Dalton Gardens - always in demand

Certain towns and neighborhoods just have character. For as long as I’ve lived in the Inland Northwest, which is basically my entire life, the town of Dalton Gardens has maintained its distinct sense of character.

Perhaps because Coeur d’Alene, Hayden and a mountain surround it in all directions, Dalton Gardens must exist on the merits of its own character. With nowhere to grow, it can only exist and evolve within itself.

What exists works for the people there, and it remains an appealing area, especially for buyers looking for a little extra land but still in the heart of Coeur d’Alene’s broader amenities.

Spacious lots and an overall small-town feel remain in Dalton Gardens, which has its own mayor, city council, ordinances, planning and zoning rules and community events. There aren’t many businesses within city limits, reducing the retail traffic jams of other parts of the area.

There are fruit and vegetable stands operated on the honor system. Many properties have space for animals and larger work sheds. Schools are easily accessible too — my mom taught for many years at Dalton Elementary, and in middle school I even volunteered in the library there. It was a good school way back then, and they’ve since expanded and improved it all around. Nearby Canfield Middle School and Coeur d’Alene High School also serve Dalton Gardens as the kids get older.

The speed limit in Dalton Gardens is uniformly 25 miles per hour, and, take it from someone familiar with the area, they are serious about it.

All this exists a minute away from one of Coeur d’Alene’s most active stretches — Government Way. Drive a block into Dalton Gardens from that busy roadway and it feels like a completely different place. Mature trees and breathing room between the properties is almost like a trip back in time in the best sense of the phrase.

But that nostalgic vibe doesn’t necessarily mean properties in Dalton Gardens are old. In fact, many new and remodeled homes continue to help Dalton stay relevant for homebuyers looking for the best on the North Idaho market. Of course, it will cost you. One currently active listing boasts upgrades all around in a five bedroom, 3.5 bathroom living space with more than 3,000 square feet. That’s $535,000.

Need some more space? A home with almost 4,200 square feet, commercial-grade kitchen, three shops on a well-manicured, almost-two acres will set you back to the tune of $695,000.

Don’t worry, not everything is so expensive. In fact, most of what is currently available or sold recently sit all around the $300,000s, though smaller homes and properties or those needing more redemption will hit the market well below that. There’s a six-bedroom home with more than 2,700 square feet with more than an acre and a half of property listed at $389,000. Another home with just three bedrooms, but more than 3,500 square feet with workshop and extra two-car garage listed at $379,000.

So it won’t come cheap, or at least, probably not without some renovations, but take a drive through Dalton Gardens and it’s easy to see why so little has changed and so few want to leave.

For city information, visit www.daltongardens.govoffice.com.

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Let us know about more standout neighborhoods and developments 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.