Pristine and serene are words that best describe one of the most beautiful lakes in America. Yet, Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho is just one of 13 magnificent lakes in a mountainous region that includes the towns of Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint and Hayden Lake. With 5 ski resorts within a short drive of these towns, the area is steadily gaining a reputation for quality of life that is unsurpassed, especially if you enjoy a full range of winter and summer recreational sports. Located just 30 minutes from Spokane International Airport, the Coeur d’Alene area is not just a destination for vacationers it is a great place to retire or simply call home.
The scenic beauty in the Coeur d’Alene area is absolutely stunning. In fact, Sandpoint was recently named the most beautiful small town in American by USA Today and Rand McNally. Cheri Hiatt says, “There isn’t a day that goes by that I look outside and something catches my breath. The people are beautiful here, too. There is a real sense of community with people who have a passion for life”.
Karen Corcoran states, “As a resort destination, the combination of mountains and lakes in the Coeur d’Alene area has a similar feel to Lake Tahoe in California”. Downtown Coeur d’Alene is a cross between the quaintness of Carmel and the beauty of Tahoe. Living here feels like you are perpetually on vacation. The people are genuinely friendly. It started out as more of a retirement community. But, now it has become more family oriented”.
According to Jan Keener, “Coeur d’Alene Lake is about 28 miles long with over 200 miles of shoreline. If you own a dockside home on the lake you can boat into town. There are wonderful restaurants right on the lake”.
Natalie Leatherman points this out: “One big difference between our area and the alpine resorts of California or Colorado is the lower altitude. You can comfortably go swimming in our lakes and rivers because they are much warmer in the summertime. With warm water and an average temperature of 85 degrees in summer months, boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, river rafting, and fly fishing become that much more enjoyable”.
Bob Schmand adds, “There are no mosquitoes and no poisonous snakes in the area which makes camping and hiking more fun. Golf is also very popular here. The Blackrock Golf Club in nearby Hayden Lake was first made famous by singer/actor Bing Crosby who grew up in Spokane. The Crosby family still has a home there”.
Coming from a wonderful area in Southern California, Pam Jank can appreciate why people want to move to Coeur d’Alene. She says, “We live where you vacation especially if you are into recreational sports. We even play golf in the winter, “mukluk golf” that is! With snow shoes and tennis balls, we have a great time. People spend less time on freeways and more time doing things like this together here”.
Cindy Bond puts it this way: “Why not live where you can play? The Coeur d’Alene area is the perfect scenario for those who are looking to get out of a metropolitan area, enjoy their hobbies and interests in great weather and in a safe community. The people who move to Coeur d’Alene as full time residents and those who purchase a second home are focused on enriching their lives. And, they bring the best of where they came from which enriches us all here”.
“One of the best features about living in Coeur d’Alene, according to John Beutler, is the variety of natural and cultural experiences available to you, plus the convenience of being close to a major city. While you are only ten minutes from the national forest you can reach Spokane, a metropolis of 500,000 people, in a half hour”. Bill Fanning says, “For retirees a big concern about resort living is access to top medical facilities. Spokane has the biggest medical center between Minneapolis and Seattle”.
According to Sarah Mitchell, “The natural beauty of our area attracts artists and we do have a strong local art community. It is like you ‘live in a painting’. We have ‘art walks’ in both Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene where the galleries stay open at night. We have art in public places, too. You may find a statue of a moose or a bicycle rack that resembles a fork and spoon. There is a very cosmopolitan feeling; I find that people in general here are well read and well traveled”.
What Christy & Randy Oetken appreciate the most about living in Coeur d’Alene is this: “Simplicity of life! People in our community are ready to help each other. It is simply less stressful to live here”.