Newport, Wa (Spokane, Pacific, Colville: ski resorts, for sale, apartment)

[Wrongway]

Hello everyone; I have been doing some online research looking at Newport, Wa as a possible retirement town.
Can anyone give me some insight to Newport and the surrounding country, ie. rugged mountainous? Or pined hills?
How about the people, friendly? Clannish?
Realizing that Newport is smaller than Colville, how would you compare it to Colville, and other similiar towns like Kettle Falls, Chewelah?
Are winters and driving conditions comparable? For instance, I understand that the area around Ione gets a lot more snow than area's south of Ione like Colville, Kettle Falls. Hows Newport compare?

Maybe heading that way for a late summer visit the latter half of September if I can work it out
Thanks for any help and advice you can give

[StealthRabbit]

Newport is a pretty nice spot, major industry is timber, and it is a forested area, not too rugged, more hilly. Proximity to BC / Alberta, ID, and MT is a bonus for outdoors types. (Camping in Canada is really great). I think the winter weather may be a bit grayer than Colville (Mt range separates the two). Probably cooler in Winter and summer.

Downside, is a bit depressed (unless you work for forest service). But is seems nice, and is within striking distance of many services / activities. I note that there is a place listed there in our guest home directory (the ONLY way to travel ) I could contact the host and see what they say about the joint. I go through frequently as I have friends in Ione,WA and also in MT and Sandpoint, ID. The ole fashioned soda fountain / deli in the drug store is nice!, and some good Mexican Food in town.

[MissT]

Hi,

I lived in Sandpoint for 4 years, and regretably, sold and moved to CT. Knowing I wanted to be back in the Northwest, I looked all around Newport and surrounding areas and ended up buying 20 acres in Chewelah. It's smaller, but has the great access to 49 North if you're up for skiing.

As an FYI, I don't want to use this as a sales pitch, but it turns out I will be working in OH for the next several years, and will be selling the 20 acres. It has a shop you could live in, and all the utilities are in place to start building.

I do love the area and will definitely get back there one day permanently. If you have any questions about it, I'll be happy to pass along our experiences.

[pat t]

We want to retire to Northeast Washington and are interested in acreage up to 20 acres that we can build on. We've been in AK for many years but both grew up in WA (coast and central). Now interested in sunny 4 season areas, smaller communities, big trees! We've done tons of research but love hearing from folks who live where we're looking! Not so familar with the NE part of the state so any thoughts would be appreciated. Not concerned about job opportunites but like friendly, active communities. Will be traveling to look in that whole area in April 08.

[Maijai]

I grew up in Spokane, and spent the latter school years in Newport WA. We currently live near Portland, OR. We, my husband and 4 kids, and I, are moving to Newport this summer. It is a wonderful place with pine hills, and 4 seasons. Hot summers, beautiful lakes. Great skiing, a real central local to many places.

[Carbuff]

I read your comments and questions about the Newport, WA area. We have lived here for 11 years, coming from the western side of the state and concur with lots of the comments about the area. It is a great hub for access to facilities in Spokane, Sandpoint, & Coeur d'Alene, as well as three winter ski resorts and summer watersports. Then when you consider those who love to hunt and fish, there isn't much better in the Pacific Northwest.

I too, have my place for sale - beautiful brand new 3-bdrm/2-bath home just finished this summer on 8 acres (fenced and cross-fenced), detached 2-car garage and separate 40x70 fully finished shop with 15x55 lean-to and small upstairs apartment, 1 3/4 baths, sheet-rocked, wood and propane heat sources. offered @ $378,000 with a planned move next spring/summer - nothing this winter because the snow is coming.

Which brings up the subject of weather. Most years are great (four-season weather scenarios) but about every 7 years we seem to get a real snow storm winter. Otherwise, the 3 months of winter are wonderful and make spring that much more rewarding.