The Community of Sandpoint, Idaho
The community of Sandpoint at an elevation just over 2,000 feet serves as the county seat of Bonner County (population 35,226 in 1999) whose economy, for more than a century, depended in large part on the lumber industry. But beginning in the late 1980s, summer and winter tourism began to grow rapidly in response to a growing awareness of the region's pleasant four-season climate which is markedly more moderate than weather typically found to the east of the Rocky Mountains. With an annual average rainfall of 33.5 inches and annual snowfall of 71.7 inches, residents and tourists experience few sub-zero days each winter while summer days rarely exceed 90-degree temperatures. The average year-round temperature is 47 degrees and there are some 125 frost-free days each year. Humidity is comparatively low, nights generally cool and summertime typically offers weeks of consecutive clear and sunny days much to the delight of boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing and hiking enthusiasts.
Real Estate Listings in Sandpoint >>
Amenities
The people of Sandpoint enjoy community amenities quite remarkable for a "small town." Bonner General Hospital (BGH) is a nonprofit hospital (62 beds) provides care for more than 25,000 patients each year. Its 24-hour emergency department is capable of handling trauma, cardiac, pediatric and neurologic emergencies for Bonner County and the surrounding areas. BGH has its own helicopter for emergency services which cuts the response time at least in half for this community compared to waiting for a helicopter from Spokane. Some 30 area physicians on active medical staffs provide comprehensive specialty needs to Bonner County. |
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Government
Sandpoint's government (the town serves as the county seat of Bonner County) includes a mayor and six councilors elected to four-year terms. Police protection (crime is low at 6,919 total crimes, 1997 figures, per 100,000 population) is provided by 16 sworn officers and 14 department vehicles. Sandpoint's fire department employs seven full-time fire fighters and 20 volunteers.
The new East Bonner County Library boasts a current total of 30,500 square feet. The town houses a dozen churches and a wide variety of civic organizations.
Air Travel
Commercial airline travel accessibility is available at Spokane International Airport located 78 miles from Sandpoint. The Sandpoint Airport offers private and chartered aircraft a 5,500-foot asphalted surface runway.
Outlying Areas
Many people choose to live in other areas of Bonner County. These nearby areas have their own unique character, but benefit from their proximity to Sandpoint
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