Finally decided on Northern Idaho (Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls: 2010, rental, mover)

[PhotoRN]

After visiting different states we just fell in love with northern Idaho. Our plan is to move just after school gets out in June. We are so tired of the rat-race and want to slow the pace down. We want stronger moral values and a better place to finish raising our last child. She is 8. We would like to keep our daughter in a good Christian School so it would need to be within 15 minutes of one. Any suggestions?. We love the idea of all the lakes and rivers and want to get a Pontoon boat. Not quite sure just where to go. So I thought best to just ask. We will be semi-retired but want to have a homebased Photography studio to supplement our income. We do need to check out if this is a problem. We are by appointment only. So where we choose can't be too remote and we need people. Not sure what the competition is but we are very creative and on top of the latest trends. We love photographing high school seniors, maternity/newborns, kids, families. We also need to keep things around $250,000 so we aren't dependent on making a certain amount from the studio. Coeur d' Alene vs Sandpoint? More people in CDA but possibly to much of a rat-race? But is Sandpoint just too remote? Confused a bit and hoping to get some insite. Thanks PhotoRN

[pimit2]

Dear photoRN,

I chose Sandpoint as my new home for a variety of reasons, some that equal your reasons. No rat race here. I did look hard at Coeur d'Alene (a beautiful location), but found it just a bit too large for my liking.

If you come from a city or area with a very large population, you might find Coeur d'Alene just right at about 45,000....and you might find Sandpoint at about 8,000 just too tiny. But, population isn't the whole story.

I like the feeling in Sandpoint (a beautiful location, also). It's calm, slow-paced and neighborly. The police/sheriff blotter for the week is published in the Sunday newspaper. If you come from a large community, it's fun to read about the barking dogs and other minor calls. I lived here for 13 months before I heard a siren! The postmaster took the time to build a shipping box for me! My neighbors lost purse was returned by some teenagers....the $600 and credit cards still inside! We have snow in the wintertime. Got stuck? Helpful, smiling people will come to you aid! The tellers at my bank and the checkers at the market call me by name! I could go on, but you get the idea. A great place to live....four distinct seasons....lots of outdoors stuff to see and do....a friendly place.

I'm a retired widower so I know little about the schools. There are several christian schools in and around Sandpoint. The two largest (I believe) are Sandpoint Community Christian School - Opening Page - sandpointchristian.com - and Sandpoint Junior Academy - Sandpoint Junior Academy - check out their websites.

There are about a dozen commercial/wedding/portrait photographers listed in the telephone directory. A couple of them appear to be working out of their residence.

Yeah, I like it here, but this is my opinion. Others will have different opinions. Hopefully, you'll get input from others on this forum.

Here's to you decision!


pimit2 (Bob)

[Trace_Rinaldi]

I think Coeur d'Alene would be a great place to have kids.. There is so much for them to do there.
It can get kind of busy, but NOTHING like your probably used to in So Cal. During the week its not bad at all I think, but can get a bit crowded on weekends.

Whatever you chose you wont be dissapointed anywhere in N. Idaho IMO... Good luck from another fed up So Cal native that cant wait to get out.!;-)

[esselcue]

If you look to Rathdrum, Spirit Lake, etc, you can be near Coeur d'Alene for the city conveniences and yet have the peace and quiet of a small town. I am really torn myself...I've been up there investigating three times now and have crossed Bonner's Ferry off my list as it is just too far north. I love Sandpoint and I love CdA...I suppose when the time comes (early 2009 I hope) I will end up where I find the best property and the best price. I'll be retired so it won't matter precisely where I live. If you can afford to go and check it out a few times yourself you can get a better feeling for the areas. I will say that the people are wonderful all OVER northern Idaho!

[elousv]

I was going to post my view but esselcue did it for me. Now live in area of about 150K but only 1 hill away from 4MILL. Also see Bonner's as too far, Sandpoint a bit too small. CDA has just about everytyhing I could want and only 5 minutes away you are in wilderness and 5+ acre properties. Shoot, even in town you have 1-2acres in Dalton. Nice amenities including Costco and right next door in Post Falls a Cabela's. Just a short ride further and you have Spokane with an airport and city type happenings.

[pacalady]

We live in Post Falls, which is 20 min from downtown Coeur d' Alene, and 20 min to Spokane Valley. Our place is 7 minutes north of Post Falls, and our views are of sprawling peppermint and hay fields, with mountains in the background!! Post Falls is a small community but with all the amenities .... medical, dental, grocery stores, gas, restaurants banks etc.

People are as friendly here (and in Cda & Spokane) as Pimit describes about Sandpoint.

There are several good Christian Schools in the area ... but my kids are grown, so I've only heard from other parents about them. Try a Google search.

I agree with Elousv also .... you can be out in the country and still be very close to everything!

Good Luck!!! We'll be welcoming you when you come!!

Pacalady

[Sandpointian]

Hi PhotoRN,
First off, congrats on your decision. As a Dad of three, I assure you there will be no "mover's remorse."

Secondly, the thread thus far is really something to behold. LOL!! Like a kid in a candy store, I kind of wish I can have everything I see!!

So here you have one of those rare decision nodes, where each location is supported with genuine passion. Your decision, therefore, comes down to...you...what you seek...your vibe...what you seek from your life and lifestyle...including of course what your daughter seeks.

Sandpoint is an artist colony. There are a number of noted photographers. There are also a number of small and intimate schools. But the CDA area is 5 times bigger with many more options for your girl. Whether they are better or better suited, that is up to you to decide.

But...you know what..RENT!! Rent your first year and experiment!! Give you and your family a year off of sorts to explore. You will better off in the long run to if you feel more certain where to set down roots. Besides, cost of long term rental in either community is very inexpensive relative to California. Finally, many say 2009-2010 is when the market kinks will finally get ironed out, so do not feel you need to buy--esp in NID where inventories are numerous in most price ranges and types of homes.

Best wishes, S

[esselcue]

Originally Posted by Sandpointian

Hi PhotoRN,
First off, congrats on your decision. As a Dad of three, I assure you there will be no "mover's remorse."

Secondly, the thread thus far is really something to behold. LOL!! Like a kid in a candy store, I kind of wish I can have everything I see!!

So here you have one of those rare decision nodes, where each location is supported with genuine passion. Your decision, therefore, comes down to...you...what you seek...your vibe...what you seek from your life and lifestyle...including of course what your daughter seeks.

Sandpoint is an artist colony. There are a number of noted photographers. There are also a number of small and intimate schools. But the CDA area is 5 times bigger with many more options for your girl. Whether they are better or better suited, that is up to you to decide.

But...you know what..RENT!! Rent your first year and experiment!! Give you and your family a year off of sorts to explore. You will better off in the long run to if you feel more certain where to set down roots. Besides, cost of long term rental in either community is very inexpensive relative to California. Finally, many say 2009-2010 is when the market kinks will finally get ironed out, so do not feel you need to buy--esp in NID where inventories are numerous in most price ranges and types of homes.

Best wishes, S

Sandpointian is right...I was really amazed at how much there is to choose from in my market price. If you are unsure and can rent for a year it may be wise. But I can't imagine not falling in love with NID.

[cleosmom]

Well okay, so you're not moving to SE Idaho. Thought I'd take a moment to congratulate you on your decision and wish you the best

[mistyriverranch]

You might look at Priest River or Oldtown. The north side of Spokane is 45 minutes away and there is a Christian school in Oldtown (House of the Lord). Prices are a bit lower and there is much more of a small town feel. Oldtown is right on the border so you can shop at the Safeway in Newport, WA and save a little tax-wise. And it's right on the Pend Oreille River.