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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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,
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
Written By
Courtney Murphy
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Wong
Video By
Joan Wall
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Terry Stevens,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Sandpoint, ID sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Sandpoint, ID over the last 12 months is $617,830, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Positioned in a prime downtown Sandpoint location, this property offers space, flexibility, and future upside. Situated on 3 city lots with alley access, it combines immediate livability with long-term potential. The home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a detached studio, bonus rooms, and both a main kitchen and additional kitchenette--ideal for multi-generational living or rental income. While
Katlyn KrystinakKeller Williams Realty - Sandpoint Branch
Located in Sandpoint’s most desirable neighborhood, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath South Sandpoint home, offers 2,000 square feet of comfortable living space, just moments from Lake Pend Oreille and downtown. Enjoy easy access to restaurants, shopping, local beaches, swim spots, and the Festival at Sandpoint — all just down the road. With Schweitzer Mountain Village just a 30 minute drive, you are in
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 the stairs to the upper level can be accessed as well as an office space, power bathroom, coat closet, and access to the 2-car garage at the front of the home. Beyond that is an open living space with a great room, dining area, and kitchen including a large
RARE offering! Welcome to the bucolic tranquility of Bear Haven, offered fully furnished and turn key; nothing else in Sandpoint like it. Sitting on the highest point of this diverse 40 acre waterfront property, the home offers a harmonious blend of modern sophistication and rural charm (brand new doors and windows throughout, not pictured). Driving through the private gate gives you the sense of
Building lot at SCHWEITZER MTN RESORT. Great views of the surrounding mountains and close to the bottom of Creekside Express chair. This nearly half acre lot has preliminary plans available. A full geo-tech study has been done for the lot and will be made available to a buyer. Build your ski getaway at Idaho's undiscovered gem-Schweitzer Mtn!
Shawn Taylor
Timberveil Real Estate
(208) 848-3563
$1,797,000
5 Beds
5 Baths
3,270 Sq Ft
Welcome to your private storybook escape on 10 pristine acres with Grouse Creek frontage. This extraordinary stone estate, built by a renowned castle builder, blends old-world craftsmanship with modern comfort. Set at the end of a private drive in Sandpoint's picturesque Selle Valley, the home captivates with its dramatic rooflines, hand-laid shingles, and porte cochere entry, all surrounded by
**Receive 3.5% Broker Co-op!! If you register your clients between now and the end of the March and they convert to a purchase agreement by April 15 you'll receive 3.5% Broker Co-op!!!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 the stairs to the upper level can be accessed as well as an office space,
Discover the perfect setting for your North Idaho dream home on this beautiful 2.83-acre parcel just minutes west of downtown Sandpoint. Ideally located on a paved, community-maintained road, this property offers a rare blend of convenience, privacy, and breathtaking natural beauty. Enjoy beautiful views of Lake Pend Oreille and the stunning peaks of the Cabinet Mountains, creating a spectacular
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
Tucked within the gated community of The Idaho Club, this fully remodeled lodge-style home captures what discerning buyers are searching for but rarely find: premium natural materials, true privacy, and a level of finish that exceeds expectations. Set on an oversized 0.62-acre double lot, the property offers an uncommon sense of space and seclusion, surrounded by a natural landscape that enhances
19.5 acres of extraordinary beauty, offering a rare combination of privacy, natural diversity, and future potential. With nearly every species of tree found in North Idaho, a year-round creek, and varied topography, this exceptional estate parcel truly qualifies as a legacy property. Selective thinning offers the opportunity to capture sweeping river views. The property is comprised of two
Stunning upgraded estate in Selle Valley with Schweitzer Mountain views and serious flexibility with ADU! This custom single-level rancher is now a meticulous 3667 sq/ft, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and perfect for your most discerning buyers. Perched atop 10 natural and elevated acres, this home now offers a brand-new living room with a view, a full basement suite, and a huge radiant-heated flex wing
Builder Incentive includes a 2-1 temporary interest rate buydown! Experience modern Sandpoint living in this stunning new construction home, ideally located in sought-after Midtown, just steps from the library, schools, and parks. A true standout, this home showcases striking rooflines and clean architectural lines, bringing a fresh contemporary style rarely seen in town. The highlight of this
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: 2168990Welcome to your cozy 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment located in the charming city of Sandpoint, ID. Enjoy the convenience of included water, sewer, and garbage utilities. This unit is perfect for those looking for a comfortable and pet-friendly living space. Don't miss out on this opportunity to call this apartment your new home! Contact us today for a viewing.
Property Id: 2479592Condo is fully furnished with all of the amenities to include fireplace, flat screen smart TV with cable and Washer, dryer. The kitchen is well appointed with everything you may need. There is a King size pillow top bed, sofa bed and Storage room. Additional fees for seasonal Boat Dock. Gated nonsmoking community. Walking distance to restaurants and shopping in
Nicely updated 3 bedroom 2 bath home located in midtown Sandpoint- this home has a fenced yard and 2 car garage. Tenant responsible for lawn maintenance and all utilities. No SMOKING- pets ok with management approval and additional deposit. Background and credit check required-
A beautiful studio apartment with one bathroom 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 studio unit is available for $1,345.00 per month, utilities not included, and you can move in as early as June
$2,400 per month
2025 Home with 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, and an Attached 2-Car Garage Available in Sandpoint!
Brand new in 2026, this home is neatly nestled in a residential section of Sandpoint, surrounded by acres of North Idaho trees and forested hills in every direction. At 1,385 square feet, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage all on its own residential lot. A paved driveway leads up to the home's garage. The front door of the home sits under a
Midtown Sandpoint Home located close to downtown and shopping- Large yard with large back deck- Storage area outside included. Off street parking and drive way- Tenant pays all utilities - Tenant responsible for yard maintence. NO SMOKING - No drugs- Pet OK with management approval and additional deposit. All tenants subject to background check and credit approval- One year lease preferred -
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
