What About Bonner's Ferry? (Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry: real estate, wages, jobs)

[esselcue]

Can anyone give me any information on Bonner's Ferry? Is it actually a town? If so, I can't find any photos or much real info on it on-line. Real Estate seems rather reasonable there, in comparison, but there isn't much to go by as far as the area itself. It is north of Sandpoint, right? Is there any shopping? Medical? Any info would be appreciated.

[twinprism]

I've only visited there once, but I can tell you it is a small town, and does have some shopping and medical facilities. Many small local stores, but not many chains. I think the closest Walmart is in Ponderay, just outside Sandpoint, but I'd say that's a good thing.

Boundary Community Hospital

I'm sure you can look up the population on the city data pages.

It is North of Sandpoint, and I can also tell you there isn't much for jobs outside of the lumber and tourist industries around Sandpoint. At least this is how it seemed at 2 years ago when I visited. Average wages were pretty low and good jobs are hard to find, but it is surrounded by beautiful areas, and I'd live there if I could support myself there. I was surprised to find people in the surrounding areas who did not have indoor plumbing. (definitely not the norm).

Locals? Please fill in the rest, I'm not much help.

[esselcue]

Well, since I am in retirement mode and starting to look for my retirement Paradise, the job situation would not be a concern. Most of the small towns have photos of the area...I found a lot of data regarding Bonner's Ferry but no photos. Guess I'll have to include it in my next jaunt to the north and scope it out for myself. I definitely need indoor plumbing...ha!!!

[twinprism]

I think it would be a good place to retire if you don't mind winters. Population is only about 2,500 so most shopping will probably be 30-45min away in Sandpoint. It's not a pretty as Sandpoint in my opinion, but the prices speak for themselves. It is a rural town and far less touristy and a resort town. There real Idaho rednecks in Bonners. I have some friends from Moyie Springs, which is 10 miles or so further from Sandpoint, pretty awesome there though. I hope to go back to visit soon, and maybe I'll look at retiring there myself. The only downside to me: Skiing is not as good as it is here in SE Idaho, though Schweitzer is pretty awesome, just typically much wetter snow that I am used to.


Here's some photos...
Bonners Ferry : vistidaho.org

And an aerial shot of the town
http://www.bonnersferry.com/images/W...rial5-1024.jpg
Bonners Ferry, ID : Bonners Ferry from Katka photo

[brokencrayola]

Bonners Ferry is a small town. There is a small amount of shopping, small being the operative word there. There is medical as well but not a lot. You would likley see your doctors and do your shopping in Sandpoint, which is about 45 min. from Sandpoint. Sandpoint has a hospital and some shopping (Super Wal-Mart, lots of smaller type stores, JC Penney that sells only clothes and linens mostly etc.) If you want to do bigger shopping such as Target, Shopko, Costco etc. that would be Coeur d' Alene, which is about an hour and a half-1 hr 45 min. from Bonners. If you had a more serious ailment, injury or needed advanced tests you would go to Coeur d' Alene or Spokane.