feel more neighborhood-based, especially in established north-side areas. The same profile notes that downtown Spokane is only minutes away by bus, bike, or car, which adds to the convenience of closer-in north-side living.
Which Side Fits Your Move?
Neither side is universally better. The right choice depends on how you want your day-to-day life to work.
The east side may be a better fit if you want:
- A more suburban setting
- Strong I-90 access
- Newer-feeling development patterns
- Parks and trails woven into daily errands
- Planned communities like Spokane Valley or Liberty Lake
The north side may be a better fit if you want:
- More neighborhood variety
- Established areas closer to downtown Spokane
- Older housing character in some neighborhoods
- A suburban-to-country feel farther north
- Easy access to larger regional recreation like Riverside or Mount Spokane
A Simple Way to Decide
If you’re stuck between the two, start with your non-negotiables. Think about how often you commute, whether you prefer freeway access or closer-in city connections, what kind of home style you like, and how you spend your free time. A buyer who wants structured suburban convenience may land on the east side, while someone who values neighborhood character or north-side recreation may lean the other way.
The best relocation plan is usually to compare these areas in person with a clear strategy. If you want help narrowing down Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, North Hill, Mead, or other Spokane-area options, BranDen Tipton can help you build a search around your commute, budget, and lifestyle goals.
FAQs
Which Spokane area is better for freeway access when relocating?
- The east side generally offers stronger freeway-oriented access because Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake are closely tied to the I-90 corridor.
Which Spokane area has older neighborhoods with more historic character?
- The north side, especially areas like North Hill, is more likely to offer older homes and established neighborhood character.
Which Spokane area is better for trail access and local parks?
- The east side offers strong access to neighborhood parks, the Centennial Trail, Mirabeau Point Park, Dishman Hills, and Liberty Lake trail systems.
Which Spokane area is better for larger outdoor recreation destinations?
- The north side is closer to major recreation areas like Riverside State Park and Mount Spokane State Park.
Is Liberty Lake considered part of Spokane’s east side relocation market?
- Yes. In relocation terms, Liberty Lake is commonly grouped with Spokane Valley on the east side of the metro along the I-90 corridor.
How can you choose between Spokane’s east side and north side neighborhoods?
- Start with your priorities, including commute style, housing type, recreation preferences, and whether you want a more suburban setting or a more varied neighborhood feel.
