The Spokane region is routinely recognized for its outstanding business climate and quality of life.

• Spokane the top place to live after college - May 17, 2013
  No state income tax a big reason why. 
  
  
• Washington the eighth-best state for starting a business - May 8, 2013
  Concentration of STEM workers a plus.
  
  
• Washington rated sixth in overall economic performance - May 6, 2013
  State rates high in exports, innovation and more.
  
  
• Spokane a best place to retire to - Dec. 10, 2012
  Home prices cited as one reason.
  
  
• TechNet Study says Washington the nation's leading state in broadband infrastructure - Dec. 5, 2012
  Study highlights broadband's advantages for economic development.
  
  
• Spokane a "Best Winter Vacation Destination" - Nov. 30, 2012
  City comes in at no. 2
  
  
• Spokane a top place to live - Oct. 17, 2012
  City's 'colorful culture emerges in its local businesses.'
  
  
• Spokane a "Top Place to Live on $100 a Day" - July 17, 2012
  Historic downtown, Riverfront Park among the many reasons why.
  
  
• Spokane a 'winner' in growth in the next 20 years - June 27, 2012
  Forecast from Zillow's Chief Economist
  
  
• Washington one of ten states that will boom in the next five years - June 13, 2012
  Aerospace and technology sectors, along with a strong export economy among the factors.
  
  
• Spokane a low risk area for natural disasters - April 30, 2011
  City ranks 6th among metro areas for lowest risk.
  
  
• Washington the second-best state to make a living.
  Average income and no state income tax catalysts for recognition. 
  
  
• Forbes ranks Washington 7th-best state for business.
  Washington again ranked in the top-10.
  
  
• Washington ranked 5th in energy efficiency.
  Moved up one spot from the 2010 rankings.
  
  
• Spokane a top community for young people.
  Ranking comes from America's Promise Alliance. 
  
  
• Spokane a top place to retire to.
  Median home price and no state income tax key factors
  
  
• Washington second in the nation in favorable business start-up states.
  Ranking is up from no. 3 in 2008
  
  
• Spokane in RelocateAmerica's Top 100 Places to Live.
  Spokane one of five Washington cities
  
  
• Washington has the nation's 10th cleanest economy.
  Study looked at green jobs between 2003 and 2010
  
  
• Spokane a top city for families.
  City comes in at no. 51 in Parenting Magazine.
  
  
• Spokane among the top locations for business site selection.
  Eastern Washington fares very well for businesses looking to relocate.
  
  
• Washington the sixth-leading state in clean energy leadership
  Ranking looks at policies, promotion and capital surrounding clean energy.
  
  
• Washington the top bike-friendly state
  The state once again tops the list.
  
  
• Washington 13th Happiest and Healthiest State
  Business Insider ranks Washington State 13 out of 20 for the Healthiest State.
  
  
• Washington the 9th smartest state
  CNNMoney.com noted our state's, "highly regarded research universities."


• Washington the 6th innovative state in the technology and science
  Successfully making technology and science into companies and high paying jobs.
  
  
• Spokane no. 7 mid-sized city for restaurant growth
  Restaurant industry growing the past couple years.
  
  
• Washington the 5th friendliest state for small business
  State's lack of an income tax, low utility rates and more help ranking.


• Spokane has the sixth-best commute to work in the nation
  It takes citizens an average of 20 minutes to get to work each day.
  
  
• Washington the 11th healthiest state
  Up one spot from 2009
  
  
• Spokane the 15th most secure mid-sized city in the U.S.
  This is the second time Spokane has made the list - ranked 19th in 2008
  
  
• Washington ranked second in innovation
  Our state helps move our country toward an innovation-based economy.
  
  
• Spokane a top city for jobs
  MSN.com includes Spokane as a top city for jobs based on recent job growth.
  
  
• Spokane a Top Community for Young People
  We're among 100 of America's top communities
  
  
• Washington Students Get Top SAT Scores
  This is the eighth consecutive year Washington students had the top SAT scores.
  
  
• Spokane Ranks #6 for Charitable Giving, in the Nation!
  MensHealth gives Spokane an A- and a number 6 ranking, in the nation, for
  the city's work with non-profits.
  
  
• Washington #16 for America’s Top States for Business ‘09
  Ranked by ten categories, Washington beat Idaho, Montana, and Oregon.
  
  
• America's 100 Cheapest Places to Live
  Spokane, WA ranked #1 in the Pacific region
  
  
• 21 Regional hospitals recognized as nation's most wired
  Hospitals in our region earned the distinction of being among the most technologically-advanted hospitals in the country.


• Spokane Ranked as a Top City for Young Professionals
  Spokane is No. 13 on the list of "Mighty Micros" (cities with populations of 100,000 - 200,000).
  
  
• More Awards