| |
|
Rugged Coeur d'Alene Idaho is For
Those Seeking an Active, Outdoor Retirement
Cost of Living: Above the National Average
| Coeur d'Alene is home to 35,000 people and
is located on beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene in the
rugged, northwest corner of Idaho's panhandle.
Stumbled upon by Lewis and Clark in the early 1800s, the
area's untamed wilderness first drew fur trappers and
explorers; today it beckons to those seeking an active,
outdoorsy retirement. This picturesque community
sits in the middle of a recreational Paradise with 60
lakes located within 60 miles of town and offers a
small-town atmosphere amid spectacular mountain
scenery. It is also home to an emerging arts
colony. Where vacant spaces and watercraft rental
shops once dominated, colorfully painted moose, public
art and statues now exist, and arts festivals are held
several times a year. |
|
|
|
The overall cost-of-living is slightly higher
than the national average, and much of this due to the
recent increase in housing costs. Coeur d'Alene Place
is a planned community for all ages and is made up of three
neighborhoods, the Dumont, the Marceille and the Ste. Croix,
with single-family homes beginning at $220,000 and ranging
up to $375,000. Within this community are also
attractive Rockwood Lodge "apartment homes," which
start at $675 a month for a 1 bedroom, 1 bath unit and go up
to $920 a month for 3 bedrooms and 2 baths ($300 deposit and
$300 pet fee apply). This apartment complex has a
community center with a resort-style pool and fitness
center, and the units feature upgraded carpet, vaulted
ceilings, patios and garages. |
|
Arrow Point Resort is a condominium complex with
waterfront views. We had heard rumors of 2 bedroom, 2 bath
units available in the $200,000 range but did not find any during our
search. A 3 bedroom, 2 bath unit (2,400 square feet)
overlooking Lake Coeur d'Alene, though, runs around $495,000 and
can go as high as $875,000. Single-family
homes not in a planned community and not overlooking the Lake are
actually fairly affordable. Very small (500 square feet)
single-family homes can cost $119,000, but $195,000 will
fetch a lovely, 2,200 square foot home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5
baths. It is also very easy to find gorgeous mountain
top and lakefront homes in the
$500,000 - $1,000,000 range and up. Coeur d'Alene has several
manufactured home communities nestled in the pines. Two are Northwood
Estates and Oak Crest Mobile Home Park, and home prices start at $35,000 and can reach
$110,000. Property is taxed at $14 per
$1,000 market value. There is a $50,000 homestead exemption
on all primary residences. Shopping in Coeur
d'Alene is plentiful, with
more than 310 restaurants, trendy shops and art galleries dotting
the charming downtown. For those seeking big-city fun, Spokane,
Washington is 50 miles west and offers opportunities to attend the
theater, symphony and many museums. Scenic
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Continued...
|
Great Retirement Spots Newsletter is
published four times a month by Webwerxx, Inc. 2770 S. Elmira St.,
#152, Denver, CO 80231. (303) 358-0512. Copyright © 2006.
All rights reserved. No part of this electronic publication may be
reproduced without the express written consent of Webwerxx, Inc. All
attempts were made to verify the accuracy of the information contained
in this bulletin, but some information may have changed since
publication. Webwerxx, Inc. cannot be held responsible for information
that has changed since this publication appeared online. Please contact us at staff@greatretirementspots.com
if you have questions or comments. To
unsubscribe or change your subscription information, click
here.
|