Starting a new role on Spokane’s West Plains and trying to sort out housing, commute, and daily life fast? You are not alone. The area stretches from the airport across Airway Heights and into the lakeside town of Medical Lake, and each spot offers a different pace. In this guide, you will get a clear look at neighborhoods, housing types, commute planning, and what everyday living feels like so you can land smoothly and focus on your new job. Let’s dive in.
West Plains at a glance
What the West Plains includes
The West Plains is the broadly flat area west of Spokane that includes Airway Heights, Medical Lake, Four Lakes, and nearby unincorporated neighborhoods. Spokane International Airport sits here, and Fairchild Air Force Base is a major employer to the southeast of the area. Regional logistics and warehouse operations also draw many workers.
You are close to Spokane’s urban amenities while living minutes from major job centers on the Plains. Land use ranges from airport-related commercial and retail near Airway Heights to quieter residential and rural parcels as you move toward Medical Lake and Four Lakes.
Airway Heights vs. Medical Lake
Both communities are popular with new hires, but they offer different day-to-day vibes:
Airway Heights
- Character: Commercial and service-oriented, with quick access to the airport and nearby employers.
- Housing: Higher share of rental apartments and newer rental developments, plus some older single-family streets.
- Appeal: Short drives to the airport and retail, with convenience-focused options.
Medical Lake
- Character: Smaller town anchored by lake recreation and a residential feel.
- Housing: Predominantly single-family homes in quieter neighborhoods; fewer large rental complexes.
- Appeal: Lake access, parks, and a small-town setting within a short drive of West Plains job sites.
Housing options and market basics
What you will find
- Single-family homes: Common across the West Plains, especially in and around Medical Lake. Styles range from mid-century ranches to newer subdivision homes.
- Apartments and condos: Concentrated near Airway Heights and commercial corridors that serve airport and workforce needs.
- Manufactured and small-lot homes: Scattered in rural and semi-rural parcels across the Plains.
- Townhomes/duplexes: Available in select newer developments, though less common than single-family or apartments.
Renting vs. buying
- Renting: If you want speed and flexibility, Airway Heights often has more rental inventory, including short-term and furnished options. Ask about lease length, parking, pet policies, and whether utilities are bundled.
- Buying: If you prefer a single-family home with a quieter environment, start your search in Medical Lake and surrounding residential areas. Request recent comparable sales and neighborhood trends to understand value and turnover before you write an offer.
If you are on a tight timeline
- Consider a 2 to 8 week short-term rental or extended-stay hotel while you explore. This gives you time to test the commute during your actual shift hours and learn which neighborhood fits your lifestyle.
- Large employers may offer housing guidance, shuttle information, or preferred vendors. Check with your HR or housing office.
Commute planning made simple
Main routes and timing
The West Plains is served by interstate connections and state highways that link to Fairchild Air Force Base, the airport, and Spokane. Commute times vary by shift and direction, and peak periods can add time. The smartest step is to test your route during your real start and end times before you commit to a lease or purchase.
Seasonal weather matters. Winter snow and ice can slow travel and require extra prep time. Construction projects and occasional airport or base traffic spikes can also affect timing. Stay flexible and check advisories during your first few weeks.
Transit, shuttles, and rideshare
Spokane Transit Authority runs bus service across the metro with routes that reach parts of the West Plains, though frequency is more limited than in denser areas. Some employers offer shuttles or carpool programs, and Fairchild AFB has on-base transportation options for military personnel. Most residents still rely on a personal vehicle for daily commutes, with rideshare availability that can vary by time and location.
Active transportation
Walking and biking work best for localized trips. For most commutes to the airport or base, active transportation only makes sense for short distances. Check city bike information and regional plans for specific routes if you are considering a bike-friendly setup near work.
Everyday living
Shopping and services
You will find grocery stores and big-box retail near the main corridors that serve Airway Heights and the airport area. For specialty shopping, dining, and cultural venues, Spokane proper is a short drive. Healthcare choices include local clinics and urgent care in the West Plains, with regional hospitals and specialists located in Spokane. If you are relocating with health coverage, verify clinic networks before you move.
Schools and childcare
The Medical Lake School District serves Medical Lake, and parts of the West Plains may feed into nearby districts such as Cheney. Always confirm school assignments by specific address through the district office. Childcare availability can be tight, so contact providers early to get on waitlists and confirm hours that align with your shift.
Recreation and lifestyle
Medical Lake offers easy access to lake-based recreation, including boating, fishing, and park space. Across the Spokane region, you will find trails, parks, and outdoor areas within a short drive, along with cultural events and sports in the city. The area experiences four distinct seasons. Summer is warm, winter brings snow, and spring and fall offer transitions that can affect road conditions. Prepare for winter driving as you settle in.
Cost of living and taxes
Washington State does not collect a state income tax. Sales and property taxes vary by city and county. For accurate comparisons and current rates, review official state and county tax resources when you plan your budget. If you are buying, request a property tax breakdown for any home you are considering.
Quick relocation checklist
Before you arrive
- Ask your employer about relocation assistance, shuttles, and recommended neighborhoods near your site.
- Book short-term housing for a few weeks so you can explore and test commutes.
- If relocating with family, request school boundary maps and enrollment details from the district.
First 1 to 2 weeks
- Drive your commute during your actual shift times.
- Set up utilities and internet. Avista commonly covers electric and gas in many areas; water and sewer are handled by the city or county. Check installation lead times.
- If you are moving from out of state, review Washington State Department of Licensing requirements for driver’s licenses and vehicle registration.
- Choose a primary care provider and dentist. Note the closest urgent care and the hospital you prefer in Spokane.
Housing decisions
- Buying: Ask for recent comparable sales, days on market, and neighborhood trend insights. Confirm zoning or development plans that could affect your block.
- Renting: Verify parking assignments, pet fees, lease flexibility, and exact commute mileage.
For military personnel
- Contact Fairchild AFB housing and Family Support for on-base housing waitlists, sponsor programs, and transportation options.
Neighborhood snapshots
Airway Heights
If you want convenience near the airport and retail, Airway Heights keeps daily tasks efficient. You will see a mix of apartments, newer rental communities, and some single-family pockets. This location works well if you value quick access to work, services, and major corridors.
Medical Lake
If quiet streets and weekend time at the lake sound appealing, Medical Lake offers a small-town setting with single-family homes and local parks. You still stay within an easy drive of the airport, the base, and Spokane’s broader amenities.
How we can help
Relocating is easier when you have a local guide who knows how each neighborhood lives day to day. From short-term housing strategies to a targeted home search, you can get a plan that matches your schedule, commute, and wish list. If you are buying, you will benefit from design-forward advice that helps you understand value and potential in each property. If you are selling a home elsewhere before you move, staging-informed guidance can improve your presentation and timing.
Ready to make your move with confidence? Connect with Amy Khosravi to schedule a free consultation.
FAQs
What areas are included in Spokane’s West Plains?
- The West Plains generally includes Airway Heights, Medical Lake, Four Lakes, and nearby unincorporated areas west of Spokane, along with the airport and job centers that serve it.
How do Airway Heights and Medical Lake differ for relocators?
- Airway Heights offers more rentals, services, and the shortest drives to the airport, while Medical Lake is more residential with lake recreation and a quieter feel.
What is the best way to plan my commute in the West Plains?
- Test your route during your actual shift hours and watch for seasonal weather, construction, and airport or base traffic that can affect timing.
Is public transit a realistic option on the West Plains?
- Spokane Transit Authority serves parts of the area, but frequency can be limited; many workers rely on a personal vehicle, with some employers offering shuttles or carpools.
Which school district serves Medical Lake and nearby areas?
- The Medical Lake School District serves Medical Lake. Some West Plains addresses feed into other districts such as Cheney, so confirm assignments by specific address.
What climate should I expect after moving to the West Plains?
- You will experience four seasons, with warm summers and snowy winters. Winter driving preparation is important, and conditions can affect commutes.
Are there short-term housing options for a fast start date?
- Yes. Look for furnished rentals, corporate housing, or extended-stay hotels, especially around Airway Heights, to bridge your first weeks while you explore neighborhoods.
