About 12 miles northwest of Coeur d’Alene, Rathdrum offers a small countryside community in one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country. “We made the move to Rathdrum seven-and-a-half years ago, and it has been life-changing for us,” says Ariel Reed, assistant at the Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce. “Rathdrum has a small-town feel to it, which is hard to find in North Idaho where everything is growing.” Rathdrum has seen its share of growth recently, with the population increasing by about 25% from 2020 to 2023. Despite this, the city holds onto its small-town charm, with locally owned restaurants occupying century-old buildings along Main Street. Reed says there is lots of community spirit, with residents showing up to cheer on Little League and junior tackle football teams.
The community proudly displays its history, with Westwood Brewing Co. using the city’s former name and St. Stanislaus Catholic Church standing as the oldest brick church in Idaho. Because it's a small town, most people commute to work in other cities, although Lakeland School District is a major employer. Plus, with multiple highways connecting to the nearby communities, it's easy to get around North Idaho.
Downtown Rathdrum sits next to the train tracks.
Nadines is a local favorite restaurant in downtown Rathdrum.
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Rathdrum businesses are centered on Main Street
Main Street in Rathdrum is home to multiple local restaurants. “There are currently four restaurants on Main Street, and they are seriously some of the best food around. You’ve got Nadine’s Mexican, which you wouldn’t expect to be so good in little old Rathdrum,” says Reed. Other spots include Cascadia Pizza, a regional chain that sponsors local organizations and events, and Westwood Brewing Co., which Reed says has some of the best burgers. Main Street is also a gathering spot for the city with annual events like Trunk or Treat and the Winter Festival, which includes Christmas lights, food and craft vendors along the street. Regarding shopping, Rathdrum has basics like a Super 1 Foods grocery store and an Ace Hardware. Residents must drive into Post Falls or Coeur d’Alene for other shopping options.
Rathdrum features several local restaurants and breweries that you can walk to.
Main Street in Rathdrum has plenty of restaurant options.
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Homes from the early 20th century to modern builds in Rathdrum
Rathdrum has a mix of housing options depending on which part of the city buyers are looking. Downtown features Craftsman homes and bungalows from the early 1900s and ranch-style homes from the 1970s to 1990s. Neighborhoods on the edge of town include modern planned subdivisions with new traditional houses. One popular development is Radiant Lake, a subdivision built around a man-made 20-acre lake. “Rathdrum right now has one of the most robust markets of new construction homes,” says Kris Arnett, a Realtor with Windermere/Coeur d’Alene Realty, who has sold multiple homes in Rathdrum. “Home prices are being buoyed by all this new construction coming in, so it’s a good time to purchase existing homes. The new homes are pretty reasonably priced, so it softens the existing home market and makes it a good time to negotiate with sellers.” The median housing price in the city is about $490,000, down by 1% over the past year. Prices are lower than in nearby cities like Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls. Houses typically sell in 44 days, which aligns with the national average.
Ranch style homes are some of the most popular historic homes in Rathdrum.
There are many new construction homes that are being built Rathdrum.
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Exploring North Idaho's natural scenery
Outdoor recreation is abundant in and around Rathdrum, with several developed and natural parks. Rathdrum Mountain is one of the main attractions, featuring multiple hiking trails and a disc golf course. City Park is considered the signature park of the community and has a playground, picnic shelters and a creek. The nearly 12-acre Majestic Park is the area’s newest green space and has sports fields, a playground and a splash pad. It also hosts the two-day Rathdrum Days event each July, featuring food, drinks, live music and kids’ activities. About 5 miles north on Highway 41, the Twin Lakes have public boat ramps for a day out on the water. Twin Lakes Village Golf Club is a public 18-hole course bordering the lakes, known for its numerous water hazards.
Rathdrum residents have quick access to local hiking and camping nearby.
Rathdrum sits near lots of outdoor space that locals can enjoy.
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A top-rated Idaho school district
Lakeland School District gets a B-plus rating from Niche and is ranked as the 10th best district in the state. The district serves approximately 4,700 students across 11 schools. Students can participate in before and after-school enrichment programs and the Invent Idaho student invention competition. The district also allows students to take technical courses and business training at the Kootenai Technical Education Campus on Lancaster Road. Lakeland High School in Rathdrum offers a Certified Nursing Assistant Program.
Lakeland High School has an overall B grade from Niche.
Lakeland Middle School serves grades 6-8th.
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Idaho state highways offer easy commutes
Highway 41 offers a north-south route and connects to Post Falls, about 7 miles away. Coeur d’Alene is about 12 miles away via Highway 41 and Interstate 90. Idaho State Highway 53 provides a 30-mile drive west to Spokane. The closest airport is Spokane International Airport, while the closest hospital is Northwest Specialty Hospital in Post Falls. The city has no public transportation, so having a car is essential to life in Rathdrum.
I-90 is a major thoroughfare that offers Post Falls residents quick commuting.
Highway 41 provides quick access to Coeur D'Alene for Rathdrum residents.
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Low risk of crime, high risk of wildfires in Rathdrum
According to data from the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, Rathdrum’s property and violent crime rates are both below the national average. Property crime is slightly above the statewide rate, but violent crimes are lower.
All of Kootenai County, including Rathdrum, is at risk of wildfires. This risk is greater in rural and undeveloped areas with significant vegetation, such as the mountains immediately west of the city. The county has a hazard mitigation plan to reduce these risks and respond to wildfires when they happen.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Wong
Video By
Mike Dunleavy
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GreatSchools:
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Kaitlyn JordanBetter Homes and Gardens Hope Realty
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