Neighborhood of the week: Cherry Hill
While we’re seeing a lot of new neighborhoods pop up in our area, there are still those established communities that feel as though they have been here forever. They’ve developed over the years as our towns have developed, and are part of the framework that make up North Idaho. One of these is Cherry Hill.
Cherry Hill (also referred to as Cherry Heights) is an established neighborhood on the eastern edge of Coeur d’Alene. Overlooking the town, it offers its residents a country feel while living just minutes from downtown. And with I-90 at the bottom of the hill, you can be on your way to Post Falls, Spokane or points east in no time.
“It’s virtually so close to every convenience the town offers, but is also very countrified,” said Nancy White, a Realtor with Keller Williams Coeur d’Alene Realty.
The natural landscaping enhances to the rural feel of this community. Striking rock outcroppings, a selection of evergreen and deciduous tree species, and beautiful territorial and city views are some of the unique features that contribute to the feeling of living in the country, far from the hustle and bustle of town.
As you travel the winding roads, you’ll find a wide variety of architectural styles tucked among the mature trees. Turkey, deer, and the occasional moose are often seen wandering through the neighborhood.
Cherry Hill is a very stable neighborhood, White said. Currently, there are only two homes on the market. There aren’t many rentals, either. “There’s not a lot of turnover,” she said. What they are seeing is generational transitioning, as the original owners move to smaller homes in town and younger residents take their place, White said.
Most of the properties are within city limits, so those homeowners enjoy city services. The neighborhood is bordered by county land.
The homes on Cherry Hill have held up well for their age, White pointed out. Most were built in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, when folks moved out of town and onto the mountain as a step up. The newest house was erected in 2002.
“It’s so safe,” White said. “If you’re driving around up here, you have a reason to be here. It’s not on the way to anywhere. Kids play outside; it’s a safe place to raise a family.”
While there are lots of trees, there’s also lots of natural sunlight. “It doesn’t feel dark with too many trees,” White said.
Just below this hillside community is Cherry Hill Park, with its famous sledding hill. Located just off North 15th Street, the 30-acre park has an 18-hole disc golf course, off-leash dog park, playground, basketball, BMX track, tennis, restrooms, and off-street parking. In fact, you can purchase an engraved picket for the playground fence, engraved brick for Fallen Heroes Plaza, or a bronze dog bone for the dog park through the city of Coeur d’Alene Parks Department. Above the park lie 29 acres of natural landscape owned by the city, which adds to the rural feel of the area.
There’s no homeowners association, so no dues to pay. The residents take great pride in maintaining their homes; their pride of ownership is evident as you drive through the neighborhood.
Prices of properties in Cherry Hill range from the mid $200,000s to $300,000. “It’s pretty affordable, approachable property for many people,” White said. The homes aren’t “starter-home sized.” You can find a larger house for the same price up here.
If you ask anyone who grew up on Cherry Hill, they’ll tell you it was special. “It evokes a lot of fond memories for local people,” White said. In fact, some folks have even moved back to the neighborhood as adults.
“It’s got unique features,” White said. “It was a little more prestigious than living on the flats.”
So, if you’ve dreamed of living above it all on Cherry Hill, call Nancy White at (208) 818-1126 to learn more about this edge of Coeur d’Alene.