Coeur d'Alene

Coeur d'Alene is North Idaho's largest city, set on the north shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene about 35 minutes east of Spokane. It's known for its lakefront downtown, parks and trails, and year-round outdoor recreation.

A lake town with a lively downtown, from historic bungalows to waterfront homes.

Things you'll love

• Lake Coeur d'Alene: boating, paddling, swimming and the floating boardwalk at the Coeur d'Alene Resort

• Tubbs Hill: a natural area right next to downtown with a trail that loops around the point

• McEuen Park and City Park: lakefront parks, beaches and playgrounds steps from Sherman Avenue

• The Centennial Trail: the paved trail connects Coeur d'Alene to Post Falls and Spokane

Neighborhoods and areas

• Downtown and the Fort Grounds: historic homes near the lake, Sherman Avenue and North Idaho College

• Garden District and midtown: older bungalows and cottages on walkable, tree-lined streets

• North Coeur d'Alene: newer subdivisions and planned communities toward Hayden

• Lakefront and lake view: waterfront and view homes along the lake and nearby hillsides

Homes in Coeur d'Alene

Coeur d'Alene ranges from early-1900s homes near downtown to newer construction on the north side and luxury waterfront properties on the lake. Prices vary a lot from one area to the next, and we're happy to pull comparable sales for any street you're curious about.

Local favorites

• Silverwood Theme Park: rides and a water park about 25 minutes north

• Cherry Hill Park: sledding, disc golf and big views over town

• Fort Sherman Chapel: an 1880 chapel from the Army post the city grew up around

Sherman Avenue is lined with restaurants, coffee shops and local stores, and summer brings events on the waterfront. Everyday shopping is along US-95 and Appleway.

Schools

Coeur d’Alene is served mainly by the Coeur d’Alene School District, including Coeur d’Alene High and Lake City High. North Idaho College sits on the lake near downtown.

School boundaries can change. We always confirm assigned schools with the district for any home you're considering.

Where the name comes from

The city takes its name from the Coeur d’Alene people. French fur traders gave the name, which translates roughly as “heart of an awl,” often said to describe the tribe’s sharp trading. The city grew up around Fort Sherman, an Army post founded in 1878.

Getting around

Downtown Spokane is about 35 to 40 minutes west on I-90, and Spokane International Airport about 45 minutes. Post Falls is about 15 minutes away and Hayden about 10.

Good to know before you buy

• Waterfront rules: lakefront homes can have rules for docks, shoreline and building. We check before you buy.

• Washington vs. Idaho: Idaho has a state income tax while Washington does not, and property and sales taxes differ too.

• Short-term rentals: the city has rules for vacation rentals. If that's part of your plan, we'll look into it for the specific property.

Day trips from Coeur d'Alene

Silverwood Theme Park is about 25 minutes north, Silver Mountain in Kellogg is about 40 minutes east, and Sandpoint is about an hour north.

Coeur d'Alene questions we hear often

Is your team licensed in Idaho?
Yes. We're licensed in both Washington and Idaho, so we can help you buy or sell on either side of the state line.

How far is Coeur d'Alene from Spokane?
About 35 to 40 minutes to downtown Spokane on I-90.

Do lakefront homes come up often?
Not often. Waterfront inventory is limited, so it helps to start watching early.

Buying or selling in Coeur d'Alene

We help buyers who are deciding between the Spokane area and North Idaho, and Chelsea is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist for higher-end and waterfront homes. Ask us for a list of homes for sale in Coeur d'Alene and we'll send you what's on the market today.

Get new Coeur d’Alene listings by email →