What do you know about Sandpoint? (Coeur d'Alene, Hope: ski resort, homeowners insurance, neighborhood)

[krithian]

We're thinking of moving there.

How does the cost of living compare to other cities in Idaho?

Are some parts of town better to live in than others (safer, friendlier, etc.)?

Any pros and cons you could give me about life in Sandpoint would be appreciated.

[wildberries61]

We traveled to Sandpoint a couple of weeks ago and I have to say it is real pretty. The people seemed friendly. A couple of good resturants. We didn't do much shopping. We were looking around at property and just getting a feel for the area.
Tourist town they seem to have it in check. I am from a growing tourist town now and it is crazy. Pine trees and lakes and water everywhere. Hope that helps.

[Rubberducky]

My family moved here from 3000 miles away. It has been quite a transition, but a good one. Property values have grown tremendously in recent years and new construction is everywhere. You may be a bit surprised at the cost of land. It had gone way up as well. Since I moved from hurricane country, the homeowners insurance is a fraction of what I used to pay. Also, I came from a rather large metro area, so my car insurance is cheaper too. Otherwise, costs are about the same. I think it depends upon what you are used to. Many people live outside of Sandpoint, as I do. I like my neighborhood and the family atmosphere of the town. I find people to be friendly and at times polite, but distant. Overall, the quality of life here is excellent.

I do warn you. People come up here, drive on the long bridge and get the "bug" to move here. Do your homework!!! There is not much industry here, so jobs can be hard to find. I know quite a few consultants who live here and travel to work. But some move here and don't have a job lined up first.

I find Sandpoint to be old-fashioned in a charming sort of way. It is a nice change. So far, I like the schools. They are fair and sensible in their approach to the students. There are times when I feel boxed in here, and that is when I drive to Coeur d'Alene!

Hope this helps.

[wildberries61]

Rubberducky,
Gald to get info from someone who lives there. I am in the central part of Idaho by Tamarack Resort. Can you tell me anything about the ski resort there? Also, wondering what the snow months are? Do you happen to attend any of the churches there? Do you think the peolpe are distant due to it being tourist area. I know that is how our town is we have people coming and going it's hard to get to know people. Thanks

[Sanddawgg]

Wildberries, I've only lived here for two years myself. There are many of us who have relocated here in the last few years, so things are changing pretty quickly and that's a negative. A lot of formerly open land has sprouted up housing. We love it up here though and I hope that the growth will moderate in the future. Schweitzer is a great ski resort. Plenty of variety of terrain. check out schweitzerdotcom for more info. It's usually fairly uncrowded, at least in comparison to my experiences with Tahoe and Mammoth... The season usually starts sometime around/after Thanksgiving, and runs until the first week of April... My only Schweitzer experience is with the last two years. The year before last was terrible. They had to close several weeks early and most of that was on sloppy slushy mud from midway down the mountain. Last year was much better, and I am hoping for the best this year. We just got our first snow of the year, but it is now getting rained out.. My gut feeling is that Tamarack and Sandpoint would have similar issues regarding church and newcomers. Although I have never been to Tamarack, it sounds like both areas are experiencing that rapid growth and influx on newcomers...

[Iam me]

Sandpoint is a great place. If you like lakes, skiing friendly people and cute downtowns. Coeur d'Alene and Spokane. Its also close to both In terms of the weather, it does get snow, but the temps are mild reletive to alot of other places in the panhandle. The biggest problem with Sandpoint is the rate at which housing prices have climbing.

[wildberries61]

How funny I am in the central part of Idaho and compared to our housing prices yours looked very reasonable. I was kind of wondering way they were so cheap for a resort town. If you sell here you well at least we do have to move out of the area.

Thanks for your info. I have also heard you stay grey from Oct.-June is this true? Is it possible to garden there?

[Johnwag]

Hello,

I'm from out of Sandpoint but the place interests me. How long does it take to drive from Sandpoint to Coeur d'Alene and Spokane?

John

[Sanddawgg]

Johnwag,

CDA is about 45 miles south, the drive there usually takes me a little over an hour, maybe 90 minutes during rush hour. Spokane is another 30 miles west and usually is a thirty minute drive.

Wildberries.... gardening is possible here, but the growing season is a bit short. Figure from May to September... As far as weather goes, it is quite gray from October to June. I think CDA, to the south has a bit milder climate. at least from my observations. Many times when we drive down there, it often seems a bit brighter and warmer. Location and a southern exposure can make quite a difference up here.

[wildberries61]

Now would that be greenhouse? Does it frost there in Aug. or at least known too. I like gardening when mostly you plant and watch it grow. Some people around here garden but, its like having children. They will plant tomatoes in pots and carry them in and out by a wagon,not my kind of gardening.

Thanks to all for you information.