Going to a necktie party? Sandpoint, Idaho once held the dubious distinction of being nicknamed "Hangtown." Seems things were especially rowdy when the monthly pay car for railroad workers rolled into town. A former mayor once described the Sandpoint end of the big bridge as "Hangtown," and said it was "over there where we had our necktie parties."
These days, things have settled down a bit around these parts and the only hangings taking place are at the art galleries that have sprung up around town. They are part of a rebirth of sorts that has happened over the past few years after the area as over-zealous timber harvesting helped cause lumber production to move elsewhere. Now, forests in the mountains are more protected and outdoor recreation has become a big part of the local economy. The art gallery scene seems to be caught up in creative naming contests. Hen's Tooth Gallery and Skeleton Key Art Glass compete for attention among more pedestrian names like Timber Stand Gallery and We the People Art Gallery. The town of just about 7,400 people is the county seat of Bonner County and its retail and commercial businesses serve thousands more who live in areas outside of the city limits.
Moving to Sandpoint
Know the weather
If you don't have a snow shovel, you will want to buy one before winter hits. Now we're not talking Buffalo here, but the winters are white and the thermometer can dip pretty low. The summers, however are great - not that long, but fantastic. If you are from an area with a more moderate climate, try get your move done before the snow flies. Of course, that's what most of the others who might be moving to town are doing as well, so you might get a better deal on home rentals in the dead of winter.
Make a plan
The number of vacant homes in and around the community have traditionally been close to the national average for a town of this size, so you aren't going to run into a drought of availability. That said, preparation is smart. A smaller town only has a certain number of places to live. Well, now that the basic math is out of the way, let's talk about why it's important. If the best properties only come open once in awhile, you might not even know about them if you start your search with that in mind, and you might just land that sweet pad by the lake or the perfect rental property that you are looking for. Be prepared to provide good references, a decent credit report, and a check for first, last, and security deposit.
Sandpoint Neighborhoods
The town is well defined geographically by Lake Pend Oreille and that carries over to the different neighborhoods that make up the community as well. The entire south and a good part of the east side are lake shore. To the southeast, Sandpoint is bordered by the small town Dover and to the northeast are the villages of Ponderay and Kootenai. While it might be a stretch to call it a metropolis, they are all part of the same population base. Here's a look at some of the specific areas of Sandpoint.
Downtown: Look for townhouses for rent in Sandpoint along the downtown area that fronts the water and the boat marinas or across the inlet on Bridge Street. The shops and eateries of the area make it a nice place for someone who prefers to walk to go out shopping instead of hopping in a car.
Airport Area: Up near the airport are a few blocks of light industrial and commercial space near Baldy Mountain Road, along with some residential units. The Sandpoint Elks Golf Course is along the water and there are a few smaller apartment buildings where you could find a nice 1 bedroom apartment for rent.
The villages: The surrounding small towns of Dover and Kootenai each have a population of less than 700, while Ponderay's is just over 1,100. Although separate entities, they are very much a part of the greater community that Sandpoint anchors. You might find lakefront rental condos in Dover or Kootenai, while most of the Ponderay residential areas are inland. Kootenai Bay is a lovely little inlet where almost all of the homes have boat docks.
Living in Sandpoint
At 43 miles in length and with 111 miles of shoreline, Lake Pend Oreille is a huge lake and along with the surrounding mountains, is the defining natural feature of the area. Sandpoint is situated right on the north shore, near the outlet of the Pend Oreille River. The bridge across the lake that goes out of town to the south is about two miles long. The first bridge, which opened in 1910, was the longest wooden bridge in the world. The replacement is concrete and steel, so that claim to fame is gone. The lake is a recreational draw for people from near and far and is an integral part of the life of residents.
Probably the best thing about living here is the setting. With the beauty of the lake visible from so many parts of town, you are constantly reminded of the fact that you live near such an incredible resources. The mountains off to the north stand like bold sentinels. Go beyond just looking at the scenery and hit the slopes at Schweitzer Mountain, which is just a few minutes out of town. For good eats, try La Rosa on First Avenue, which is described as both intimate and hip. Try a great local brew at one of the pubs like MickDuffs Brewing or Laughing Dog Brewing. The tourist attraction aspects of the renovated downtown have seen an influx of eclectic and fun eateries in recent years that have expanded options and as a local, you get time to discover what's best. For some of the fun of a larger city, Spokane, Washington is just under an hour and a half away. The four distinct seasons, each with a lot to do outside, the big lake, and the high-country living all help to make Sandpoint a lovely place to settle in.
