The influx of buyers into Valley County continues to rise in 2022. There are many attractive qualities of the area that are drawing in visitors and new residents from across the nation.
As we approach mid-2022, the impact of the pandemic seems to be largely behind us, and activities of all kinds have returned to these mountain communities.
Quality of life
Small town life with amenities of much larger communities is one of the big attractions to the area.
The county seat is the city of Cascade, aptly named for the lake bordering the town. The city is the quintessential small town with only approximately 1,000 residents.
Nearby Donnelly is even smaller in population with less than 250 people. It also happens to be the gateway into Tamarack Resort. Donnelly was founded in 1914 making it the youngest city in Valley County.
The town of McAll is the largest town in the valley with a population of approximately 3,500 residents. A small piece of trivia: McCall does not allow chain restaurants which allows local cuisine to flourish.
McCall is the social and cultural center of the valley. There is ample entertainment and shopping to take care of all the needs of the valley residents.
You can find out more about the town on their online website and magazine VisitMcCall.org
Year-round Activities In Valley County
One of the biggest attractions of the valley is the variety of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by visitors and residents alike.
Winter activities
Winter in the mountains is just simply a magical experience. It is by far the busiest time of year in Tamarack and the valley in general. Things to do in winter:
Skiing and Snowboarding
Tamarack Resort has some of the best skiing in the valley, featuring 50 runs and 3 high-speed chairlifts to get you up the mountain fast. The average snowfall in the winter is 300 inches.
Nordic Trails
Choose your own adventure through the vast Nordic Trail System at Tamarack. Choose from skate skis, fat-tire bikes, or snowshoes. The trails will take you through a scenic exploration through groves of Aspen, Fir, and Tamarack trees.
Summer Activities
Valley County Fair and Rodeo Join the fun with the entire family! The event usually takes place in early August. You can find more information at VisitMcCall.org
Fishing in Valley County is like heaven on earth for anglers. With more than 300 lakes and several major river drainages within a short distance, the county is a fisherman’s paradise.
Whitewater Rafting Book a guided trip and experience one of the most beautiful stretches of river in the state. A Tamarack whitewater rafting adventure is guided by expert guides so you can experience scenic views and fully embrace the rapids.
There is far more to do than listed above. For more information, you can visit the Tamarack Resort website.
Vacation and 2nd Home Ownership
Valley County Real Estate is a huge attraction to visitors from across the nation and abroad. In fact, the demand has been so persistent and growing that home values have skyrocketed in some areas such as McCall and Tamarack Village.
The largest community of 2nd homes and vacation homes in Valley County is Tamarack Resort. The master-planned community is spread over 5,000 acres of which 60% is comprised of pristine pine and conifer-heavy forest. There are over 2,100 acres of winter sports terrain and an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
In the town of McCall, days on the market for homes as of April 2022 were only 41 compared to 135 days in Feb of 2021. The median home price in 2020 was $480,000 - by the end of 2021, it jumped a startling 41% to $675,000.
As of June 2022, the average home price is up to $870,000 and deemed fairly competitive, favoring sellers. This is clear evidence of the demand and desirability of McCall Real Estate.
If you are considering investing in a home in the area, the team at Tamarack Realty would be happy to assist you with your home buying needs.
It’s easy to see why Valley County attracts millions of visitors every year, in spite of its small size. Naturally, many of those who visit decide to buy a vacation or 2nd home in the area. A home that they can enjoy year-round.
