Naples Area?

[akpowderhound]

Well as most of you can see I am from and live in Alaska. I have relatives who recently relocated to Baker City Or.
They have been hounding us to move closer to them and I am slightly considering the matter. I do know I would love to experience Idaho. I would love to have a close area to ride in the mtns similar to our riding up here in AK. I would love to see a warmer summer in the 70-90 degree range. I am more or less researching a little on the internet currently and plan on making a trip to Baker city this summer to check out Idaho a little more. The property in Naples appears to be affordable, why is this? Much of a town near by? Is this a good place to live if you wish to go riding nearby?
Just looking for some general info on the area and possibly other smaller towns I should consider as well.

Thanks

[777]

Naples is a very pretty area...no doubt. If you can find a way to make a living there. Very slow economy. That's why it so affordable. Good sledding and fishing there undenyably. Baker City Ore aint much of a town either(prolly just big enough to get anything you need)..lots of good sledding in the Blue Mtns too. Maybe too close to you're relatives? What ever you chose good luck.

[flatlander dave]

ak powderhound,

I live in Naples, highland flats area. I live 1/4 mile from trail that goes up to Roman Nose. This is a very popular area to ride. Some love it and some hate it, it can get busy. I love it! I can take off from house without trailering. Its a great area to hunt also. ATV'ing is good in this area too. The "town" of Naples is about 2 miles from me, it has an elementary school, bar, general store, Inn, Fire Station, and WELCO (cedar fencing mill). Sandpoint is only a 25 minute drive south and Bonners Ferry is 20 minutes north. Property is less expensive in Boundary County compared to Bonner County. There are also less regulations in Boundary County, i.e. building, ATV's on roads, etc. You would like the summers, dry and can get in 90's. Lakes are close, ski hill, Kootenia River, its a beautiful place. You should consider a visit. Let me know if you come. Dave

[akpowderhound]

Originally Posted by flatlander dave

ak powderhound,

I live in Naples, highland flats area. I live 1/4 mile from trail that goes up to Roman Nose. This is a very popular area to ride. Some love it and some hate it, it can get busy. I love it! I can take off from house without trailering. Its a great area to hunt also. ATV'ing is good in this area too. The "town" of Naples is about 2 miles from me, it has an elementary school, bar, general store, Inn, Fire Station, and WELCO (cedar fencing mill). Sandpoint is only a 25 minute drive south and Bonners Ferry is 20 minutes north. Property is less expensive in Boundary County compared to Bonner County. There are also less regulations in Boundary County, i.e. building, ATV's on roads, etc. You would like the summers, dry and can get in 90's. Lakes are close, ski hill, Kootenia River, its a beautiful place. You should consider a visit. Let me know if you come. Dave

That is some great information Dave, Thanks You.
I will use it to continue my search for possible towns that could fit my needs.
See I have grown really acustom to my current lifestyle here in AK. I would love to find a similar town in Idaho. So if a guy wants to do some serious riding on the weekends and then possibly ditch bang when the time is right is the Bonners Ferry a good hub? Can you ride a sled in the ditch around there? Many local trails around? Exhaust laws?
What about occupation in the Bonners Ferry area? Local College?
I do plan on making the trip to scope it out this summer, if this area is not my cup of tea can you please give me some hints on other small towns that could fit my life style?
I really appreciate the great info thus far. I kinda figured I would recieve more support from other local BCR members.

[MoPow]

Naples is pinched between the Selkirks and the Cabinet mountain ranges and sits at an elevation of 2035 ft. There are some good riding opportunities in the area. You would have a few areas within 15 min drive or so and several more within 40 min or so. Everything from trail riding to boondocking to ditch banging, it's all here when the conditions are good. A bit more rain and fog then needed but life is not perfect here in North Idaho. The summers are very nice, good weather, low humidity, not very buggy but short. Just enough time to rebuild a sled or get some fishing in. Lots of summer recreation in the area to be had. I have found everything I ever needed in ether Sandpoint Or Bonners Ferry other than an Arctic Cat dealer. Population in Naples is under 2000 people so bring your money and your friends if you come. Let me know if you need any more info.

Dave/Paydirt/MoPow

[Environmentalist]

The Bonners Ferry area is a great place, my in-laws use to leave north of Bonners.

I live north of Coeur d' Alene (Athol to be exact) and I would suggest it to anyone. I'm 10 minutes from the Coeur d' Alene mountains and the BEST groomed trail riding in the area. But, I'm also an hour away of some great riding....Trestle Creek, Pack River, Priest Lake, Burke, Lookout and more. Property is more expensive, but the farther you get away from CDA the cheaper the housing is.

Summer is also great. I spend all summer Jeepin' the mountains and boating the MANY bodies of water near by. Lake Pend Orellie, Hayden Lake, Twin Lakes, Spirit Lake and Lake Coeur d' Alene all 30 minutes from my house. That doesn't include the rivers!

Good luck in your search!

[flatlander dave]

Naples is only 100 or so people, surrounding area maybe 1000. As far as ditch banging, not a great area. I'm new here but last several winters have had lot rain, never a decent snow cover in valley. I don't think I've ever seen a sled in Bonners Ferry. We just aren't high enough. We are located in Purcell Trench which receives southern breezes so snow melts whenever a warm up. Try Priest Lake, they have a totally different weather pattern and are only 2500'.

[WHITEOUT1]

how big of a "small town" are you looking for? What do you do for a living? This might help us help you find a good place. I love where I live...small town (650), leave right from my driveway to go atving in the summer and the best snowmobiling is only about 1/2 hour to 45 min away....

[MoPow]

[QUOTE=flatlander dave;501536]Naples is only 100 or so people, surrounding area maybe 1000.




Total population Naples Idaho 2000 U.S. Census 1,584

Total population Bonner County 2000 U.S. Census 36,835


Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Summary File 1 (SF 1) and Summary File 3 (SF 3)

Sorry flatlander dave but these are the facts we can talk it out after a nice ride...................

[Environmentalist]

Originally Posted by MoPow

Total population Naples Idaho 2000 U.S. Census 1,584

What!?!?! What crack pot counted 1500 people in Naples! They must have counted people, animals and dead cars to get that number!