Dreaming of stepping from your front door to a morning tee time or an afternoon swim at Hayden Lake? If you want gated privacy, tall pines, and golf-cart access to clubs and the beach, Forest Hills deserves a close look. You might be weighing HOA rules, membership options, and price points compared with the broader 83835 market. In this guide, you’ll see what makes Forest Hills a standout for golf lifestyle buyers, how the HOA works, what homes typically offer, and smart next steps so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Forest Hills at a glance
Forest Hills is a gated, tree-filled enclave of custom homes near Hayden Lake. The community’s HOA highlights its walkable or golf-cart access to Honeysuckle Beach and Hayden Lake Country Club, as well as private-maintained roads and a quiet setting. The neighborhood includes roughly 94 lots, with a few final parcels noted as in preliminary design. You will find mature pines, privacy, and a low-density feel throughout the area. The HOA’s community map and overview provide helpful context for location and access.
Where it sits in 83835
Forest Hills is within ZIP code 83835, which covers Hayden and Hayden Lake. You can reach local shops and services in minutes, and downtown Coeur d’Alene is a short drive depending on time of day. Typical drive times run about 10 to 20 minutes to downtown Coeur d’Alene. Travel to Spokane often runs about 40 to 45 minutes in normal conditions. You can review route examples like Hayden Lake to Coeur d’Alene on Uber’s route page and use a live map for your schedule.
Home styles and lots
Forest Hills is dominated by custom single-family homes. You will see Craftsman, contemporary ranch, and custom two-story designs. Floor plans commonly range from about 3,000 to more than 5,000 square feet. Many homes are built for easy living and hosting, such as main-floor primary suites, guest or bonus spaces above garages, and mature landscaping that fits the wooded setting. Lots often range from about 0.4 to 0.8 acres, giving you room to breathe without heavy maintenance.
Price context in 83835
Forest Hills sits at the higher end of the local market. Recent examples in the neighborhood have been in roughly the 1.0 million to 2.0 million dollar range. The broader 83835 area often shows a lower median list price, which recent summaries have placed in the mid 600s to high 800s depending on the date and source. That highlights the premium for this gated, lake-adjacent pocket. For overall ZIP trends, you can review 83835 market reports. Always check current MLS data for an up-to-date view before you write an offer.
Golf access you can feel
If golf is a top priority, Forest Hills places you close to two respected courses and within a short drive of many more.
Hayden Lake Country Club
Hayden Lake Country Club is a private, member-owned club with an 18-hole course, practice areas, clubhouse dining, and a private marina. Membership categories exist and access depends on the club’s current policies and availability. If private club access matters, contact the club early to learn about membership terms and potential waitlists.
Avondale Golf Club
Avondale Golf Club is a mature, member-owned 18-hole course that also accommodates non-member play in practice. It is a popular nearby option for Forest Hills residents. Tee times can be competitive during peak months, so plan ahead.
More courses within easy reach
Beyond the two closest clubs, the region offers a deep bench of public and private courses within roughly 10 to 20 miles. That includes the Coeur d’Alene Resort course with its famous floating green, and several others across Kootenai County. For a quick survey of nearby options, browse golf courses around Hayden Lake.
Lake days, boats, and the marina
Forest Hills itself is not waterfront, but it places you near the heart of Hayden Lake activity. Honeysuckle Beach is one of the primary public access points and is highlighted by the HOA as a short walk or golf-cart ride for residents. If you plan to keep a boat on the lake, start with Hayden Lake Marina’s overview for information on services, slips, and fuel. Slip availability changes with the season, so second-home buyers should reach out early.
HOA basics to know
Forest Hills is governed by a community HOA. The public site lists board and Architectural Control Committee resources, plus other member materials that require an owner login. Because several governing documents are not posted publicly, you should request the full package during due diligence. Start with the HOA website and ask the seller for the resale disclosure.
- Key documents to request: CC&Rs, bylaws, resale disclosure, the current budget, and any reserve study.
- Design review: Expect ACC review for exterior changes or new construction.
- Fees: Listings show that dues are modest for a gated custom community, but billing varies by listing and year. Examples have ranged from about 75 to 90 dollars per month, to semiannual or annual billing in the low to mid thousands per year. Confirm the current schedule and what it covers directly with the HOA or seller.
Utilities, taxes, and services
Many listings indicate public water and public sewer service in the subdivision. Property tax amounts vary with assessed value. Always verify utility connections and tax details for the specific property as part of your offer due diligence.
Who Forest Hills fits
Forest Hills tends to shine for a few buyer types:
- Golf-focused buyers who want fast access to Hayden Lake Country Club and Avondale, plus a wide local ecosystem of courses.
- Full-time residents who value privacy and a quiet, gated setting near services. Many listings note common school assignments within Coeur d’Alene School District 271. Confirm boundaries directly with the district.
- Retirees and empty nesters who prefer single-level or main-floor primary layouts and low-traffic streets.
- Second-home buyers who want a lock-and-leave base near the marina, public beach, and clubs.
Trade-offs often include a premium price compared with the broader 83835 area, standard HOA governance and dues, and club membership rules if you want private course access.
Buying new or buying land
Vacant lots are rare in Forest Hills, but they do appear from time to time. In the recent past, a representative half-acre lot example landed in the mid 200s to 300s. If you plan to build, factor ACC design review timelines and the cost of site prep and landscaping into your budget. Always confirm utilities, setbacks, and any design standards early in the process.
Smart steps for golf lifestyle buyers
Here is a focused checklist to streamline your search and protect your interests:
- Verify HOA details. Request the CC&Rs, bylaws, resale disclosure, budget, and reserve study from the HOA or seller. Use these to confirm rental rules, exterior change approvals, and what dues cover. Start with the Forest Hills HOA site.
- Confirm club access. Contact Hayden Lake Country Club for membership categories, timing, and any waitlists. Ask about marina slip policies if relevant to your plans.
- Map your golf calendar. Add Avondale Golf Club to your rotation and review seasonal tee time patterns. Then explore other nearby courses via regional course listings.
- Check boating logistics. Review Hayden Lake Marina for slip availability, storage, and service options.
- Compare price context. Look at 83835 market reports to understand the wider ZIP trends, then review current MLS data for Forest Hills specifically.
- Validate the details. Ask for recent tax bills, utility confirmations, and a recorded plat or survey for the lot you are considering.
How to evaluate a Forest Hills home
Use this quick lens when touring homes in the neighborhood:
- Setting and privacy. Do the lot’s trees and topography provide the peace and light you want year-round?
- Floor plan and aging in place. If this is a long-term home, does a main-floor primary or single-level layout support future needs?
- Entertaining and overflow. Are guest spaces, bonus rooms, or a detached suite positioned well for visits during peak summer months?
- Indoor-outdoor flow. Look for covered outdoor areas, view corridors, and easy pathways to carts or lake gear.
- Maintenance. Ask about roof and siding materials, snow removal coverage in the HOA, and irrigation for landscaping.
- Membership and access. If HLCC is a must, verify your ideal membership path before making an offer contingent on access.
The bottom line
Forest Hills pairs gated privacy with golf and lake convenience that is hard to replicate in 83835. You get a calm, wooded setting, custom homes on generous lots, and quick access to Honeysuckle Beach, Hayden Lake Country Club, and Avondale. The community sits at a premium compared with the broader market, which reflects the location and lifestyle. With the right guidance, you can secure a home that matches your routine, whether that is sunrise tee times, summer boat days, or both.
Ready to explore available homes, compare membership options, and confirm HOA details before you write? Connect with the local team that lives and breathes lake and golf lifestyle real estate. Reach out to Griffin Realty Group to start a personalized search and plan your next move around Hayden Lake.
FAQs
What makes Forest Hills ideal for golf-focused buyers?
- Forest Hills places you within a short walk or golf-cart ride of Hayden Lake Country Club and Avondale, with many more courses within an easy drive, so you can play often without long commutes.
Is Forest Hills a waterfront neighborhood on Hayden Lake?
- No. Forest Hills is near the lake but sits on wooded lots set back from the shoreline. For a private dock, you would typically look at true waterfront properties outside the subdivision.
Do home purchases include Hayden Lake Country Club membership?
- No. HLCC is a private, member-owned club with separate membership categories. Contact the club for availability and terms before you make access part of your decision.
How much are Forest Hills HOA dues and what do they cover?
- Dues are considered modest for a gated custom community, but billing varies by year and listing. Examples range from about 75 to 90 dollars per month or annualized in the low to mid thousands. Confirm the current fee schedule and coverage with the HOA or seller.
What are typical home sizes and lots in Forest Hills?
- Many homes run 3,000 to 5,000 plus square feet on roughly 0.4 to 0.8 acre lots, with features like main-floor primary suites and guest spaces suited to hosting.
How do Forest Hills prices compare with the rest of 83835?
- Forest Hills is a higher-end pocket. The broader ZIP often shows a lower median list price, while Forest Hills listings commonly fall in the 1.0 to 2.0 million dollar range. Always verify with current MLS data.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Forest Hills?
- Rules are governed by the CC&Rs and HOA policies. Request the resale disclosure and governing documents to confirm any rental restrictions before you buy.
How far is Forest Hills from downtown Coeur d’Alene?
- Typical drives range from about 10 to 20 minutes depending on route and traffic. Check a live map for the time of day you plan to travel.
