Student Housing in Cheney, WA
Student Housing in Cheney, WA
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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.
South Cheney Residential Area
The residential streets south of campus are popular with upperclassmen and graduate students seeking a quieter, more neighborhood-oriented setting. Rents here tend to be competitive and the bike or walk to campus is manageable for most of the year.
Sandifur Parkway and East Cheney
Newer apartment complexes and townhome developments near Sandifur Parkway on the east side of Cheney offer modern amenities including in-unit laundry and updated kitchens at prices that are often comparable to older units. These properties appeal to students who prioritize newer construction and on-site parking.
Spokane Valley and South Spokane
A substantial share of EWU students live in Spokane's Valley neighborhoods or south Spokane and commute to campus by car or STA bus. This option opens up a much wider range of housing types and price points and gives students access to Spokane's job market and amenities, making it an appealing alternative to living in Cheney.
Getting Around Cheney as a Student
Here's what you need to know about getting around Cheney.
Public Transit
Cheney is connected to Spokane by the Spokane Transit Authority's Route 60, which runs regularly throughout the day and makes the commute between downtown Spokane and the EWU campus viable without a car. Within Cheney itself, the transit options are more limited, but the town is compact enough that local destinations are usually reachable on foot or by bike. Students who rely primarily on public transit for the Cheney-to-Spokane corridor will find the STA bus schedule reasonably aligned with academic and work schedules, though late-night return trips may require planning.
Walking and Biking
Cheney is a walkable, bike-friendly community for students who live near campus. The flat to gently rolling terrain and short distances between the university, downtown, and most residential neighborhoods make cycling a practical daily transportation option for much of the academic year. Winters can bring snow and ice that complicate cycling, but many students manage with a combination of walking and occasional rideshares during the colder months. Sidewalk and path coverage near campus is generally good.
Parking
Parking in Cheney is considerably more plentiful and affordable than in most urban university environments. Most off-campus apartments and rental houses include off-street parking or have easy access to unrestricted street parking. Campus parking requires a permit and can fill up during peak hours, so students who commute to campus from off-campus housing should factor permit costs and lot proximity into their housing decisions. Overall, parking is not a significant pain point for students in Cheney.
Frequently Asked Questions: Student Housing in Cheney
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Rents in Cheney typically range from around $550 to $850 per person per month in a shared apartment or house, making it one of the more affordable college towns in Washington State. Newer apartments with more amenities will be at the higher end of that range, while older houses shared among several roommates can bring costs down significantly. Students who live in Spokane and commute will find a wider range of price points depending on the neighborhood.
Cheney is well suited to students who want a classic college town experience with a low cost of living and a tight campus community. The city is safe, compact, and oriented toward student life, with most daily needs accessible on foot or by bike. Students who want urban amenities can easily reach Spokane by car or bus, which helps offset the limited dining and entertainment options within Cheney itself.
Yes. The Spokane Transit Authority's Route 60 connects the EWU campus in Cheney to downtown Spokane with service throughout the day, making it a practical option for students without cars. The bus ride takes roughly 35 to 45 minutes depending on stops and traffic. Students who rely on the bus should check the current STA schedule for specific departure times and any seasonal adjustments.
Cheney winters are cold and occasionally snowy, typical of the inland Pacific Northwest. Temperatures frequently drop below freezing from December through February, and snowfall is common though rarely extreme. Students should budget for winter gear and be prepared for conditions that make cycling less practical for a portion of the year. The EWU campus and downtown remain accessible on foot during most winter weather.
A car is not strictly required for students who live in Cheney close to campus, since the city is walkable and the STA bus connects to Spokane. However, having a car significantly expands access to shopping, employment, and recreation in the Spokane area. Students who plan to live in Spokane and commute to campus will find a personal vehicle much more convenient than relying exclusively on transit.
The streets immediately surrounding the EWU campus are most popular for walkability. Downtown Cheney attracts students who want a social, central location. The south Cheney residential area is popular with upperclassmen seeking a quieter setting. Newer complexes near Sandifur Parkway appeal to students who want modern amenities. A significant number of students also live in Spokane Valley or south Spokane and commute.
Cheney has a robust off-campus housing market for a town its size, driven by a student population that is roughly equal to the non-student population. This means a large share of the local housing stock is oriented toward student renters. The market is most active from February through April, and students who start their search in January tend to find the best selection and prices.
Cheney has essential services including a grocery store, pharmacies, and basic retail within or near the downtown area. For a wider selection of stores, restaurants, and services, students typically make trips to Spokane, which is about 20 to 25 minutes away by car. Having regular access to Spokane, whether by car or the STA bus, is an important part of comfortable living in Cheney.
The Columbia Plateau surrounding Cheney offers hiking, cycling, and wildlife viewing in a landscape of wheat fields, basalt outcrops, and wetlands. Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is just south of Cheney and is a popular spot for birdwatching and walking. The broader Spokane region provides access to skiing at nearby resorts, lakes and rivers for summer recreation, and the extensive Spokane parks and trail system.
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