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Spokane is predominantly white, with a strong presence of Northern and Eastern European descendants (German, Irish, English, Scandinavian, and Polish). Diversity is lower than in Seattle, but the city has been changing with the arrival of refugees and immigrants.

The Hispanic community, predominantly Mexican, is growing and concentrated in West Central and East Spokane. There is a significant Ukrainian and Russian community, the result of waves of religious immigration over recent decades. Marshallese people (from the Marshall Islands) also form a visible community, drawn in part by Spokane's access to assistance programs.

English dominates. Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, and Marshallese appear in schools and public services. Religiously, Catholics and various Protestant denominations (including Evangelical and LDS) are strong. Russian and Ukrainian Orthodox congregations, Muslim communities, and a small but active Jewish community are also present.

Spokane is a city of houses. South Hill features tree-lined streets, historic Craftsman and Tudor homes, and is considered the city's most desirable area. Manito Park, Comstock, and Rockwood are located there. Browne's Addition is the oldest neighborhood, near downtown, with Victorian homes and a bohemian atmosphere.

North Spokane, with neighborhoods like Audubon Park, the Garland District (with a retro character), and Indian Trail, offers reasonable prices. Hillyard is more blue-collar, with mild gentrification underway. For those seeking newer, suburban surroundings, Spokane Valley (a neighboring city) has recent developments.

Rent is competitive, but nowhere near Seattle's levels. Students from Gonzaga and Eastern Washington University concentrate demand near the campuses. Buying a home remains feasible for middle-income families, especially away from South Hill.

Gonzaga University is the local standout: private, Jesuit, with roughly 7,000 students, strong in law, business, engineering, and nursing. It also hosts a joint medical school program with the University of Washington (the UW-Gonzaga Health Partnership) on the Spokane campus.

Eastern Washington University, with its main campus in Cheney (about 15 miles away), offers undergraduate programs in education, business, engineering, and health at public tuition rates. Whitworth University is a smaller, residential private Christian institution. WSU Spokane houses health sciences and pharmacy programs from Washington State University.

For community college and ESL, Spokane Community College and Spokane Falls Community College serve as entry points for adult immigrants. Vocational programs, health certifications, automotive, hospitality, and English as a Second Language courses are affordable and available on evening schedules.

Spokane has moderate crime rates for a city of its size. Most of the city is safe to navigate, especially residential neighborhoods such as South Hill, Audubon Park, Rockwood, and Indian Trail.

Areas that warrant more attention include parts of downtown at night (especially near East Sprague Avenue and the eastern stretch), East Hillyard, and some sections of West Central. A visible homeless population in parts of downtown creates discomfort, though violence against passersby is rare.

The Spokane Police Department maintains community policing, and the county Sheriff covers unincorporated areas. The 911 system operates in English with interpretation available in over one hundred languages. The most common crimes affecting newcomers are vehicle theft and package theft.

Spokane summers are hot, dry, and sunny. High temperatures range from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F) from June through September, with cool nights that bring relief indoors. Low humidity makes the heat more bearable than in coastal cities, though air conditioning is welcome during heat waves.

Winters are cold and snowy. Lows drop between -5°C and -8°C (23°F to 18°F) from December through February, with significant accumulation on sidewalks. Gas or electric heating is standard, and heavy coats, hats, gloves, and boots handle daily life. Regional ski resorts open shortly after Thanksgiving.

Spring and fall are brief, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 22°C (41°F to 72°F) and mostly clear skies. Wildfire smoke can affect air quality in August and September. The city averages around 200 sunny days per year.

Riverfront Park, covering nearly 100 acres in the city center, is the heart of urban leisure. It features Spokane Falls (spectacular waterfalls within the city limits), the historic 1909 Looff Carrousel, the Spokane Skyride over the falls, and trails along the river. The Pavilion hosts events year-round.

Manito Park, on South Hill, is a beautiful botanical garden with Duncan Garden (European-style formal design), Nishinomiya Japanese Garden, and Rose Hill. The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC) and the Bing Crosby House, where the singer grew up, document local history.

For nature, Mount Spokane is about 30 miles away and offers skiing in winter. Lake Coeur d'Alene, in Idaho, is roughly 25 miles away and is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the American West. Riverside State Park, to the north, has trails and mountain biking. The Inland Northwest is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts.