Coeur d' Alene & Lake Coeur d' Alene

Local History

The city of Coeur d’Alene, often called the “Lake City,” has deep roots in both Native American heritage and frontier expansion. The name “Coeur d’Alene,” meaning “heart of the awl,” was given by French fur traders to describe the sharp trading skills of the local Coeur d’Alene Tribe. The area grew significantly in the late 1800s when Fort Sherman was established as a military outpost and when logging, mining, and railroads fueled rapid development. By the early 20th century, Coeur d’Alene had become both an economic hub and a regional recreation destination, thanks to its location along the pristine waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Today, it’s the largest city in North Idaho and one of the fastest-growing areas in the Inland Northwest.

Top Hiring Jobs

Coeur d’Alene’s economy is diverse and expanding, offering a wide variety of career opportunities:

• Healthcare & Medical Services: Kootenai Health and other clinics are among the largest employers.

• Education: Schools, colleges, and training centers employ a large workforce.

• Hospitality & Tourism: Resorts, hotels, restaurants, and recreation businesses thrive due to year-round visitors.

• Retail & Services: A bustling downtown and growing commercial centers create consistent demand.

• Construction & Trades: Residential and commercial development continue to grow with the area’s population.

• Professional & Tech Services: Finance, insurance, and small tech firms are expanding as more professionals relocate to North Idaho.

Local Lifestyle

Living in Coeur d’Alene offers a blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Residents enjoy a balance of lakeside living with a thriving cultural and social scene. Families appreciate strong schools and community activities, while retirees value the slower pace paired with modern conveniences. Outdoor recreation defines much of the lifestyle here—boating, hiking, skiing, and biking are just minutes away. The downtown area provides boutique shopping, fine dining, art galleries, and festivals, while the surrounding neighborhoods offer a mix of historic homes, suburban developments, and luxury waterfront properties.

Things to Do

Coeur d’Alene is well known as a recreation and cultural hub:

• Lake Coeur d’Alene: Boating, fishing, paddleboarding, and scenic cruises define summer.

• Tubbs Hill: A popular hiking spot right next to downtown, offering panoramic lake views.

• Resorts & Golfing: The Coeur d’Alene Resort is world-famous for its floating green golf course.

• Winter Sports: Skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts like Silver Mountain and Schweitzer.

• Events & Festivals: The Ironman Triathlon, Art on the Green, and Coeur d’Alene’s Fourth of July celebrations draw crowds each year.

• Downtown & Midtown: Restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and local boutiques keep the social calendar busy.

Yearly Average Temperatures

Coeur d’Alene enjoys four distinct seasons:

• Summer: Warm and sunny, with highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s°F.

• Fall: Crisp and colorful, with highs in the 50s–60s°F and cool evenings.

• Winter: Cold and snowy, with lows in the teens and highs in the 20s–30s°F; snow averages around 70 inches annually.

• Spring: Mild, with highs in the 50s–60s°F, a perfect season for hiking and lake activities.