Anyone familiar with Northport?

[Whataguy]

A lot of the posted criticisms of Northport are unjustified. There's no violent crime here, only an occasional vandalism or car prowl. We had a drug problem several years ago, but for the most part, thats been addressed.

Northport is about 8 miles south of the Canadian border and located on the east bank of the Columbia river, at the upper end of Lake Roosevelt, which was formed when Grand Cooley dam was built. The population is about 325 people, many of whom are retired. Northport started out life in about 1898 as a smelter town, but that ended in about 1920 when the smelter closed. For years, logging, several small sawmills, and a limestone mine were the major employers, but these have all pretty much shut down. Most of the people that work commute about 40 miles down to Kettle Falls and Colville.

Northport has its own municipal water supply system, two parks, public boat launch, well staffed volunteer fire department, medical clinic staffed by a P.A., and a small public library with internet access. Police protection is provided by the Stevens County Sheriff's department with backup from the U.S. Border patrol. Most of the streets are hardsurfaced. The Northport Historical Society maintains a small museum located, along with the library, in the old town hall.

Business include a grocery store, convenience store/gas station, tavern, restaurant/tavern, cafe, hardware/sporting goods store, bed and breakfast, small motel, micro-brewery, laundromat, and several second hand stores.

If your into outdoor recreation, this is heaven. We have the best deer and turkey hunting in the state, and record class trout and walleye fishing in the river. Winter sports include snow mobiling, cross country skiing, and downhill skiing 15 miles away at Red Mountain, located near Rossland, B.C.

There are problems in paradise however. Northport's smelter was the source of significant lead pollution in the area. After extensive testing, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently completed a major cleanup of the old smelter site and much of the surrounding area. There are major concerns regarding pollution in the Columbia River caused by the Tec Cominco lead/zink smelter located in Trail, B.C. Recent U.S. court decisions have held that Tec Cominco is reponsible for bearing the costs of the proposed Columbia River cleanup. Thsi will be a major issue for years to come.

[Pippipowr]

I am a fan of Northport as well. The people are friendly and though there is not a lot to do in town the scenery outside is worth it all. I am planning on moving out there in the spring and I can't wait.

[Whataguy]

For more info about, and pictures of, Northport, checkout the following link: [url=http://www.northportwa.us/default.asp]

[Whataguy]

The previously posted link is no longer valid. The new link is Northport, Washington

[MsBarnBuilder]

Hi Grizzly9829,

We too are looking to purchase about 20 acres and want a simpler life where we can work on our land and enjoy nature and the outdoors. We are retired now and healthy, looking forward to the work and enjoyment ahead - when weather permits.

About how long to drive to Spokane? We would use the commissary and some base medical facilities.

Are the roads easily driven in winter? I'm assuming there is snow in abundance in Northport?

Sure appreciate any assistance, thanks!

MsBarnBuilder

[npgirl]

I grew up in this little town and it is a wonderful community. I live in Seattle now and long for the simple and pure life that growing up in a small community gives. My only education was from that little school and I earn an above avg income (over 6 digi), they taught critical thinking and common sense. We did a little drinking and the occasional home grown herb, but nothing that my children have to face in a city, like hard street drugs and gangs. The local cop also volunteered with his kids at our school and went on our Senior trip. The neighbors told my parents where I was .. that was worse than the police. It is hard to make a living in a small community, but if you have some sustainable income... its peaceful, restful, simple and great living. We helped each other build houses, watched out for our kids, parented from a village ... I miss it!!

[damwritercolorado]

Thank you npgirl - surely appreciate your response and information. I too was brought up in a small town (Jersey) so can understand your background. Sounds like you may end up 'returning' to your roots someday.

We've been surfing the tri-state, northern maps/city websites. Yet threaded thru them all, Northport seems to keeping poking at me. My research so far shows the cost of living a bit lower in Northport than some surrounding areas. Unfortunately, we do not make a 6 fig income, so will have to hunt awhile to find something we can afford; do NOT want to end up in an old house...downtown. We're outdoor/country-happy people.

I envy your Seattle/ocean living...sure miss the sound and smell of the ocean.

Mrs. Barn Builder (MBB)

[grizzly9829]

i travel time to spokane from northport is about 2 hours away...Roads are maintained thru winter,so winter travel is pretty good....You will love the area....Lots of history..

[grizzly9829]

Oh ya ,it does snow alot there.But if you don't have to drive in it don't..But if you do,county keeps roads pretty clear,due to it is a main road..Aladdin Rd runs into Northport and Deep Lake Boundry runs into ot as well,but long way around... There is a little general store there along with a few shops and a gas station...Make sure when you move there though you have a nice bank account to hold you over due to jobs are limited and far in between....Spokane would be my guess for good work...At least 2 hour drive.....Beautiful country and many animals to see....you can beat the area....

[damwritercolorado]

Thank you grizzly9829. Appreciate the info.
(I forgot I had registered in Mar. as Mrs. Barn Builder and so - apparently - went back in May as damwritercolorado.)
Don't go over 55 years; after that, you start forgetting everything...except how 'old' you're getting! groan.