The low-down on McCall please. (Payette, Sun Valley: real estate, low crime, job market)

[coriwithaK]

My husband was reading some books and was intrigued by this city and we were wondering if anyone has any personal experiences they'd like to share.

Thanks.

[rickers]

They must have a very low crime rate, every time we have been there we noticed more police cars patrolling the streets than any other town we have ever been to. I like the town and the area but that's about all I have to share on the place. We never stayed there, just stopped for food and went on our way.

[TohobitPeak]

McCall is a growing resort town once lumber town. If you are interested I have some pictures of the town and surrounding area and I can supply you with a link to some photos I have taken and have on a photography website.

[boisefan88]

Beautiful town, sort of a new less ritzy Sun Valley. Two decent ski hills (one is in limbo currently). A great lake there. Weather is pretty crummy (gets a lot of clouds and snow, and is much colder than SV). Amazing access to outdoors stuff.

However...

The job market is impossible. Valley County is above 25% unemployment. Donnelly is absolutely dead.

Bottom line: vacation there all you want. In fact, you could probably find great deals in Donnelly. But to move there? Better be rich and not needing a job.

[ditchlights]

Payette Lake is beautiful. I've heard Harrison Ford has property in McCall and flies in on his plane fairly regularly.

[3~Shepherds]

Originally Posted by ditchlights

Payette Lake is beautiful. I've heard Harrison Ford has property in McCall and flies in on his plane fairly regularly.

This is what the real estate people, tell people when they come here. The Realtors gave us a list of celebrities and I have lived in the area 17 years and yet to see a celebrity. They do come but it's just a fly threw.

They do have a picture of Harrison Ford at Si Bueno's with the staff, but the celebrity thing is way over blown.

If you don't have to work this is a beautiful place that offers a lot of outdoor activity. With Tamarack no longer open, we are a struggling city trying to survive.

[boisefan88]

Tamarack was the absolute worst thing to happen to Valley County.

In a matter of years property values were inflated, jobs were reduced to ski bum type service jobs, and long time residents were displaced overnight.

Now those that stuck around have to pick up the pieces. These are the real effects migration and speculation that we have to deal with that no one ever thinks about. I can't think of anything that makes me angrier.

[3~Shepherds]

Originally Posted by boisefan88

Tamarack was the absolute worst thing to happen to Valley County.

In a matter of years property values were inflated, jobs were reduced to ski bum type service jobs, and long time residents were displaced overnight.

Now those that stuck around have to pick up the pieces. These are the real effects migration and speculation that we have to deal with that no one ever thinks about. I can't think of anything that makes me angrier.

Actually, if it hadn't been for all the greed in the construction and the higher ups in charge at Tamarack, it would have made it. There were accounts, bookkeepers etc. on the inside pocketing money and bankrupting Tamarack.

Then there were those General Contractors and equipment owners that were gouging the owners for all they could. The owners had a dream and the workers that they trusted brought it to a crash.

This area needs Tamarack to come back, but not sure the ecomony will ever allow it to go forward.

[fearnofish]

Originally Posted by coriwithaK

My husband was reading some books and was intrigued by this city and we were wondering if anyone has any personal experiences they'd like to share.

Thanks.

I wish I knew more about the city it self but I can tell you there is some good hunting around there.

[Miborn]

McCall is extremely laid back. It has activities for all 4 seasons too. Yes it can snow on the the 4th but have never seen it. It is cooler up there but it also can be in the 90's on those summer days! It is has good camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, riding, if you are looking for the activities of night life in SV than go to SV if you just want to relax and enjoy the area go to McCall.