Coeur d'Alene · Relocation
Relocating to Coeur d'Alene From Out of State
Moving to North Idaho from another state? I am your eyes, hands and feet here, before, during and after your move.
Moving to Coeur d'Alene From Another State
If you're relocating to Coeur d'Alene, you've probably already spent hours on listing sites. You know the lake, you've seen downtown, and you have a short list saved somewhere. What a listing can't tell you is how a street feels on a July Saturday, whether the home is on city water, or what you'll need to set up in your first month here.
Coeur d'Alene is the largest town in North Idaho, and it changes a lot from one part of town to the next. A home a few blocks from Sherman Avenue lives very differently from a newer home on the north side or a place with a few acres outside town. Those differences are hard to see from another state.
That is where I come in. I'm your eyes, hands and feet here, and I'll show you what the photos leave out before you decide.
Find Out If Coeur d'Alene Fits Your Lifestyle
Inside City Limits or Outside: Why It Matters Here
One of the first things I check on any Coeur d'Alene home is whether it sits inside city limits. A Coeur d'Alene mailing address doesn't always mean the home is in the city, and the answer changes your everyday life.
Inside city limits, every home gets its water from the City of Coeur d'Alene. Water, sewer, garbage, streetlights and stormwater all come on one city bill, and that bill stays in the property owner's name.
Outside city limits, it depends on the property. Some homes are served by the city's water system, and others have a private well and a septic system. A well needs water samples and a septic needs its own inspection, so I plan your inspection period with enough time for both.
Electric service in the Coeur d'Alene area comes from either Avista or Kootenai Electric Cooperative, depending on the address. I confirm which one serves the home so there are no surprises when you call to set up service.
How I Help You Relocate to Coeur d'Alene
Most of my relocation clients aren't here when we start. Here's how a Coeur d'Alene move usually goes with me.
Before your trip. We talk about how you want to live, not only the house. Walk to dinner and the water, or more room and a quieter road? I tour the strongest homes for you on video, and I show you the street, the traffic and the neighbors' yards, not only the rooms.
Your visit. When you fly in, we see the homes worth seeing and the parts of town you're weighing. I'll take you from the long-standing streets near the lake to the newer neighborhoods to the north and west, so you can feel the difference for yourself.
Under contract. I'm at the inspection in person. Older homes close to downtown often have more questions to answer, and a property outside town may add a well and septic. You get photos, video and written notes from me, so you decide on facts.
After you move in. You'll have my list of local inspectors, contractors and handymen, and I'm still here for the questions that come next.
The full picture is on relocating to North Idaho and how I help you buy a home.
Your First 30 Days in Coeur d'Alene
A few things on this list have real deadlines, so it helps to know them before you arrive.
- Driver's license and vehicles. Idaho asks new residents to get an Idaho driver's license and to title and register their vehicles within 30 days of moving here, even if your old ones haven't expired. The Idaho Transportation Department's "New to Idaho" page has the current list of what to bring.
- City utilities. If your home is inside city limits, you set up your account with the city's utility billing office at (208) 769-2223.
- Power. Call Avista or Kootenai Electric, whichever serves your address. I'll have that answer for you before closing.
- Homeowner's exemption. If the home is your primary residence, meaning you live there more than six months of the year, you can apply for the homeowner's exemption on your property taxes. It isn't automatic. Every new owner applies after the purchase, through the county assessor's office.
- Schools. School boundaries go by address. Coeur d'Alene Public Schools has current boundaries and enrollment steps on its website, and I can help you find which schools serve a home you're considering.
- Health care. Kootenai Health's main hospital is in Coeur d'Alene, with clinics around town. If you're keeping a doctor somewhere else for a while, it's worth finding a local one early.
What to Weigh Before You Choose Coeur d'Alene
Coeur d'Alene gives you the lake, a downtown you can walk, and the most going on of any town in North Idaho. It also has the most traffic, and summer brings visitors to the waterfront. If that energy is what you're moving for, it's a great trade.
If you'd rather have more room and a quieter road, I'll also show you Hayden, Rathdrum or Post Falls, so you can compare before you commit. Read more about living in Coeur d'Alene.
I'll tell you what I see. The decision is always yours.
Start Your Coeur d'Alene Move
Tell me where you're moving from and when, and I'll tell you what I'd look at first. You can also start with my free guide, Moving to North Idaho From Out of State, or call me at (208) 819-1355.
Your North Idaho home should fit how you want to live. ...Because lifestyle matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a home in Coeur d'Alene without seeing it in person?
Yes, many of my clients make most of their decisions from another state. I tour homes for you on video, attend the inspection in person, and send you photos, video and notes, so you decide on facts. Closing can often be signed remotely or with a mobile notary.
How soon do I need an Idaho driver's license after moving to Coeur d'Alene?
Idaho asks new residents to get an Idaho driver's license and to title and register their vehicles within 30 days of moving. Check the Idaho Transportation Department's New to Idaho page for what to bring.
Who provides water and power in Coeur d'Alene?
Every home inside city limits gets water from the City of Coeur d'Alene, on one bill with sewer and garbage. Homes outside the city may have a well and septic. Power comes from Avista or Kootenai Electric, depending on the address, and I confirm it for each home.
Do I need to apply for the homeowner's exemption?
Yes, it isn't automatic. If the home is your primary residence, meaning you live there more than six months of the year, you apply after your purchase through the county assessor's office.
Coeur d'Alene
What Relocation Looks Like in Coeur d'Alene
Coeur d'Alene puts the lake, a walkable downtown and year-round trails right outside your door.
The Method
How We Do It Together in Coeur d'Alene
Relocation: keep exploring
Ready to make your move with Maddy Sells North Idaho?