Homes are all one-story, single-family, custom-built with no-steps designs.  As standard features, each one has energy-saving attributes, a gas fireplace, air-conditioning, a garage, landscaping and underground sprinklers.   Extra features include a covered walkway, covered back patio, garage workshop, kitchen pantry and walk-in closets.   There are 18 floor plans, and homes have from 990 square feet to 2,000 square feet and are priced from $119,000 (2 bedrooms and 2 baths) to $206,100 (4 bedrooms and 2 baths).    Keep in mind that these homes sit on leased land, which is why the prices are relatively low.  Land lease fees are $275 per month and include city water and sewer, garbage pick-up, property taxes, snow removal, clubhouse privileges and RV storage.  There is no HOA fee and all homes are owner-occupied.

The clubhouse at Golden Spike Estates is 12,000 square feet and has a kitchen, a ballroom, a computer lab, a pool table, a Jacuzzi, an exercise room, a small library, a movie room and craft rooms, as well as a pool with exercise classes offered.   A golf chipping area is coming soon.  Call (208) 687-4472 for information.

The best thing about retirement here may just be the location.  Mountains surround the development and outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, camping, skiing and hiking, abound.  Vibrant Coeur d'Alene, just down the road, offers plentiful restaurants, shops, casinos, golf courses, theater venues, galleries and very good medical care.   The small town of Rathdrum itself (population 6,000) is growing and has a crime rate below the national average.

Idaho has a $75,000 (up from $50,000) home owners' property tax exemption for which residents of Golden Spike qualify even though they do not own the land upon which their homes sit.   Idaho's overall cost-of-living is lower than the national average and is the second lowest of the eleven western states.

The weather here is on the cool side.  Some might even call it cold.  Summer daytime temperatures average in the 70s (so we are not sure why the new homes have air conditioning), and winter temperatures are in the 20s and low 30s.  Winters can also bring 15 or more inches of snow each month and tend to be somewhat cloudy.  Summers are characterized by bright blue skies.   The elevation, which may be of concern to some seniors, is 2,200 feet.