Hayden Lake, ID

Tucked along the southern shores of its crystal-clear lake, Hayden Lake is a quiet, upscale community just minutes north of Coeur d'Alene. With fewer than a thousand year-round residents, the town has the peaceful, tucked-away feel of a private retreat. Tree-lined roads wind through forested hills, charming cabins, and custom waterfront properties, all centered around the classic Hayden Lake Country Club and its quiet bays.

ATTRJoe Mabel (on Flickr as Joe Mabel from Seattle, US) / CC BY-SA 3.0

Living here gives you a relaxed lake lifestyle without sacrificing everyday convenience. Families are served by the Coeur d'Alene School District, and daily errands are quick and simple. Because the town itself is mostly residential, residents hop over to neighboring Hayden or head down U.S. 95 into Coeur d'Alene for supermarkets, dining, healthcare, and work. Between the private docks, scenic marinas, and quick drives to regional amenities, it offers a laid-back base in the heart of North Idaho.