What Nobody Tells You About Moving to North Idaho

Beautiful lakes. Mountain views. Outdoor recreation. Charming communities.Those are some of the reasons people fall in love with North Idaho.But if you're seriously considering moving here, there are a few things you should know that don't always show up in the relocation brochures.

1. North Idaho Is More Than Coeur d'Alene

Coeur d'Alene gets much of the attention, but North Idaho is much bigger than one city.Post Falls, Hayden, Dalton Gardens, Rathdrum, Sandpoint, Priest River and other communities each have their own personality.That's important when you're buying a home.The "right" North Idaho neighborhood depends heavily on what you want your everyday life to look like.

2. The Weather Is Part of the Lifestyle

North Idaho experiences four distinct seasons.Summer can mean boating, hiking and long evenings outside.Fall brings beautiful colors and cooler temperatures.Winter changes the landscape completely and opens the door to snow sports and winter recreation.Spring brings everything back to life.If you're moving from a warm-weather state, winter deserves some serious consideration before you buy.

3. Your Home May Be More Rural Than You Expect

One of the attractions of North Idaho is the ability to get away from dense urban development.

But that can also mean dealing with things that aren't as common in larger cities.

Depending on the property, you may encounter:

• Wells

• Septic systems

• Private roads

• Acreage

• Outbuildings

• Longer drives to amenities

None of those are necessarily bad.

They just require you to know what you're buying.

4. Outdoor Recreation Isn't Just a Weekend Activity

North Idaho's outdoor access is one of its biggest advantages.Coeur d'Alene alone offers access to Lake Coeur d'Alene, Tubbs Hill, numerous parks and nearby hiking and biking opportunities.The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes stretches more than 72 miles through the region, making it possible to spend an entire day exploring without getting in the car every few minutes.

5. You Should Explore Before You Buy

If you're relocating from another state, don't spend one weekend touring houses and immediately make an offer.Spend time in the communities.Drive the commute.Visit grocery stores.Explore neighborhoods.Try restaurants.Imagine your normal Tuesday—not your vacation Saturday.That's when you'll discover whether North Idaho is truly right for you.