Coeur d’Alene, perched in a beautiful lakefront mountain setting, is becoming a favorite destination for retirees and many others fleeing other urban areas, especially on the Pacific coast. There is plenty to do and the summer climate is particularly pleasant and fresh. Downtown is clean and vibrant. Most residential and commercial areas spread into the relatively flat landscape to the north. Spokane to the west is close enough to provide amenities and services plus employment for those who need it. But there is plenty to do locally, with numerous recreation, entertainment and minor arts amenities. The local construction boom, tourism, and some light commercial activity round out a healthy economic climate.

Coeur d’Alene sits on a small spit at the north end of a large lake of the same name. The setting is decidedly attractive, with lake views on three sides of downtown and mountains on all sides looking south. The mountains are densely forested with fir trees, while trees in the immediate area of the town are sparse. But the high altitude and northern latitude keep the area green and lush most of the year. That latitude, and the open northern exposure bring occasionally harsh winter weather, but the climate is more often influenced by moderate air flows from the Pacific to the west. Summers are sunny, dry and nice.