Neighborhood of the week: Forest Ridge Estates
What do people picture when they think of North Idaho - well, besides potatoes? Folks in the know are well aware that the true gems of our fair state are the mountains, the rivers, the lakes - and the forests.
Look around you. Lush, emerald-covered hillsides dotted with crystal clear waters sweep into verdant woodlands. Almost 40 percent of our state is in the National Forest system. So if you dream of living in a cabin in the woods, you're in the right place. And if you dream of a luxurious cabin, Forest Ridge Estates in Hayden is the perfect place.
Forest Ridge is one of Kootenai County's finest upscale residential developments. Completed in 2007, it consists of 60 acres of forested lots averaging .6 acre. Elegant, rambling homes are tucked into the trees on lots large enough to afford privacy from your neighbors.
"Forest Ridge is one of the nicest developments around," said John Beutler of Century 21 Beutler & Associates. "It gives you a rural feel, but it's not too far out." Hayden Lake Country Club is a four-minute drive, while Riverstone is a mere 15 minutes away.
Lancaster Road has been improved in recent years, so getting to Forest Ridge is that much easier. In minutes, you're away from the hustle and bustle of town, surrounded by sweeping mountain views and peaceful woodlands.
"You feel like you're in the forest," Beutler said. "There's a lot of privacy."
Custom homes back up to forested areas that are part of the development, as is the seasonal creek that winds through it. There are several natural vegetation and treed reserve areas for additional privacy. The streets are quiet, perfect for your evening walk. Wildlife abounds, as you would expect when you live in the woods.
And there's more. Stroll through the neighborhood, and you'll find rock fence accents and rusted metal mailboxes, street lamps and signs.
There is a smaller section of the development with fewer trees, if you're looking for something a little more open, with better views of the surrounding mountains.
This is the perfect time to buy in Forest Ridge. There are 33 lots remaining, out of the original 75. 16 lots were sold last year, with three more waiting to close.
In 2007, lots were selling in the $175,000-$195,000 range. In 2013, the average price dropped to $85,000. But as we move further away from the economic downturn and the real estate market improves, those prices will surely begin to increase again.
"Prices are affordable," Beutler said. "It's the best time to buy a lot and build."
Home prices range from $350,000 and up. HOA fees are $35/month, which covers maintenance of the beautiful water feature and surrounding landscape at the entrance of the development - although as more homes are built, those rates will most likely decrease. Community water and sewer is available.
There are 17 existing homes in Forest Ridge, 10 more currently under construction, and 13 pending. All of the homes are custom-built, primarily by Monarch Development, Rosenberger Construction and Aspen Homes.
"There's an energy that you feel here, as homes are being built," Beutler said.
If you like outdoor activities, they're a stone's throw away. The trail system at English Point is just up the road with opportunities for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. Hayden Lake is nearby, and you're minutes away from the National Forest and the many recreational activities it offers.
Beutler was born in Clarkston, Wash., and moved to Coeur d'Alene to work in the golf industry in 1975. He entered the real estate business in 1978, and "has been here ever since." Century 21 Beutler & Associates is the No. 1 Century 21 brokerage in the Northwest region and No. 12 in the U.S. Their core ideology is: To ensure people feel good about the real estate choices they make.
Experience rugged Northwest living close to town, but with all of the amenities. Make the short drive to Hayden and explore Forest Ridge Estates.
For more information, or to find that perfect lot for your cabin in the woods, call John Beutler at (208) 661-2989.