Information on Weippe (Moscow, Orofino, Deary: homes, school, income)

[Wally3430]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone can fill me in on the area of Weippe. The family and I, after numerous trips throughout Idaho, Washington, and Montana, have narrowed our "retirement" areas to Deary and Weippe. The reason we like Weippe is that it is out of the way, few people, close to national forest, fertile land and somewhat low cost of land. Having said that, I realize some of those attributes may also be a hinderance.
My family and I are hoping to homestead in that area. We'd like to get a place that's partial treed/partial pasture---around 20 acres or more. Education for our children isn't an issue; both are homeschooled. I'll be retired military when we come up there---I have no idea what I'll do for income (hopefully some work at home job). I have little desire to continue the "grind" working my life away.
Questions I have on that area are: How is the drive up the hill from Orofino in the winter? How are the winters there in general? What do the locals do for work--all lumber related? Do the folks in the area accept outsiders (I wouldn't think many move there)? I ask that because when we drove thru the area a couple weeks ago, we saw some folks on a dirt road and I immediately was reminded of the movie Deliverance. Taxes? Ease of building (permits ect.)? Haven't been able to gather too much info over the net---any insight would be much appreciated!

-Dan

[Keim]

I'd go for Deary, still remote but you'll hear Dueling Banjo's less often.

Seriously, Weippe (Town slogan: Don't forget to...) is a very economically depressed town. Deary is much less so. Most any jobs in Weippe will be forestry related. You'll want to have work handled before you get there. Don't plan to find it there. Deary is less depressed, owing to many of the townsfolk commuting to Moscow. Building permits should be easy in Weippe. As I recall that is part of Idaho county, one of the least regulated in the nation. They won't be a big issue in Deary either.

[banjomike]

If you do have a hankering to hear Duelin' Banjos after you move, drop me a line here, and I'll be most happy to round up another banjoist. We will gladly assault your ears, but I'm not about to follow you down some damn river.

However, since I personally hate the tune, a different request would be much appreciated.

[Wally3430]

Ha! I never said anything about banjos---I happen to like the sound! Back on topic...anyone know how harsh the winters are in deary and weippe? I'm ok with anything...except 50mph wind like Great Falls, Mt.

[Keim]

Grew up in Havre.

You'll find both ID towns to be warmer and less windy. They do get deeper snow and are much more overcast.

[Liberty minded]

Trying to kick some dust up here on this old one...Wally 3430 How did you and your family fair in your move to ID after your retirement from the Military? Or did you all end up somewhere else? Just wondering as a fellow (USN)retiree 2021, who's family is currently trying out AR. it is really nice here, but we can't seem to shake the mountain fever. We are planning a road trip out to ID and possibly MT, UT as two other prospectives in summer 2024.

[NW Crow]

Wally hasn't logged in for 9 years; so unlikely to hear from him.

Further thread browsing can yield a lot of ready to read information, but not everyone is still active. Profiles where public can be found by click on name and then profile from drop down menu.

Maybe other ex-military in Idaho and active on forum might reply

[Keim]

Deary has had a bit of a revival in recent years. AFAIK Weippe has not.

[Mister Torgue]

Originally Posted by Liberty minded

Trying to kick some dust up here on this old one...Wally 3430 How did you and your family fair in your move to ID after your retirement from the Military? Or did you all end up somewhere else? Just wondering as a fellow (USN)retiree 2021, who's family is currently trying out AR. it is really nice here, but we can't seem to shake the mountain fever. We are planning a road trip out to ID and possibly MT, UT as two other prospectives in summer 2024.

Wally's last activity: https://www.city-data.com/forum/35084377-post19.html

Don't think he made the move to ID if I had to guess.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

I don't know those areas, but of you make the effort to fit yourself into the local culture, you will be accepted. If you go around saying "back in where ever I came from, used to do whatever, or we used to have whatever" and you will erect an instant barrier between yourself and the locals that you might find difficult to overcome.