Fresh Start - Boise?? (appointed, for sale, loan)

[taylorpc]

Hey all,

I'm a 25 year old guy from St. Louis, MO. I'm about halfway through college earning a "congratulations-here's-your-generic-degree" degree. My fiance' and I recently called it quits, and things just don't seem to be getting any better here in St. Louis. I've got a great family, but my life just seems to be going down the tubes - at the very least, stagnating. I've come to the conclusion that I need a fresh start, and getting away from humid, life-sucking St. Louis seems to be the thing to do. The dry, great outdoors of Boise sure sounds like a great place to be. My question is... what do you think? Is Boise a good place for a fresh start? Night life is fun and all, but what I'm really wanting is a good place to meet someone, a place to explore nature and be outside, a decent amount of culture, and good family values. Thanks!

[Anchorless]

Eh, it depends.

As a twenty-something without a college degree, or with a "generic degree," it's tough to find tolerable employment that pays well. I mean, you could bartend or serve, or do construction, but without at least a few years of specialized experience, it's tough to compete with all of the imports from elsewhere willing to take pay cuts to enjoy Boise. There are jobs, but they're hard to come by without experience or if you're expecting to make more than 25k/yr.

I also don't think Boise has a particularly strong social scene for twenty-somethings. I mean, it is a college town with a decent population, but the night-life will certainly be less than what you expect in St. Louis (and very insular, it seems), and there is a relative dearth of singles here (it seems they're already attached, religious, or have moved away to the coasts).

But it can't be beat for the quality of life, especially if you want to be outside. If you can put with a (possibly) lower paying job, quieter nightlife than Portland, Seattle, et al, and less singles than most bigger cities, then you'll love it here.

And even so, you'll probably love it here anyway.

[Syringaloid]

I am in my 20's and have moved to Boise from a larger city.
The job situation is just like anywhere else, either you have the skills and luck to land a better paying job, or you have to work your way up. Boise is a white collar city, so there are many office/professional jobs, as well as tech jobs, and of course service jobs. Regardless, there is a lot, a lot of opportunity in Boise to grow and nurture your career.
The night life is pretty good for a smaller, isolated city like Boise. The restaurant scene cannot be touched by many larger cities. Boise is very fortunate to have the vibrant downtown it has. I have had friends visit from other larger cities and have been really impressed with the offerings Boise has, especially downtown. There are all kinds of clubs/bars,indie coffee shops, and then there are the more upscale martini bars if that is your scene. I can think of several clubs that play trance/techno so Boise is up there with nightlife. There are also many cultural establishments too.
If you are looking for nature loving people, Boise is the place. I know a few groups of single 20 and 30 somethings that get toghether to hike, bike, rock climb, the list goes on. Boise has actually been ranked as one of the better cities to live in if you are a young, single professional. I will have to look for the story and post it.
And then there are strong family values.
It is kind of ironic you asked the question you did. I remember when I moved to Boise there was an article in the local independent newspaper about younger, single people who move to Boise to start their life over, and to discover themselves. Boise can be a healing place if you want it to be.

[Anchorless]

Yeah, I didn't mean to come off sounding bleak. I agree that our downtown is quite amazing (though a little dead come winter, but that's to be expected).

For a city of its size Boise is worth its weight culturally. Friends that have visited me from much larger cities usually leave somewhat disappointed, though. I mean, it's more than enough for me (and I don't have a real interest in "night life" and restaurant/coffee culture anyway), but to those used to trying out new places or finding new things will be far too quickly sated. But I think if you're into finding quality places and sticking to those haunts, you'll be well satisfied.

Once again, the outdoor opportunities here are almost peerless.

I do disagree about the job situation, though. I suppose its a matter of perception and experience, but it just seems really tough to break into or to find satisfying employment unless you happen to have many years of experience and/or technical degrees. So many of my friends and peers have left Boise seeking employment elsewhere, or else are stuck serving/bartending because their particular degrees (typically liberal arts) are virtually worthless here.

If you have a business, engineering, science, and/or computer-related degree you'll find plenty of employment opps. There seems to be a vast market for sales jobs, service jobs, computer/IT related jobs, and construction jobs - but its hard for everyone else. Granted you have to either know someone, or else work your way up the ladder, but a BA delivering mail or answering phones for 8 bucks and hour (which seems to be the standard) is kind of ridiculous.

Sure, it's the same more or less anywhere else, but there is more opportunity for entry level positions in other cities. And I don't like having to say that.

But Boise is a great place, and one I don't ever want to leave.

[taylorpc]

This is really great info, folks... thanks so much. I do have a whole lot of banking experience... very knowledgeable in banking regulations and such, so I am pretty sure I could get a decent job to begin with. No, banking isn't what I want to do forever, but for now it allows me a bit of freedom at night and on the weekends to invest in my true love, music.

So far, I'm liking what I'm reading... even what you have to say, Anchorless. I'm not the bar-type, and honestly the only times I've gone to them here in STL is to meet some friends for a good burger. What really interests me about Boise (among a lot of other things) is the abundance of outdoor activities. Yes, Missouri is pretty lush with rivers and trees, but I've grown up here and am ready for a change. I'd love to hike up the mountains for some solitude, or take a camping trip with some friends to get away. Syringaloid, I would definitely be interested in hearing more about these outdoor activity groups! Thanks for the replies, both of you

It's hard to determine the "feel" of a city just by posting on a message board. So much of that comes with just seeing it in person, meeting the people, etc. I think I'm definitely going to have to come for a visit. I don't know why, but Boise is really calling my name.

[Anchorless]

I think if you have a decent amount of banking experience, you'll find a job no problem.

If you like music, you may or may not be disappointed. You'll find a handful of regulars that play the venues during the week, and Boise gets some decent high profile acts, but the actual music community is somewhat fractured right now. There are a lot of talented people, but for some reason they don't get the turnout they deserve. Check out this site: theBoiseBeat.com

All in all it sounds like you'd really like it here. You should try to check it out this fall (best time for Boise).

[mustangjoey]

Originally Posted by Anchorless

If you have a business, engineering, science, and/or computer-related degree you'll find plenty of employment opps. There seems to be a vast market for sales jobs, service jobs, computer/IT related jobs, and construction jobs - but its hard for everyone else.

Do you know how best to find these jobs?

My wife and I are coming to visit next weekend (can't wait), and I've been searching the typical internet job posting sites nightly:
- Dice
- CareerBuilder
- Monster
- Several others

I imagine if I actually posted my resume it would help. But, it might be a career-limiting move if my current employer were to find it online with Boise as a desired city of employment.

So far I have come up pretty empty, though.

Btw, I am a senior system administrator, a Windows server guy. I have about eight years of experience. I know I will need to take a pay cut.

[Anchorless]

Originally Posted by mustangjoey

Do you know how best to find these jobs?

My wife and I are coming to visit next weekend (can't wait), and I've been searching the typical internet job posting sites nightly:
- Dice
- CareerBuilder
- Monster
- Several others

I imagine if I actually posted my resume it would help. But, it might be a career-limiting move if my current employer were to find it online with Boise as a desired city of employment.

So far I have come up pretty empty, though.

Btw, I am a senior system administrator, a Windows server guy. I have about eight years of experience. I know I will need to take a pay cut.

Craigslist is always an option - you can usually reply to relevant postings. Also, Job Service is the best website. You should be able find quite a bit of tech jobs there.

Also check the State, County, and City websites for employment opportunities.

boise jobs classifieds - craigslist
Job Search

[Syringaloid]

Originally Posted by taylorpc

This is really great info, folks... thanks so much. I do have a whole lot of banking experience... very knowledgeable in banking regulations and such, so I am pretty sure I could get a decent job to begin with. No, banking isn't what I want to do forever, but for now it allows me a bit of freedom at night and on the weekends to invest in my true love, music.

So far, I'm liking what I'm reading... even what you have to say, Anchorless. I'm not the bar-type, and honestly the only times I've gone to them here in STL is to meet some friends for a good burger. What really interests me about Boise (among a lot of other things) is the abundance of outdoor activities. Yes, Missouri is pretty lush with rivers and trees, but I've grown up here and am ready for a change. I'd love to hike up the mountains for some solitude, or take a camping trip with some friends to get away. Syringaloid, I would definitely be interested in hearing more about these outdoor activity groups! Thanks for the replies, both of you

It's hard to determine the "feel" of a city just by posting on a message board. So much of that comes with just seeing it in person, meeting the people, etc. I think I'm definitely going to have to come for a visit. I don't know why, but Boise is really calling my name.

There are a few large banking/commercial loan centers in Boise which service each of their respective bank branchs all over the Western US. I have friends who work at one and they make nearly $15 entry level, and they are not on the phone either.
Another source for jobs is boiseidahojobs.com

[taylorpc]

This is really great information... I'll have to check out the link you provided, and I'll definitely get the pulse of the banking scene in Boise when I come for a visit.

At this point... the singles scene isn't really a big deal to me. I know that'll change down the road, but Boise sounds like a great place to focus on exploring what makes happy. Sometimes I think it takes leaving what's comfortable (ie: hometown of 25 years) to truly know what makes you tick. I'm looking forward to coming into my own, if that makes any sense.

You all have been so helpful, thanks!