Thompson Falls area (Plains, Paradise: live in, delivery, relocate to)

[bigtrees]

Most the fish in the Northwest test positive for mercury, which is a nasty chemical. It's not just the Clark fork, it's all of the rivers in the Northwest.

However, they say unless you binge on fish, you will probably be fine. The mercury is not from the Northwest, it's form coal power plants elsewhere spewing mercury into the air and then it settles on the snow and land.

[rickers]

I fish lakes and big rivers but seldom eat the fish. All you have to do is look at the fish consumption warnings that are in the State Fishing Regulations booklet. I will eat a fish or two from a few smaller creeks though. Small fish = less mercury. Another reason not to eat tuna anymore, I substitute Reeses skinless and boneless sardine fillets for tuna these days. I'm not a fan of coal fired power plants for this very reason and I'm not a big fan of Dams either unless there are fish ladders. The Clark Fork River is also polluted from Mining waste.

[MT2WA]

I live in T Falls. There are quite a few Realtors down there. Same for Plains. Less than 50 properties sold last year in Sanders County. My wife and I own a real estate firm in Plains so I do know what I am speaking about. That said, if you end up in that area and want to be an agent we are hiring agents. Email me.

I'll answer your questions one by one:

1.) Is it possible to make a living in the Thompson Falls? Any opportunities in real estate or actually anything?

Very few jobs, it is best to bring your own. It is fairly inexpensive to live here.

2.) How is the crime there?

There is none to speak of.

3.) Is the crime that is there more violent crime or property crime?

The crime that does exist is property crime and domestic violence. The government statistics overstate the problems because they are stated in terms of "per 100,000 or per 1000". T Falls has < 2000 residents, many part timers or retired. In terms of non-retired full time residents you have maybe 800 in town, more in the greater T Falls area. Sanders County is about 160 miles by 50 miles and has < 30,0000 residents.

4.) Is it a pretty conservative area?

All types of attitudes I imagine, people tend to keep to themselves on politics.

5.) How much snow does Thmopson Falls get?

T Falls is along a river and in sort of a banana belt and gets much less snow as compared with Noxon or Trout Creek even. Quite a bit less than Clark Fork. We got about 4' in January but most of it melted off fast.

6.) How long does it stay on the ground (from what month to what month)?

Late December through April there is a little bit on the sides of the road and the roads are icy.

7.) Do most people go into Missoula for services or some place closer in Idaho?

Missoula in the Winter (Thompson Pass is the fastest way to get to Idaho but it closes at the first snow and doesn't open until April. Once that happens you cannot get to the Wal Mart in Smelterville, ID easily. So you go to Sandpoint (120 miles) or Missoula (120 miles).

8.) Are there any grizzly bears in the immediate area?

Yes, but black bears are more common. You will see Moose, Bald Eagles, Black Bear, Big Horn Sheep,Deer and Elk commonly. For pictures of Big Horns on Hwy 200 please see the wild life pictures at oracletong.blogspot.com/search/label/Montana%20Wildlife (the photo is small but just click it to see a larger image).

9.) Does it have the basics or more than the basics as far as stores?

Basics only. 2 gas stations, 3 bars, 6 restaurants (2 in bars, 1 subway, the rest mom and pop), Court House, 1 theater, 1 grocery store, one grocery surplus, 1 excellent Belknap Deli, 3 hardware stores, 1 library, 1 liquor store, 3 banks).

10.) Any idea on the schools? Any private schools?

The local public schools are excellent.

11.) How does Thompson Falls compare in these ares as compared to Philipsburg, Lewistown, Townsend, or Lincoln,?

Dunno, never been there. Compared to what?

[grannymontanny]

I will add that its VERY pretty there

[MT2WA]

Yep. grannymontanny is quite right. The beauty is staggering on many days, especially out on Blue Slide looking across Finley Flats, or driving east on Hwy 200 coming past the It Shop where the river winds around several islands. One of my favorites is the effect you get of blue blue sky with low flying puffy clouds on crystal clear winter days. I can rant on an on about the scenery. Yosemite has nothing on the Clark Fork Valley.

[lia martin]

This was great information! Yes, you are just the person I need to talk to if you live in Plains...my last job was in New Mexico, so this will be a further step into the wilderness. And, I am inexperienced in the snow; driving that is. Looking for a place I can put down roots and buy in a year or so. Also, I figure if I need real culture Seattle is only seven hours away?

[rickers]

Originally Posted by lia martin

this will be a further step into the wilderness. And, I am inexperienced in the snow; driving that is. Looking for a place I can put down roots and buy in a year or so. Also, I figure if I need real culture Seattle is only seven hours away?

Plains or Thompson Falls may not the place for you in my opinion. By the way the culture is as REAL in Plains and Thompson Falls as it is in Seattle ! Who starts a sentence with "And" anyway ? Good luck finding your wilderness though !

[lia martin]

Ouch! A little humor never hurt anyone! Didn't know there was a need to write in complete sentences on this forum. Believe me, I have camped out with the big boys since before you were born...never lived in snow, that's all... But, thanks for the reply...

[rickers]

I'm not real sure what you mean by camping out with the big boys since before I was born means but it would at least imply that you're older than me. Are you sure that you want to learn to drive on snow and ice at your age ? Since we will be driving on the same highways, I guess I better upgrade my auto insurance policies !

[lia martin]

Gosh, I like you already. Let's say I am 10 going on 57...sometimes, I do feel old and crabby. Why do you think I want to move to the "middle of nowhere!" Actually, New Mexico was too crowded for me, and believe it or not I am also considering Alaska! Originally, I am one of the Carters from Virginia: the singing ones, that is.