Random thoughts from a 2 month New Resident of Boise (house, school)

[stingraynm]

Great post. Sums it better than I could as a person who grew up in Boise. I loved it when I was there, and love it even more now that I have the means for comparison. You apparently really know how to get out on the town, and that's the type of person Boise is for!

One little sidenote from a traffic-disgruntled Albuqeurquean. I thought Boise lights were bad until I moved to Albuquerque. The lights here are coordinated by a sadist.... or an oil exec. (Is there a difference?) Even the "coordinated" lights, aren't. Sometimes I find myself mumbling expletives, and I'm a pretty easy goin' guy.

Also, the littering is a pity. The last time I floated the river (on vacation a couple weeks ago), I was appalled. It didn't used to be like that at all. It didn't really start until the population increases of the early '90s, though, so go figure.

Isn't Downtown great, though? I really miss it. Last time I was there, the moment my plane landed, we hit up the Beanery for lunch, Julia Davis park to wear out my friends' kids, and Gernika for sandwiches, beers, and live music before a night on the town. The bars have really increased since I was younger, too. A good sign, 'cause Downtown has faced its share of barriers in that respect. Many Boiseans favor those barriers for respectable reasons, but I'm still in my 20's and single... what can I say? I've got friends walking distance from downtown on all sides, so it works out pretty darn well. In my opinion, I couldn't ask for a better vacation without paying thousands just for the air fare.

On that note, a lot of people here ask me (with a look of smug, confused pity) why I'd choose Boise for a vacation. I always just smile and say "to visit friends". They say "oh" and forget they ever wondered. Those who have to ask with certain tones can miss out for all I care.

I wish the employment situation was better, though. Even my friends are commonly thrust into non-career, service jobs just to maintain their residency while looking for other decent jobs. Of several dozen friends and acquaintances, I know only four who have gone right into their chosen line of work and maintained that career path without being business owners themselves. As with many, I had to leave due to a lack of application for my degrees without experience. Albuquerque's got its good points, many similar to Boise, but there isn't a day I don't mourn.

[Jarndyce]

Thanks to all who replied. I am merely sharing my fresh thoughts!

RE: Summer Heat
This is the biggist detractor for me thus far. It's warmer than I thought and I wanted to escape 100+ summers from which I came--Central Valley Cali. The Boise summer is still cooler than CVC, but, it sounds like the heat trend is going the wrong way for me. I think the weather.com data for July average lists 89 and there's no way it's close to that. June seemed like a bit of that 5 or 10 degree roller coaster...July has been straight 92,94,96,98,95,94,96,96 kind of temp pattern with the occasional 100+ thrown in. I will say it did cool down quickly and most times I opened up my windows and slept coolly. I couldn't open my windows at night in Cali. No way.

RE: Jobs
I'm actually thinking of taking off my grad degree now and just going with a Bachelor's degree. I have started to think that some sort of "overqualified bias" might be creeping in, which I find ridiculous, but the absence of interviews for jobs I'm qualified for leads to think something is going on. I did not think I'd have to try to land a "transitional retail" type job before my "career" job. I'm willing to do so and the reality that I have to do that is setting in. I'm scouring any national company with openings in Boise. I routinely look at boiseidahojobs.com and careerbuilder (pretty much every day). I monitor the Idaho gov't job sites too. Those don't even bother letting me know anything. Some companies have atleast given me the courtesy form letter email acknowledgement..

[stingraynm]

Originally Posted by Jarndyce

Thanks to all who replied. I am merely sharing my fresh thoughts!

RE: Summer Heat
This is the biggist detractor for me thus far. It's warmer than I thought and I wanted to escape 100+ summers from which I came--Central Valley Cali. The Boise summer is still cooler than CVC, but, it sounds like the heat trend is going the wrong way for me. I think the weather.com data for July average lists 89 and there's no way it's close to that. June seemed like a bit of that 5 or 10 degree roller coaster...July has been straight 92,94,96,98,95,94,96,96 kind of temp pattern with the occasional 100+ thrown in. I will say it did cool down quickly and most times I opened up my windows and slept coolly. I couldn't open my windows at night in Cali. No way.

RE: Jobs
I'm actually thinking of taking off my grad degree now and just going with a Bachelor's degree. I have started to think that some sort of "overqualified bias" might be creeping in, which I find ridiculous, but the absence of interviews for jobs I'm qualified for leads to think something is going on. I did not think I'd have to try to land a "transitional retail" type job before my "career" job. I'm willing to do so and the reality that I have to do that is setting in. I'm scouring any national company with openings in Boise. I routinely look at boiseidahojobs.com and careerbuilder (pretty much every day). I monitor the Idaho gov't job sites too. Those don't even bother letting me know anything. Some companies have atleast given me the courtesy form letter email acknowledgement..

First off, 'fraid you can expect the 100+ days to keep showing up until late August, though the worst is right now.

Second, I went to Boise with two Bachelors - IT and Psych. And that was considered over-qualified! When I applied for jobs that fit my qualifications, I was told relevant experience and a VERY tailored resume are the biggest keys. That's when I had to move to a place where I could get my foot in the door. That whole catch-22 is really a load of bulls*** that comes with a market that is saturated with applicants. Employers know it, so they can - and really like to - hold out to get the "pick of the litter".

You may want to take your resume to the Idaho Job Service, part of the Dept. of Labor. It's in the Northern part of Downtown, somewhere around Idaho or Jefferson. Google Earth says it's now on E. Main, and it's been a long time for me, but it would help you find work. Mostly service sector jobs, but I think they can tailor a more white collar listing if you provide a resume. They were free when I was there, so it's worth a shot.

Also, St. Luke's and St. Al's are good places to try, depending on where you live... probably St. Luke's considering your fav haunts. Hospitals have very fair posting and hiring practices. Just ask where their HR office is. It was just behind the hospital on Jefferson when I lived in Boise.

[truckingbronco]

I've been here about 9 months and agree with most of the good points. I don't find it to be too young (I'm in my early 30s) but I'm sure that varies depending on where you live.

Yes, summer has been brutal, especially compared to the Pac NW I'm used to. Oh well, it only lasts for a couple months and it's nice in the morning and evening.

Traffic is a non-issue.

There are jobs to be found for degreed professionals but it helps to know somebody. Unfortunately, the horrible current job market is not unique to Boise. It also doesn't help that most of the major corporations that gave boise it's great economic reputation are now selling off or downsizing.

[nasuse]

Hi, I'm thinking of moving to Idaho - I'm a single female 38 from San Francisco - mother of two cats. I work for myself - online biz - plus writer and life coach, so I don't need to find work. I need a holistic, progressive community surrounded by nature. I don't want to be totally isolated with no culture or alternative community, and I need nature and solitude. I am thinking of the outskirts of Boise - any suggestions? OR up north at Sandpoint or Coeur D'Alene. I know it's totally different - but any input especially on the ones up north would be appreciated. As long as there is something of a holisitc community with some culture, I'm good to go! Thanks so much!

[AllTheWayToMemphis]

Some people on other forums have turned me off from Boise, telling me that Boise sucks (although not as bad as the rest of Idaho, the "worst place on Earth"), and I've pretty much lost all the motivation I had to pack up and move there (after visiting, of course). Fortunately, this thread brings some of that back. I still won't be there for another two months, but I can't wait to visit. If it's not the place for me, I hope Missoula or Salt Lake are...but the pros on the OP's list sound great, and even some of the cons work for me, as I'm in my early 20s and stay up late.

nasuse - I haven't been to Idaho yet, but it sounds like you'll want Boise's North End neighborhood. I don't know if anywhere else in Idaho would fit your bill -- it's a pretty red state.

[TohobitPeak]

Wow, if people are telling you that about Boise and Idaho than they must be pretty sad, uneducated, close minded, way left leaning people who get their kicks degrading states that are a mix of moderate, republican, libertarian such as Idaho. BWT, if Boise is not for you than I highly doubt Missoula will work or mundane SLC will work. Just my opinions as I am familier with all three cities. Sandpoint is more liberal than Salt Lake is just to give you an idea. The Northend of Boise is imo more liberal than any place you would find in SLC.



Refering to your post above I just have to say that if you are not familier with Idaho then it is not fair for you to assume that Boise is the only city to fit naususe's bill as you put it.



nasuse, Boise has a sizable holistic community and I feel you would find your niche here easily. Sandpoint and Coeur d'Alene each are more liberal within Idaho such as Boise and they have holistic communities as well.

[MrGrumpy]

Originally Posted by nasuse

Hi, I'm thinking of moving to Idaho - I'm a single female 38 from San Francisco - mother of two cats. I work for myself - online biz - plus writer and life coach, so I don't need to find work. I need a holistic, progressive community surrounded by nature. I don't want to be totally isolated with no culture or alternative community, and I need nature and solitude. I am thinking of the outskirts of Boise - any suggestions? OR up north at Sandpoint or Coeur D'Alene. I know it's totally different - but any input especially on the ones up north would be appreciated. As long as there is something of a holisitc community with some culture, I'm good to go! Thanks so much!

A big factor to consider with Sandpoint or Coeur D'Alene is the weather. Beautiful place during the spring and summer but I for one wouldn't be caught dead up there in the winter. A bit of snow is one thing but being barried in it is another. The other issue to consider is that since you are looking at an online business, small towns often fail to have the connection speed one would desire for such use. My recommendation to you would be the North End of Boise as there is a fair bit of culture there and you get the best of both worlds. You are minutes away from downtown, yet a brief walk to the north foothills/mountains.

[stingraynm]

Nasuse shouldn't forget Moscow, either. Surprised that one didn't come up immediately. It's just south of Coeur d'Alene via Hwy 95. Small college town, so very progressive!

[AllTheWayToMemphis]

Originally Posted by TohobitPeak

Wow, if people are telling you that about Boise and Idaho than they must be pretty sad, uneducated, close minded, way left leaning people who get their kicks degrading states that are a mix of moderate, republican, libertarian such as Idaho. BWT, if Boise is not for you than I highly doubt Missoula will work or mundane SLC will work. Just my opinions as I am familier with all three cities. Sandpoint is more liberal than Salt Lake is just to give you an idea. The Northend of Boise is imo more liberal than any place you would find in SLC.

Interesting. I've been reading that Salt Lake City is very liberal; in fact, some have said one of the most liberal cities in the West. I know the rest of Utah is deep, deep red, but everything I've seen said that there's a large, liberal 20s population who are very supportive of homosexuality, alternative lifestyles, etc., despite the slight LDS influence on the city.

Just curious -- what about Missoula wouldn't work? Seems like a great place, although a bit smaller than what I'd want.