Neighborhood of the Week: Radiant Lake Estates

As you're gazing out your window at the brown vegetation and traces of dirty snow clinging to the edges of your driveway, you're probably wondering: why do I live in North Idaho? But you already know the answer. It's the summers. It's hiking Tubbs Hill. It's spending evenings strolling along Sherman Avenue. It's camping with your family in the mountains. But most of all, it's the lakes.

The lakes of North Idaho call to us. They speak of sailing, swimming, fishing, paddling. Visions of canoes gliding silently across the glassy surface, children splashing in the shallow waters, and stand-up paddlers steering their boards along the shoreline tease us.

We all long to live on the lake. But for most of us, prices and taxes keep that dream out of reach(unless you're a resident of Radiant Lake Estates, where affordable waterfront family living is more than just a dream).

Radiant Lake Estates is the most affordable waterfront community in Kootenai County. This 123-acre development boasts North Idaho's newest waterfront gem, Radiant Lake, an 8-foot deep 20-acre manmade lake that warms very early in the season, so is perfect for swimming, sailing, and canoeing. It's even hosted triathlons, taking advantage of the early warmth.

"They've also opened it up for Ironman competitors to practice in," says Fred Sharp, Coldwell Banker Realtor and Victory Homes sales rep for Radiant Lake Estates, "but so far, there aren't many people who have taken advantage of that."

This diamond of a lake draws its crystal clean water from one of the largest aquifers in the United States, so will maintain its water level in even the driest of summer months.

"There are even some fish in there," Sharp says. They believe homeowners might have surreptitiously stocked the lake, or eggs were carried in on the legs of the birds that land there.

There are three beautifully landscaped waterfront parks featuring a boat launch, swimming beach, and sheltered picnic area with bathroom facilities - one even has a waterfall! There's also an amphitheater and sand volleyball court with spectator bleachers, perfect for gatherings such as birthday parties and family reunions. The parks are irrigated with lake water, which also helps to keep the lake aerated.

Radiant Lake is limited to non-motorized use, so you don't have to worry about fighting a wake as you learn to paddleboard, or be concerned about your children swimming into the path of a jet-ski.

The community is gated with three entrances, providing both privacy and security. The parks are reserved for homeowner use. There's a one-mile walking loop around the neighborhood where residents can stretch their legs as they enjoy the stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.

Homesites are both on the water and across the street from the lake. There are also self-contained single family condo units available. Unlike traditional condos, there are no shared walls; the homes have the footprint of a house, so noise doesn't transfer between them. The HOA maintains the landscaping and exteriors of the condos, so they truly are maintenance-free.

HOA fees run between $50-75/month, depending on location (waterfront homes are higher), and cover maintenance of all common landscaping, the parks, and the condos (as outlined above). The city maintains the streets, and provides water and sewer services.

One of the many benefits of living at Radiant Lake is the town of Rathdrum itself, which offers a wide variety of services. It has an outstanding school district with low classroom sizes and high test scores, so families are drawn to the area. You have all the benefits of small-town life, but not the limitations.

"People in Rathdrum understand that you don't need to come down to Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls for services," Sharp says. "Rathdrum is a small town, but you're not giving up a lot to live there."

If you're concerned about living "so far away," Radiant Lake is a mere 15-minute commute to Coeur d'Alene, 10 minutes to Post Falls, and 20 minutes to the Valley Mall. It can take 15 minutes just to drive from Hayden to downtown Coeur d'Alene, Sharp notes.

Radiant Lake provides recreation in the wintertime, as well. Once it's frozen, the residents apply additional layers of water that create a silky smooth surface for ice skating. You've got a skating rink right in your backyard. And of course, there's always snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, when the conditions are right.

There are lots, homes and condos available for purchase. The community is only about 25 percent filled, so there is ample opportunity to get in on the ground floor and watch it grow, as well as help to determine the direction that it takes. There are a number of builders represented at Radiant Lake, so you can select the one that best suits your needs.

Prices for the condos range from $120,000-$160,000. Homes across the street from the lake start at $160,000, while waterfront homes run between $225,000-$400,000.

Victory Home's condos are built on crawl spaces, have gas heat and two-car garages, and are fully landscaped. Homes on the water start at 1,600 sf and are also on crawl spaces, heated with gas, but feature upgraded interiors with a wide variety of options to choose from. The floor plans can be modified according to your needs, Sharp says.

None of the lots are far from the lake, so you have all of the amenities of a waterfront community, even if you're not actually on the water.

Although it's not a familiar concept in North Idaho, people from other parts of the country are accustomed to the concept of manmade lakes, and appreciate their potential.

"There's even a company in Hayden that brings Hobie cats out in the summer and teaches sailing," Sharp says. "It's a great place to learn, since it's a confined space. There's always a little wind out there, but you won't get blown across the lake to Harrison as you're learning."

Fred Sharp is a rarity, a native of Coeur d'Alene. He was raised in Post Falls, and currently lives in Hayden with his family. Fred has been a Realtor with Coldwell Banker for 20 years, and is consistently in the top two percent of all Coldwell Banker agents nationwide and top 10 in the state of Idaho. He specializes in residential resale, new construction, and lot/land sales, and is always accepting new clients.

Summer's coming, and you deserve a place on the lake. Take a quick trip to Rathdrum and visit Radiant Lake Estates, and find out why people are moving to this beautiful lakefront community. Isn't it time you lived on the water?

For more information, contact Fred Sharp at (208) 665-5239 or at www.fredsharp.net.