A couple of questions about Clark Fork and Sandpoint (Coeur d'Alene: real estate, renting)

[Lunabell]

Hi! My husband just applied for a school counseling job in Heron, MT. We are currently in Minnesota, but are looking at any possible job opening in areas that we think we would like and that hopefully would eventually like us. After doing a lot of research into the area, it seems like Clark Fork or Sandpoint would be our best bets for living. I really, really want him to get this job. This area sounds exactly like what we are looking for. I am so tired of cities. I so prefer being "up north" as we call it here. My husband loves everything outdoors and said that he only wants to live in places that have "good hunting." So far we have considered Colorado and Montana outside of Minnesota. I am not sure Colorado is for us and Montana does have some other job openings that my husband will probably be applying for. If there were any in northern Idaho, he would be doing that as well. However, all the research that I have done really makes me want him to get this job. I think I have fallen in love with this area online. I am working on a way for us to visit, so I can be sure. But, I am realistic and don't think that life will be a utopian paradise if he does get this job.

I do have a couple of questions. Our oldest is disabled and she needs a medical "hub" to visit twice a year for follow ups. I am not terribly worried about day to day issues as those are under control and we know how to manage them. Where would be the best place for her to see the specialists she needs? It doesn't have to close by. I have met plenty of people that travel from northern Minnesota to the Twin Cities for their child's specialists. I am willing to do the same type of travel thing.

Also, how realistic of a commute would it be in the winter from Sandpoint to Heron? We are originally from right outside of Washington, D.C so commuting times don't disturb us as long as the cars move. But, we don't want to spend so much time on the road that it is ridiculous. We want to spend time together as a family and spend time enjoying the beautiful outdoors that would be available to us.

[mistyriver]

I know people who work for the school (if it's a private boarding school) I think you're talking about and they commute back and forth between Heron and Sandpoint on a daily basis with no issues.

[Lunabell]

That is great to know. Thanks!

[Toyman at Jewel Lake]

The state does a great job with the highways, I do 45 miles each way on 95 every day and it's always been good in the winter. I can't see 200 (Sandpoint-Clark Fork) being much different. The Clark Fork area is beautiful and adjacent to some spectacular public (national forest) land. The hunting, at least for elk, is very good in that area. There is also moose, black and grizzly bear, deer of course, wolves and cougar. I believe that there is also a population of bighorn sheep and mountain goats in the Cabniets. If you like outdoor stuff, you'll be in heaven.

From Clark Fork, I'd guess you're about 1 1/2 hours from Coeur d'Alene (Kootenai Medical Center) and roughly 2 from Spokane, both of which should have good health care facilities.

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Would I recommend Clark Fork? Duh! We're building a cabin half way between CF and Heron! If you go to the pics thread (or my album) you'll see several pics from the area. I'm not familiar with NID winter driving conditions yet, but you can trust Toyman's and Misty's assessment. The only white-knuckle winter driving spot I can think of is the old Heron bridge across the Clark Fork which you'll need to cross, coming from Sandpoint on 200, but you can bypass that by coming in the back way, on River Road which turns into the Clark Fork Backroad in MT. I assume they keep that road clear, too, at least on the ID side. It's county maintained. And as some threads will tell you (also over on the MT forum) the CF River valley gets somewhat less severe temperatures because of the big body of water. That's at least what we're counting on!
I hope the Heron position works out--it is an absolutely incredible area, and real estate is not as sky high as it was. If you start out renting in Sandpoint for a couple of months you'll be able to scout the area and find a place that suits your needs and wishes! Clark Fork itself is only 25 miles from essential shopping in Ponderay, and CF has a market and a couple of nice restaurants. Hope is another possibility you may want consider. If you focus on CF, you can probably find a place that suits you either on the north side of the river (where the town is) or the south side (with the best mountain views)! If you end up needing a realtor, DM me.

[Good Times in Id]

Originally Posted by Toyman at Jewel Lake

The state does a great job with the highways, I do 45 miles each way on 95 every day and it's always been good in the winter. I can't see 200 (Sandpoint-Clark Fork) being much different. The Clark Fork area is beautiful and adjacent to some spectacular public (national forest) land. The hunting, at least for elk, is very good in that area. There is also moose, black and grizzly bear, deer of course, wolves and cougar. I believe that there is also a population of bighorn sheep and mountain goats in the Cabniets. If you like outdoor stuff, you'll be in heaven.

From Clark Fork, I'd guess you're about 1 1/2 hours from Coeur d'Alene (Kootenai Medical Center) and roughly 2 from Spokane, both of which should have good health care facilities.

Hi Toyman, am looking to relocate to Bonner County, stayed in Hope at the Lake and saw a little of Clark Fork. Have seen people online call it "hickey" and some other not so nice comments about it. I thought the area was beautiful. Am also coming out to look at property in Sagle, Jewel Lake area but have never been there before. Was hoping you might be able to give me your comparisons of the two areas, what the advantages and disadvantages of each might be. Schools would not be of a concern. Was looking for an honest assessment from folks who live there, hoping not to be steered by realtors for financial reasons. Would appreciate any input you or anyother residents of the area might have. Thank you.

[Lunabell]

Originally Posted by Toyman at Jewel Lake

The state does a great job with the highways, I do 45 miles each way on 95 every day and it's always been good in the winter. I can't see 200 (Sandpoint-Clark Fork) being much different. The Clark Fork area is beautiful and adjacent to some spectacular public (national forest) land. The hunting, at least for elk, is very good in that area. There is also moose, black and grizzly bear, deer of course, wolves and cougar. I believe that there is also a population of bighorn sheep and mountain goats in the Cabniets. If you like outdoor stuff, you'll be in heaven.

From Clark Fork, I'd guess you're about 1 1/2 hours from Coeur d'Alene (Kootenai Medical Center) and roughly 2 from Spokane, both of which should have good health care facilities.

That does sound heavenly! I am back in school working on a B.S. in Natural Resources, so I think I will have a lot to keep me interested. I am glad the roads are well maintained. That is always a plus!

That type of commute doesn't sound too bad at all. I am sure we will find the specialists we need between the two locations. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Clark Fork Fantast

Would I recommend Clark Fork? Duh! We're building a cabin half way between CF and Heron! If you go to the pics thread (or my album) you'll see several pics from the area. I'm not familiar with NID winter driving conditions yet, but you can trust Toyman's and Misty's assessment. The only white-knuckle winter driving spot I can think of is the old Heron bridge across the Clark Fork which you'll need to cross, coming from Sandpoint on 200, but you can bypass that by coming in the back way, on River Road which turns into the Clark Fork Backroad in MT. I assume they keep that road clear, too, at least on the ID side. It's county maintained. And as some threads will tell you (also over on the MT forum) the CF River valley gets somewhat less severe temperatures because of the big body of water. That's at least what we're counting on!
I hope the Heron position works out--it is an absolutely incredible area, and real estate is not as sky high as it was. If you start out renting in Sandpoint for a couple of months you'll be able to scout the area and find a place that suits your needs and wishes! Clark Fork itself is only 25 miles from essential shopping in Ponderay, and CF has a market and a couple of nice restaurants. Hope is another possibility you may want consider. If you focus on CF, you can probably find a place that suits you either on the north side of the river (where the town is) or the south side (with the best mountain views)! If you end up needing a realtor, DM me.

I love the idea of less severe temps! I don't mind cold, but the endless bitter cold can get a bit tedious. When things get to above 25F here, I feel like it is time to break out the shorts...either that or my nerve endings are so damaged by the cold that I can't feel it properly anymore.

I will definitely contact you if we do end up needing a realtor. If my husband gets the job, he will be out there on his own until next summer. My oldest daughter is also cognitively delayed. This coming school year is her last year of elementary school. She takes awhile to feel comfortable in new situations. I don't want to move her and then, have to make her transition to middle school the next year. One big transition will be enough. She gets so sad and quiet when she adjusts. I am hoping that if he gets the job, that will give us plenty of time to decide where we want to live. I plan on hauling everyone out on vacations.