North Idaho - Quality of Life
From Stateline to Mullan, the Canadian border to St.
Maries, the five counties of North Idaho are a kaleidoscope
of natural and man-made wonders. North Idaho has much to
offer, from the finest in health care, outdoor recreation
and quality of life to excellent job and school
opportunities.
Growth is a fact of life in Idaho's panhandle as more
people discover the place they love to vacation just may be
an even better place to call home.
North Idaho communities have repeatedly ranked in the top
10 fastest growing areas in the country. Coeur d'Alene was
ranked as the fifth best city to live in, according to a
national USA Today report. Money Magazine in April 2007
named it one of the top ten best places to retire young,
citing Coeur d'Alene's flourishing golf culture, which
features the world's only moveable floating green. Companies
relocating their corporate headquarters to the area, such as
Buck Knives, Sysco and Oxyfresh, are a testament to the
successful economic development strategies of local
planners. Post Falls is the site where world famous outdoor
retailer, Cabela's, opened in 2007. Not only is Cabela's
projected to draw over a million visitors each year, but is
likely to provide hundreds of jobs in a trickle down flow.
Lifestyle home developments like Black Rock, a PGA Golf
course community overlooking Lake Coeur d'Alene and
Riverstone, a
"Live, Walk, Work" community within Coeur d'Alene, bring a
promise of quality jobs and a positive impact to the
burgeoning infrastructure.
Kootenai County has experienced exceptionally strong
growth. From 1994 to 2004 the county grew 39%, compared to
Idaho's growth rate of 22% and the national growth rate of
13%. Strong population growth shapes many aspects of the
county's economy.
Some of the growing pains are eased by a short commute.
Current census bureau figures estimate nearly 2,000 Kootenai
County residents work in Spokane County, Washington and
2,150 Spokane residents work in Kootenai County,
illustrating another regional economic factor... it isn't a
challenge to live in North Idaho and work in Washington, or
vice versa.
In a unique partnership between Kootenai County and the
Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Citi-Link bus service was established
in 2005, providing free transportation for the masses often
not available in communities of this size.
Benewah County and its most populated (2,589) city, St.
Maries, has also experienced fairly strong growth. The rural
lifestyle and great hunting and fishing opportunities drew
many people to move there. From 1994 to 2004 the county
population grew 5% although recent improvements in the local
economy and retirement desirability are likely to influence
population growth this year.
Boundary County's scenery, recreational opportunities,
quality of life and expanding job market drew many new
residents from 1994 to 2004, when the county's population
grew 14%. About 90% of the county is forested, so most of
the population lives in the Kootenai River Valley, where
Bonners Ferry has a population of 2,647.
Shoshone County, after devastating mine and smelter
closures in the 1980s saw the population fall, but the
Silver Valley held its own in the 1990s. Retirees moved in,
offsetting the loss of young families and increasingly some
towns became bedroom communities of the Coeur d'Alene area.
A brighter economic outlook and the development of housing
around Silver Mountain Resort, the county (including its
largest city, Kellogg-pop. 2,236) has grown steadily in the
past few years.
The state of Idaho collects a state income tax and a
sales tax of 6% percent. The Idaho sales and use tax has
been in effect since 1965. Sales tax applies to the sale,
rental, lease of tangible personal property and some
services. Food is taxed but prescription drugs are not.
Hotel, motel and campground accommodations are taxed at a
higher rate, 7 to 11%. Corporate state tax is 8 percent of
net taxable income. Motor vehicle taxes are levied on cars
and trucks on a sliding scale, depending on vehicle year.
Commercial vehicles are charged by gross weight up to 16,000
pounds.
Civic and business leaders work hard to ensure North
Idaho residents will have good-paying jobs to support their
families. Area industry recruitment organizations such as
Jobs Plus and
the Silver Valley
Economic Development Corporation have been responsible
for the relocation of a wide range of companies, as well as
supporting the growth of local industry.
With a citizen legislature; business has the opportunity for
input in the legislative process. The
Coeur d'Alene Chamber
of Commerce and other local chambers have a commitment to
advocate for the business community in matters of local and
state regulations. During the legislative session weekly
town hall meetings are held to keep citizens and business
informed. It's because of such efforts that Idaho has a
positive reputation with commerce and industry, for being
"business friendly."
Quality of life goes beyond the statistics and economic
development efforts. It speaks to the heart of a place.
North Idaho has a beautiful heart; volunteerism is a way of
life and the generosity of the citizenry is extraordinary.
From Habitat for Humanity to Ducks Unlimited and the
Chambers of Commerce, there are gala fundraisers throughout
the year, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for
education, cancer research, and building projects. Service
organizations thrive and each one makes a significant
contribution in our communities.
Shining examples are seen at the Rotary Band shell and
Kiwanis playground in Coeur d'Alene's City Park. The 7,200
sq. ft. covered grand pavilion in
Post Falls' Q'emlin Park
was built by the Post Falls Lions Club. Volunteers serve on
commissions and boards in each Panhandle town.
North Idaho has developed a culture of fitness that's in
keeping with the variety of sports and recreation
opportunities available through all of the seasons. Hiking,
cycling, climbing, skiing and golf are all conducive to a
healthy lifestyle. The annual
Coeur d'Alene Ironman
Triathlon not only offers a look at world-class athletes but
is also inspiring the average North Idahoan to embrace
active outdoor fitness goals.
Wellness and seeking to enjoy life are some of the reasons
this area consistently tops best places to live and retire
lists.
| Name |
City |
Phone |
1 Day Usage Fee |
|
Anytime
Fitness |
Post
Falls |
773-5900
|
$10 |
|
World Gym
|
Post
Falls/Hayden |
772-9014
|
$10 |
|
Ironwood
Athletic |
Coeur
d'Alene |
667-2582
|
$15 |
|
North
Idaho Fitness |
Coeur
d'Alene/Rathdrum |
664-6213
|
$8 |
|
Precision
Fitness |
Coeur
d'Alene |
664-7728 |
|
|
Oz
Fitness |
Coeur
d'Alene |
667-5010
|
$15 |
|
Sandpoint
West |
Sandpoint
|
263-6633
|
$12 |
|
Silver
Valley Fitness |
Kellogg
|
783-1291
|
$5 |
While not all local names are tribal,
visitors and newcomers can refer to this list of challenging
to pronounce names to sound like you've been here for years!
Coeur d'Alene - core da LANE
Kootenai - KOOT in ee
Moscow - MOSS co
Nez Perce - nez purse or nez pierce
Pend Oreille - PAWN da RAY
Q'emiln - ka MEE lin
Shoshone - sho SHONE
Seltice - sell TEECE
St. Maries - St. Marys
Spokane - SPO can
|