Sandpoint, Idaho has had so many great articles and accolades that it is hard to believe that right above is one of the world's best ski resorts: Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort. The North Idaho Panhandle is truly a winter wonderland, with several mountain ranges, including the Bitterroot Mountains, Cabinet Mountains, Clearwater Mountains, Coeur d'Alene Mountains, Purcell Mountains, Saint Joe Mountains, and Selkirk Mountains. There are many outdoors things to do for the winter months in Sandpoint and the surrounding winter sports areas, but there is also Shopping, many Events, Art, and great Drives, Tours, & Scenery. Sandpoint and North Idaho also have great Attractions, plus there are scores of Cool Things to Do within 100 miles of Sandpoint. For a great guide, see this 2008 Visitor's Guide, and to learn all about fun winter activities, see the rest of this Winter Recreation Guide.
See the Lights at the Coeur d'Alene Resort
In Downtown CdA, the Festival of Lights starts off with a bang on November 28th, with Fireworks and a Parade. Best to get to the parade for a good spot in the mid afternoon, but get a place to watch the fireworks by about 5 pm. Many will go up Tubbs Hill for the best vantage point. This is a bit of a small hike, and be aware of the weather. We like to skip the parade, and get a good place at Whispers in the Coeur d'Alene Resort, with a toddy or two, and take in the sights with video camera, all nice and cozy. Good, clean windows, and higher up for really cool shots, both down the gullet and off the camera.
Starting Thanksgiving weekend, the Coeur d'Alene Resort hits the light switch with it's Holiday Light show. All during the holiday season you can experience America's largest floating holiday light show and laser extravaganza. Cruise boats take you on Lake Coeur d'Alene to view the animated light displays and holiday scenes along the Coeur d'Alene Resort shoreline, and then a special visit to Santa's workshop.
Other events include breakfasts with Santa, Sunday brunches with Dickens Carolers and Mrs. Clause, Santa Cruises for the very young, a downtown Christmas lighting ceremony, fireworks shows and a lighted parade. For more info, call 208-664-3194.
Downhill Skiing & Snow Boarding
Within a half day drive of Sandpoint are five great resorts: 49º North, Mt. Spokane, Silver Mountain, Lookout Pass, and Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort. If you are in Sandpoint, Schweitzer looms right above the city, and if you drive the speed limit, you can usually reach the slopes in about a half hour. We are so spoiled. Most ski resorts afford spectacular mountain views when weather permits. Unlike other resorts, when skiing Schweitzer, you can see not only the mountain views, but the city of Sandpoint, and the 148 square mile giant Lake Pend Oreille. Schweitzer has garnered many accolades over the years, and has oft been considered one of the great 'undiscovered' ski treats. Then, last year, Skiing Magazine named Schweitzer to its Top 25 Ski Resorts. Schweitzer is also #3 for tree skiing. So, way up here in tiny Sandpoint, Idaho, on majestic Lake Pend Oreille, we have one of the best ski resorts in the world: Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort.
Still, it is nice to have variety, and North Idaho gives winter sport enthusiasts great opportunities to live the perfect ski life of Idaho's noble winter, be it skiiing developed ski resorts and a groomed trails, or off in the hinterlands of Panhandle backcountry. Silver Mountain is fine for downhill, but also added a very cool feature this year: an indoor water park. It is the home of the world's longest single stage gondola. To learn more about each resort, visit Skiing in the Inland Northwest.
Cross country skiing is a great way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors at a leisurely pace. A wide variety of terrain awaits, including a well-maintained trail system at Farragut State Park. A catalog of Nordic trails is available from the Idaho State Department of Parks & Recreation. Call 208-769-1511 or www.idahoparks.org. The Centennial Trail, which runs from the east end of Lake Coeur d'Alene to Spokane, through Post Falls is a favorite for local enthusiasts. Over 8 miles of trails are ready for exploration at Schweitzer Mountain Resort who also hosts two fun Nordic races annually - the Cougar Gulch 10K/5K and the Great Scott 10k/5k. Each winter the Priest Lake Golf Course becomes The Nordic Sports Center at Priest Lake offering some of the finest groomed trails in the area. Plus, Priest Lake is renowned for snowmobiling, and has a fantastic dog sled race.
The State Parks Annual Passport is $25 (plus tax) and is good for day use at all of Idaho's state parks. Cross country skiing at Priest Lake, Round Lake, Farragut and Winchester Lake state parks is offered at no additional charge. Passes are available at any state park or locally at 2750 Kathleen Avenue, Coeur d'Alene.
The Park N' Ski Pass is $25 (plus tax) and allows you to park and ski at 11 back country sites across the state. Passes can be purchased at regional offices of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, as well as most cross country ski shops statewide.
Snowmobiles & Overland Snowmobiling and Cats
There a many places in the US that have restricted snowmobiling, and for a short while, we had some issues. North Idaho has the perfect snow and terrain to offer some of the best snowmobiling in the world. Snowmobiling is one of the area's fastest growing sports. SnoWest Magazine recognized The Silver Valley's thousands of miles of snowmobile trails as "one of the best full service snowmobiling hot spots in the world," and Priest Lake has some of the best views that can be seen from the seat of a 900cc. Contact the Priest Lake Trails & Outdoor Recreation Association at 208-443-3309. To learn more check out Snowmobiling Priest Lake. However, you can find places for snowmobiling off Rapid Lightning Creek, Trestle Creek, and so many other areas.
Seventy-five miles north of Coeur d'Alene at Priest Lake find an additional 400 miles of groomed trails. Trails are mostly on forest service roads ranging in elevation from 2,500 to 6,500 feet. Ample snowfall and marked and patrolled trails along one of the world's most pristine lakes make this a winter wonderland. 443-3191. A history of timber and mining in the Coeur d'Alene area has left an extensive network of trails through the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. www.idahowinter.org.
Winter Riders in Sandpoint has great info (208-263-5868).
Peak Adventures offers survival training and avalanche training, but their forte is Cat Skiing. Very cool stuff here.
As mentioned before, the Selkirk Powder Company offers great guided tours. This the snowcat-skiing and snowmobiling outfitter takes you to the best locations in the Rockies and Pacific Northwest. With it's headquarters right on the summit of Schweitzer Mountain Resort, SPC skis and snowmobiles in 4,000 acres of epic terrain directly behind the burgeoning 3,000 acre ski resort. Prompt access to your full day of guided skiing begins at or before 9am. You can expect up to 8 runs and 10,000 to 14,000 vertical.
Boundary County has ample snowmobiling opportunities. There are many well-groomed trails higher than 7,000 feet. The two major areas include Roman Nose in the Selkirk Mountains and Canuck Basin in the Purcell Mountains. Visitors to Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Sandpoint can enjoy guided snowmobile tours through the backcountry.
Kellogg offers thousands of miles of groomed trails with a vast choice of lodging and tourist services. Wallace encourages driving snowmobiles inside the city limits and has a number of annual snowmobile events. 753-7151.
Snowmobiling regulations and trail maps are available from U.S. Forest Service offices throughout the region. Machine and equipment rentals are available locally. With the eminent success of snowmobiling projects throughout North Idaho, here's a recommendation: Make plans for your visit before the rest of the world gets here!
Ski & Snowmobile Links
Idaho State Snowmobile Association - Region 1
Specialty Recreation & Marine, 772 Kathleen Ave, Coeur d'Alene, 888-567-5664
Helmet Outlet, 5648 Governmentt Way, Coeur d'Alene, 208-762-3668
Two Wheeler & Ski Dealer, 9551 Hwy 95, Hayden, 208-772-8179
Silver Mountain Resort, Kellogg
Dog Sledding
For over thirty-five years the US Pacific Coast Championship Sled Dog Race has been held at Priest Lake. Each year 75 to 100 teams from around the country and as far away as Alaska and Canada gather on the west side of the lake for the competition. 509-447-5744 or Inland Empire Sled Dog Association Last year we had them on my radio show: North Idaho Arts & Adventure. Having owned Samoyeds, I was particularly interested in the teams with Sammies. We have one team from Athol, and though Sammies aren't perhaps the best pulling dogs, they sure are the most beautiful. Anyway, great event to attend.
Hiking, Snowshoeing, & Walking the Area
There are few places that are groomed well enough to venture out without some help to walk on the snow. However, there are a few. For instance, off Brisboys is a trail at the second entrance off Lakeshore that is not known to most, but is fabulous. Others that don't always require special gear are the 2-miles of path on the Pedestrian Long Bridge that runs alongside the Long Bridge (Highway 95). This is one of the best because of the views of Lake Pend Oreille.
Dover Bay resort has nine miles of fabulous paved paths, and many are groomed in the winter. These are free to the public, and the scenery is outstanding. Here is a map of their Master Plan.
One of our favorite charities was the forming of the Bonner Healing Garden. We sponsor their website. Even in the dark of winter, it is a place to sooth the soul.
The new Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail was donated much by the Ross Hall family, and goes approximately two miles to a place called Black Rock along Lake Pend Oreille. Park next to the water treatment plant next to Seasons at Sandpoint. You don't have to use the trail. The railroad often plows the roads along the tracks for service purposes, so you can walk the small peninsula between the lake and Sand Creek.
Try some of the area parks. City Beach isn't bad, but there are many to choose from. To learn more about area parks, visit our Parks & Camping.
Strapping on a pair of snow shoes and making first tracks in fresh snow on a sunny winter day is as good as it gets for North Idaho outdoor recreation. If you're a novice or enjoying an outing with younger family members, the Centennial Trail is ideal. Park at the trailhead on Northwest Blvd. at I-90 Exit 11 in Coeur d'Alene and hike a flat trail along the Spokane River, through Coeur d'Alene City Park along the lake. Another popular route begins at Silver Beach on Lake Coeur d'Alene Road, I-90 Exit 15 at Sherman Avenue, with parking, year 'round restroom facilities and a stunning view with no changes in elevation.
Coeur d'Alene's Tubbs Hill is a short loop trail (3.2 miles) accessible from downtown that winds through a 120-acre natural park jutting out from the shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Start your hike at the south end of 3rd Street by the Coeur d'Alene Resort.
Falls Park in Post Falls is right in town. Exit 5 off of I-90, south a block to 4th Avenue and west two blocks. The park has family friendly trails and scenic overlook platforms to best view the wide open gates of the hydroelectric plant at the Spokane River falls.
For more advanced snowshoers, the following offer a backcountry hike. The winter wonderland scenery of North Idaho makes it worth your while. Don't forget to bring a camera!
Gold Hill - 2 miles south of Sandpoint on US 95. turn east on Bottle Bay Road, 4.8 miles to the trailhead located on the right.
Length-3.7 miles one-way
Difficulty-moderate
Highest elevation-3400 feet
Elevation gain/loss-1200 feet
Panoramic views
Trail to Chimney Rock - a popular climbing destination. Getting to the trailhead in winter may require a 4-wheel drive vehicle. From Sandpoint-north on US 95, 13 miles to Pack River Road, turn west onto Road 231, 16 miles to West Branch Road 2653. Turn left and then a half mile to trailhead at bridge.
Length- 5 miles one way
Difficulty-last 2.5 miles are most difficult
Highest elevation- 6720 feet
Elevation gain/loss 1820 feet
The first 2.5 miles are along an old road, the last 2.5 miles are somewhat steep.
Moose Lake - from Sandpoint head east on Hwy 200 then 12 miles to Trestle Creek Road, turn left onto Road 275 then 16 miles to Lighting Creek Road 419, turn left and then 1.5 miles to Moose Creek Road 1022, turn right and 2 miles to the trailhead. This is also a trailhead for Blacktail Lake Trail 24 and Lake Estelle Trail 36.
Length- 1.6 miles one way
Difficulty-moderate
Highest elevation-6160 feet
Gain/loss-1240 feet
Depending upon snow conditions, accessibility may be limited to the backcountry areas. There are no restrictions to snowmobiles for both Moose Lake and Chimney Rock.
Sledding
The local sledding hills of yesteryear are still part of the fabric of North Idaho small town life. Some are maintained by local parks departments, some are just part of the neighborhood. For a fun family day in the snow, here are some local favorites:
Coeur d'Alene - Cherry Hill Park is located at 15th Street and I-90. Generations of children have enjoyed this popular sledding hill which is now part of the park. For all ages, paved parking lot adjacent.
Post Falls - Black Bay Park, just north of the main parking lot off of E. Third Ave., has good sledding hills in the winter months.
Kellogg - Locals enjoy sledding and tubing at Silver Mountain and at Kellogg City Park, across from the football field.
Sandpoint - Schweitzer Mountain is a great place to sled or tube. Great Northern Park is a new 7-acre park which is slated to have a sledding hill shaped by the time the snow flies. For the younger children, Hickory Street Park has a small hill.
Priest River - Right in town is a sledding park off of Highways 2 and 57.
Clark Fork - Locals bundle up for sledding at the ball park on the north side of the pond.
Ice Skating
Traditionally, Sand Creek was the place that Sandpoint locals skated, though last year many could be seen by the Long Bridge on Lake Pend Oreille. There are many places to skate, such as the smaller lakes. To learn more about area lakes, check out our Lakes Guide. For streams and rivers, go our Rivers Guide.
Gliding across frozen lakes and ponds on ice skates is postcard perfect in North Idaho, when temperatures are cold enough for long enough to freeze the water to safe depths.
Smaller lakes, such as Fernan at the east end of Sherman Avenue in Coeur d'Alene are the best bet most years. Lake front homeowners often create a groomed skating area near the public docks. Twin Lakes and Spirit Lake are also likely to freeze solid enough for skating.
In Bonners Ferry, Mirror Lake is similarly swept for skaters, weather permitting, as is Dawson Lake. In Sandpoint, Sand Creek, just below the Cedar Street Bridge, is popular with the locals and near the city beach, a skating area is often cleared for the public.
The winter of 2007/2008 saw the opening of a public outdoor skating rink on the grounds of the Coeur d'Alene Resort. The rink opened in conjunction with the Festival of Lights and operated through the holidays. 765-4000
The KYRO (Kootenai Youth Recreation Organization) Ice Arena in Coeur d'Alene is open to the public for indoor recreational ice-skating and lessons; adult and youth hockey leagues and lessons; and competitive and recreational figure skating. The facility is also available for group and business functions. 3519 W. Seltice Way. kyro.org
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at any time.
Gary Lirette
Realtor, Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty
Host of North Idaho Business & North Idaho Arts & Adventure on KSPT and KBFI
208-610-1384
garyplirette@nctv.com
To learn more about North Idaho, Sandpoint, and Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort, visit the community websites:
Does the North Idaho economy show signs of life?
By Gary Lirette
Host of North Idaho Business on KSPT and Realtor for Windermere Real Estate/Resort Lifestyles
As host of the radio show North Idaho Business I am often asked, "Is it a good time to start a business in the area," or "is it a good time to buy a home here?" There is often the codicil, "...or should I wait ‘til the fall/winter/summer/spring?" In fact, last May 14, 2007, in a forum hosted by CityData.com, a couple asked that very question. Looking back, was it a good decision to wait until the fall to buy? Here is the easy answer: prices are now lower on many properties and businesses than last year. Also, if buyers overpaid in May of 2007, then the chance is they would be upside down now. There are other considerations. Did they plan on selling in less than one year? Two? Five? The more important answer is if the ‘right' property or business isn't found, and you overpaid, then purchasers of businesses and homes would need several years to absolutely know the answer. However, last year in the month of May, there were some definitive good bargains available. If opening a business or buying homes in North Idaho, the argument could be made that the right time is always ‘now!' Why? Because, if a business is run well, with the bottom line always the constant goal, and customers are treated with kindness, professionalism, good products are offered, then the chances of success are good. If a home is bought today with a good negotiated price, then even if it suffers some depreciation in the next months or year, over the course of two, three, or five years, values historically increase. To have a clearer picture it is more important to understand the dynamics of Sandpoint, Schweitzer Mountain, and Lake Pend Oreille.
Anecdotal evidence of a good economy in Sandpoint is strong. While many new offices and buildings are coming on the market, the number of empty buildings and storefronts is historically low. Many developers and business owners are banking on continued growth. On Fifth Avenue several new buildings are being constructed, and similar projects are nearing completion on Highway 2/Pine. The businesses that were built last year are thriving, such as the new North Idaho Animal Hospital and Starbucks in Ponderay. Slate's new digs are impressive, and in a telephone interview Steve Coffman confirmed that this will be the restaurant front to a new hotel. Certainly the decision to build by Panhandle State Bank and Mountain West were based on a stronger economy, but the addition of their buildings created jobs as well as beautiful new structures gracing the Sandpoint skyline. Over the last two years over 90 businesses have changed hands at a value approaching $60,000,000, and dozens of new businesses have sprung up all over the two county area.
Following the national trend, some local businesses have seen a decline in profits. Locally based national apparel retailer Coldwater Creek's stock price has tumbled from a high near $30 to around $6. Part of Coldwater's strategy in recent years has been the addition of hundreds of brick and mortar stores to compliment its online and catalog sales. A comparison of the first quarter of 2007 to this year showed a 9.4 percent decline in sales. Yet after passing the milestone of a billion dollars in sales in 2006, this is not the worst news of the day. Nationally, retailers are having one of the worst years of the decade, and several national stores are filing for bankruptcy protection. Other companies such as Encoder, Thorne Research, and Unicep Packaging are continuing with business as usual, though with slower sales and numbers than recent years. Some local companies are increasing their presence both in national sales, and local employment, such as Litehouse Foods. Paul Schaller's Quest Aircraft is hiring new employees and has plans for robust sales in the coming months. In fact, in the last few months, Quest has hired over 60 new employees, and has plans in the coming months to hire dozens more. Schweitzer is about to open, starting our ski season hiring, and with the coming of the Sand Creek Byway construction project, scores of high-paying jobs will enhance our economy for the next three years.
Not all areas adjacent to the vibrant communities of Sandpoint or Coeur d'Alene are having the same success. Bonners Ferry, Naples, Priest River, Newport, and other communities have higher unemployment and lower occupancy rates. One only has to take a few minute walk in downtown Priest River to see many, many buildings with ‘For Rent' signs, and closed businesses are the norm.
The news is also not good for two of our best employment opportunities. JD Lumber will be closing its doors in the fall. The lumber industry, which enjoyed resurgence during the housing boom of recent years is now suffering one of its greatest downturns. While Idaho created different industries over the last several years to buffer the decline of lumber, states more dependent on the lumber industry, such as Oregon, are in real trouble. A slowdown in the building of new homes has also affected higher-paying jobs in the construction industry. Thus far, there have still been jobs available, but without some recovery, those jobs may soon be in danger.
Other new businesses have begun, and closed their doors quickly. The Craggy Range restaurant took over the space formerly occupied by the Powerhouse Bar and Grill, only to close last winter. The signs on the door said they would open again in spring, but as yet have remained closed. Others have opened and thrived. When Swan's Landing sang its swan song, Len Golding reopened it as the Landing, and their parking lot is filled on a regular basis. John and Darcy Peters opened the much-acclaimed Three Glasses to some limited success, but their Loading Dock café is booming. Many local small businesses are thriving in spite of the downturn in our national economy.
Our unemployment rate is low compared to the rest of the nation. With the national estimates approaching 6 percent, Idaho's 3.8 percent is impressive. Bonner County matches that state figure with unemployment in June at 4 percent. According to the Idaho Department of Labor, Coeur d'Alene area also has a rate of unemployed at 3.8 percent, while Boundary County to the north matches the national number at 5.8 percent. This has to be compared to historical unemployment rates. In the past, the unemployed in North Idaho often was in double figures. Certainly, compared to the nation and our past, our current figures are outstanding. Looking at the jobs available in the Sunday newspapers confirms that there are jobs available, though we still lag behind the rest of the U.S. in rate of pay.
At the beginning of 2008, bankruptcy filings in North Idaho were again on the rise following historic drops in 2006. According to filings in the Northern Division of the U.S. Courts, District of Idaho bankruptcies nearly doubled to 414 cases last year, up from 219 cases the prior year. The Northern Division handles cases from Kootenai, Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, and Shoshone counties.
In 2006, filings in the division had dropped 87 percent, down from more than 1,600 cases, following enactment of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention & Consumer Protection Act, which took effect October 17, 2005. The new law created additional requirements to be met by debtors before they could become eligible for protection from creditors. While the figure is almost double the previous year, it is still in the lower tier of states.
Idaho's most vibrant city, Boise in Ada County, has also had meager increases in quality of job life in recent months with a 0.4% increase in job numbers, and a 0.5% increase in the average weekly wage. There the technology boom has long been the envy of other cities, yet with the recent closing of HP operations, and Micron on the verge of bankruptcy, the outlook is not as gleaming as even 2007.
Idaho has also prevailed with its foreclosure rate. According to the National Delinquency Survey by the Mortgage Bankers Association only nine other states have a lower rate of foreclosure than Idaho. This may be bad news for the intrepid investor looking to pick up property a bargain prices, but it speaks to our economy. A higher percentage of Idahoans are making their payments compared 80 percent of the rest of the nation.
If home appreciation and sales are the benchmark for judging how our economy is doing, then we are in a slowdown. Many pundits believed that 2005 or even 2006 were our best years ever for home sales. While 2005 was impressive with over $303,000,000 in homes sales, our best year ever was in 2007, with over $306,000,000 in sales. Many people in the real estate industry felt 2007 was a terrible year for their industry, but statistics show otherwise. Taking numbers from the Selkirk Association of Realtors, the median sales price for homes in Bonner and Boundary Counties has declined roughly 12 percent for the first half of 2008 from 2007, and total closed sales for homes is down to 60 percent of last year's sales. However, taken in perspective, this is comparing to the record year of 2007. Compared to 2003 or 2004, our current home values are much higher, and sales are average. Few viewed those years as bad economic times for the Idaho Panhandle. Even compared to 2006, our present values are close, though they are roughly 8 percent lower for the first half of 2008. Again, perspective is gained from realizing that a 50 percent increase was enjoyed in home values from the previous two years to 2005 figures. Many saw increases of 30-40 percent a year during boom years. Sales for 2008 are on target to be as good as 2003, though will probably fall short of 2004 and 2006. Forecasts are for the market to stay at this level for the foreseeable future, then to rise again in a couple of years.
High gas prices and the airline industry woes have affected North Idaho's tourism. Area merchants are feeling the pinch from fewer tourists this summer season. While it may be nice to cross the Long Bridge with no traffic jams, it is a sure sign fewer people are coming to visit.
Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort enjoyed a record year in the 2006-2007 ski season, yet last year's numbers were also respectable. The additional accolades of being named to Skiing Magazine's Top 25 Resorts, and as the Northwest's Favorite Resort by OntheSnow.com were welcome points of recognition. In fact, the national credit that Sandpoint and Schweitzer continually receive increased in the spring with AskMen.com naming the area one of the nation's Top 10 Resort Towns.
So, how is the economy in North Idaho? Unemployment is low, jobs are available; new businesses are coming to our area, and new construction dots the region; tourism is soft, but with the great reports still coming from the national press, that looks to be a temporary condition; housing values and sales are soft, but foreclosures are low, and compared to previous years, all indicators are that we are in a normal market; bankruptcies are up, but are comparatively low to national figures; prices for staples are high, but that has more to do with international and national conditions rather than local; some of our industries such as lumber and construction are suffering, and that does not look to change soon.
Overall, it is a mixed bag. However, the outlook is marginally good. Our benefits are in our strong businesses, many of which have good national presence, our strong reputation with our tourist draws, the incredible beauty of North Idaho, and our great resource in the people that live here. As Doug Hawkins, the Bonner County Economic Development Corporation's Director in an editorial last May wrote, "Sandpoint is the eclectic mix of uniquely talented people in our area. It is the awe inspiring geography and neighbors acting like friends. It is the fantastic restaurants, the Festival and high school sports. It is small town America and it is something charming that is hard to find."
Is it a good time to buy a home or business? You betcha.
Gary Lirette, REALTOR® Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty
208-610-1384
800-282-6880
gary.lirette@sothebysrealty.com
Gary is the host of the North Idaho Business radio show, and specializes in waterfront and view properties in Sandpoint, Idaho.
To learn more about our area, visit one of our 50 websites:
North Idaho Real Estate Market Conditions as of Fall 2008
Like much of the rest of the country, all of our markets are down, but areas such as Naples and Clark Fork were suffering long before the rest of our market. In Clark Fork pricing went up, much in relation to its proximity to Hope, which is one of our most desirable areas.
Unfortunately, sales there have not been great. In our MLS market in the last two years, we have sold over $400,000,000 in inventory. Out of that, only $15,000,000 has sold in the Clark Fork area. This is the lowest, per size and population, of any area in North Idaho. (See the figures below) What this means is, if you love the area, then it is great to buy there, but if you don't want to be upside down on price, and hope to have your investment appreciate, other areas might be a good suggestion.
I was the most successful agent last year in the Hope area, selling five properties (out of 24 sold) in Hope. This is one of my favorite parts of North Idaho. However, at this point, I can't suggest even this area as a great buy. You are farther away from everything, including hospitals, shopping, and basic needs. Everything is more expensive, and schools aren't as good as the other areas. Still, for water views, there are few places like Hope, Idaho. On the water properties there, even in this down market still routinely sell for well over $1,000,000.
Naples, Bonners Ferry, and Priest River have much better prices, and are more convenient to everything, yet you can still get that great North Idaho feel.
Nearer Sandpoint there is even more to offer, and buyers get water views for the same price or lower. If you are looking for bottom line deals, then Naples and Priest River are going to have better pricing.
Unfortunately, Coeur d'Alene became one of the most popular growth cities of the last ten years. Beautiful place, and cool stuff happening. But they overbuilt. A major news show called Coeur d'Alene and Hawaii the two worst places to invest in real estate in the nation. Still, it is such a vibrant place with good industry that the belief is they will recover faster than other areas. Plus, there is so much inventory available there, that there are very good opportunities for good buys. However, if things don't recover, there is already three years of inventory on the market as of today. Again, in order not to be upside down, someone buying there will have to be betting their market will recover. (See figures below)
Our market is also down, but last year was the best year we have ever had. Our numbers are ahead of 2003 and even 2004. We are having steady growth, but not nearly as fast as Coeur d'Alene. Still, if one had to choose between Clark Fork and CdA (Coeur d'Alene), then by all means go CdA. I report on all of these areas every month, and believe I have good insight.
I think if you want more big-city amenities, CdA is great. The projections for growth are for CdA to have a 250,000 people in twenty years. It is already the bedroom community for Spokane, and the metro area is approaching 1,000,000 within a decade. This is not a big city, but I moved here to become part of small country charm, and get away from that kind of life. I guess it is up to each of us to decide what we are looking for.
Gary Lirette, REALTOR® Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty
208-610-1384
800-282-6880
gary.lirette@sothebysrealty.com
Gary is the host of the North Idaho Business radio show, and specializes in waterfront and view properties in Sandpoint, Idaho.
To learn more about our area, visit one of our 50 websites:
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This Sandpoint real estate agent believes knowing your community is the most important thing, & as host for many years of the N Idaho Business & N Idaho Arts radio shows, I have that knowledge.
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