Destination: Coeur d’Alene/ Sandpoint

Average home price: $238,479 in Coeur d’Alene; $277,278 in Sandpoint.

Transportation: Coeur d’Alene Airport, CityLink bus service, North Idaho Community Express bus service, Omni/Bus Shuttle Tour & Charter and Payless airport shuttle. Sandpoint Airport, Amtrak, taxi services.

Health care: Kootenai County Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene; Bonner General Hospital in Sandpoint; plus numerous clinics.

The region: Both offer small-town living with increasingly upper-end amenities. The focal point of both towns are majestic lakes — Lake Coeur d’Alene and Lake Pend Oreille. They’re a magnet for those who enjoy power boating, sailing and swimming.

Both cities’ downtowns feature historic buildings housing boutiques, retail outlets and restaurants. Theaters, a symphony orchestra, art galleries and museums offer year-round cultural events.

Upscale housing developments and stunning golf courses are among the region’s top draws.

Three colleges and universities are based in Coeur d’Alene or offer programs there.

Sandpoint is located next to Schweitzer Mountain Resort, a skiing destination that’s beginning to offer four-season attractions.

Seniors will find a host of retirement and assisted living facilities and social service agencies.