Going to work in Curlew (Spokane, Colville: buying, to live, moving)

[movinfromTexas]

As my screen name implies my family and I are moving from Texas so i can pursue a career opportunity in Curlew, WA. My question is that i see the area is quite remote. Do most people live in Curlew itself or commute from a local area. I looked and saw that there seems to be a reasonable amount of housing in the Colville/Kettle Falls area, but Mapquest says it takes over and hour and ten minutes to go about 45 miles. Is this correct? What would a realistic commute time be from this area to Curlew. Also Mapquest says it takes 3 hours to drive to Spokane from Curlew however, its only about 110 miles. Is this time correct. Any insight into the area and housing market would be much appreciated.

[twohunnyz]

It just so happens that we are buying land very near Curlew, so I've learned quite a bit about the county through research, new local friends and actually visiting the area. Yes, Ferry County in general is very remote and isolated. Definitely not for anyone who likes/needs what the city has to offer! My family pretty much thinks we've lost our minds! LOL It is the least populated county in WA with only @7,500 residents, also the poorest county in the state. The largest town, which happens to be the county seat, is Republic, population @1,000. Not much commuting going on in those parts, either you have a job there, or you don't. Yes, it does take 2+ hours to reach Spokane. You have to drive through mountainous terrain on a winding road through the highest pass in the state, Sherman pass, to reach Spokane or Colville (pronounced call-ville). It takes 1 hour to reach Colville from Republic which is about 30 minutes south of Curlew. The majority of the county winds through and around the Okanogan Highlands, part of the Northern Rockies. Lots of natural beauty and tons of wildlife. Tons! It is stunning!

[movinfromTexas]

Twohunnyz or anyone from the area,
Can you tell me about the Deer Creek/Boulder creek Rd. that runs off of Highway 395 north of the area going to Curlew. Google Earth says this is the most direct road to Curlew. Is it well traveled, paved or is it just another dirt forest service road not primarily used for back and forth business?

[twohunnyz]

Sounds like you may be referring to Boulder Pass. It is a paved, 2-lane, county maintained road, like Sherman Pass. Some of the locals prefer it in winter saying it is not as winding as Sherman, but we haven't personally taken it across to 395. Winter/early spring travel through any of the passes in WA is tentative.

For the most part, as you look at Ferry County maps online, the roads that meet up with the highways are gravel, county maintained. Remember, too, 'direct' route doesn't mean 'quicker'. One needs to understand and accept that it takes time to get from point a, to point b. The pace of life is much slower. We love it, but many more hate it.

[tankratt]

Hey movin from Texas, if you work in curlew you will want to live there, Colville to curlew in the winter would be a tough commute, thats if the pass is open everyday, I have hunted and fished alot near Curlew and Republic, if you have a job there and can live there you are blessed, it is a wonderful area.