looking to relocate to idaho(north central possibly) (Boise, Pocatello: real estate, hotel)

[huskerfreak]

hello everyone. I'm thinking seriously about relocating to idaho. I'm looking for a place possibly in north central idaho where there is a lot of public land and mountains near by and the house prices aren't through the roof. elk city seams small and remote but I like both of those features in their own ways. Grangeville looks good but I don't know about the weather. I don't know much about stanley but the wilderness around there seams great. I really like long, snowy winters. right now I live in a town with a population of about 200thousand but as long as there's a good school there for my future kids I don't really care about the size. I really want to live in the mountains with a lot of snow mobile trails nearby, good hunting(especially moose), a good christian church, and kind people(by the way, i'm republican). any suggestions?

[6thgen]

I looked at relocating to Grangeville, but there's really not much there. When I went almost two years ago they only had one stop-light. So in the way of entertainment, stores, and whatnot, there's nothing there. GREAT for recreation, though. Um, you could look at Orofino, but I'm not sure how great the schools are there. That's right in a little valley in the mountains, really close-knit community.

[YanquiUXO]

Forget Stanley - there is no way 99% of the population can live there, for a variety of reasons, no jobs being the chief reason.

[mejaka]

I know people who live in Stanley year-round. I've spent part of the summer there for decades. It's true that most of the summer population is made up of college kids who come to work, but since the OP didn't mention the job market, I'll just say Stanley Basin is among the most beautiful places ever created; the people are awesome, esp. the full-timers; it's remote, particularly in winter when Galena Summit is often closed; in many decades there has been relatively little development; it's full of conservatives like most of Idaho and has the most incredible multidenominational log chapel--the wall behind the podium is all windows and the view is the Tetons (it's nearly impossible to pay attention in church, to be honest); and the winters are awesome.

Grangeville is tiny but not so remote; my husband was the company commander there for the IDARNG. The wilderness is less wild but it's still beautiful with the creeks and rivers; weather less dramatic but still four solid seasons, long winter, short summer, enough sunshine to keep you balanced.

Good schools? Ack. In these small towns there are small-town schools. They can be full of awesome teachers and everything, but small towns lack resources. So if by "good schools" you mean lots of dynamic offerings and a plethora of opportunities, you are looking for the impossible. On the other hand, if a "good school" is one where there's a decent basic education, caring teachers who really know their students, where violence is pretty much limited to old-school fistfights that end in handshakes, and it's okay if the technology and teaching methods aren't at the front of the current wave, you'll find a lot of that in Idaho's small towns. In Stanley, the kids have to bus out after the 7th grade; I think they attend school in Challis.

And if I sound reasonably articulate and intelligent, that can stand as a testament to those little schools.

[YanquiUXO]

Originally Posted by mejaka

I know people who live in Stanley year-round. I've spent part of the summer there for decades. It's true that most of the summer population is made up of college kids who come to work, but since the OP didn't mention the job market, I'll just say Stanley Basin is among the most beautiful places ever created; the people are awesome, esp. the full-timers; it's remote, particularly in winter when Galena Summit is often closed; in many decades there has been relatively little development; it's full of conservatives like most of Idaho and has the most incredible multidenominational log chapel--the wall behind the podium is all windows and the view is the Tetons (it's nearly impossible to pay attention in church, to be honest); and the winters are awesome.

The Tetons...? Those are way over east. The Sawtooths, you mean.

There's a whole bunch of reasons the population of Stanley is only ~100. There are no jobs, unless you're skilled enough to be a recreational guide of some sort. There are a few restaurants, a mercantile, and a few hotel/motels. I suppose if you're in the Forest Service or other similar gov't job you'll find something, but otherwise...

Also, almost all of the services are volunteer, so no sort of civil servant positions. Even the mayor, Hannah Stauts (a young girl I went to school with), has no real profession there - last I heard she waited tables.

Stanley is for the rich and/or retired, those in the recreation or forest service industries, ranchers, and the extremely hearty.

But all of that is what makes Stanley and the Sawtooth Valley what it is (and say no to CIEDRA).

[mejaka]

Yes, sorry, the Sawtooths! In my defense, I'm exhausted, having just returned from four days of pioneer handcart trekking in the sagebrush. I am too old to sleep on the ground without even a ground pad...

[huskerfreak]

thanks a lot! I'm actually looking to work in outdoor recreation(going to college soon). keep the great info comming!

[twinprism]

If you are interested in Outdoor recreation and college, Idaho State U. in Pocatello has a nationally know program where you can get a minor or degree in Outdoor Education.

Outdoor Adventure Center Home | Idaho State University

It is also a pretty sweet place for outdoor recreation, recently ranked 5th in the Nation for Outdoorsmen by Outdoor Life magazine and centrally located within 3 hours drive of many world class recreational areas and there are many hidden gems close by.

Don't want to hijack the thread, but I'm thinking of starting a business guiding cycling trips. (mostly mountain biking) and would appreciate any advice.

[millagerobert]

Grangeville is Ok. It is on the edge of farm ground on the Camas prarie, so lots of wind and snow in the winter. It is close to our big chunks of national forest ground, as is the town I live in, Kamiah. If your looking for a night life and that type of entertainment it probably wouldn't be for you. We do have a movie theater, and drive in theater in the summer in grangeville. We have town events every few months here in Kamiah, Grangeville, and the other small towns in the area, they are fun if your not too snooty.
If you like the outdoors and live in or around Kamiah you will never be bored. There is always something to fish or hunt for, or just exploring all the trails, backroads, and waterways, will take up all your time. You can spend a lifetime and be hard pressed to see every natural wonder within 100 miles of Kamiah. The hardest thing is deciding what to do on your free days, there are too many choices. We have a great river (Clearwater) flowing through town, that has sea run steelhead and salmon, along with trout and bass. It is great for the whole family to float and swim in during the summer, and if you want larger whitewater the Lochsa, Salmon, and Selway are close by.
If you like lots of snow you will want to live up out of the river valleys, Kamiah will somedays only have a skiff of snow, but 5 miles up on the hill they will have a foot. Endless # of roads and some groomed trails all around town for riding snowmobiles. Great hunting all around, moose is a one per lifetime draw hunt.
Good school system with great community support for sports etc.. Community pool, parks, and various clubs for kids and adults alike. Many different churches to choose from. Nice people who help out their neighbors but stay out of each others business.
For outdoor recreation pics of our area check out my blog Idaho Outdoors , for realestate prices and area links go to my real estate website Idaho Land and Home - Kamiah Idaho Good luck in your search

R.Millage

[idahomama]

I thought I would chime in about schools in the Stanley area as we currently have two children in school, with a third beginning in the fall. Prior to living in Stanley, we lived in Boise and our children attended private school (with an IB program). I know the Stanley school is a unique small school, but we are amazed at the education our children are receiving. The two teachers are progressive, caring, committed, and really just down right amazing. The Parent's Association is well funded and the kids enjoy many interesting activities throughout the year (Missoula Children's Theater, several artists in residence, a trip to OMSI camp). Each child's education is geared towards their ability level. Our kids have enjoyed being part of this school and I could not be happier.

That said, jobs in Stanley are tough. Many people that live here full time find the outdoor opportunities are well worth the hardships. For this time in our lives, we couldn't imagine being anywhere else.