Located between Spokane and the Canadian border, Sandpoint is an intimate community with endless outdoor recreation, including Idaho’s largest ski resort. “It’s a pretty unique place in the West. We have huge access to the lake and very few places have that. You get to know your community because of the population under 10,000,” says Mickey Quinn, executive director of the Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce and resident of over 25 years. Before becoming a city in 1907, Sandpoint belonged to the Kalispel Native American Tribe. Northwest Company fur trader David Thompson established relationships with the tribe and began trading in the region. Sandpoint sits next to Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake, and has 360 views of the Cabinet and Selkirk Mountains. “The people and the area itself are beautiful. I lived all over the U.S., and it’s remarkable to have a beautiful place as far as landscaping and a national forest. It’s a welcoming town,” she says.
Most residents work in Sandpoint proper; top employers include the Lake Pend Oreille School District, Bonner General, the Bonner County Government and the city. Sandpoint is also home to Schweitzer Mountain Resort, the largest in Idaho. “Tourism is 30% of our economy, and we see a peak in the winter and the summer. When the skiing season closes, it becomes quieter,” she adds. According to the U.S. Census, the city’s population is 10,024, an increase of 15% over 2020. “We had a big surge during Covid, specifically those looking for a state that’s less regulated,” Quinn says.
Sandpoint offers beautiful views over the surrounding mountains.
Locals and tourists alike come to enjoy the snow near Schweitzer mountain.
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Home to Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Recreation is one of the city’s main draws; Sandpoint has over 20 city parks and 200 miles of trails, and the city is within 10 miles of popular state parks. City Beach Park is a 22-acre park bordering Lake Pend Oreille. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beach and go swimming, kayaking or boating. There are also multiple athletic courts, playgrounds and walking trails. Schweitzer Mountain Resort is the region’s crown jewel for skiing; it has over 92 runs, varying from expert-level to beginner-friendly rides. The resort also includes the Village at Schweitzer, which has over a dozen fine-dining restaurants, shops and a spa. Summers at Schweitzer are also busy; visitors can hike, play disc golf, ride mountain bikes or go ziplining. Sandpoint Elks Golf Course is a 9-hole public course, while the Idaho Club is a membership-based country club with an 18-hole course, fishing and water activities.
City Beach Park features beautiful views over the lake and mountains.
Schweitzer mountain resort is a popular place for winter events and gatherings.
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Mix of ranch homes and modern lakeside condos
Because of the lake, home prices in Sandpoint tend to be higher than other parts of Idaho. Buyers can find condos, townhouses and single-family homes; homes built in the early 20th century are usually ranch or Cape-Cod style properties clustered towards the downtown area. Prices range from $260,000 for fixer-uppers to $998,000 for homes near the lake or restaurants. Twenty-first century homes usually sit on lots of less than an acre; some are in planned subdivisions like Madison Meadows, Base Camp and Boyer Meadows. Styles vary between traditional two-stories, contemporary ranchers and modern new constructions. These can cost $340,000 to $1 million. Most lakeside properties in Sandpoint are modern condos with two or more bedrooms. Inland condos cost between $250,000 to $700,000, while lakeside condos cost between $1 million and $4 million. The median single-family home price in Sandpoint is $665,000; for townhouses it’s $1.4 million.
Ranch style homes are some of the more popular homes in the city of Sandpoint.
Lakeside condos can be found all along the lake in Sandpoint,
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Trendy restaurants and breweries clustered in Downtown Sandpoint
Downtown is the city’s main shopping and eating hub. Between 5th and 1st avenues is the city’s most walkable area; here, stores in brick buildings have older signage from their previous lives. “Downtown Sandpoint is great for shopping,” Quinn says. “There aren’t any chains; it’s all mom-and-pops and locally-owned shops and restaurants.” The Cedar Street Bridge Public Market is equivalent to Seattle’s Pike Place Market, but on a smaller scale. It has 35 food vendors serving American, Mexican and Chinese food, plus artisan vendors. Sandpoint also has several breweries and wineries, including MickDuff’s Brewing Company, which serves seasonal beers, wines and ciders in the city’s former post office building. Towards the north end of the city are big box stores and national retailers like Walmart Supercenter and Petco.
many locals enjoy walking around the shops in downtown Sandpoint.
Lots of people go to the Cedar Street Market to do their shopping in downtown Sandpoint.
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Ten days of skiing and winter celebrations at Sandpoint Winter Carnival
Sandpoint’s annual events draw just as many tourists as its ski slopes. The Sandpoint Winter Carnival is a ten-day fair celebrating the season; it kicks off with a parade of floats and bright lights and concerts, skiing activities at Schweitzer and a K9 Keg Pull happen throughout the course of the event. The city hosts cycling races and marathons during the spring and summer; the 2024 CHAFE 150 is a 150-mile route around the Cabinet Mountains, while Spokane to Sandpoint is a 200-mile relay race between the cities. The Penn Oreille Arts Council holds an annual arts and crafts fair in downtown Sandpoint, bringing 5,000 visitors and dozens of artisan vendors.
Car-dependent area with active Amtrak station
Most residents of Sandpoint drive to get around. Highway 95 is the primary north-south route in the city, with access to the Canada border 60 miles north and Coeur d’Alene 46 miles south. Route 2 is the main east-west route through Sandpoint; it takes drivers to the Washington Border, 30 miles away. Some locals take the bus via the Selkirks Pend Oreille Transit or, as locals call it, SPOT. The bus routes go around downtown and into the suburbs of Ponderay and Dover. Sandpoint also has an active Amtrak stop. “There’s only one pick-up and drop-off time. People can get to Chicago or Seattle using [Amtrak],” Quinn says. Spokane International Airport is 77 miles away, offering non-stop flights to west coast cities like Los Angeles and Phoenix. Sandpoint also gets all four seasons; according to Quinn, snow usually falls between Thanksgiving and March.
The Spot Bus does two loops around the Sandpoint area.
The local Amtrak runs through the night in downtown Sandpoint.
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Sandpoint High offer courses in nine industries
Students are assigned to the Lake Pend Oreille School District, a B-plus school district by Niche. Elementary students are split between Washington Elementary and Farmin Stidwell Elementary. Both these schools teach through the sixth grade. Afterward, they attend Sandpoint Middle for seventh and eighth grade. Sandpoint High is for grades nine through twelve. The school has career courses in nine industries, including business, culinary arts, and journalism. Nearby colleges and universities include the North Idaho College at Sandpoint. Their main campus is 46 miles south in Coeur D’Alene.
Sandpoint public schools have lots of green space to offer their students.
Sandpoint public schools are located in mostly residential neighborhoods.
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16% uptick in overall crime
Crime increased by 16% in Sandpoint between 2022 and 2023. The highest number of offenses were drug and theft-related incidents. The city’s crime rate trends above statewide figures, according to the Idaho State Police. The Sandpoint Police Department has three full-time officers and receives help from the Bonner County Sheriff.
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On average, homes in Sandpoint, ID sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Sandpoint, ID over the last 12 months is $622,500, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to The Seasons at Sandpoint, North Idaho’s premier luxury waterfront community. This impeccably designed townhome combines refined sophistication with the relaxed elegance of lakefront living. Enjoy premium craftsmanship and extraordinary finishes throughout. The home showcases expansive views through massive picture windows and French door access to the terraces overlooking the panoramic
Some homes are built to be lived in - this one was built to be experienced. Tucked away on 10 pristine acres in the breathtaking Selle Valley, this extraordinary stone estate invites you into a life where mornings begin beside the gentle waters of Grouse Creek, afternoons are spent exploring the mountains, lakes, and forests of North Idaho, and evenings end by the glow of a handcrafted Russian
Build your North Idaho dream with confidence on this exceptional 2.83-acre, build-ready homesite just minutes west of downtown Sandpoint. This rare offering comes with the groundwork already completed, a level homesite with power, water, and natural gas installed, along with previous septic approval, providing a seamless path from vision to construction. To make the building process even more
Completely updated and remodeled 3 bedroom Highlands condo. Three full baths, Wolf appliances, insta hot water, air conditioning in Primary bedroom and main Living area. This condo is completely turnkey and ready for you to start enjoying it immediately! Great ski in ski out location and easy access to Schweitzer Village.
Welcome to Red Cricket Condominiums, where mountain comfort meets unbeatable convenience. This immaculate upper-level corner one-bedroom, one-bath condo offers prime access to Schweitzer Mountain Resort and the Creekside Express lift, your direct gateway to the largest ski destination in Idaho and Washington. Enjoy a bright, open floor plan with quality finishes, a gas fireplace, and a private
PRICE REDUCTION + LENDER CREDIT + Old structure REMOVED! Imagine starting your morning on a wraparound porch, a steaming mug in hand, as the first golden light spills across the Mountains. You spot wild turkeys and elk at the treeline -- this is the kind of quiet, peaceful beauty you'll call home. Over $1.2M was put into this property!Set on 10 acres just 20 miles from Sandpoint, this
Discover the perfect blend of seclusion and opportunity with this exceptional 10-acre off-grid property nestled at the base of the expansive Cabinet Mountain Range. This private, timbered parcel offers an ideal setting for a hunting retreat, recreational escape, or future homestead—or all three.The land features a healthy mix of mature timber alongside thriving younger growth, creating both
Perched on more than 8 private acres, this exceptional custom log home captures sweeping views of Lake Pend Oreille and the majestic Selkirk Mountains from nearly every room. Thoughtfully updated while preserving its timeless mountain character, the home showcases impressive handcrafted log construction, soaring ceilings, and a striking river rock fireplace that serves as the centerpiece of the
Completely updated and remodeled 3 bedroom Highlands condo. Three full baths, Wolf appliances, insta hot water, air conditioning in Primary bedroom and main Living area. This condo is completely turnkey and ready for you to start enjoying it immediately! Great ski in ski out location and easy access to Schweitzer Village.
Welcome to your cozy mountain retreat nestled in the heart of Schweitzer Mountain! This charming ski condo invites you to unwind and embrace the tranquility of nature. It's the perfect blend of comfort & adventure with its 2 bed, 1 bath & stunning tree-lined views. Step inside to discover a warm & inviting living space complete with a gas stove, ideal for cozy evenings after a day on the slopes.
Welcome to Red Cricket Condominiums, where mountain comfort meets unbeatable convenience. This immaculate upper-level corner one-bedroom, one-bath condo offers prime access to Schweitzer Mountain Resort and the Creekside Express lift, your direct gateway to the largest ski destination in Idaho and Washington.Enjoy a bright, open floor plan with quality finishes, a gas fireplace, and a
****Receive $10,000 in Incentives ****on this move-in ready home, plus an additional ****$5,000 ****through our Hometown Heroes program when you finance with our preferred lender, Great Western Home Loans. Your new home is ready—here are the details.Base Camp's Plan 3 offers 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms over 2,561 sq ft. On the first floor, a covered porch leads to an entryway from which
Positioned just north of Sandpoint and Ponderay, this level, beautifully treed parcel offers a rare combination of usability, infrastructure, and future potential. Zoned suburban, the property may be divided into multiple lots--making it an outstanding opportunity for development or investment in one of North Idaho's fastest-growing areas.The land features mature trees and a level, usable layout
Prime location with easy access to hiking and biking trails, schools and public transportation. Our residences consist of one and two bedroom units. ADA accessible units available. Homestead Village is brand new construction located on one of three major access points to Sandpoint and is surrounded by well-established neighborhoods. Walking distance to schools, parks, 6 blocks from Lake Pend
Property Id: 2744415 Enjoy the best of both worlds, a quiet neighborhood just minutes from downtown Sandpoint, shopping, restaurants, parks, schools, and everyday conveniences while coming home to a beautifully updated home with a fully fenced backyard and attached garage. Whether you’re relaxing on the covered front porch, spending time in the backyard, or unwinding after a long day, this
3 bedroom, 2 bath duplex with attached garage. Located in a quiet setting near public library. Has both a pantry and laundry room with utility sink. Gas water heater and furnace. Washer and dryer hookups. Large fenced yard with small deck. Water, sewer, garbage and lawn maintenance included in monthly rent. 1 year lease. $2100 monthly with $1500 security deposit. Would consider a cat with pet
Newly refurbished close-to-downtown duplex unit. Recently installed high-end and durable laminate flooring and quality carpeting in both bedrooms, New bathroom vanity and paint and new trim throughout the home. New baseboard heaters and upgraded lights and outlets. Giant fenced-in backyard with shady trees and partial mountain views from all North facing windows. Brand new sidewalks installed
*FULLY FURNISHED*Located in a great neighborhood in South Sandpoint close to Memorial Field and the city center. Bring your furry friends and enjoy the highly-desired property location and all Sandpoint has to offer. More details are as follows:Dishwasher and laundry in unit. Parking space available. A refundable $1000 security deposit is due upon signing. Owner is open to
Available 9/27/26 through 5/1/27: a well-maintained, fully furnished one-bedroom, one-bath condo in Sandpoint, ID.Conveniently located within a 10 minute walking distance of the downtown core, this condo offers easy access to shops, dining, and local amenities.Details:• 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom• Fully furnished and move-in ready• $1,500 per month -Utilities $200/mo•
Enjoy the best of in-town Sandpoint living with Schweitzer Mountain just minutes away! Built in 2015, this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,548 sq. ft. of comfortable, easy living and is tucked back from the main road for added privacy. Step inside to a bright, open-concept floor plan featuring easy-care laminate flooring and plenty of space for everyday living and
Bright one-bedroom, one-bath unit with vaulted ceilings and a wall of clerestory windows that flood the living space with natural light. The open kitchen features abundant wood cabinetry, a breakfast bar, laminate/granite-look countertops, electric range with oven, dishwasher, double sink and a full-size refrigerator. Tile floors run through the kitchen and entry, while the main living and
August Special: $250 off the first month Rent with move in by August 31st. Terms and conditions apply A beautiful two bedroom one bath unit in the heart of Sandpoint, Idaho is looking for a responsible renter(s) who wants to live in an award-winning, unique, eco-friendly community with a livable garden full of fresh fruit for residents and a short walk to downtown Sandpoint. The unit is
Well-maintained 1,617 sq ft townhome just north of downtown Sandpoint, offering the space of a single-family home with an easy-care layout. The main level opens into a bright, connected living and dining area with wide-plank flooring throughout, recessed lighting, and a pendant-lit dining space. The kitchen anchors the room with a large peninsula bar, generous cabinetry, full appliance package
Stunning Home with RV & Boat Parking – 900 Westwood Dr, Sandpoint, ID Nestled in the heart of Sandpoint, Idaho, 900 Westwood Dr offers an exceptional blend of elegance, comfort, and convenience. This stunning home features high ceilings, expansive windows, and exquisite high-end finishes throughout. The single-level, open floor plan creates a seamless flow between living spaces, making it
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