Spokane Area, WA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Welcome to the Spokane area, an ideal location for your 55+ active adult retirement! With its breathtaking natural beauty and small-town atmosphere, this region is perfect for those looking to retire and enjoy a relaxing and active lifestyle. The greater Spokane area offers easy access to numerous outdoor activities, as well as having galleries and museums to explore. With its mild climate, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming community, the Spokane area is an excellent choice for your 55+ active adult retirement.

Spokane Area Affordability and Cost of Living 

The cost of living in the Spokane area depends greatly on which part of the area you are in. The city of Spokane's cost of living is just 2.2 above the national average while the resort town of Coeur d'Alene, ID is 15.3 percent higher than the U.S. average. The small towns surrounding Spokane & Coeur d'Alene are anywhere from 8 to 19 percent higher than the national average. High housing costs drive the increased cost of living, other expenses such as groceries, healthcare, or utilities are either nearly the same or less than the national averages.

Washington has no personal income tax which is great for retirees on a budget. Property taxes are close to elsewhere in the nation and there are programs to assist seniors with their taxes. Washington does not have estate or inheritance taxes. The downside to Washington is their high sales taxes, the combined state and local sales tax rate is almost ten percent.

Idaho’s income tax ranges from 1 to 5.8 percent. Idaho does not tax social security or railroad retirement benefits but does tax other retirement income. Sales tax and property taxes in Idaho are lower than the national average and there are credits for lower income seniors to offset some of these. Idaho does not have estate or inheritance taxes.

Spokane Area Climate and Geography 

The Spokane metropolitan area experiences a semi-arid climate with warm and dry summers with average temperatures in the mid-80s although occasional heat waves can cause temperatures well above 90 degrees. Fall brings cooler temperatures and colorful foliage as the leaves change. Winters are cold with temperatures averaging in the mid-30s and average snowfall ranging from 50-100 inches per year. 

The Spokane River, which runs through the city and nearby towns, provides a great place to enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.. The nearby mountains offer skiing and snowboarding in the winter months, with several ski resorts within easy driving distance, including Mt. Spokane and Silver Mountain Resort. Nearby, the Palouse region is  known for its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes and is a great place for a scenic drive and picnic. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment Near Spokane 

The Spokane, WA area and nearby Idaho towns are a hub for outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping, and entertainment. 

Golfing and Racquet Sports Near Spokane

The area offers an array of courses, including the Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course, which features a floating green. In addition there are tennis and pickleball courts in the area, such as those found at the Spokane Racquet Club. 

Outdoor Recreation Near Spokane

For those who prefer walking, hiking, or biking, the Centennial Trail is a popular choice, stretching 37 miles from Spokane to Coeur d'Alene. The trail boasts scenic views of the Spokane River, and there are several parks and picnic areas along the way. Nature lovers will also enjoy visiting Manito Park, a 90-acre park in Spokane with a conservatory, rose garden, and Japanese garden. The Spokane Riverfront Park is another popular destination, offering a variety of activities such as a carousel, a skyride, and an IMAX theater.

Museums and Historical Sites Near Spokane

History buffs will appreciate the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane, which showcases the region's history and art. The museum also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year. Another historical site in the region is the Cataldo Mission, a Jesuit mission located in Coeur d'Alene that dates back to the mid-19th century.

Music Near Spokane

Those interested in music and other stage performances can check out the Spokane Symphony, which hosts concerts throughout the year. The Pavilion in Riverfront Park is newly renovated and home to popular outdoor summer concerts.

Dining and Shopping Near Spokane

For shopping, there are plenty of options in Spokane, including the River Park Square Mall and the Spokane Valley Mall. The region also has a vibrant culinary scene, with a variety of restaurants offering everything from locally sourced ingredients to international cuisine.

College Sports Near Spokane

The Washington State University Cougars have a well known football team as well as collegiate baseball, and both men's and women's basketball. College sports fans can also catch a game at Gonzaga University, which boasts a nationally recognized basketball team. 

Overall, the Spokane, WA area offers a wealth of recreational activities, cultural events, shopping, and entertainment options, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages.

Spokane Area Health and Wellness 

The Spokane area and nearby towns offer excellent health and wellness support for 55+ active adults. With access to major medical centers and a variety of local options for self-care, staying fit, and maintaining mental wellness is easy.

There are several options in the area for fitness and wellness activities. The Spokane Valley YMCA offers different types of fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates, water aerobics, swimming, and weight training facilities. Many walking and hiking trails are nearby Fish Lake Trail and the popular Spokane River Centennial Trail. Riverfront Park, Manito Park, and others offer outdoor exercise events and classes.

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane is one of the major medical centers in the area, it is a 676-bed hospital that offers a wide range of medical services, including cardiology, cancer care, neurology, and orthopedics. Another top-tier medical center is Kootenai Health in Coeur d'Alene, which has been recognized as one of America's 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades. 

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Spokane Area 55+ Communities

Day One

Morning:

• Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Frank's Diner in downtown Spokane, famous for their massive omelets and pancakes.
• Take a stroll through Riverfront Park, located in the heart of downtown Spokane. The park boasts the Spokane Falls, an IMAX theater, a vintage carousel, and a gondola ride over the falls.
• Drive to Liberty Lake and rent kayaks or paddle boards at Liberty Lake Regional Park. The park offers a 3-mile trail that circles the lake and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy lunch at Hay J's Bistro in Liberty Lake. The restaurant serves upscale cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.
• Take a scenic drive to Coeur d'Alene and explore the city's vibrant downtown area. Check out the independent shops and art galleries on Sherman Avenue.
• Head to Coeur d'Alene City Park, located on the shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene. The park features a beach, picnic areas, and scenic views.

Evening:

• Have dinner at Beverly's, located on the top floor of the Coeur d'Alene Resort. The restaurant offers stunning views of the lake and fine dining cuisine.
• Stay overnight at the Coeur d'Alene Resort, a luxurious waterfront hotel with a full-service spa and golf course.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start the day with breakfast at Dockside, the Coeur d'Alene Resort's casual waterfront restaurant.
• Meet with a local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss retirement community options and tour the available communities in the area.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at Terraza in Coeur d'Alene, a popular spot for Latin American food made with locally sourced ingredients.
• Take a leisurely drive to Post Falls and visit the Dahmen Barn, a unique cultural center that showcases local artists and offers classes and workshops.
• Visit Stateline Speedway in Post Falls, a popular destination for local stock car racing.

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner at The Pentagon Bistro and Martini Bar in downtown Liberty Lake, a stylish spot serving American cuisine and creative cocktails.
• Stay overnight at the Davenport Grand, a historic hotel in downtown Spokane with luxurious amenities and a rooftop bar.

Getting to the Spokane Area

To get to the Spokane area, visitors can drive in on major highways such as I-90, which runs through the center of the city, and US-2, which connects Spokane with the western part of the state. For those arriving by air, the closest major airport is Spokane International Airport (GEG), which is served by several airlines including Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines with primary hubs in Seattle, Minneapolis, and Denver.

Retiring to the Spokane area offers a blend of urban and rural living, with plenty of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. The area is home to many 55+ communities that provide active adults the chance to enjoy all of the recreational and cultural amenities in the eastern Washington/Western Idaho area.