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Student Housing in Cheney, WA
About Student Housing in Cheney
Cheney is a classic Pacific Northwest college town of roughly 11,000 residents, situated 16 miles southwest of Spokane on the Columbia Plateau. The community is defined by its close relationship with Eastern Washington University, which enrolls around 12,000 students and serves as the city's largest employer and cultural engine. Cheney's downtown is compact but functional, with local restaurants, coffee shops, and essential services all concentrated within easy walking distance of campus. The surrounding landscape is rolling wheat country with big skies and dramatic seasonal shifts: golden summers give way to cold, occasionally snowy winters typical of the inland Pacific Northwest. The city offers a quieter and more affordable alternative to Spokane, and many students appreciate the focused, campus-centered lifestyle that Cheney provides. At the same time, Spokane's restaurants, shopping, and entertainment are easily accessible by car or bus, giving Cheney residents the best of a small-town feel with a mid-size city nearby. Off-campus housing in Cheney is abundant relative to the town's population, and rents are generally more affordable than in comparable college communities in western Washington.
Best Neighborhoods for Students in Cheney
EWU Campus Neighborhood
The streets immediately surrounding the EWU campus offer the most convenient off-campus living in Cheney, with walkable access to classes, the university library, and campus events. Housing here is in high demand and tends to be claimed early in the leasing season.
Downtown Cheney
Cheney's compact downtown along First Street is within easy walking distance of campus and offers proximity to local restaurants, coffee shops, and community gathering spots. Students who value being at the center of town social life often prioritize this area.