Be prepared and do your homework first.
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1/24/2006
I'm a native of Sandpoint therefore, an endangered species. I've watched this area grow and watched the people move in and out. Erin's comments were very appropriate about living in the Sandpoint area. It's a beautiful place to live but very difficult to make a living. Most of the recent influx of residents are people that have acquired their wealth somewhere else. In short, Sandpoint is a "bedroom community" with the population exceeding the current infrastructure. Wages are low due to the state minimum wage of $5.15. Idaho has a "Right to Work" law which we refer to as the "Right to Poverty" law. Our education system is struggling to keep up and when the kids graduate, their job options are few. Our best and brightest will have to leave to secure productive employment. The two main features to the area are Lake Pend Oreille and Schweitzer Ski Resort. Both are expensive and have limited seasonal use. Don't misunderstand my comments. This is a beautiful area but it does have it's limitations. Forbes.com published and article stating that Sandpoint was one of the five best areas in the US to live. A clever marketing ploy to increase sales of real estate??? Men's magazine described Sandpoint as a "Funky Town" with it's quaint boutiques, art gallerys, and bistros. If you decide to come here, do your homework and be prepared. The main source of income is helping other people spend the money that they bring with them when they arrive here.
Larry | Ponderay, ID