Coeur d’Alene is a fast-growing resort city in North Idaho, known for its scenic lake views and abundant outdoor activities. The city can be so inviting that it doesn’t take much convincing for residents like Desiree Jones to call it home. “I was asked to come to Spokane to consult for a company, and the CEO said, ‘You should go check out Coeur d’Alene.’ I had never even heard of it,” says Jones, a Realtor with eXp Realty. “But we came over here, and it was like 85 degrees. Where we were in California, it was normal to be 110 or 120. We just had so much fun I actually booked a U-Haul the next weekend and moved my family up here. I thought, ‘This is where I want to be for the rest of my life.’”
Coeur d’Alene sits on the northern shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, offering plenty of water activities. Hiking trails, ski resorts and hunting are all within driving distance of the city. In 2023, the U.S. Census estimated that the city’s population neared 57,000, and it has increased about 28% since 2010. Tourism is one of the largest industries in the city thanks to the nearby lake, a world-renowned golf course and a large waterfront resort. Other industries like healthcare, education, mining and logging are still prominent. With Interstate 90 running through the city, it is easily reachable by car or plane.
Bike trails pass all through Coeur d'Alene for scenic as well as convenient commutes.
Sanders Beach is one of Coeur d'Alene's most charming and sought-after waterfront neighborhoods.
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Four seasons of activity in Coeur d'Alene
Coeur d’Alene has several parks and green spaces throughout the city, offering a wide variety of recreation. Some popular spots include McEuen Park and Tubbs Hill in Downtown Coeur d'Alene near the lakeshore. Each of these sites is constantly packed on warm summer evenings, with locals playing basketball or tennis at McEuen Park and kids running around the playground. Tubbs Hill offers 165 acres of wooded trails to explore, including multiple spots to sit and enjoy a sunset view of the lake. City Park and Sanders Beach are some of the popular public beaches for swimming, kayaking or sunbathing. The North Idaho Centennial Trail is a 23-mile paved path for walking, running and biking that passes through the city near downtown.
There are multiple golf courses in the area, including the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course, which is world-famous for the Floating Green on the 14th hole. Golfers tee off from the mainland and try to hit a 15,000-square-foot island in the lake, which can move to different positions daily. Other activities in and around the city include hiking at Canfield Mountain or skiing at Silver Mountain and Schweitzer ski resorts, each under 60 miles away.
Known for its "floating green" on the 14th hole, Coeur d'Alene Golf Course is world renowned.
The K27 Memorial at McEuen Park honors Coeur d'Alene Police Department Sgt. Greg Moore.
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Century-old and modern-day homes in North Idaho
The wide variety of housing in Coeur d’Alene makes it easy for buyers to find something that fits their preferences. Older neighborhoods like Sanders Beach and the Garden District feature established Craftsman and cottage homes on quiet, tree-lined streets. Areas like Ramsey-Woodland and Atlas-Prairie have been developed more recently and feature plenty of 21st-century new traditional and contemporary Craftsman houses in planned subdivisions. The city’s median housing price is just under $600,000, which is higher than the national median.
Bungalows and Craftsman homes make up most of the housing in the Garden District.
Properties directly on the lake tend to be larger and more luxurious, with private beaches.
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Over 100 local shops and restaurants in the heart of Coeur d'Alene
Downtown Coeur d’Alene is the city's commercial hub, with over 100 local shops and restaurants. Most are located along Sherman Avenue, with a few on Lakeside Avenue. They range from gift shops and sporting goods stores to seafood restaurants and craft beer taprooms. Beverly’s is a fine dining restaurant in the Coeur d’Alene Resort that has been on AAA’s Four Diamond list since 1989. Appleway-North 4th Street is another destination with a few local restaurants and grocery stores. West of Highway 95, the mixed-use Village at Riverstone development has shops, restaurants and a movie theater. National retailers and big-box stores like Costco are located in Northeast Prairie.
Midtown Bluebird is a cozy restaurant serving unique dishes near the Garden District.
Downtown Coeur d'Alene is always bustling with lively activity near the Garden District.
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Coeur d'Alene Public Schools offer plenty of education options
Coeur d’Alene Public Schools serves the city and the surrounding area. The district has approximately 10,000 students and gets a B-plus rating from Niche. It is one of the largest districts in the state and offers several programs, such as magnet schools for arts and humanities and a STEM academy. North Idaho College is a local community college offering healthcare, business, manufacturing and STEM programs. The University of Idaho and Lewis and Clark State College each have satellite facilities in the city as well.
North entrance at Lakes Middle School.
East courtyard at Lake City High School.
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Commuting around North Idaho
For being in the mostly rural Idaho panhandle, Coeur d’Alene is a well-connected city. Interstate 90 runs east-west through the city, offering a 34-mile drive to Spokane. Spokane International Airport is just a bit farther, about 40 miles away. Highway 95 provides a north-south route through the region and connects to communities like Hayden and Athol. The Citylink bus system provides public transportation for Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Hayden and includes stops in several neighborhoods. Multiple bike lanes and trails, including the North Idaho Centennial Trail, offer another way of getting around.
Decreasing crime rates in Coeur d'Alene
Coeur d’Alene has seen a recent decrease in crime, with property crime going down by 2.52% and violent crime decreasing by 4.29% from 2022 to 2023, according to police department data. Each type of crime has continuously decreased since at least 2018. Violent crime in the city is higher than the statewide rate for Idaho but about the same as the national rate. Property crime is slightly higher than the Idaho average but significantly lower than the national rate.
Risks of wildfires and flooding on the shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene
Coeur d’Alene and surrounding Kootenai County face environmental concerns such as wildfires. High temperatures, low rainfall and plenty of surrounding wilderness contribute to the risk of wildfires. The county has plans in place to mitigate hazards and respond to these issues when they happen. Flooding is a moderate risk in the area, primarily due to Lake Coeur d’Alene. The lake’s water levels can be controlled by the nearby Post Falls Dam. The county has multiple resources on its website, including flood maps and insurance information.
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On average, homes in Coeur d'Alene, ID sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Coeur d'Alene, ID over the last 12 months is $585,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Introducing The Onyx floor plan at Coeur d'Alene's newest community- Grand Mill, where modern comfort meets northwest charm! This vibrant 3-story condo features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a den, and a 2-car attached garage designed for effortless living and entertaining. The first floor includes a private guest suite with en suite bath and rear-entry garage for easy access. Upstairs, enjoy an
Welcome home to The Ash at Grand Mill, where everyday comfort meets timeless Northwest charm. This beautiful 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath condo offers a thoughtful layout and a low-maintenance lifestyle. The entry level provides a private guest suite and convenient 2-car garage access. Upstairs, an open kitchen and great room create a warm and welcoming space centered around an electric fireplace and
Discover The Onyx at Grand Mill, where every detail is designed for easy Northwest living.This spacious 3-story condo features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a 2-car garage. Enjoy a private guest suite on the main floor, open living on the second, and restful bedrooms upstairs. The open-concept design blends the kitchen, dining, and great room seamlessly. Acovered deck extends your space
Great curb appeal for this multi-level 3BR, 2BA home with a very cute floor plan! The living room is stubbed in for a future gas fireplace! The adorable kitchen comes with all of the appliances! The lower level comes with a laundry room with the washer & dryer, a BR and bathroom, office/family room. Upper level has 2 BR's and a bathroom. Newer items are a front picture window, and new flooring
Discover this beautifully upgraded 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the highly desirable Atlas Waterfront neighborhood. Positioned across from the park, it boasts unobstructed river views and a bright, open layout. Enjoy indoor-outdoor living with four private patios and a fenced side yard, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, upgraded tile in the bathrooms, a gas fireplace insert, and
Welcome to contemporary luxury living in the sought-after Atlas Mill neighborhood. This home features 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom homes, spanning 3100 sq ft, designed to redefine outdoor living with their peaceful private backyards. This new construction home's meticulous attention to detail extends to secure fencing, ensuring tranquility and safety. Indoors, a thoughtfully designed open layout
3 bedroom/2 bath apartments now available for immediate move in!Luxury riverside living now available here at River’s Edge Apartments in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, ID. Located just minutes from downtown, we run along the serene Spokane River with convenient access to the Centennial Trail bike path. Nearby, enjoy a day visiting local restaurants at Riverstone, Atlas Mill Park, or exploring
Say hello to your new apartment at Bo in Coeur d'Alene. With a mix of one- and two-bedroom units featuring waterfront views, a modern design aesthetic, and vibrant shared spaces; Bo is your nest, your space, your place to call home. Explore more at Bo.
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Located on the northwest edge of Coeur d’Alene, Atlas-Prairie is a suburban neighborhood that blends convenience with quality of life. “I would describe it as a good starter home community. It’s a great family neighborhood. There’s a great park in the middle of the community,” says Tom Moore, the broker and owner of Northwest Land and Lifestyle Properties and a former resident of the neighborhood. “I think proximity to schools and good access to both Coeur d’Alene and Spokane are big draws.” Each school that neighborhood students might attend is within a 2-mile drive from the neighborhood. Downtown Coeur d’Alene is about 6.5 miles south of the neighborhood, while those commuting to Spokane have easy access to Interstate 90 just south of the community. <br><br>Atlas-Prairie is comprised of two subdivisions: The Landings and The Trails. Most homes in these subdivisions are new traditional or contemporary Craftsman styles with vinyl siding and spacious built-in garages. Most houses are on lots of 7,000 square feet to a quarter-acre, with backyards big enough for kids to play or for hosting a cookout. Trees and sidewalks line the neighborhood streets, offering room to walk through the community. Houses in The Landings typically cost between $450,000 and $650,000. The homes in The Trails tend to be a little larger and more expensive, usually costing between $600,000 and $1 million. <br><br>Students in Atlas-Prairie might attend Skyway Elementary School, Woodland Middle School and Lake City High School. The elementary and middle schools are each rated a B by Niche, while the high school receives a B-minus. Each school is conveniently located just a short drive from the neighborhood. Lake City High has approximately 1,500 students and offers dual credit courses through colleges like the University of Idaho and North Idaho College. The school is known for its performing arts, including the Troupe De Wolfe theatre program, which puts on two plays each year in addition to monthly improv shows. Students can study in the Fine Arts Academy at Lake City, which includes 16 courses over four years. <br><br>Atlas-Prairie gives residents access to all kinds of recreational activities. “North Idaho is an outdoor playground. We have lakes and four seasons. It’s beautiful year-round,” says Michelle Rene, an associate broker with Windermere Coeur d’Alene Realty. “There’s a lot of activity going on there. There’s a bike trail that connects to the Centennial Trail.” The Prairie Trail is a 4-mile paved trail that passes through the neighborhood, popular for biking and walking. At its southern end, it connects to the North Idaho Centennial Trail, a 23-mile trail that stretches from the Idaho-Washington state line to just east of Coeur d’Alene. Residents are also just minutes from the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, where several public beaches offer places for swimming, fishing and kayaking. Landings Park is an 11-acre green space within the neighborhood with tennis and basketball courts, walking trails, a playground and a splash pad. <br><br>Atlas-Prairie is on the edge of Coeur d’Alene, but there are a few restaurants nearby. Residents can start their day at Cuppa Columbian Caffe on Prairie Road. This casual coffee shop is known for its breakfast burritos and extensive drink menu. Chomper Café is just down the street and serves classic diner food for breakfast and lunch in a farm-themed restaurant. Popular shopping areas like Silver Lake Malla and Silver Lake Plaza are just 3 miles from the neighborhood and home to stores like Macy’s Target and Black Sheep Sporting Goods. Groceries are available at a Safeway on Prairie Avenue and Walmart on Honeysuckle Avenue. <br><br>With Interstate 90 just south of the neighborhood, Atlas-Prairie residents have an easy start to any commute throughout North Idaho. Downtown Coeur d’Alene is just 6.5 miles south along Atlas Road and Northwest Boulevard. Locals who commute to Spokane for work will have a roughly 30-mile drive along I-90. The closest public transit to the neighborhood is the Citylink bus system's C route, which stops on Prairie Avenue and Atlas Road east of the neighborhood and takes riders south through Coeur d’Alene.
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