What Is Living in Cheney, Washington Like?
Cheney, Washington sits in Spokane County on the Columbia Plateau, about 16 miles southwest of Spokane via Interstate 90, making it one of the more accessible small college towns in Eastern Washington. State Route 904 runs directly through the city as the primary arterial connecting back to the I-90 interchange, keeping Spokane's job market, medical facilities, and commercial amenities within a 20-minute drive for most residents. Eastern Washington University is the dominant institutional presence in Cheney, and the city's rhythm follows the academic calendar in ways that shape everything from housing demand to the pace of the downtown commercial district. For those moving to Cheney, the relationship between the university and the surrounding community is central to understanding what living here actually feels like day to day.
Eastern Washington University enrolls a significant student population and is the city's largest employer by a considerable margin, supporting a range of academic, administrative, and service jobs that form the backbone of the local economy. Beyond the university, Cheney's economy is modest — most professional employment is in Spokane, and the city functions largely as a residential and educational community rather than an independent job center. The cost of living in Cheney is among the lower in Spokane County, with home prices that run meaningfully below Spokane proper and well below the Seattle metro, making it an accessible option for university employees, students transitioning to homeownership, and households seeking affordability within commuting distance of Spokane. Washington's lack of a state income tax is a relevant consideration for anyone comparing costs against Idaho communities to the east.
Living in Cheney has the unhurried, small-town quality common to university communities its size, with the campus providing cultural programming, athletic events, and recreational facilities that supplement the modest commercial offerings of the downtown core. Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge lies just south of the city, offering wetland trails, bird watching, and wildlife viewing across thousands of acres of shrub-steppe and ponderosa pine habitat that gives Cheney's natural surroundings a character distinct from more developed parts of the Spokane metro. The downtown along First Street has a functional small-city feel with local restaurants and services.
Cheney schools are served by the Cheney School District, which operates separately from the university. Cheney neighborhoods are relatively compact, centered around the university campus and spreading into quieter residential streets on the city's edges.
Whether you're considering a move or just researching the area, the sections below break down Cheney's neighborhoods, cost of living, schools, local favorites, and what daily life here is really like.
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Cheney at a Glance
How Much Do You Need to Live in Cheney?
Use this calculator to find out exactly how much income your family needs to live comfortably in Cheney, Washington — whether renting or buying. Then compare with nearby cities.
Cost of Living Calculator — Cheney, Washington
Select your family size and whether you plan to rent or buy.
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Ready to see what you qualify for in Cheney?
Talk to Todd — free, no obligation.Cheney Neighborhoods
Cheney has several distinct neighborhoods — each with its own character, price range, and appeal. Here's a breakdown to help you narrow down where to focus your home search.
🎓 University District / Campus Area
Surrounding Eastern Washington University's 300-acre campus - the most walkable part of Cheney with rentals, craftsman bungalows, and student energy. 1st Street dining, bars, and campus events make this the city's social hub.
🏡 South Cheney Residential
Established family neighborhoods south of campus with a mix of mid-century ranch-style homes and newer construction. More homeowner-occupied than the campus area, with quieter streets and larger lots.
🌳 North Cheney / Newer Developments
Contemporary subdivisions on Cheney's growing north side with modern homes and newer infrastructure. Popular with faculty, staff, and families who want updated construction at far lower prices than comparable Spokane suburbs.
🌾 Rural Outskirts / Large Lots
Properties at the edge of city limits offering acreage and rural character near the Columbia Plateau State Park Trail and Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge - just 16 miles from downtown Spokane via I-90.
Want to see what's for sale in these neighborhoods?
Sign up for listing alerts — get notified when homes hit the market.Pros & Cons of Living in Cheney
Every city has trade-offs. Here's an honest look at what residents love — and what they'd warn you about — before moving to Cheney.
✅ Pros of Living in Cheney
- Eastern Washington University — affordable four-year education
- Very affordable housing — among WA's lowest
- Small college town character
- Easy Spokane commute (16 miles)
⚠️ Cons of Living in Cheney
- Very car-dependent
- Limited amenities beyond EWU
- Economy entirely dependent on university
- Cold winters with significant snow
Thinking About Buying in Cheney?
Todd Davidson has helped buyers across Washington and Oregon navigate the mortgage process — from first-time buyers to retirees relocating to the Pacific Northwest. A quick conversation can save you thousands.
Schools in Cheney, Washington
Cheney School District serves with Cheney High School. Eastern Washington University is literally in the community, providing extraordinary Running Start and community education opportunities. EWU's education programs train many of eastern Washington's teachers.
🎓 School District
Washington voters consistently support school levies, funding programs and facilities beyond state minimums. The no-income-tax environment frees more local budget for education investment.
🏆 Niche District Ranking
#46 Best School District in Washington (Niche 2026) · Niche Grade: B
4-year graduation rate: 88% compared to Washington state average of ~88%.
View full profile on Niche →
📚 Higher Education
Washington flagship schools: University of Washington (Seattle, top 55 nationally), WSU (Pullman), Western Washington University (Bellingham), and Gonzaga University (Spokane) — all with competitive in-state tuition.
💼 Running Start
Washington Running Start lets high school juniors and seniors take community college classes tuition-free, earning college credit simultaneously — an extraordinary statewide opportunity.
Job Market in Cheney, Washington
Eastern Washington University is Cheney's primary employer and economic reason for existence. Faculty, staff, students, and the student-serving economy define the city's employment landscape. Cheney School District provides additional public employment. The proximity to Spokane (16 miles) allows EWU employees and graduates to access Spokane's broader job market.
Retiring in Cheney, Washington
Cheney retirees get a vibrant Eastern Washington University college-town atmosphere, Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge at their doorstep, and Spokane's full range of services just 16 miles away — at eastern Washington prices.
🏥 Healthcare
Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center (16 miles in Spokane) is a Level II Trauma Center and one of the best hospitals in eastern Washington. MultiCare Deaconess Hospital offers additional specialty coverage. Spokane's healthcare network is exceptional for a mid-size city.
🌤️ Climate
True four-season inland climate — warm sunny summers (highs 85–90°F), cold snowy winters (lows 18–25°F). Average ~17 inches annual precipitation, mostly as snow in winter. About 170 sunny days/year. Lower humidity than western Washington.
🎭 Lifestyle
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge (literally at the city edge) for world-class birding, EWU campus events, Cheney Rodeo, Spokane's Riverfront Park (16 miles), Centennial Trail cycling, 76 area golf courses, and skiing at Schweitzer Mountain (90 min).
🏘️ 55+ Communities
Cheney's small size means senior services are shared with Spokane County. STA (Spokane Transit) connects Cheney to Spokane's full senior resource network. EWU's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) provides exceptional continuing education programming for retirees.
✈️ Airport Access
Spokane International Airport (GEG) is approximately 20 minutes east. Multiple daily Alaska, Delta, Southwest, and United flights serve Spokane. For eastern Washington, it's genuinely convenient airport access.
💰 Retirement Budget
Cheney is exceptionally affordable for a college-town retirement. Median home price ~$310,000. Monthly retirement budget of $2,800–$3,800 is very comfortable. Spokane proximity provides big-city services at small-city prices.
🏛️ Washington Taxes for Retirees — What You Need to Know
- No personal state income tax — Washington is one of only 9 states with zero personal income tax. Social Security, pension distributions, IRA/401(k) withdrawals, and investment income are all free from state income tax.
- Sales tax: 6.5% state + local — Washington relies on sales tax instead of income tax. Combined state and local rates typically range from 8%–10.5% depending on city. Oregon border residents can shop tax-free in Oregon for large purchases.
- Property taxes — Washington's property taxes are moderate. The Senior Citizen/Disabled Persons exemption allows qualifying homeowners 61+ to receive a reduction or freeze on their property tax based on income.
- No estate or inheritance tax under $2.193M — Washington has an estate tax, but only on estates exceeding $2.193 million (2024 threshold). No inheritance tax is assessed on beneficiaries. For most retirees, this is not a concern.
- Capital gains tax (7% above $250K) — NEW — Washington enacted a 7% capital gains tax on gains exceeding $250,000 per year. Retirement accounts, real estate, and most ordinary investment rebalancing are exempt, but large stock sales may be affected.
- No tax on Social Security — As with all income, Social Security is completely free from Washington state tax.
- Long-Term Care Trust Act — Washington requires most workers to contribute 0.58% of wages to the WA Cares Fund (state long-term care insurance). Retirees not working are not affected. Private LTC insurance holders may opt out.
Tax laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified Washington tax professional or CPA for personalized retirement tax planning. This information is general in nature and not tax or legal advice.
Distances from Cheney
Here's how far Cheney is from key destinations — helpful context whether you're commuting for work or planning weekend trips.
Things to Do in Cheney, Washington
Cheney offers a variety of activities and attractions for residents and visitors alike. Here's a taste of what you'll find:
- Explore local parks
- Visit the farmers market
- Hike nearby trails
- Enjoy waterfront dining
Hidden Gems of Cheney
Every city has spots that only locals know. Here's the insider guide to Cheney's best-kept secrets — from underrated restaurants to lesser-known trails, local events, and the coffee shops worth waking up early for.
🍽️ Underrated Restaurants
- Campus Bar & Grill — Eastern Washington University college-town institution
- Benito's Pizza — beloved local pizza that Cheney students and residents both swear by
- Chaps Diner — classic American breakfast and lunch, Cheney's everyday diner
- Rustler's — local bar and grille with American fare popular with the university community
🥾 Best Local Hikes & Outdoor Spots
- Fish Lake Trail (Spokane, 16 mi) — 12-mile paved trail through the Palouse to Spokane
- Medical Lake park trails — quiet walks around the distinctive alkaline Medical Lake
- Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge (12 mi) — stunning prairie potholes with exceptional birding
- Palouse landscape drives — scenic rolling wheat field landscapes unique to Eastern Washington
🎉 Local Events Worth Knowing
- EWU Eagles athletics — Eastern Washington University football (FCS powerhouse) and basketball
- Cheney community events at City Park — summer concerts and community gatherings
- Inland Northwest Craft Beer Festival (Spokane, 16 mi) — excellent regional beer event
- Eastern Washington University film series — free and low-cost cinema events
☕ Best Coffee Shops
- The Cave — quirky below-grade coffee shop beloved by EWU students
- Bucer's Coffeehouse Pub (Pullman, 75 mi) — the college town coffee legend
- Thomas Hammer Coffee (Spokane, 16 mi) — excellent local Inland Northwest roaster
- Dutch Bros Cheney — convenient drive-through for the campus community
🌿 Farmers Markets
- Cheney Farmers Market (summer) — local agricultural products from area farms
- Rosauers Supermarket — well-stocked local grocery chain with solid regional product selection
- Spokane Public Market (16 mi) — year-round indoor market with local vendors
- Hurst Farm Supply — local farm supplies and agricultural products
Top Things Locals Say About Cheney
The best intel about a city comes from the people who actually live there. Here's what Cheney residents say when asked the questions every newcomer is thinking.
"What surprised us was how fast the good houses go. We had to have our pre-approval ready before we even stepped foot in a Cheney open house."
— Recent Cheney home buyer
📅 Set Up Pre-Approval Call with Todd💡 “What’s the most surprising thing about living in Cheney?”
That Eastern Washington University makes Cheney feel significantly younger and more energetic than its population of 12,000 would suggest. It's a college town in all the best ways — good coffee, strong sense of community, affordable housing.
❤️ “What do locals love most about Cheney?”
The Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge right at the city's edge. Thousands of acres of protected wetlands and ponderosa pine forest are literally minutes from downtown. Bird watching, hiking, and wildlife viewing are part of everyday life here in a way that's special.
🧳 “What should newcomers to Cheney know?”
Cheney is primarily a college town — if EWU isn't part of your life, understand that the rhythm of the city is tied to the academic calendar. Summers are quieter; falls bring energy. Spokane is 16 miles away and provides the full range of big-city services.
🚶 “Can you live in Cheney without a car?”
More walkable than you'd expect for a small eastern Washington city, especially near campus. Bus service connects to Spokane regularly. Students often go car-free or car-light here more successfully than in other small WA cities.
FAQs About Moving to Cheney, Washington
What is Cheney, Washington known for?
Cheney is the home of Eastern Washington University (EWU), which gives the city its college-town character. The city is also known for Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most important waterfowl refuges in the Pacific Northwest, located just south of the city. Cheney is part of the Spokane metro area and offers significantly lower home prices than Spokane itself.
What are home prices in Cheney?
Cheney's home prices are among the most affordable in the Spokane metro, typically ranging from $250,000–$380,000. The university student population creates a rental market, and buyers often find good value in owner-occupied neighborhoods. Todd Davidson can walk you through eastern Washington options — call 971-275-2465.
What is Eastern Washington University like?
EWU is a regional comprehensive university with about 12,000 students, strong programs in education, health sciences, business, and technology. The Eagles' athletic programs are active in the Big Sky Conference. The university is expanding its presence in Spokane's University District as well, giving students access to the full city while maintaining Cheney's campus character.
How far is Cheney from Spokane?
Cheney is 16 miles southwest of downtown Spokane — about a 20-25 minute drive on I-90. Bus service between Cheney and Spokane is provided by STA. The proximity makes Cheney's affordability accessible to workers throughout the Spokane metro area.
How do I get a mortgage for a home in Cheney, Washington?
The first step is always getting pre-approved. Todd Davidson (Executive Loan Officer, Rocket Mortgage, NMLS #2003696) specializes in Washington home buyers with a current offer of lender-paid 1% rate reduction in Year 1 on purchase loans — potentially saving up to $500/month.
Cities Near Cheney, Washington
Exploring other Washington cities? Here are communities near Cheney — each with its own character and lifestyle. Click to explore any of them.
🗺️ More Inland Northwest / Spokane City Guides
Helpful Links for Moving to Cheney
Ready to Make Cheney Home?
Whether you're buying your first home, relocating from out of state, or retiring to Washington — Todd Davidson will walk you through every step of the mortgage process and make it easy.