Grangeville? Or suggestions... (Boise, Twin Falls, Kooskia: relocate, work, health)

[palominogal]

Is there anybody who can give me their impressions of Grangeville? We drove through recently but weren't able to stop because of time constraints. We currently live in foothills about 1200' elevation, but it's too hot in summer (have heat-related health issues) and are looking to relocate to somewhere cooler in retirement, figuring it's easier to warm up in winter than it is to cool down in summer. Also, we have horses and would like open spaces to ride. And, quite frankly, we're hoping to avoid anyplace institutionally liberal because we're surrounded by that currently at work and at home and we're tired of feeling like we have to go underground. We just don't want to be told how to think,and we don't want to tell others that either. What we're looking for is: a reasonably affordable area with riding opportunities nearby, or at least a good horse community, summers in the 80's/low 90's or below, winters without several feet of snow, at least a few trees, and friendly people. Hubby's a hunter, and we both enjoy target shooting, so a firearms-friendly area is a must. Would Grangeville be a contender, or would anyone have any suggestions? Montana would also be okay by us, but my mom was from Twin Falls so I have a sentimental pull to ID--just not Twin Falls (too hot). Suggestions are welcome...

[cleosmom]

Well your one downfall will be the snow as you don't want to have alot and Grangeville gets it.

[Brutal Attack]

Originally Posted by palominogal

Is there anybody who can give me their impressions of Grangeville? We drove through recently but weren't able to stop because of time constraints. We currently live in foothills about 1200' elevation, but it's too hot in summer (have heat-related health issues) and are looking to relocate to somewhere cooler in retirement, figuring it's easier to warm up in winter than it is to cool down in summer. Also, we have horses and would like open spaces to ride. And, quite frankly, we're hoping to avoid anyplace institutionally liberal because we're surrounded by that currently at work and at home and we're tired of feeling like we have to go underground. We just don't want to be told how to think,and we don't want to tell others that either. What we're looking for is: a reasonably affordable area with riding opportunities nearby, or at least a good horse community, summers in the 80's/low 90's or below, winters without several feet of snow, at least a few trees, and friendly people. Hubby's a hunter, and we both enjoy target shooting, so a firearms-friendly area is a must. Would Grangeville be a contender, or would anyone have any suggestions? Montana would also be okay by us, but my mom was from Twin Falls so I have a sentimental pull to ID--just not Twin Falls (too hot). Suggestions are welcome...

I lived in Grangeville and outside Grangeville for a number of years. It meets almost every single requirement you mentioned. I think it would be perfect for you. The one thing is: winters can be nasty. While the sheer amount of snow isn't usually that much (less than 2 feet 90% of the time), the winters are windy, cold, nasty and somewhat snowy. The Camas Prairie is notorious for blowing and drifting snow, cold temps, ice etc. But the amount of snow usually isn't all that much. Also, I was just there yesterday and there is already snow on the hill right above town. I was there in April and it was snowing also. So, that is only really 4 or 4.5 months snow free so you may want to consider that, even though it isn't the norm.

I wouldn't hesitate to move there though.

Also, it does frequently get to the triple digits there but it is usually cooler on the average than the lowlands.

The people are by and large conservative and guns/hunting are the norm. One drawback, there isn't a rifle range that I know of, but there is one about an hour away. They do have a skeet/trap range though.

[palominogal]

It can be really hard to figure out the weather information for different places. The city profiles tell one story, but residents often tell another. And the weather sites--who knows? For instance, weather.com shows average summer and winter temperatures for Grangeville as being milder than you and cleosmom describe. It's helpful to hear from folks who know--thank you!

[shades_of_idaho]

I have never lived in either place but Harpster and Stites have always been pretty areas we have been drawn to. They both are close to Grangeville. I know people that live in both places and they love it there. I was thinking they might be cooler in summer since they seem to be more in the trees? Still a consideration for us too. I am just not excited about moving again. and do not want acerage like we have here with no animals anymore to put on it. Seems when you are looking for acerage there is none to be had and when you do not want it it is all you can find. Figures. LOL

Good luck.

Chris

[Tiffany76]

What happened to the rifle range?There was one on Gun Club road.
I lived in the house very close to it, in 1997. Believe me i could hear every shot.

[janab]

The gun club is still there and used.
I really don't think the weather here is that bad. We live down on S fork Clearwater River and we have a micro climate. It does blow once or twice a year, the worst snow fall was 12" and it was gone in two weeks. In January we get some cold temps for about 10 days. Camas Prairie does get wind !! After shoveling 6' of snow in winters in N Ca Sierras, this is nothing. We even sold our snowlblower when we moved here.

[Tiffany76]

Originally Posted by janab

The gun club is still there and used.
I really don't think the weather here is that bad. We live down on S fork Clearwater River and we have a micro climate. It does blow once or twice a year, the worst snow fall was 12" and it was gone in two weeks. In January we get some cold temps for about 10 days. Camas Prairie does get wind !! After shoveling 6' of snow in winters in N Ca Sierras, this is nothing. We even sold our snowlblower when we moved here.

Im not suprised, it was always busy.

I have to agree with you, the weather is not that bad. I hated the wind in the colder weather. But it was nice to have the wind, when your horse back rideing into town. ahhh

[janab]

I'm down here at the end of Harpster Grade on Lightning Cr Rd and being down in this canyon gives us great protection from the elements. We can get some cloud and fog that doesn't clear off offering no sunshine on some days. But all in all this is a great place to live. We have National forest as our back yard. Oh gee, oh darn? LOL

[Grumbler]

Originally Posted by janab

But all in all this is a great place to live. We have National forest as our back yard. Oh gee, oh darn? LOL

We've done several motorcycle road trips from Boise to Lolo via Grangeville and Kooskia. Mt. Idaho Rd from Grangeville to SR-14 (Elk City) was very picturesque. SR-13 btw Grangeville and Kooskia is superb.

However, we're planning to stay at the Gateway Inn in Grangeville for two night in May/June, and spend more time exploring the town, scenery, and backroads. Have only stopped for gas in Grangeville. Never got around to taking US-95 north from the US-95/SR-13 jct so haven't seen that part of Grangeville.

We do like Kooskia, and usually stop at the Rivers Cafe for lunch on way to or back from Lolo Pass.