SPOKANE LIVING • LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD COMPARISON

South Hill vs. Kendall Yards

Comparing Two Spokane Places to Live

By Dasha Wollberg • John L. Scott • October 5, 2026

What is the main difference?

If you’re comparing Spokane’s South Hill with Kendall Yards, start with the kind of everyday life you want. Established South Hill neighborhoods offer older homes, mature landscaping, and a variety of neighborhood settings. Kendall Yards offers a more concentrated urban setting near downtown, with restaurants, businesses, and access to the Centennial Trail. Neither is the right choice for everyone—and individual homes can differ just as much as the neighborhoods.

My South Hill story

Over twenty-two years ago, when my husband and I first moved to Spokane, we chose to live on the South Hill in a darling rental. It was painted white and had the quintessential built-ins—and a spooky South Hill basement that I raced out of after doing my laundry.

My favorite grocery store? Huckleberry’s. My favorite breakfast place? It was called Bittersweet Bakery. That’s where I got the call that I was going to have twins. And the best cosmopolitan to share with my mom? Lindaman’s—and don’t tell, but we got dessert, too.

Some of my favorites have come and gone, and new ones have taken their place. But those memories are part of why the South Hill still feels special to me. I teach on the South Hill now, so my connection to the area continues.

South Hill and Kendall Yards at a glance

Charm, trails, and your everyday routine

What draws me to the South Hill?

The South Hill is hard to beat when it comes to charm and mature landscaping. For me, the appeal includes the details that make a house feel like it has a story: built-ins, established trees, and a neighborhood you can get to know over time. Manito Park adds another reason to spend time here, with gardens, walking routes, and places to pause outside. Raika, my German shorthaired pointer, loves it here!

But “South Hill” doesn’t describe one uniform neighborhood. For this comparison, I’m especially thinking of established areas around Manito, Rockwood, and Comstock. Other parts of the South Hill can offer a different housing mix and daily routine. When you’re considering a home, look at the actual block, the condition of the property, and where you’ll go most often.

What draws me to Kendall Yards?

Enter Kendall Yards. For those of us who want easy access to downtown, it deserves a look. I love walking the Centennial Trail, perusing the stores, and hitting up the restaurants. It has such a cool vibe, especially during the seasonal Wednesday Night Market. The market brings together local farms, food producers, artists, and musicians; check its official website for the next season’s dates.

If your idea of a good evening includes dinner and heading downtown afterward, consider how you’d make that trip from a particular home: on foot, by bike, or with a rideshare. Your route, comfort level, weather, and destination all matter. I wouldn’t promise the same travel time from every address.

Kendall Yards may also appeal if you want less yard work. Just remember that lower maintenance depends on the property. Ask what you would maintain yourself, whether there are association dues, and what those dues cover.

My family and I have spent plenty of time eating at Umi Sushi, getting coffee at Indaba, and visiting Dr. Pasma at the Regenerative Institute. He’s kept me in my running shoes! Between our appointments, trail walks, and meals out, we find ourselves in the area quite often.

Which one fits you?

Both areas? Amazing. It just depends on what you’re looking for. If older-home character and established landscaping are high on your list, spend time exploring the South Hill. If access to the trail, restaurants, and downtown is a priority, take a closer look at Kendall Yards. Then compare actual homes—not just the impression you get from one afternoon visit.

Questions to ask before you choose

Is Kendall Yards lower maintenance than the South Hill?

It can be, but that’s a property question rather than a neighborhood guarantee. Compare yard work, exterior upkeep, the age and condition of major systems, and any association responsibilities. An older home with thoughtful updates and a small lot may suit you better than you expect.

Is either area walkable?

Kendall Yards is designed around a connected neighborhood and business district, with access to the Centennial Trail. On the South Hill, walkability varies by address. Before choosing, try the route to the places you’d actually visit, and consider hills, crossings, sidewalks, and winter conditions.

What should I compare besides the purchase price?

Look at the full picture: financing, property taxes, insurance, utilities, association dues if applicable, and anticipated maintenance. Also check parking and storage. For an older home, pay particular attention to the roof, heating, plumbing, electrical systems, and any prior work. For any property, review the information available and discuss appropriate inspections before making decisions.

What about current home prices?

A broad average can hide important differences. Compare homes with similar size, condition, property type, and features using current listings and recent sales. I can help you review relevant examples in both areas rather than assuming one will always be more affordable.

Let’s find the fit for your next chapter

Moving to Spokane—or moving within Spokane—means choosing more than a house. You’re choosing where your everyday life will happen. As an educator and real estate broker, I’m here to help you ask questions, understand your options, and work through what matters to you.

Explore my South Hill neighborhood guide and West Central/Kendall Yards neighborhood guide, or reach out and tell me what you’d like your next home to make possible.

Also read: Spokane vs. Spokane Valley vs. Liberty Lake · More Spokane Living articles