Value in Cd'A's 'Almost Downtown'

For many, downtown Coeur d’Alene is the center of the North Idaho universe — lake views and waterfront activities, a variety of restaurants and unique businesses, and home to one of the most celebrated Christmas displays in the entire country.

Being steps away from so much activity has its advantages. It also comes at a price. Maybe you don’t want to be dodging tourists in your own neighborhood six months of the year. Or, more simply, you can’t yet afford the waterfront property of your dreams (maybe next decade).

Luckily, Coeur d’Alene is still the kind of town where you can be close enough to reap the benefits of the touristy-fun without ransacking your retirement plan. Just start at the lake and drive north. The “almost downtown” has some interesting prospects.

The neighborhood isn’t exactly absolute — consider the homes north of Garden Avenue past Harrison Avenue, east of Government Way. Sure, people call that midtown, but frankly the term doesn’t make much sense when development continues for miles into Dalton Gardens and Hayden. It’s almost downtown and you know it.

If you want cookie-cutter subdivisions, look elsewhere. The area, populated with older homes, with some remodels and in a variety of conditions, boasts mature tree growth, a few hills and a welcome dose of character.

As for the current offerings in the area — price and home size vary greatly. Closer to Harrison, there’s a three-bedroom, one-bath home with more than 1,600 square feet listed at $165,000. On the high end, a nearby new construction home with more than 2,200 square feet (three-bedroom, three bath) with a garage is listed at $369,000. Most of the offered homes in that “midtown” stretch are listed in the mid to upper $100,000s.

Moving more south, near Phippeny Park, a 2,700+ square-foot home with four bedrooms and three baths comes in at $329,000. Drive east toward 15th Street and you’ll find a 1,000+ square-foot home with three bedrooms listed at $160,000. Just a little more east and a little more south, three more larger homes listed from $280K to $385K. Something for everyone, at least in terms of price.

The neighborhoods definitely warrant a drive-through, as some stretches of homes are better maintained than others. Your real estate phone app won’t provide the best picture of what the area might offer individual needs.

The nearby amenities offer something for everyone. The midtown area is a thrift shop haven and the location of many local-favorite eateries. Green spaces include Bryan Playfield off Harrison, complete with Little League field, plus Phippeny Park between Seventh and Eighth Street, and Person Field off 15th.

Schools in the area include Bryan Elementary, Lakes Middle School, and Venture High School. Commuters can head north a couple minutes to the 15th Street exit of Interstate 90, or they can head south and hit the Sherman exit.

Taking 15th Street south connects the Almost Downtown to Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive, another local favorite for soaking up gorgeous views of the waterfront along the Centennial Trail. And the tourists still haven’t overrun that stretch… yet.

Let us know about more standout neighborhoods and developments that we may feature in an upcoming Neighborhood of the Week. Contact Tyler Wilson at twilson@cdapress.com.

Real Estate Agents, take advantage of Neighborhood of the Week by sending in your suggestions for featured areas, including sites outside the normal confines of Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Hayden.