NORTHERN IDAHO 

Legendary lakes and rivers. Whichever direction you enter into Northern Idaho, it won't take long to notice the sparkling blue water. Of all the Western States, Idaho has the greatest concentration of lakes. There are the largest, the most scenic, and the most remote and intimate too. 

Lushly forested green mountains and valleys frame the pristine lakes and rivers, brimming with wild fish. So when you visit North Idaho, enjoy the water and all the activities available in it, around it and nearby too. From kayaking, water skiing, fishing, tubeing, boating, seaplaneing, boat cruises, or sunning and swimming, the water is a magnet. Sightseeing and viewing alone, is worth the trip.

Then add in fabulous resorts, intimate B & B's, RV parks, State parks, theme parks, historic attractions, and villages and towns that make you feel welcome and you've got a ready destination for your next visit. 

Come to visit or come to stay!! 

Award Winning Human Rights 

"North Idaho Is For Everyone." That's the slogan of the Kootenai County Task Force in Human Relations, an organization that teaches the value of diversity and fights against prejudice in all its forms. North Idaho is proud of the work of the Task Force and proud of the region's strong support for human rights.  

In 1987, Coeur d'Alene was honored in New York City as the first community to receive the prestigious Raoul Wallengberg Award. The award, conferred for outstanding work in human rights, carries a $5000 honorarium. These funds were used to create a 230-volume human rights collection, which is housed in the city library. 

In 1990, Coeur d'Alene was named an "All American City". This designation recognized the outstanding work of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations. The April 1997 issue of Parade Magazine featured the city of Sandpoint's work promoting human rights. North Idaho is a place where strict anti-harassment laws and caring, concerned citizens have sent out a strong message that prejudice will not be tolerated. Or, as the slogan of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations proclaims: "North Idaho Is For Everyone." Task Force Phone: 208-667-9574 

COEUR D'ALENE AND KOOTENAI COUNTY  

Population:
Coeur D'Arlene: 36,000
Kootenai County: 112,000+ 

Median Family Income-2003:
Kootenai County $44,600
Shoshoe County $35,900 

Situated on the Northern end of Coeur d'Alene Lake is this historic and growing town of 36,000 people. The original inhabitants are the Schee-Chu-Umsh Indians who survived on the plentiful game in the surroundings hills and mountains and on the fish in the rivers and lakes. 

When the French fur trappers arrived in 1795 the Indians impressed them with their sharp trading skills. They said of the Indians that they had the "Heart of An Awl " (an awl being a commonly used sharp leather tool), and the French translation being "Coeur d'Alene". So the town was established in 1879 as the trading post for Fort Coeur d'Alene, which became Fort Sherman, which is now the land where the North Idaho College and Fort Gounds (neighborhood) is located. 

The discovery of gold in 1860 on the banks of the Coeur d'Alene River by Andrew Pritchard attracted many new people to the area near Pritchard. And with the discovery of silver in 1884 in nearby Wallace this area became the center of the richest mining district in the world, where in excess of $5 Billion of metal has been extracted! This area is now referred to as the "Silver Valley", and Wallace is an entire town listed as a National Historic Site. 

The railway followed in 1886 and in 1889 steamboats began transporting logs and supplies for the mining and lumber camps. Next came the electric trains from nearby Spokane, Washington to Coeur d'Alene bringing visitors to enjoy the lake and surrounding area and thus the beginning of the area as a tourist destination. 

Today Coeur d'Alene is the sixth largest city in Idaho and with the surrounding towns of Hayden, Hayden Lake, and Post Falls is a metropolitan area offering all the shopping, restaurants and amenities that most anyone would desire. Just 1/2 hr away is Spokane, Washington, a metropolitan city with theatres and museums, and such that makes the Coeur d'Alene area a very attractive small town for quiet city living.

Coeur d'Alene (CDA, as locals refer to it) is at the junction of Interstate 90 - which runs from Lookout Pass on the Montana border to Spokane, Washington in the West - and US 95, which stretches from Boise, Idaho to the Canadian border. The Lake City, as it is also known, (thus our website name, www.lakecityteam.com ), is situated 100 miles south of the Canadian border, 33 miles East of Spokane, 398 miles from the capital of Boise and an hours drive from the Montana border. CDA is at an elevation of 2152 above sea level. 

The Coeur d'Alene Airport at Hayden provides private and charter air service with up to 34 seat planes. Spokane International Airport, a 45-minute drive has daily flights to many major US and Canadian cities. There are vans, taxis and rental and shuttles available from both airports to your home or hotel. Average cost to Spokane Airport for 2 is approx $25. Also Amtrak train service passes through North Idaho to Sandpoint on Lake Pend Oreille (40 minutes north), and Greyhound bus service is available to most North Idaho communities from Coeur d'Alene. 

North Idaho Living for Seniors 

Low Cost of Living, a moderate climate and low crime rate, as well as excellent health care, make this area a desirable choice for retirement living. Seniors services are available through the Lake City Senior Center in Coeur d'Alene and the Area Agency on Aging. There are numerous life care and retirement facilities throughout Kootenai County. In recent years many new senior living centers have been built. Some offer full health and living services tailored to the individuals desire and abilities for independent living.  

To receive a free copy of all the specialized independent retirement communities, Assisted Living Communities, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Residential Care Communities, Home Health Agencies, Hospice Agencies, and Hospitals in the latest "Senior Lifestyles Idaho Guide & Directory" call 800-584-9916.

To have a Senior Real Estate Specialist help you find the perfect home or condo in this area call Sher. 

Circuit Breaker-Property Tax Reduction For Seniors and Disabled  

How do I qualify for the Property Tax Reduction, also called the CIRCUIT BREAKER? 

*WHAT IS THE PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION PROGRAM?
The Property Tax Reduction (Circuit Breaker) program reduces property taxes for qualified applicants based on income for the previous calendar year. This program is managed by the Stat Tax Commission in Boise. If you qualify, the property taxes on your home may be reduced by as much as $1320. The benefits reduce by half the solid waste fees (listed under Special Assessments on your Assessment Notice). 

*WHO QUALIFIES? You may qualify if you meet the following requirements: 

*You owned and lived in your home or mobile home in Idaho, (or possible a care facility or nursing home) that was your primary residence before April 15.
*Your income for the previous year was at or less than an amount specified for a particular year (for 2006, your 2005 income must be $28,000 or less after deductions).
*AND You were in one or more of the following categories as of January 1;
* Age 65 or older 

* Widow (widower) 

* Blind 

* Fatherless or motherless child under 18 yrs of age 

*Former prisoner of war/hostage 

* Veteran with 10% or more service-connected disability or receiving a VA pension for a non service connected disability 

* Disabled as recognized by the Social Security Administration, Railroad Retirement Board or Federal Civil Service 

* HOW TO APPLY 

* You must apply for the property tax reduction in the current year between January 1 and April 15

* Applications are accepted at the Assessor's Office 

* You will be required to show proof of your eligibility, income and medical expenses when you file your application (if you file federal income tax, bring a copy of the form). 

* You must apply and qualify each year to receive this benefit. Property tax reductions are not renewed automatically 

* If your application is approved, your property tax reduction will appear on the tax notice sent to you in November 

* DEDUCTIONS FOR YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE PAID THE PREVIOUS YEAR

* Medical/Dental expenses paid out of pocket, including for prescriptions, glasses, hearing aids, and other medical aids 

* Mileage for round trips to doctors' offices or medical facilities for care. 

* Medical insurance premiums 

* Payment or prepayment of funeral expenses 

* Farm, rental and/or business losses (provide copy of the appropriate federal schedule) 

* FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE IDAHO CODE 60-202 OR CONTACT: 

* Kootenai County Assessor, 451 Government Way, Coeur d Alene 208-446-1500  

* Idaho State Tax Commission at (208) 334-7736 334-7854 or 1-800-972-7660 toll free from ID, OR, UT and WA 

* Hearing Impaired TDD 1-800-377-3529

 

Idaho's River City 

Post Falls is named after Frederick Post who encountered the falls on the Spokane River in 1871 and built a sawmill at the site. Today, Post Falls is a diverse community filled with all kinds of recreational opportunities. The Spokane River running through the heart of Post Falls is a popular place for boaters, water skiers and river cruises. Q'emlin Riverside Park offers picnicking, swimming and a public boat launch. On Treaty Rock the land trade between the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and Frederick Post is forever inscribed. 

Nicknamed Idaho's River City, Post Falls is only 25 minutes from the Spokane International Airport and 10 minutes from downtown Coeur d'Alene. 

Post Falls is a popular place for companies and their employees to relocate. With Post Falls' strategic location, cooperation between civic, commerce groups and city and county governments, it is becoming a great place to do business. 

Buck Knives recently relocated to Post Falls, as did the Center for Advanced Microelectronics and Biomolecular Research, locating to the University of Idaho Research Park. 

New development along the I-90 corridor and exciting redevelopment includes everything from Wal-Mart to pet shops and gift and boutique shops, restaurants and the like. And if you're into recreational shopping the Post Falls Factory Stores won't disappoint. Post Falls is the fastest growing community in Idaho.
CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST ARTICLE ABOUT POST FALLS 

Hayden and Hayden Lake 

Population:
Hayden: 9200
Hayden Lake: 500 

These cities border the shores of Hayden Lake. The lake has 40 miles of shoreline with one park, which offers RV and tent camping. There is one full-service marina and two public boat launches. Fishing and water sports are the popular recreational adventures. 

At the public Honeysuckle Beach is a roped swimming area, a change house, and restrooms. Close by is the Hayden Lake Country Club and the Avondale on Hayden golf course, which is open to public play. Tennis courts are also available there. 

Hayden Lake has lakefront living that is attractive due to its smaller size and lower water traffic. The "Gold Coast", as some parts of the shoreline are called, offer spectacular views. This area offers many planned home developments in a variety of price ranges. 

Rathdrum 

Population: 4900 

Originally named Westwood, in 1881 Rathdrum was renamed after an Irish town in order to have its own post office. Rathdrum was the Kootenai County seat until 1908. It was the end of the Northern Pacific railroad route to the Coeur d"Alene mining district. From here miners took a stagecoach to Coeur d'Alene and a steamboat to Cataldo. In 1886 a branch line to Hauser re-routed traffic. Several of its historic buildings reflect it's prosperous days as the county seat.  

Located 10 miles north of Post Falls, it is a small residential community on the edge of the Rathdrum Prarie, and in the shadow of beautiful Rathdrum Peak. Close to Rathdrum are Twin Lakes, a popular camping and recreational area. Also on the lake are an 18-hole golf course with a restaurant and lounge. With residential and commercial development planned, excellent schools and services, Rathdrum is a popular place to live. 

Spirit Lake 

Population: 1400 

Spirit Lake was founded in 1907 by the Blackwell Family of Coeur d'Alene as a settlement for lumber industry labor. Named after a Native American Indian legend about a Chief's daughter and a young brave who ran away together. They were believed to have jumped in the lake to avoid being pursued and were carried off by the Tesemini, meaning spirits, because their bodies were never found.

Spirit Lake is ten miles North of Rathdrum on Hwy 41. The lake itself is 4 1/2 miles long and one mile wide, with depths of 2400 feet. Residents can enjoy the lake in the summer with fishing, swimming and boating, but also in the winter with ice fishing and ice skating on the frozen shores. Visitors can use the public park, beach, boat ramp and dock. Surrounding the lake are forests with hiking and biking trails. Close by are two golf clubs. One is Stoneridge Resort at Blanchard and the other course is located at Twin Lakes to the South. There are full service resorts on the lake and an RV park as well. Only ten miles away is Silverwood Amusement Park. 

Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce: 208-623-3411 

Bayview 

Population: 420

Bayview was once the terminal for lake steamers bringing lumber and lime from other locations on the lake. During World War II Farragut Naval Training Center was developed just west of Bayview. Here they tested submarines, as this lake is very deep. It was the second largest training center in the US, as it processed 293,381 soldiers in just 15 months. After the end of the war, it was closed down and given to the state as a park. Bayview is still the site of a US Naval underwater research facility.

The quiet picturesque town of Bayview has several marinas and resorts, as it is located on Scenic Bay at the southern end of Pend Oreille Lake. There are many sailboats moored here and as well as a houseboat community. 

It feels like an ocean side resort here. Steep rocky cliffs and towering mountains around Bayview are home to mountain goats, eagles and other wildlife. Surrounding Bayview is 4000+-acre Farragut State Park, a favorite spot for camping, hiking, biking, water sports and cross country skiing. 

Kellogg and Wallace - Historic Silver Towns 

The Silver Valley offers four season recreational opportunities and a rich mining history. In Kellogg you can ride a 3.1-mile thrilling gondola ride for the views or to bike or hike on the mountainside trails, or to ski on Silver Mountain. Then visit an underground gold mine at the Crystal Gold Mine Museum.  

In Wallace, take a walking tour to see classic 19th century architecture. The entire town is on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Learn even more about mining at the Sierra Silver Mine Tour or the Wallace District Mining Museum. The Sixth Street Melodrama performs live, locally written productions depicting the mining camp life. 

Historic Wallace and the entire Silver Valley host annual family fun festivals highlighting her notorious past and splendid present. Music concerts, car shows, 5K runs, river floats, historic reenactments, snowmobile and ATV races and rodeos assure an entertaining time for the entire family. World-class biking on the Route of the Hiawatha and Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes goes right through this town. And challenging golf courses await the recreation lovers. 

Health Care 

Excellent medical care is just one reason why this area is a relocation and vacation destination. Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d'Alene annually serves over 12,000 in hospital patients and 170,000 emergency and outpatient visits annually. Kootenai Medical Center provides the full range of services including diagnostics by North Idaho Imaging Center, cancer care by the North Idaho Cancer Center, and behavior, chemical dependency and mental health service by North Idaho Behavioral Health. Also included are the 12-bed KMC Rehabilitation Center, 25-bed Kootenai Transitional Care Center and neuroscience, intensive care, coronary care and dialysis units.

Also available are the North Idaho Immediate Care Centers in CDA, Post falls and Hayden Lake, providing general medical treatment and minor emergency care. Recently included are family physicians in their emergency room staffs.

There are also hospitals in Sandpoint - Bonner General Hospital, and in Bonners Ferry - Boundary Community Hospital. Sandpoint also provides an emergency care center in town. The Silver Valley offers the Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg. St Marie's has Benewah Community Hospital. The Coeur d'Alene Tribe offers the wellness center, a 43,000 square-foot facility in Worley, which services members and non-Indians through membership plans. It offers fitness, community health, aquatics, and rehabilitation programs. 

Want to know more about Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls or Hayden. Just e-mail me your questions and I'll respond to you right away. Or you can ask the Chamber of Commerce to send you it's extensive relocation package. ($20) Just click onto it's web site above under Coeur d'Alene. Hope to hear from you soon!