Hope is a small but growing community with beautiful waterfront views
Set on the banks of Lake Pend Oreille and Ellisport Bay, Hope is a small, community-oriented town that's attracting an increasing number of part-time residents due to its beautiful landscapes, marinas and waterfront views. “It’s definitely a resort community now, which you couldn’t have said five years ago,” says Pat Bistline, a Hope-area native and local real estate agent with Century 21 Riverstone. “There are still some timber jobs, but most of the mills have closed down and we’re seeing a lot of seasonal growth.” There's a strong base of year-round residents with support for local programs at Memorial Community Center and beloved small businesses. Still, things do slow down a bit during the snowy season, with some restaurants closing in the fall and reopening in the spring.
Mostly single-family homes with some condos
Housing in the area includes a mix of early-20th century Craftsman and ranch-style properties, along with A-frame cabins and contemporary properties from the late-20th and early-21st centuries. Spacious lots, often starting at a quarter-acre, can feature outdoor patios and hot tubs with scenic views of the bay. Prices typically depend on things like lot size, age and condition of the property, and usually range from $380,000 to $1 million. Though the majority of homes are occupied year-round, some newer properties are used as seasonal residences in the summer. There's also a small townhouse-style condo complex on the waterfront, which has two-bedroom units for between $550,000 and $600,000. Hope, like much of the surrounding region, has a severe air quality risk due to wildfire smoke from surrounding areas.
Locally owned restaurants, both seasonal and year-round
Though chain stores like Walmart are at least 15 miles away, Hope has many local businesses that contribute to the area’s close-knit feel. “The sense of community can be stronger in a small town,” Bistline says. “You know more of the people, for better or worse.” Locals can visit The Outpost, a locally owned market, for things like produce and artisanal goods, or stop by a local restaurant. Many eateries along the waterfront close for the winter, including Pearl’s on the Lake, which serves American fare and craft cocktails alongside stunning views of Lake Pend Oreille. In recent decades, some restaurants like The Old Ice House Pizzeria have been able to stay open through the winter. “It’s been great having those year-round restaurants, so you don’t have to drive 20 miles,” Bistline says.
Boating and fishing in the bay, plus nearby skiing
Ellisport Bay is a highlight of the community, accessible via a boat ramp at Pringle Park. Locals can dock their vessels at Holiday Shores or Kramer’s marinas. Sam Owen Campground, situated on a peninsula along the bay’s south shore, has sandy beaches for swimming and a half-mile walking trail. In addition to camping, anglers come here to catch northern pike, trout and other native fish. In the winter, locals can go skiing on Scotchman Peak, less than 20 miles away.
Students attend public schools in Hope and Clark Fork
Hope Elementary School earns a B-plus from Niche and fosters lots of community involvement, including family education nights focused on STEM and the environment. Clark Fork Junior/Senior High School, located 10 miles away in the next town over, earns a C-plus. In addition to the standard curriculum, the school also offers introductory courses in skilled trades, such as woodworking and carpentry. Seasonal athletic programs include volleyball, basketball and golf.
Situated about 15 miles from Sandpoint
Idaho State Highway 200 is the main roadway in the area, connecting to Clark Fork, 10 miles away, and Sandpoint, about 15 miles away. Bonner General Health Hospital is accessible in Sandpoint. Spokane International Airport is 95 miles away.
Community-oriented programs and music nights
The Memorial Community Center is a popular local resource, offering programs such as senior fitness classes and quilting groups throughout the year. In the summer, the center hosts free monthly music nights with local artists and food vendors.
