Relocating to Clark Fork (Sandpoint, Hope: rentals, option to buy, best school)

[bremilys]

Hi, I will be relocating soon to the Clark Fork area. I am very interested in any information that anyone from this area is willing to share with me. Don't be shy tell me the good and the bad. Sorry, I don't have just one question. I have so many questions that I just decided to let you guys tell me what you want to about the area. I am looking to move near Old Range Rd. I can't wait! I have horses and am looking forward to a quiet and peaceful life. I am from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Thank's so much for your help and time.

[brokencrayola]

Well I live right outside of Clark Fork. It is obviously a beautiful area, rural, quiet, small town. The people in town are friendly, great place for someone who loves the outdoors, fishing, hunting etc. Downside would be a little harsher winters than Sandpoint, not much as far as shopping other than Sandpoint. There is a small market but prices are more expensive there. Very very few jobs to speak of.

[bremilys]

Thank you! I love the outdoors and I also like fishing. I love riding my horses. I'm hoping for some good horse trails out there. I don't shop to much except for the basics. I am just a simple country girl at heart. How far is Sandpoint from Old Ridge Rd?

[Xa'at]

Clark Fork is a beautiful area, but has a bit of a hick reputation. I haven't heard any good things about their schools, either. You might consider Hope, which is a bit closer to Sandpoint, and an absolutely artsy gorgeous lakeside town. Also, Hope Elementary is supposed to be the best school in the district.
Definitely within driving distance of CF, if your job is there, or Sandpoint.
You can even live in "Beyond Hope", in the middle of a wildlife refuge where the deer are tame and wander everywhere, even letting you pet them. Lots of bears too.

[brokencrayola]

ok, Sandpoint is about a 45 min. drive away. You mean Old River Road I assume.

Doesn't matter if you live in Hope or Clark Fork as far as schools go. All elementary kids in the area go to Hope Elementary and all kids in grades 7th-12th go to Clark Fork High.

As far as Beyond Hope. It is never advisable to hand feed a wild animal, not there or anywhere. The people that live in Beyond Hope are constantly fighting to keep their gardens , flowers and yards from being eaten, so living in an area crawling with innerbred deer is not it is all cracked up to be. It is nice to drive through though to see the deer from a distance.

[Xa'at]

Originally Posted by brokencrayola

Doesn't matter if you live in Hope or Clark Fork as far as schools go. All elementary kids in the area go to Hope Elementary and all kids in grades 7th-12th go to Clark Fork High.

Not necessarily, I know some people who are from CF that have gone to the high school in Sandpoint, because there are more options for classes. CFHS is pretty limited in that respect, although admittedly there are perks to having a smaller student body as well.

[brokencrayola]

Originally Posted by Xa'at

Not necessarily, I know some people who are from CF that have gone to the high school in Sandpoint, because there are more options for classes. CFHS is pretty limited in that respect, although admittedly there are perks to having a smaller student body as well.

Well yes anyone can drive their child back and forth 5 days a week to attend school in Sandpoint, but no bus transportation is provided for that as children in this area are suppose to attend the two schools I mentioned.

[bremilys]

Thanks for the info. The road is Old Range Rd. Sorry about that. How bad do the winters get in Clark Fork? I originally wanted to rent but I could'nt find anything. No rentals out there?

[brokencrayola]

There are some rentals, not a lot. Winters vary from year to year. We have had winters where it snowed, then rained and melted and did that all winter and then we had one winter where the snow was so high I couldn't see out my windows. Generally we get our first snow in Nov. or Dec. and winter is over in March or April. We usually have anywhere from a few days to a weeks where we have below zero temps. Snow level varies and whether the snow sticks or ir rains and get slushy then frozen varies to. I think with the worldwide climate changes you just never know from year to year. So far it looks like it will be an early winter. I have seen snow already on some of the mountains.

[bremilys]

Do you know of any rentals that have pasture land with them. I need it to be horse ready. It's ok if it needs some work. I have not closed on the property that I am looking at yet. I really would like to rent until I get a feel for the area. It would be great if I could find something that was lease with the option to buy. Thanks!