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Thinking about moving to Coeur d’Alene? You’re not alone. This Idaho resort town has become increasingly popular over the past ten years or so, and for good reason.
Everyone has their own idea as to what makes a “nice place to live.” But by the time you finish reading this guide, you’ll see that Coeur d’Alene, Idaho deserves a spot on your short list.
Coeur d’Alene is a city of around 56,894 residents in northern Idaho and also the county seat of Kootenai County. The city is located along the northern shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene and known for its natural beauty, outdoor lifestyle in Idaho, and small-town vibe.
The city is part of the Inland Northwest region, which is centered around the Greater Spokane metro area. Coeur d’Alene is about 30 miles east of Spokane, Washington, offering a balance of scenic tranquility and access to urban amenities.
Thanks to its picturesque setting, family-friendly environment, and relatively low cost of living, Coeur d’Alene has become an increasingly popular destination for retirees, remote workers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
From scenic beauty to lower taxes, Coeur d’Alene has a lot to offer its residents. Here are seven reasons to consider moving to this Northern Idaho city.
Do you like the great outdoors? If so, you’ll love this part of the country.
Coeur d’Alene is located amidst breathtaking scenery with access to year-round outdoor activities.
For starters, we have Lake Coeur d’Alene, a pristine, 25-mile long lake that’s ideal for boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and waterskiing. Public beaches and boat launches provide easy access to this natural resource.
For those who are into hiking and biking, the Coeur d’Alene Mountains offer hiking trails, campgrounds, cabins, and scenic drives. Nearby Canfield Mountain Natural Area and Mineral Ridge offer excellent hiking as well.
Coeur d’Alene is also just a short drive from multiple ski resorts, including Schweitzer Mountain Resort (about 1.5 hours away) and Silver Mountain Resort (even closer).
City parks like McEuen Park and Tubbs Hill offer walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The Centennial Trail provides a scenic paved path for biking and walking.
The downtown area features boutique shops, restaurants, and the iconic Coeur d’Alene Resort, a luxury destination famous for its floating golf green.
With a median home price north of $500,000, the Coeur d’Alene real estate market is more expensive than the national average. But it’s relatively more affordable when compared to other popular resort towns in the western United States.
The average home in Coeur d’Alene costs significantly less than properties located in places like Jackson Hole, Wyoming, or Aspen, Colorado. Those other markets have median prices in the $2 to $3 million range, compared to the $550,000-ish median price in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Despite its recent population gains, Coeur d’Alene retains a friendly, small-town atmosphere while being close to the larger city of Spokane, Washington. The downtown area features many locally owned shops, restaurants, art galleries, and a thriving arts and culture scene.
The larger city of Spokane, Washington is just a 40-minute drive away, with a wider range of dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions. Spokane also has an international airport, giving Coeur d’Alene residents easy access to air travel.
Historically, Coeur d’Alene’s economy relied heavily on tourism and natural resources. And while those remain important sectors for the city, the local economy has diversified in recent years.
Healthcare has become a significant part of the local job market and economy, with several major hospitals and medical facilities operating in the area.
There’s also a growing tech scene in this part of Idaho, along with job opportunities in the aerospace industry.
Coeur d’Alene is a prime destination for those who appreciate the benefits of waterfront living. Many homes in the area offer lake views or are located within walking distance of the water.
The downtown area itself hugs the lake and features attractions like the Coeur d’Alene Resort, which hosts a floating boardwalk and a world-class golf course.
(See our related guide to lakefront living in Coeur d’Alene.)
This Idaho city is also a popular destination for retirees, thanks to its slower pace of life, stunning scenery, and amenities tailored to older adults. Many communities in the area offer activities and services specifically designed for an active retirement.
Idaho has no Social Security tax at the state level, along with a relatively low overall tax burden. This makes it an attractive destination for retirees and business owners.
As it states on the Idaho Tax Commission’s website:
“Social Security benefits: While potentially taxable on your federal return, these aren’t taxable in Idaho.”
Coeur d’Alene is not just a beautiful place to live; it’s also an excellent location for real estate investment. With its growing popularity among retirees, remote workers, and outdoor enthusiasts, the city’s real estate market offers strong potential for appreciation and income opportunities.
Coeur d’Alene offers a unique combination of affordability, scenic appeal, and steady growth. Whether you’re considering buying a vacation rental, investing in a long-term property, or diversifying your portfolio with lakefront real estate, Coeur d’Alene represents a promising opportunity in 2025 and beyond.
So, there you have it. These are some of the biggest reasons to move to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. If you’re looking for Coeur d’Alene homes for sale that fit your budget, work with a local real estate agent and team up with seasoned mortgage agents in the area.
Whether you’re thinking of buying a home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho or elsewhere in the state, the experts at Sammamish Mortgage can help. We serve home buyers across the state of Idaho and beyond, offering a wide range of mortgage loan products including conventional, FHA, and VA. We can also pre-approve you for a specific mortgage amount, before you start your housing search. Visit our website to get an instant rate quote, or contact our staff with any mortgage-related questions you have or to apply for a loan.
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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No Obligation and transparency 24/7. Instantly compare live rates and costs from our network of lenders across the country. Real-time accurate rates and closing costs for a variety of loan programs custom to your specific situation.