If you're relocating to Spokane and want an older neighborhood with personality, local businesses and a strong sense of community, put South Perry and the Garland District on your list.

Both offer historic homes and neighborhood gathering spots, but they sit on opposite sides of Spokane and have distinctly different personalities.

South Perry: Community-Focused & Close to Downtown

South Perry sits just southeast of downtown and has become one of Spokane's most recognizable neighborhood districts.

Perry Street is the heart of the area, with local restaurants, coffee, shops and neighborhood businesses. Venture a few blocks away and you'll find residential streets filled with older Spokane homes.

You may love South Perry if you want:

• An older home with character

• Local restaurants and coffee nearby

• A neighborhood with a strong community identity

• Quick access to downtown

• Parks and recreation nearby

• A smaller neighborhood-business district

Something to consider:

Housing can change considerably from block to block. When you're relocating and shopping remotely, don't judge the entire area based on one house or street. Spend some time exploring the surrounding blocks.

Garland: Quirky, Historic & Local

North of downtown, Garland has a personality all its own.

The Garland Theater and surrounding restaurants, shops and businesses give the district a fun, retro feel. Surrounding residential areas offer many mid-century and older homes at a range of sizes and price points.

You may love Garland if you want:

• A neighborhood with personality

• Older homes

• Independent businesses

• Easy access to North Spokane

• A neighborhood district you can actually walk to

• Something that feels distinctly Spokane

Something to consider:

Garland isn't a master-planned neighborhood. Housing styles, street layouts and properties vary, which is part of the charm—but also why you want to explore individual streets.

Which One Would You Choose?

South Perry: South Hill location + community feel + local restaurants + downtown access

Garland: North Spokane + vintage character + local businesses + quirky personality

If you're relocating to Spokane, which one sounds more like you?

I'm Abbey Parsons, a Spokane REALTOR® and creator of the Relocate to Spokane community. If you're trying to figure out where you fit in Spokane, reach out. Sometimes narrowing down the right neighborhood is the hardest—and most important—part of the move.