By Nicole Larossi
A North Idaho Native’s Perspective on Growth
I’m going to start with what might be an unpopular opinion around here: I actually like seeing North Idaho grow. And no, I don’t just say that because I’m a real estate agent.
I was born in North Idaho and raised here, so this area has always been home to me. I remember what many parts of our communities looked like before they developed, before certain roads became busier, and before so many people around the country discovered what we already knew was special about this place. At the same time, I’ve also lived in quite a few other states throughout my life, including Texas, Georgia, Washington, South Carolina and California. Living in other places gave me a different perspective on growth because I’ve seen communities handle it well, and I’ve also seen what happens when growth outpaces infrastructure, planning and the needs of the people who already live there.
So when I say I like growth, I’m not talking about uncontrolled development or changing North Idaho into something unrecognizable. I completely understand why people who have lived here for a long time can be nervous about change. Nobody wants unbearable traffic, overburdened services, disappearing open space or development that doesn’t make sense for the area. Those are legitimate concerns. But I also believe there is a healthy way for a community to grow, and when it is done thoughtfully, it can bring a lot of positive things with it.
What Thoughtful Growth Can Bring to Our Communities
Growth can create jobs, strengthen local businesses, bring in better restaurants and services, support new infrastructure and create more opportunities for the people who live here. It can also introduce new perspectives, cultures and backgrounds into a community. I think there is room for North Idaho to grow while still protecting the things that make it special. We can preserve our character and natural beauty while also becoming a more welcoming, diverse and inclusive place. Those things do not have to be opposites.
Golf in North Idaho: A Lifestyle Worth Appreciating
One of my favorite examples of the lifestyle North Idaho has built around that growth is our golf scene. I started golfing in 2017, and during my very first year playing I had the opportunity to golf at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course. Looking back, I probably didn’t completely appreciate how lucky I was to have that as one of my early golf experiences. I was still learning the game and was probably much more focused on whether I was going to hit the ball straight than on how incredible the setting was, but I remember having such a great time.
To this day, the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course is probably still my favorite course in the area. There is something about playing golf with Lake Coeur d’Alene surrounding you, the mountains in the distance, beautifully maintained grounds and, of course, the floating green. It feels like more than just a round of golf. It feels like an experience, and it is one of those places that really captures what makes this area special.
Luxury Golf Communities and the North Idaho Way of Life
We are also fortunate to have some incredible luxury golf communities throughout the area. Black Rock and Gozzer Ranch are two of the best-known examples, combining beautiful homes, golf, lake access and the outdoor lifestyle that draws people to North Idaho in the first place.
What I love about luxury here is that it doesn’t always feel overly formal or flashy. North Idaho luxury is a little different. It can mean waking up to a lake or mountain view, golfing in the morning, spending the afternoon on the boat and having dinner somewhere overlooking the water. It can mean privacy, space, nature and still having access to great amenities.
Why People Choose to Call North Idaho Home
That combination is difficult to duplicate, and I think it is a big reason people continue to move here. Working in real estate, especially luxury real estate, I’ve learned that people usually aren’t choosing North Idaho simply because they found a beautiful house. They are choosing a lifestyle. They want the lake, the mountains, four seasons, boating, golfing, hiking and skiing. They also want restaurants, shopping, healthcare and services nearby without feeling like they live in a huge metropolitan area.
Responsible Growth Means Planning for the Future
That balance is exactly why responsible growth matters. If more people are going to live here, we need infrastructure, housing and services that can keep up. We need local businesses that can thrive year-round. We need opportunities for younger people to build careers and families here. We need room for entrepreneurs and new ideas, while still protecting the natural resources and quality of life that made people love North Idaho in the first place.
I don’t think every open piece of land needs to become a subdivision, and I don’t think growth should happen without thoughtful conversations about roads, schools, water, open space and public services. But I also don’t think the answer is to assume all growth is bad. There is a lot of middle ground between stopping growth completely and developing everything in sight.
Protecting What We Love While Welcoming What Comes Next
Having lived in other parts of the country has actually made me appreciate North Idaho even more. Everywhere has strengths and challenges, but there is something unique about this area. I still notice the mountain views. I still enjoy driving around the lake. I still love seeing downtown Coeur d’Alene busy in the summer, and I still enjoy getting out on a golf course, even if that occasionally includes looking for a golf ball somewhere it absolutely was not supposed to go.
I’m proud that I was born here, and I’m proud to call North Idaho home. I’m also excited about what this area can become. My hope is that as we continue to grow, we do it thoughtfully. I want us to protect what matters, improve what needs improving, create opportunities and continue building communities where people genuinely enjoy living.
I don’t think loving where North Idaho has been means we have to be afraid of where it is going. Sometimes growth can be a very good thing, especially when we do it well.
About the Author: Nicole Larossi
Nicole Larossi is a REALTOR® and Certified eXp Luxury Agent with Lifestyle North Realty Group, brokered by eXp Realty, specializing in luxury homes, golf communities, waterfront properties, custom homes and relocation throughout Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum and surrounding North Idaho communities. A North Idaho native, avid golfer, military veteran and Military Relocation Professional, Nicole combines local insight with a background in construction to help buyers and sellers make confident decisions. Her approach centers on personalized service, honest communication and helping clients find a home that fits the way they want to live. Connect with Nicole at (208) 217-4511 or visit Nicole Larossi’s agent page to learn more.
