Don't believe a good word anyone here has to say, it's so bad that I'm moving back as soon as I can get my business sold down here in "Holy" Utah. I grew up in N. Idaho and both my sons still live in Cda. I am looking for some land south of Post Falls (inbetween Cda and Spokane) to build on. The winters are winter and the summers are summer. The people are much more "real" than most places I've been and I have been all over the US, only missed two of the 48 and Alaska.
Neighbors actually like to talk and most will keep a good eye on your stuff like it was their own. Just like everyone else has said, there are always bad apples but there are a lot fewer there than in Utah that's for sure. I worked for Kootenai County SD while I was there in the late 80's so I did get a pretty good view of N. Idaho's problems and I will be very happy to move back.
The road riding is fantastic and there is a deer problem but not nearly as bad as some places. Salmon, Idaho and the UP of Michigan were the worst, almost a deer obstacle course. From Cda west the deer are pretty thin but that's where the riding gets boring. The foothills end right about the state line, east of there has nice mountains and west has the palouse. Cda has the small town feel and the people are great. It is one of the most beautiful places that exist. Cda lake is one of the best in the world (until they implemented the 50mph speed limit, there used to be some bad boats on that lake!). It's 50 miles long with plenty of bays and waterside bars/restraunts.
So, yeah...stay away. It's a horrible place and I don't want too many people moving up there and finding out what it's really like...
