#25 Worley, Idaho

Metro Spokane Places to Live

2020 population: 261
Drive time to downtown Coeur d’Alene: 25 minutes
Drive time to downtown Spokane: 55 minutes

Overall Character: ★☆☆☆☆
Urban: ☆☆☆☆☆
Suburban: ☆☆☆☆☆
Walkability: ☆☆☆☆☆
Market Activity: ★★☆☆☆
Farm Town: ★☆☆☆☆
Timber Town: ★★★★☆
Lake / River Town: ★☆☆☆☆

Worley Community Description

All these towns at the bottom of the list have a lot in common, such as: no sidewalks, no curb and gutter, a general lack of urban form, no downtown built environment, poor architectural quality, no sense of place, and they are all located in Idaho.

I’m afraid, Worley is no exception.

Worley is located in the southern reaches of Kootenai County within the Coeur ‘d Alene Indian Reservation. As a result, the Coeur d’Alene Casino and their PGA quality golf course, Circling Raven, are five short minutes up the road. Worley is also quite close to the southern reach of Lake Coeur d' Alene, as well as plentiful hills ripe for the recreational taking.

Worley’s town character struggles for an identity. Worley has neither Native American or Euro-centric character. At this point, it is simply subject to being three miles from a casino, on the only north/south highway within the state of Idaho, and in dire need of reinvention.

Nevertheless, the casino and golf course provide fine dining amenities and entertainment, and Worley’s access to the back country of north Idaho is a significant asset.

The difference between Worley and the four towns that rank below it on this list is Worley shows more potential than the others. If decision makers were to put some money into basic improvements for Worley, it would go a long way. Good news is the Coeur d'Alene Tribe is actively planning a new wellness center in town, which will be a significant improvement.

Worley is also the first community on this list whereby there’s a hint of positivity in the air. Things are looking up!