Idaho

In Idaho's scenic panhandle, 60 miles south of British Columbia, the rugged but chic town of Sandpoint (population 8,000) is an outdoor recreation Paradise and was recently named by Rand McNally as the most beautiful small town in America.  It is easy to understand why since it sits along the northern shore of Lake Pend Oreille (Pon-da-ray), a sparkling, 43-mile long body of water that is surrounded by blue-hued mountains.  A popular place with boaters, hikers, fishermen (and women) and snow skiers (popular Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort is nearby), Sandpoint also attracts retirees who come for the laid-back Western flavor, clean air, simply breathtaking scenery and cool climate.  Thirty-seven percent of the population is age 45 or better, and the cost of living meets the national average.  The crime rate is below the national average, and most residents tilt to the right politically.
	This picturesque hamlet (elevation 2,085 feet above sea level) has been "discovered" in the last few years, and it has been growing, roughly 20% within the last decade.  It has somewhat of a resort atmosphere, and from 2004 through 2006, it went through a real estate "gold rush."  Things have since quieted down, and today, the median home price is roughly $195,000, down 5% from a year ago.   New resort communities popped up during the boom, and most of these newer homes are the mountain chalet variety.   Sandpoint's quaint downtown bustles with restaurants, shops, coffee houses, real estate offices, pedestrians and pubs ( Big Sky Moose Drool Brown Ale is a favorite beverage).  The buildings are made from brick, date from the 19th-century and are in good shape.
And while the great outdoors are the primary draw here, Sandpoint also has a healthy arts scene, and galleries are sprinkled about town.  Each August local studios open to the public during the Artist Studio Tour.  For music lovers, the annual Festival at Sandpoint brings a variety of acts to town for 10 days of great tunes and good food.  Other events include the annual Winter Carnival and Lost in the 50s, a classic car show.  Theatrical performances take place at the Panida Theater, a beautifully renovated 1927 Spanish Mission-style building.   The farmers' market is a popular spot, with fruits, baked goods, locally grown huckleberries and cheeses for sale (and with plenty of toe-tapping music).
Bonner General Hospital is a non-profit facility with 55 beds and provides 24-hour emergency care, home health care, cancer treatment, urgent care, comprehensive rehabilitation services and a helicopter response service.   It is accredited by the Joint Commission and meets national averages in most areas.     Both Medicare and Medicaid patients are accepted.   Another 10 hospitals are within 100 miles. Sandpoint Senior Center offers congregate noon meals ($3.50 for people age 60+), a full calendar of activities and a travel program that includes cruises.
x North Idaho Community Express provides local transportation, although it is limited.  Amtrak offers service to Seattle, Portland and Chicago.  The closest international airport is in Spokane, Washington, 75 miles to the south west. The East Bonner County Library has a branch in Sandpoint and has an interlibrary loan program, a materials-by-mail program, computer and internet search classes and books and magazines. Summers are spectacular with low humidity and temperatures rarely rising above 80 degrees.   Deep blue skies dappled with white fluffy clouds inspire and sooth the spirit.  Winters, however, can be a little rough, with up to 80 inches of snow in a season.  January temperatures average in the low 20s.  The sun shines 175 days of the year. On the downside, Sandpoint sits along Route 95, which coming up from the south dramatically traverses the lake, and traffic congestion is a problem during the summer season.  The good news is that a byway to route traffic around town is in the works.  Locals grumble about the new money that has come to town, much of it from vacation home buyers, and they are concerned that Sandpoint's character is changing from an old timber and railroad town to a vacation playground (although this is being tempered somewhat by the current economy).

Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Mostly yes... Have a town in mind for retirement?  Write to us and we will review it in a weekly issue!

Challenging winters, summer tourists and relatively new influx of money may be drawbacks for some people, but gorgeous scenery, outstanding lake and mountain recreation, an adequate medical facility, good senior programs, little crime and low-key ambiance make Sandpoint a place to consider for retirement.

---

---