Neighborhood of the week: Woodbridge

The last time you drove down Seltice Way, heading for a shopping spree at Cabela's or Walmart, did you notice the wooden bridge-like structures surrounded by lush landscaping on the south side of the road? If you did, you're one of the lucky few who have discovered Woodbridge in Post Falls.

Woodbridge is one of those neighborhoods that folks forget about - well, except folks who appreciate the unique niche that it fills in our area.

"It's oftentimes overlooked," said Christy Oetken, a Realtor with Windermere Coeur d'Alene Realty who, with her husband Randy, represents Woodbridge.

Tucked off I-90 near the Washington/Idaho border, Woodbridge is the perfect neighborhood for commuters who work in Washington, yet appreciate all of the benefits that living in Idaho offers.

"It's ideal for people who want to enjoy the quality of life in Idaho but work in Liberty Lake, the Spokane Valley, or Spokane," Christy said. "It's close to recreation, and the numerous lakes and rivers you find in North Idaho."

Woodbridge is located on Seltice Way between Post Falls and Stateline. Residents can access I-90 at either the Pleasant View Road or the new Beck Road interchange, and be in Coeur d'Alene or the Spokane Valley in minutes.

If you like prairie and mountain views and living off the beaten track, yet within easy access of a host of services, this is the community for you. Spacious streets, beautiful landscaping, a well-developed park and walking trail are some of the many reasons residents love Woodbridge.

With limited access points and no thoroughfares, there's not a lot of traffic, so it's safer for kids to play outside. If you're driving through Woodbridge, you most likely live here.

This established community boasts one of the best parks in the area. Woodbridge Park is a 7-acre tree-lined park with a large sport field that accommodates two soccer fields and a playground area. There's a parking area and restrooms at the east end of the park, and a half-mile walking trail that follows the perimeter.

"It's a good place for starter homes, for first-time home buyers," Christy said. "Or for the person who needs single living, too." You'll find a range of architectural styles in the ranchers, split-level and multi-level homes in Woodbridge. All have two- and three-car garages; most have front porches, which adds to the homey feel of this neighborhood.

In 2007, HGTV featured a house in Woodbridge on its "What You Get for the Money" series, as they focused on $200,000 homes across the country.

Currently there are 11 properties listed for sale: 5 pending and 6 active. In the last six months, 26 properties have closed. "It's a very hot little subdivision," Christy said.

Prices normally range between $142,000 and $175,000, although you'll find a few higher; there is one listed for $338,000 (3,160 square feet, with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms), but it's the largest home in the neighborhood and not representative of what you'll usually find. Lot sizes are around .15 of an acre, although there are a few larger ones.

Woodbridge has its own homeowners association, with dues of $175/year. Board meetings are held every other month. There's even a website to keep residents informed of rules, regulations and membership. They strive to be an information resource, provide announcements about local events, and afford the opportunity for members to share an active role in the community.

With the availability of numerous lakes, rivers and mountains, Post Falls is a wonderful place to call home. An increasing number of business - retail, dining and entertainment - have opened in the city. And with the city's emerging medical community, it's gaining in popularity as the perfect place to retire.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Guaranteed Home Loan program was created to help residents of rural areas with low to moderate, but steady, incomes obtain a home. In 2014, the "rural" population threshold was increased from 20,000 to 35,000, so Post Falls qualifies.

"The Post Falls area qualifies for USDA financing for loans," Christy said. "That's a plus."

So, if you've been looking for the perfect spot to call home where you can have the best of both worlds, Washington- and Idaho-style, call Randy and Christy Oetken at (208) 660-0506 for more information about the hidden gem that is Woodbridge.

"It's a good little area."

If there's a neighborhood that you'd like to see featured in this series, please contact Beth Hanggeli at (208) 659-8367 or bhanggeli@cdapress.com.