Saint Maries combines big adventure with small-town life
At the convergence of the St. Maries and St. Joe rivers, Saint Maries is a small Idaho community that allows homebuyers to step back in time. “We get a lot of people that want to move out of a metro area and move into a country area where they can raise their own beef and grow their own garden,” says Mia Suchoski, a broker with Timber Realty and longtime Saint Maries resident. “It’s a smaller population, and everybody waves to each other. It’s like Mayberry.” Saint Maries is home to about 2,500 people and is near Lake Coeur d’Alene’s south end. The location near the St. Joe National Forest offers lots of outdoor recreation, from fly fishing to off-roading. The community’s small size allows residents to get to know one another easily, and Suchoski says there’s a strong neighborly spirit. “What I love about our area is that we are so heartfelt towards our community members. If someone is having hardship, we all get together and provide whatever they need,” she says.
Modest cottages and expansive homesteads in rural Idaho
Homes in the heart of Saint Maries are often modest cottages, bungalows and Craftsman houses on small lots. Tall pines and maples frame the streets, providing shade and a natural setting in town. Some sidewalks exist throughout the area, offering walkability. The more rural areas feature ranch-style homes and 21st-century New Traditional styles. Suchoski says many properties in the area can fit multigenerational families, with several buildings on one large lot. The rural parts of the community also allow for homesteading, including raising livestock and growing crops. Houses on less than a half-acre typically cost between $200,000 and $470,000. Larger properties range from $330,000 to $620,000. Some areas near the river face a significant flood risk.
Fish, boat and ride in the Idaho mountains
Outdoor recreation is one of the biggest draws to Saint Maries. The St. Joe River offers fly fishing for westslope cutthroat trout, salmon, northern pike and bass. Boat ramps are available at several locations, including Aqua Avenue and IFI Landing, allowing residents to head upstream and cast a line. Aqua Park also has beach access for taking a dip in the river. Christmas Hills is a 1,000-acre site east of downtown with dozens of single-track mountain bike trails, ATV trails and a motocross area where riders can practice their skills. Campgrounds are scattered across the forest, allowing plenty of opportunities to get away from home and spend a night under the stars. Saint Maries also has traditional city parks with amenities like a pool, baseball fields, tennis courts and a playground.
Locally owned restaurants and essential shops in Saint Maries
Restaurants in Saint Maries cover a range of cuisines, from fast-food and coffee shops to Mexican spots. “The ambiance at Casa de Oro is absolutely beautiful. It’s only four minutes from town, and it sits above the nine-hole golf course, and it’s gorgeous,” Sushoski says. “If you catch it at the right time, a herd of elk comes out around sunset.” In addition to its views, this restaurant is known for margaritas and fajitas. Groceries are available at Archie’s IGA and Harvest Foods. The community also has a pharmacy, an Ace Hardware and auto parts stores. For more shopping, residents can head to the larger cities of Coeur d’Alene and Spokane.
Annual events celebrate industry and natural recreation
Saint Maries celebrates the community with several events throughout the year. Race the Joe brings boaters together for a weekend of jet boat racing each May. The event starts with a boat show and meet-and-greet downtown and continues with races at IFI Landing. Paul Bunyan Days takes place each Labor Day weekend and celebrates the city’s logging heritage. The annual festival includes a parade, fireworks, carnival rides, logging competitions and more.
St. Maries High School offers highly rated education
Heyburn Elementary School earns a C-plus from Niche, while St. Maries Middle School gets a B. Both schools are conveniently located downtown. St. Maries High School receives a B-plus and is north of the St. Joe River. Students can create a four-year plan during their first year to determine the courses they will take throughout high school. The school offers dual enrollment classes through North Idaho College and has a chapter of the National Honor Society.
State highways connect to larger Pacific Northwest cities
State Highways 3 and 5 pass through Saint Maries, connecting to other cities around Idaho. Coeur d’Alene is about 53 miles away via Highway 3 and Interstate 90. The trip to Spokane is about 62 miles along Highway 5 and Washington state Route 27. There is a hospital on Seventh Street, but some services like OBGYNs and ear, nose and throat care are available in Coeur d’Alene.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
