Quality of Life Investment
I used to be a traveller, moving from city to city, looking for my ideal place. I always preferred smaller towns where people are friendly and neighbors know and take care of each other. Where people don’t automatically assume the worst when someone starts a conversation. While the mid-west is certainly friend, it isn’t always easy to find job opportunities. The Spokane area was the smallest place I could find where I could still earn a decent living. Unfortunately, downtown Spokane has gone downhill a bit. While still much safer than Seattle or Portland, there are now a few tweakers hanging out under bridges and in parks, bringing along with them some erratic behavior and risk. Cheney, being 15 miles away, gets you out of that slightly unsafe environment and into a vibrant college town, while still having access to big city amenities. I have been here since 1994.
Cheney, Washington — Overview & History
Cheney is a city in Spokane County, Washington, with a population of 13,255 according to the 2020 U.S. Census. Known for its small-town atmosphere, it is home to Eastern Washington University (EWU), a public regional institution that enrolls over 10,000 full-time students. EWU’s facilities have also been used by professional teams — notably, the Seattle Seahawks held most of their NFL summer training camps here between 1976–1985 and 1997–2006.
Downtown Cheney During Mayfest
Early Settlement & Naming
The area that would become Cheney saw limited settlement until the late 1860s and early 1870s, partly due to conflicts between the U.S. military and Native American tribes in Eastern Washington during the territorial period. The last significant Native resistance in the region occurred in 1858. Once tensions subsided, settlers were drawn by the availability of water, timber, and the prospect of a new railroad line. The first community formed near a cluster of springs along what is now the site of the Burlington Northern depot.
The settlement went through several names — Section Thirteen, Willow Springs, Depot Springs, and Billings — before being renamed Cheney in honor of Benjamin P. Cheney, a Northern Pacific Railroad director. Cheney was a New Hampshire–born businessman who built his fortune in the stagecoach and express shipping industry, later becoming the largest shareholder in American Express. Although he only visited the city once, in 1883 after the ceremonial joining of the Northern Pacific’s eastern and western lines, he contributed funds to establish the Benjamin P. Cheney Academy. The railroad also donated eight acres for the school.
By 1883, Cheney was incorporated, with its streets laid out in a triangular pattern aligned with the railroad tracks, although the alignment was slightly off from true east-west.
The “Grand Steal” and County Seat Disputes
In the early 1880s, Spokane County’s permanent county seat had yet to be decided. Cheney initially won the vote over Spokane Falls (now Spokane), but Spokane Falls claimed irregularities and was awarded the victory. When a recount failed to take place, Cheney residents took matters into their own hands. One night, while much of Spokane Falls attended a wedding, a group from Cheney entered the county auditor’s office, seized the records, and conducted their own recount — declaring Cheney the winner. This bold move, known locally as the “Grand Steal,” was later upheld by the courts.
Cheney held the county seat until 1886, when Spokane Falls regained it in another vote.
Rise of Eastern Washington University
After losing the county seat, Cheney’s civic leaders focused on building a strong educational institution. When Washington achieved statehood in 1889, the town successfully lobbied to host one of the state’s normal schools (teacher training colleges), leveraging the existing Cheney Academy as a foundation. Despite repeated vetoes of state funding in the school’s early decades, residents raised their own money to keep it operating.
Over time, the school evolved from the State Normal School to Eastern Washington College of Education, then Eastern Washington State College, and finally Eastern Washington University.
Geography & Recreation
Cheney sits at about 2,400 feet above sea level at coordinates 47°29′19″N 117°34′43″W. It occupies the highest rail point between Spokane and Portland and lies along a gradual railway grade connecting the Spokane Valley with the Columbia Plateau. The city is surrounded by the rolling Palouse hills and overlooks the Channeled Scablands — a landscape carved by the prehistoric Missoula Floods.
South and east of Cheney are “pothole” lakes and wetlands, many within the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. Within 20 miles, residents and visitors can access numerous lakes and rivers, including the Spokane and Little Spokane Rivers, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and water sports.
From Cheney-Spangle Rd. you can access the Columbia Plateau State Park Trail, which connects to the Fish Lake Trail at Cheney-Spokane Rd. From the Cheney-Spangle Rd. trailhead, you can access the Wetlands Trail, acres of emptiness just outside of Cheney.
A Flavorful Tour: Restaurants in Cheney, Washington
Cheney may be modest in size, but it’s big on culinary variety—from hearty comfort food to late-night eats and global fare. Here’s a curated guide to some beloved local spots:
Farmhouse Cafe
- A local favorite for comfort food with flair—think chicken-fried steak, biscuits & gravy, meatloaf, cheese curds, and peach cobbler.
- Open Wed–Thu (11 am–8 pm), Fri–Sat (8 am–9 pm), Sun (8 am–8 pm).
- Lauded for both its warm ambiance and standout dishes: “By far this is the best restaurant in Cheney. If you want excellent comfort food… this is the place for you.”
Bene’s
- Specializes in breakfast and brunch with creative spins on classics like Eggs Benedict, waffles, biscuits & gravy, and sandwiches.
- Open all week from 7 am to 2 pm.
- Fans rave: “AMAZING FOOD AND GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE! I can’t recommend this place enough! Hands down the greatest breakfast in town!”
Zip’s Drive-In
- A nostalgic classic serving quality burgers, milkshakes, hot dogs, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, and much more. Particularly popular at breakfast time with locals.
- Topped local popularity charts.
- It is the place people who have left Cheney first stop at when they come back to visit.
Bruchi’s Cheesesteaks & Subs
- Known for hearty cheesesteaks, subs, and sandwiches, paired with crinkle-cut fries.
- One of the most liked spots—#2 in the local rankings.
Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant
- Serving authentic Mexican fare including fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, and more. My personal favorite Mexican restaurant. Cooked fresh every time.
El Rodeo
- A longtime establishment known for flavorful Mexican dishes and is the only Mexican restaurant in town serving alcohol, notably margaritas (available in fun sizes like 12, 18, and even 60 oz fishbowls).
- Fun tidbit: It’s housed in Cheney’s historic Interurban Depot—originally built as a train station in 1907.
Barrelhouse Pub & Pizza
- A go-to for artisinal pizza, calzones, wings, and pub fare.
Eagle’s Pub
- Combines bar favorites like pizzas, burgers, nachos, and wings with pool, shuffleboard, karaoke, and trivia—great for a lively night out.
- Loved by locals: “I’ve never ordered something I haven’t liked over the 14 years of eating here… great atmosphere.”
Rosa’s Pizza
- A local favorite for pizza, calzones, breadsticks, and their signature “chuck wagon” sandwich—holds a solid reputation in town. Popular with bowlers who bowl at the adjacent bowling alley.
Gerardo’s Authentic Mexican Food
- Family-owned since 2015, offering dine-in, take-out, delivery and catering—known for fresh, inexpensive, made-to-order Mexican favorites.
China Buffet & Chinese Gardens
- China Buffet: Offers Chinese staples in a quick buffet style.
- Chinese Gardens: Serves traditional dishes like General Tso’s, almond chicken, teriyaki, and egg rolls.
The Mason Jar
- The Mason Jar: Breakfast sandwiches, bagels, coffee, pastries & coffeehouse-style comfort.
Supa! Japanese Kitchen
- Supa! Japanese Kitchen serves Japanese dishes.
Wings Pan
- Wings Pan is a Korean restaurant serving Korean or Buffalo style wings as wells as a variety of bowls.
Birrieria Tijuana
- Birrieria Tijuana: Popular informal Mexican restaurant with less common options such as beef birria tacos, carne asada fries, churros, and horchata—well-liked among locals.
RedZone
- RedZone: A sports bar offering beer, burgers, tacos, and more—fun for game-day and casual outings.
Domino’s Pizza, Carl’s Jr., McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Subway, Papa Murphy’s, Jimmy John’s
- Fast, familiar chains on 1st St. for quick bites and classic fast-food cravings.
- There is also an Einstein’s Bagels and Panda Express on campus.
Cheney is a small-town home base near exciting adventures. Hiking and nature opportunities abound. While you could go to Coeur d’Alene for a beach day, you can also find a beach at nearby Fish Lake. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a student, or a retiree just looking to unwind, Cheney is for you.
Let Cheney Realty Help You Find Your Home in Cheney
Cheney offers a variety of housing options. The most in-demand locations are, of course, those closest to Eastern Washington University. Being a small town, there is no “bad part” of town. However, the passing trains are loudest in the areas closest to 1st Street, the main street that runs through town. The triangular area of town between Salnave Rd and Highway 904 (1st St) is probably considered by some as the lower end part of town, in terms of stick built homes. Many of the homes there do not have garages. But it is by no means unsafe. This area does have the beautifully treed Salnave Park, which is my favorite place to take my dog in summer, because it is nicely shaded. It is also adjacent the new off-leash dog park and we walk from the main park to the dog park. Salnave elementary school is here. The newest, nicest, and most expensive apartments in Cheney are also in this area, Salnave Glen Apartments.
Salnave Park (new Salnave Glen apartments in the background)
In summer, this park is the site of little league games.
The triangle between Washington Street, Highway 904 (1st Street) and Elm Street is the University area. There are expensive older homes, small older homes, and some fraternities and apartment buildings in this area. This area contains Eastern Washington University and is most convenient to it. The following pictures show examples of homes in this area, adjacent Eastern Washington University:
Going north, the area north of Elm Street and south of Betz Rd, and between N Washington St and Highway 904 (1st Street) is the high school area. Betz Elementary and Cheney Middle School are also in this area. The new Aquatic Center, complete with water slides, is a good place to cool down in summer. The Aquatic Center is adjacent Betz Elementary and near Eastern Washington University.
Here are some typical houses in the high school area.
Cheney’s street numbering system confuses many out of towners. Where else can you find a N. 3rd St. that intersects a N. 4th St? The streets with “N” in them are a bit odd. Most are at 45 degree angles to the other numbered streets. 6th Street intersects N. 2nd St. The southern part of N. 4th St. ends on 4th St. but there is also a separate part of 4th that ends on N. 2nd
Also in the high school area, there are several duplexes on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Street. All of those are near Centennial Park, where soccer training occurs during summer. Adjacent Centennial Park are the Cheney Gardens. Apartment dwellers can rent plots and grow vegetables or flowers. Water is included in the plot rent.
Also in the high school area, to the west, Irene Place and Summit Drive are nice dead end areas with some elevation and decent views. They were built up in the 70s and 80s. Hillside Drive has newer homes, also with elevations and views.
Golden Hills Drive has some awesome looking replica Victorian homes in an area called the Field of Dreams, built around 2000.
The area containing Eaton Ln, Cambridge Ln, and Bethany St was also built up in the early 2000s.
Some relatively new (approx. 2010) large apartment complexes can be found on Betz and provide a quick straight drive to the university. There is also a bus loop that goes around town past these complexes (as well as Salnave Glen apartments) and to the University.
Some of the largest homes in town can be found on Sunrise Drive, which goes between Golden Hills Drive and the High School. Below is a picture of one of my favorite houses on Sunrise Drive.
Some of the newest homes can be found off of Sunrise Drive on the streets between Golden Hills Dr and Mike McKeehan Way.
North of Betz Road, and west of S. Murphy you have a newer area that is outside the Cheney city limits. The photo below shows some of these homes. Many are larger and have three car garages.
North of Betz Rd and east of S Murphy you find homes on smaller lots built in the 2000s. The roads are a bit narrow and no parking is allowed on the streets.
Don’t confuse “real Cheney” with “fake Cheney.” Real Cheney is the one described and shown here. There is also an area that is technically part of the City of Cheney but you have to go about 10 miles, and past another town (Four Lakes) to get to it. It is by the Medical Lake exit of Interstate 90. There are some businesses there, a transit center, a McDonalds, some homes, and some apartments. But it is not real Cheney. It is more like a bedroom community of Spokane that doesn’t have much in the way of stores or parks.
Long-term Investment Potential
Cheney’s combination of stable institutional anchor (Eastern Washington University), growing regional economy, affordable cost of living, and natural beauty positions it well for continued growth and property value appreciation. The city’s strategic location between Spokane and the Columbia Plateau Trail provides both urban access and recreational opportunities that will continue to attract new residents.
Quality of Life Investment
Beyond financial considerations, choosing Cheney means investing in a lifestyle that prioritizes education, community engagement, and natural beauty. The city’s commitment to maintaining its small-town character while embracing growth creates an environment where families can thrive, professionals can build careers, and retirees can enjoy active, engaged lifestyles.
Cheney Realty’s deep understanding of different Cheney neighborhoods helps match clients with locations that best fit their lifestyle preferences, from quiet residential areas perfect for families to properties with rental income potential near the university campus. Beyond financial considerations, choosing Cheney means investing in a lifestyle that prioritizes education, community engagement, and natural beauty. The city’s commitment to maintaining its small-town character while embracing growth creates an environment where families can thrive, professionals can build careers, and retirees can enjoy active, engaged lifestyles.
Conclusion
Cheney, Washington represents an exceptional opportunity for those seeking a high quality of life, educational excellence, natural beauty, and real estate investment potential all in one location. The city’s unique combination of small-town charm and college town energy, affordable cost of living, and strategic location creates an environment where residents can build both wealth and wonderful memories.