Possible move from Hawaii to Idaho (Post Falls, Cascade: living in, cabin, moving to)

[~elise~]

My husband & I live in a small community on the Big Island of Hawaii and we love it--the island, as well as our tropical home. However, my mother just passed away here last month and my husband's parents, who live in Post Falls, Idaho, are getting more feeble. We have 5 grown children, only one of whom lives in Hawaii. So, it may soon become necessary for us to make a move to the mainland.

We have been talking about moving to an area between Post Falls, ID and Portland,OR. This would put us fairly close to both his parents and two of our children, and within a day's driving distance to our other children and grandchildren.

We would like to move to an area that is somewhat like the area
where we live now---a small town or village with a moderate temperature year around....we know nothing can rival the weather in Hawaii, but just not too cold in the winter. We love the mountains and green growing things ( I grew up in a New Mexico mountain town) and, since living in a damp humid climate for over 10 years, are not fond of dry heat. We live simply and are used to roughing it--we lived in a small cabin off grid for 3 years. We don't need alot of entertainment, as long as there is high-speed Internet available.

Can anyone make any suggestions--a small mountain area not too far from Post Falls/Coeur D'alene, that is green and pretty, with a mild climate..or are we asking for the impossible?

[rickers]

You may want to be near Portland as most areas east of the Cascades will have very cold winters and dry heat in the summer. You may want to consider the Puget Sound area or maybe move the folks to Hawaii.

[~elise~]

Mahalo, Rickers. Our daughter lives in Portland--Tigard, actually. We like the area, but not the city-ness of it, if you know what I mean.
I have found some areas that sound like they might be worth checking out: Cottage Grove, OR, and Stevenson, WA. both claim pretty mild winter weather. The mild climate that I am thinking of is not like it is here in Hawaii--do we actually have weather here? I was thinking more of only a month of 32 degree weather, instead of 2 or 3 months of cold and snow.
Does anyone know what Cottage Grove, OR or Stevenson, ID are like? If not, do you know where I can find information?
Thanks for your help!

[~elise~]

Is there anyone reading this forum who actually lives in the Silver Valley? I have a few questions...

[cleosmom]

Sorry, I don't live up on that endof the state so I'm not of much help.

I am curious as to what "mild climate" means to you? In most of Idaho it's practically impossible to avoid an area that actually has all four seasons.

[~elise~]

cleosmom:

We have only lived in Hawaii for 11 years, so we know what real weather is, but are trying to avoid 4-5 months of icy cold, if you know what I mean?
Thanks for your reply. I don't know how to find someone who lives there to talk to. Got any ideas?

[Tiffany76]

Originally Posted by ~elise~

Is there anyone reading this forum who actually lives in the Silver Valley? I have a few questions...

I was born in the Silver Valley and grewup there. I have a ton of family there... too many infact, that is why i chose, not to Marry anyone from there.I may not live there now... but sure i can tell you anything you need to know. Just ask.

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by ~elise~

cleosmom:

We have only lived in Hawaii for 11 years, so we know what real weather is, but are trying to avoid 4-5 months of icy cold, if you know what I mean?
Thanks for your reply. I don't know how to find someone who lives there to talk to. Got any ideas?

You bet I know what you mean, I live in SE Idaho. We get our share and then some of the icy cold temps

We managed to wake Tiffany76 up and she's from the area and willing to answer questions for you

[gobabygo]

If you are coming from Hawaii, I would not relocate to Northern Idaho if climate is a concern, as it should be. It would be too much of a change, IMHO. The winters are long, cold and very gray...kind of depressing frankly. The lack of sunshine here drives some folks nuts. We are actually moving to Colorado b/c of the sun exposure issue. N. Idaho is beautiful no doubt, but these winters are too long and the sun rarely says hello for a good 6 months of the year...hope this helps, but again, I suggest you go a bit south and west.

[bigbob25]

elise not to blow yr party apart idahos a failry rough place as far as the wheather goes ive noticed 8 mos cold,nippy wheather 2 mos heat and 2 mos good question hard to say and the economies very very tough unless yr rich your gonna struggle just my opinion ive lived here a long time and just telling ya what i see of course it is more affordable but things are going upupup here id try out west beleive me yr gonna get 6 mos of cold winter it seems its two falls here one long butt winter 2 mos summer and no spring