Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Get to Know Coeur D'Alene, Idaho

Local Information on Coeur d'Alene


 I often receive a variety of questions about the area from those interested in relocating to Coeur d'Alene.  As a result, I've compiled my research below to help provide information to those interested in Coeur d'Alene.
Lake Coeur d'Alene in December


 If you don't find what you are looking for, feel free to send me a note.  I will do my best to find the information for you.  Check back often as I will make updates as new information is available.

 If you are thinking about moving to Coeur d'Alene or the surrounding area, feel free to give me a call.  I would be happy to help you find your new home.  ~ Tosh

Phone: 208-277-6069


Coeur d'Alene Background and History:

Coeur d'Alene is the county seat of Kootenai County, Idaho and is located only 35 minutes from Spokane, Washington.  The city of Coeur d'Alene rests next to beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene, in the majestic Rocky Mountains.  There are approximately 50,285 residents in Coeur d'Alene as of the Census Bureau's estimate provided in July of 2016, and an estimate of 154,311 residents in Kootenai County.

 Coeur d'Alene was found in 1878 and is named after the local Coeur d'Alene Tribe.  The French-term "Coeur d'Alene", meaning "heart of an awl," was given by French traders who were referring to the Coeur d'Alene's shrewd trading practices.  The city is often referred to as either the "Lake City" or "CDA" by locals.

Taxes in Coeur d'Alene:

The Sales Tax Rate in Idaho is 6%.  According to Tax-Rate.Org, Idaho has one of the lowest property taxes in the United States.  The 2017 Median Tax rate in Idaho was $1,188 for a home value of $171,700.  Idaho property taxes are determined at the county level based on budget needs and assessed property values to determine the tax levy (tax rate for the year).  Kootenai County's median tax rate for 2017 was $1,329. 

The Kootenai County Assessors Department provides more information on how this rate is determined.  If you are looking to buy a home, or if you just bought a home, home owners in Idaho can apply for a home owner's exemption for their primary residence, which can reduce the assessed value.  New home owners need to apply by April 15th in order for the exemption to be applied in the current tax year so as to reduce their taxes owed.  In Idaho, property taxes are collected twice a year in June and in December.


Weather in Coeur d'Alene:

Coeur d'Alene's average temperature ranges from 86͒°F in the summer and 24°F in the winter.  Coeur d'Alene can experience high temperatures in the 90°F range, as was seen this summer in 2017.  Coeur d'Alene does get snow and usually starts to see snowflakes beginning in November, which can stick around until March or early April.  The amount of snow can vary each year, yet can get to several feet at the peak of the snow season.   

Coeur d'Alene Schools

If you have a family, it is important to research schools before you move.  Knowing where the schools are located and which schools have the highest rating can be an important factor when considering buying a home.  Great Schools is a helpful site that allows you to compare schools in academics, equity, and environment.  Eleven of the schools in Coeur d'Alene have received a score of 8 or higher (where a 10 is the highest rating) from Great Schools.     Provided below are the elementary, middle and high schools in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, along with a map of where these schools are located.
Elementary Schools: 
Middle Schools
High Schools





Colleges and Universities near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Take classes and live right in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho!  There are several colleges located in the area, including North Idaho College (NIC) which is near downtown Coeur d'Alene. From North Idaho College, you can join any one of many instructional programs including Accounting, Culinary Arts, Welding, and even Aviation.  According to North Idaho College's site, their programs are designed to launch individuals into careers soon after graduating.

 The University of Idaho (U of I) has a satellite location in Coeur d'Alene. Through the University of Idaho in Coeur d'Alene, one can earn their Executive MBA, a bachelors degree in Computer Science, or earn a certificate in Fire Ecology.  There are numerous courses and programs through the U of I to choose from and live in Coeur d'Alene.  For those who may have greater flexibility or older children who may be about to go off to college, it is a 90 minute drive from Coeur d'Alene to Moscow, the college campus for the University of Idaho.  The campus in Moscow will offer a wider variety of class options.

 Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC) also has a satellite location in Coeur d'Alene.  LCSC in Coeur d'Alene offers 16 bachelor degrees to choose from, including business, nursing, and education.  The college campus for Lewis-Clark State College is 2.5 hours from Coeur d'Alene and is located in Lewiston, Idaho. 

Additional colleges and universities located within 2.5 hours of Coeur 'Alene include:


Outdoor Recreation Around Coeur d'Alene

Located in the Rocky Mountains of Idaho, Coeur d'Alene offers countless outdoor recreational activities including hiking, fishing, golfing, kayaking, boating, and skiing (to name only a few). 

There are 30 state parks in Idaho, nine of which are in the pan handle of Idaho.  The Idaho Parks and Recreation department provides a listing of these locations.  Additionally, if you are interested in finding a location for a certain outdoor activity, this site can help you find a state park for it.  Activities for the state parks include: Riding ATVs, Motorcycles, and bicycles, boating, camping, climbing, disc golf, fishing, hiking, horse back riding, RVing, and Snowmobiling.

The City of Coeur d'Alene also offers a large assortment of parks including splash pad locations, play areas, dog parks and hiking trails.  The city of Coeur d'Alene Park and Recreation Department provides a listing of these parks.  Widely popular is Tubbs Hill, a 160 acre area of hiking trails along Lake Coeur d'Alene.  Tubbs Hill is easily assessable from the city.  You'll often find locals hiking the hills or swimming in the inlets along the trail.  Centennial Trail is also very well known.  It is a 23 mile trail that runs from Higgens Point and ends at the Washington state border.  This is a favorite for runners, bicyclists, and walkers.

Hunting, Fishing, and Bird Watching Around Coeur d'Alene

North Idaho is home to all kinds of wildlife and it is not uncommon to see moose, deer, or even coyotes near or in town.  Higher up in the mountains you can find elk and bear.  Sand hill cranes, ducks, and geese are often seen on or near the many lakes in the area.  And late in fall, you'll start to see the geese flock to the local fields as they feed on grain in preparation for winter.

 Hunting and fishing is a big part of the Northwest.  With 34.5 million acres of federal land in Idaho, there is a lot of habitat for wildlife.  There are many in Idaho who are avid hunters and fisherman who also respect the land and the wildlife that are such a big part of this great state.  Hunting and fishing is managed and regulated by the  Idaho Fish and Game and are limited to set seasons and in some cases, draw hunts. 

 If you enjoy bird watching, enjoy seeing hundreds of eagles when they migrate to Lake Coeur d'Alene.  Every year between November and December Kokanee come to lake Coeur d'Alene to spawn and die.  As a result, hundreds of eagles come to the area to feast.  You kind great vantage points at Higgin's Point and Mineral Ridge near Wolf Lodge exit 22.

Fresh Catch - Eagle in Flight

Golfing In and Around Coeur d'Alene

In addition to Coeur d'Alene's well known  Floating Green (a man-made, moveable, floating green located on the 14th hole at the Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course) there are several places in the area to play a round of golf.  Below, for your convenience, is a listing of several golf courses in or near Coeur d'Alene:


Skiing Near Coeur d'Alene:


There are 18 Ski Resorts in Idaho.  Of those, three are located within 2 hours of Coeur d'Alene.  And there are two additional resorts just over the border in Washington.

 Silver Mountain Ski Resort is about a 40 minute drive to the East of Coeur d'Alene and is located in Kellogg, Idaho, in the Silver Valley.  The Silver Mountain Resort also offers an indoor water park, restaurants and shops.  This area is also great to visit in the summer. Enjoy visiting the Crystal Gold Mine in Kellogg; go underground and see how mining was done in the 1800's.  If you are interested in history or mining, the Silver Valley has several museums and mine tours located not only in Kellogg, but also the neighboring town of Wallace, Idaho.  While in Wallace, tour the old downtown, visit the museums, go on the Sierra Silver Mine Tour where you get to ride a trolley through town and up to the mine.
Also near Coeur d'Alene is Schweizer Mountain Ski Resort, which is a 90 minute drive North to Sandpoint.  Look Out Pass Ski Resort located between Coeur d'Alene and Missoula is also a 90 minute drive.  Nearby, in Washington state, is Mount Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park (just over an hour away near Spokane) and 49 Degrees North (just under two hours away located near Chewelah). 


Please feel free to leave a Comment in the log if you have a question or a suggestion on topic information.  If you are interested in relocating or want to start a home search, contact me directly at 208-277-6069


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