The North Idaho real estate market continues to evolve in 2025—but if you’re house hunting this summer with a $500,000 budget, you’re in luck. While $500K won’t stretch as far as it did five years ago, it’s still a solid number that gives you flexibility, location options, and a range of home styles—from lake-area cabins to modern subdivisions.

We’ve done the market research for you and compared what $500,000 can get you this summer in five very different (but all uniquely Idaho) towns: Coeur d’Alene, Rathdrum, Sandpoint, Post Falls, and Kellogg.

Let’s break it down.

Coeur d’Alene

What You’ll Get: A Small Home, Big Location Appeal

In CDA, $500K buys you:

• 3 beds / 2 baths
• ~1,400–1,600 sq ft
• Built between 1995–2015
• Lot size under 0.20 acre
• Located in older neighborhoods (e.g., north of I-90) or newer cookie-cutter developments like The Landings or Coeur d’Alene Place

Example Listing:

• 3 Bed / 2 Bath | 1,570 sq ft | $499,900
• Coeur d’Alene Place neighborhood
• Move-in ready with granite countertops, updated flooring, and fenced backyard

CDA’s charm comes at a premium. Your dollar goes toward location—close to parks, schools, and downtown. But you’ll sacrifice space and land.

Rathdrum

What You’ll Get: Suburban Comfort with Elbow Room

Rathdrum is growing fast, but still offers more home for your money compared to CDA.

In Rathdrum, $500K buys you:

• 3–4 beds / 2–3 baths
• ~1,600–2,100 sq ft
• Lot sizes from 0.20 to 0.35 acres
• Built between 2005–2022
• Located in neighborhoods like Radiant Lake or Timberline Estates

Example Listing:

• 4 Bed / 2 Bath | 2,010 sq ft | $489,000
• Built in 2020
• 0.26-acre fenced lot, open floor plan, modern finishes

Rathdrum gives you space and a newer home—ideal for families who want North Idaho without CDA price tags.

Sandpoint

What You’ll Get: Charm, Character, and Maybe a Lake Peek

Sandpoint’s $500K market is eclectic. You may score a historic home, a rustic cabin, or a modern condo depending on location.

In Sandpoint, $500K buys you:

• 2–3 beds / 1–2 baths
• ~1,200–1,600 sq ft
• Older homes in town or cabins outside city limits
• Possible fixer-uppers with location potential
• Some options with lake or mountain views

Example Listing:

• 2 Bed / 2 Bath | 1,320 sq ft | $498,000
• Vintage home in downtown Sandpoint
• Updated kitchen, walkable to shops, Lake Pend Oreille marina nearby

Sandpoint offers small-town charm with high-end vacation vibes. But be ready for older homes or less square footage if you want to be near the lake.

Post Falls

What You’ll Get: Suburbia with Modern Touches

Post Falls is North Idaho’s fastest-growing suburb, sandwiched between CDA and the Washington state line.

In Post Falls, $500K buys you:

• 3–4 beds / 2–3 baths
• ~1,800–2,300 sq ft
• Built between 2010–2024
• Located in developments like Crown Pointe or Montrose
• Yards, garages, and move-in ready condition

Example Listing:

• 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath | 2,250 sq ft | $499,950
• Built in 2018
• Open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, low-maintenance yard, great for commuters

Post Falls offers the most balanced mix of space, newer construction, and accessibility for the $500K mark.

Kellogg

What You’ll Get: Space, Views, and a Slower Pace

Looking to stretch your budget? Kellogg—just 35 minutes east of CDA—might surprise you.

In Kellogg, $500K buys you:

• 4+ beds / 2–3 baths
• ~2,000–2,800 sq ft
• Larger lots (0.30–0.50 acres+)
• Detached garages, workshops, or even duplexes
• Proximity to Silver Mountain or golf courses

Example Listing:

• 4 Bed / 3 Bath | 2,600 sq ft | $495,000
• Set on 0.45 acres with mountain views
• Updated interior, 3-car garage, hot tub, and walking distance to Silver Mountain gondola

If you’re looking for lifestyle and value, Kellogg wins on square footage, views, and unique property features.

Location Defines Your $500K Lifestyle

In 2025, $500K still opens plenty of doors in North Idaho—but what you walk into depends on where you’re looking. Here’s the bottom line:

Still wondering which town is the best fit for your lifestyle and goals?

Get in touch for a personalized North Idaho home tour and let our team help you find your perfect fit.