Peaceful Valley reflects both its working class past and the people who currently live there: independent, feisty, neighborly, often bohemian. The tolerant live-and-let-live attitude has been attractive to artists and writers, and others who have sought a more unconventional place to live along the Spokane River, which has shaped the valley and the lives of the people who have long lived in its constant presence.
Peaceful Valley has a rich history and is a unique part of Spokane. A natural bluff dominates and separates Peaceful Valley from the Browne’s Addition neighborhood to the south. The Spokane River to the north and the confluence of the river and Latah/Hangman Creek to the west have shaped the history and formed the neighborhood boundaries. Main Avenue feeds directly uphill into Downtown Spokane to the east boundary at Monroe Street. This area was a traditional gathering place for Native Americans as a trading center for bartered goods and the abundant salmon which were harvested from the Spokane River and Latah Creek.
The bluff and the river make Peaceful Valley a secluded hideaway adjacent to the busyness of downtown Spokane, offering walkable proximity to the public library, business, entertainment and restaurants. The neighborhood has only two street entrances: on the east from Monroe Street down Main Avenue, and on the west at the intersection of Riverside Avenue and Clarke Avenue by People’s Park. For those walking, there is also one long, steep staircase at the south end of Cedar Street climbing the bluff to Riverside Avenue, and another, shorter stair climb, to the west, from Spruce Street. The neighborhood has an eclectic group of residents including office workers, caregivers, teachers, lawyers, telecommuters, woodworkers, artists, musicians, etc. Those who live here take pride in the community’s supportive attitude toward freedom of expression, which can be seen or heard when strolling through the neighborhood.
Friendly neighbors will check on each other during the worst winter snows and are not shy about starting conversations with passersby from front porches. The atmosphere of Peaceful Valley is unstructured and unpretentious, much like the art found scattered throughout. This neighborhood values creativity rather than luxury. Pristine lawns are often ditched in favor of unique gardens. Residents are self-described as eclectic, artistic, funky, relaxed and resilient. The views from Peaceful Valley are unlike any other neighborhood. Whereas the West Central and Riverside neighborhoods look down upon the river, Peaceful Valley has a much more intimate perspective of the waterfront. The river draws deer, the occasional moose, red tail hawks, osprey, blue heron, bald eagles, skunks, raccoons, porcupines, beaver, river otters, and of course marmots. From Glover Field the view includes the historic Monroe Street Bridge, the Spokane Falls and the downtown skyline.
