When families start thinking about making a move, one of the first questions they ask is simple: Is this really the right place for us? If Sandpoint, Idaho, has made its way onto your radar, you’re not alone. Families from across the country, Seattle, Boise, California, and even Texas, are asking the same thing.
So, is Sandpoint a good place to live? The short answer: yes, especially for families. But like any move, there are some things to consider. Let’s break it down.
A Small Town with Big Family Appeal
Sandpoint isn’t just a pretty postcard of Lake Pend Oreille and mountain backdrops; it’s a town where kids still ride their bikes to school, neighbors know each other’s names, and community events bring everyone together. Families love that they can spend a Saturday morning at the farmers market downtown, take the kids hiking in Pine Street Woods, and end the day with ice cream on the City Beach boardwalk.
It’s a slower pace than the city, but that’s exactly why many families choose Sandpoint.
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Schools and Education: An Authentic Family Perspective
When we first moved to Sandpoint from Phoenix, I was naturally cautious about the public school system. To stay connected, I checked in with my kids every single day after school, asking what they learned and how classes were structured. I also stayed actively involved, attending events and talking with teachers and administrators. Over time, we have gotten to know the teachers and staff so well that we even have their cell phone numbers and can communicate directly with them. And I have genuinely been pleased. The local schools are not perfect, but from my experience, teachers are focused on educating, not indoctrinating, and they teach in good faith.
That said, families have other excellent options in Sandpoint. In addition to Sandpoint Christian School, which many of our friends have had positive experiences with, here are some of the other private and charter schools worth knowing about:
Valor Christian School – A newer private school in Sandpoint that has already received great success and positive feedback from families.
Sandpoint Christian School – A faith-based choice with a strong academic foundation and values-aligned community.
Sandpoint Waldorf School – We have friends with children here, and they have seen their kids truly grow and succeed. The Waldorf approach encourages creativity, confidence, and hands-on learning.
Selle Valley Carden School – A small school with a farming-community focus, complete with farm animals and a hands-on approach to education.
Forrest Bird Charter School – The largest charter school in Sandpoint. We have friends who attend and even teach there, and all of the feedback has been very positive.
For families considering a move, the variety of school options is an incredible benefit. Whether you want public, charter, or private education, Sandpoint provides opportunities that fit different learning styles and family values.
👉 Considering a move with kids? Here are the Questions to Ask When Buying a Home.
Outdoor Playground for All Ages
Raising a family in Sandpoint means you’re never short on things to do, no matter the season. For us, it often starts at City Beach, where the kids can swim, play, and soak up the summer sun. We also love afternoons at the Dover Community Park or heading out to the Pack River Bridge, where the kids line up to jump into the river.
When winter rolls in, the adventures don’t stop. Skiing at Schweitzer Mountain is a family favorite, whether it’s teaching the little ones on the bunny hill or taking the older kids up for a full day on the slopes. After a fresh storm, we grab the sleds and find a hill to ride until we’re out of breath from laughter. We also cross-country ski together at Pine Street Woods, which is a peaceful way to enjoy the snowy forest.
Summers mean kayaking, paddleboarding, and even boating on Lake Pend Oreille, Cocolalla Lake, or one of the smaller local spots. The kids are also into horses, so horseback riding on trails around Sandpoint has become part of our lifestyle. And of course, we can’t forget the incredible fishing opportunities, from casting lines on Lake Pend Oreille to spending a quiet day at Cocolalla Lake.
Something I’ve noticed a lot in local Facebook groups is that when a new family moves to Sandpoint and asks, “What can my kids do here?” the overwhelming response is simple: go outside. Whether it’s hiking, biking, skiing, or exploring one of our rivers or lakes, the outdoors really is the playground.
For more organized activities, soccer and 4-H are two of the most popular choices for kids. Soccer is especially big in the spring and fall, with teams and leagues that give kids a chance to stay active and social. Our kids are also heavily involved in 4-H, which is an amazing program here. Depending on the project your child chooses, 4-H can start in late fall, run through the winter, and carry on until the end of summer. For our family, it’s been a commitment that begins in November and goes all the way through August, teaching responsibility, teamwork, and hands-on skills.
Beyond sports and outdoor adventures, Sandpoint also hosts some incredible family-friendly events. Every August, the Festival at Sandpoint brings world-class musicians to War Memorial Field for two weeks of concerts right on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille. Families also look forward to the Bonner County Rodeo and Fair Week, where every night the arena lights up with events like concerts, motocross, and the crowd-favorite demolition derby.
And if your family craves some of the bigger attractions you’d expect in a city, you’re in luck. Just 30 minutes south of Sandpoint is Silverwood Theme Park, the largest in the Pacific Northwest. Between roller coasters, a full water park, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment, it’s the perfect way to mix in modern fun with small-town living.
👉 Want to see what homes near the lake or Schweitzer look like? Browse Sandpoint homes for sale.
Family Appeal and Community Feel
One of the best parts about raising a family in Sandpoint is the community itself. From the moment we arrived, we found people to be welcoming and quick to include us. Making friends here is easy, and it’s common for families to build connections through school, sports, and local events.
There’s also a sense of safety and trust that you don’t always find in bigger cities. At places like City Beach or the Bonner County Fair, kids can simply be kids. You’ll see them roaming in groups, laughing, and playing without parents having to hover out of fear. The same is true in neighborhoods, children ride bikes, play ball in the street, and when a car comes by, drivers instinctively slow down to a crawl and move over to give plenty of space.
Summer 2025 brought a perfect example of this community spirit. A group of kids from Northside started meeting at City Beach late on Tuesday mornings, and before long, it became a weekly tradition. Dozens of families began showing up, siblings of all ages played together, and friendships grew across different grades. Traditions like that highlight what’s special about Sandpoint: neighbors become friends, kids grow up together, and the community feels like an extension of your family.
Another thing that stands out in Sandpoint is how quickly people are to help one another. If a vehicle is in the ditch or broken down on the side of the road, you’ll often see multiple people pulling over to check if everything is okay. Even when I’m out creating YouTube content on backroads, cars regularly stop to make sure I’m not stranded, and I just have to let them know I’m filming. That neighborly concern is part of daily life here, and it’s something I didn’t experience living in Phoenix. I also hear it time and again from clients moving here from California or Washington that they notice right away people in Sandpoint are genuinely eager to help.
Perhaps the best part is how small Sandpoint still feels. Whether you’re at the grocery store, the park, or downtown for a festival, chances are you’ll bump into someone you know. That familiarity and connectedness are what make Sandpoint not just a beautiful place to live, but a true community to raise your kids in.
Things Families Should Consider
As wonderful as Sandpoint is for raising a family, no place is without its adjustments. One of the first things we noticed after moving here was the difference in amenities compared to larger cities. In Phoenix, we were used to having endless dining options, 20 different spots for American, Chinese, Asian, or Mexican food. Sandpoint does have some fantastic local restaurants, but you won’t find the same variety you might be used to in a metro area.
Kid-focused amenities are also on a smaller scale here. We do have a movie theater, but it’s about eight screens, and a bowling alley with maybe 15 lanes. Outside of those, you won’t find the typical “big city” entertainment options for kids. There is a YMCA in town, which offers sports and activities, but it’s definitely smaller than what you’d see in a larger city and could benefit from some updates to the facility. What fills the gap is Sandpoint’s focus on outdoor activities, and in many ways, that’s what makes childhood here so unique.
For families with kids in organized sports like soccer, baseball, football, or cheer, be prepared for more travel. While there are local leagues, many tournaments are held in Coeur d’Alene or Spokane, which means more time on the road. For families committed to competitive sports, it’s something to factor in, but most parents agree the trade-off is worth it for the lifestyle Sandpoint offers the rest of the year.
Snowy winters are another factor for families to think about. For us, it wasn’t a huge adjustment since my kids were young and I had already spent time in Colorado winters. But for many newcomers, the snow can take some getting used to. It’s not just about bundling up for school drop-off, it’s learning little habits like draining and detaching your garden hose before freezing weather sets in, or keeping a snow shovel handy for those surprise overnight storms.
Commuting is another area that feels different than in big cities. Around town, it’s incredibly easy and convenient to get where you need to go. But if you want to head to Costco, Target, or the airport, you’ll be driving down to Coeur d’Alene or Spokane. The mileage is greater than what we were used to, but here’s the trade-off, the drive time is often about the same because you’re moving on the highway rather than sitting in traffic. Personally, I’d rather cover more miles and enjoy a smooth drive than be stuck in gridlock.
And here’s a fun one for families coming from bigger cities, Amazon deliveries. In Phoenix or San Diego, you’re probably used to getting your package the next day, or within two days at most. In Sandpoint, it’s more common to wait closer to a week. The good news is an Amazon facility is opening in town, so we’re hopeful that turnaround times will start to improve.
For families considering Sandpoint, these adjustments are worth weighing. But for many of us, the trade-offs are more than worth it for the lifestyle and community we gain.
Final Thoughts: Is Sandpoint a Good Place to Live for Families?
So, is Sandpoint, Idaho a good place to live for families? In my experience, the answer is absolutely yes. The mix of small-town safety, community spirit, and endless outdoor adventure creates a lifestyle that’s hard to match anywhere else. Kids can still be kids here, riding their bikes, playing at City Beach, or roaming the fairgrounds without parents having to hover in fear. Families make friends quickly, and the sense of community shows up in the simplest ways, from neighbors helping each other out to local traditions that bring everyone together.
Of course, life here looks different than in a bigger city. Dining options are fewer, winter snow requires some adjustment, and you might find yourself traveling for sports tournaments or waiting a little longer for that Amazon package. But for many families, those trade-offs are well worth it in exchange for a safer, slower, and more connected way of living.
If you’re considering making the move, my advice is to come spend some time here. Visit the schools, take your kids to City Beach, hike the trails, or catch a concert during the Festival at Sandpoint. You’ll get a feel for what life could look like, and you may find yourself picturing your family here sooner than you expect.
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