Flanking the fairgrounds

The news in real estate is often about the new. New developments and neighborhoods. New designs and home features.

New construction can be enticing for anyone in search of a home, but the consistency and convenience of Coeur d’Alene’s established neighborhoods continue to be affordable, quality options for buyers.

Consider the residential options east of Government Way that rest within walking distance of the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. The variety of homes in the area provides choices at all price levels — assuming you can grab a home while it’s on the market.

Just within a mile of the fairgrounds you have selections of duplexes, starter homes and larger properties, as well as homes in the private Village community. A current listing on Bogue Court near Margaret Avenue is a three-bedroom, two-bath home with close to 1,500 square feet listed at $240,000. Another larger listing off Timber Lane is listed at $359,000, with four bedrooms, three baths and almost 3,300 square feet.

Those prices are more of the high end, with many homes flanking the area sitting at estimated market prices (via Zillow) anywhere between mid-to-high $100,000s to mid $200,000s, depending on the street and home type. Keep in mind, however, those estimated numbers are often below the typical asking prices. Once the spring hits, it’s likely to see properties listed here all over the price spectrum.

The No. 1 appeal of the area is convenience, with nearby Government Way serving as a central business hub in Coeur d’Alene. The roundabout (traffic circle) where Margaret Avenue, Fourth Street and Kathleen Avenue converge is a convenient portal when trying to get to either downtown Coeur d’Alene or the north side communities of Dalton Gardens and Hayden.

The roundabout also gives you something interesting to look at in the form of the umbrella-plant public art installation, “Umbrellas Gracilis,” by artists Jennifer Corio and David Frei of Vancouver, Wash. Just keep at least one eye on the road, please.

A town fairgrounds may not hold as much significance as it did in those elusive “good old days,” but the Kootenai County Fairgrounds is more than just the five days in August it hosts the North Idaho State Fair. The event center draws all sorts of activities — from outdoor shows, craft and art fairs, kids clothing and toy consignment sales and unique entertainment options.

The area is also close to Coeur d’Alene High School, which is the best high school in the area according to this class of 2002 alum. Extensive remodeling on the school began near the end of my tenure there, and everything from the sports facilities to the classrooms are in much better shape. I’m sure the kids appreciate it, but I wonder just how much of my social anxiety can be credited to having to endure my formidable years inside a construction zone. Just say thank you to the taxpayers every once in a while, kids. OK? You have it so easy.

Considering how close it is to businesses, the neighborhoods surrounding the fairgrounds retain a quintessential North Idaho feel, with tall trees lining some streets, and spectacular views of Canfield Mountain at several turns.

Yes, vistas of gorgeous North Idaho terrain, all within walking distance of Home Depot and Zip’s.

For more information on homes in the area, contact a preferred real estate agent. 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. Seriously, folks. It’s like free advertising.