Coeur D'alene, Idaho: A Little Slice Of Heaven

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho is the largest city in the northern panhandle of the state and is one of the most scenic places to live in the northwestern United States. If you are considering moving to Coeur d'Alene, here is a little information about the area.

Coeur d'Alene's proximity to Canada is reflected in the origins of its name. Named by French Canadian fur traders, the local Indian tribe was so designated because of its toughness in its trading practices. Translated from the French, Coeur d'Alene means "heart of the awl," though some think the name is a variation on the translation of "heart of the lion." When white men built a fort at the city's present location, it was named for the local native populace.

Today, the city is home to 50,000 residents. It is surrounded by forests and it sits on the lake that bears its name. The natural sylvan beauty of the area led newswoman Barbara Walters to declare the area: "a little slice of Heaven."

Lake Coeur d'Alene is 30 miles long and its width ranges from 1 to 3 miles. It is fed by three rivers: the Coeur d'Alene, St. Joe, and St. Maries, and empties into the Spokane River. It is an extremely popular place for locals and tourists who enjoy water sports of all kinds. During certain times of the year, the lake offers opportunities for nature lovers to spot bald eagles.

The North Idaho Centennial Trail is a 24 mile long non-motorized paved way which offers a safe haven for walkers, runners, dog lovers, and bikers. It extends all the way from the Higgins Point area of the lake to the Idaho-Washington border! Residents enjoy four distinct seasons in the year, and along with summer adventures, there are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy great skiing and snowboarding in the wintertime.

Tourism and natural resources jobs provide most of the local economy's work, followed by Coeur d'Alene's well organized and quality educational system. Families are important resources in this part of Idaho, and a family's yearly median income stands at about $47,000, with a low level of unemployment.

The city boasts five private and preparatory schools, and serves its large community of children with ten elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools. Within a 60 mile radius of Coeur d'Alene, there are seven accredited institutions of higher learning as well.

To live in this little slice of heaven is to enjoy the best that America has to offer in terms of natural resources, a quiet lifestyle, and a wholesome environment in which to raise a family.