Boise vs Denver

[boi2socal]

Originally Posted by lcinva

I agree, it has necessities and a little bit more. I don't expect Boise to be "urban" by any means, but for someone coming and expecting Boise, the biggest city in Idaho, to be anything resembling urban - it could be a shock. There isn't really selection in shopping or restaurants besides chain stores. To the poster above the one I quoted who wondered what people are buying that isn't in Boise, some places I will miss when we move to Boise are:

-Trader Joe's and other smaller grocery stores besides the chain Smith's and Albertsons
-Nordstrom and other more upscale department stores
-more than one mall for shopping
-restaurants that aren't just chain, and some major chain restaurants that seem conspicuously absent
-an airport with cheap direct flights
-more than one university (and Boise State has limited graduate options)
-A GOOD OUTLET MALL...as unimportant and superficial as it is, this may be what I'll miss the most.

I don't consider myself to be superficial, and I am a professionally educated person...but I enjoy shopping as much as the next person. I don't really want to be wearing the same clothes as everyone else because there is only one mall, you know? And - the principle of supply and demand works. When there isn't much competition, you don't get very good deals.

Just some observations to help you understand where I was coming from when I said Boise may not have everything you want.

Well, I have lived in Seattle and have lived in the Los Angeles Area for nearly five years now. I find dining options in Boise to be great. No, there aren't a ton of expensive fine restaurants but there are plenty of great local restaurants with great food. When I have the money I have great dining opportunities here in LA but I'm always excited to try great food in Boise when I visit. I was quite shocked when you said there were only chain restaurants in Boise. In fact, compared to similar areas in California, Boise has far superior dining opportunities. Obviously, if you're only driving around the mall or Meridian you'll find mostly chain restaurants. However, Downtown Boise as well as Eagle and Nampa to a lesser extent have great local places. I am not meaning to be argumentative but I just don't agree with your observations. To back up my claim:
Food & Wine magazine will feature Boise in November

I do agree that shopping could be better. There is only one mall which can become insane...I still have not experienced a mall that busy. But there are many stores Downtown and more are apparently on their way. A new mall branded as lifestyle center is planned for Meridian. However, I don't think the store line up in this first phase is anything amazing. A "upscale" mall is planned for Eagle...although that is on hold. Yes, these boutiques probably do charge a premium for their designer wear but then again the overall cost of living is less in Boise.

I also agree that Boise needs a Trader Joe's. A Whole Foods is planned...if you can afford it.

Having worked for an airline and frequently flying in and out of Boise I find fares to be comprable to any other city. Often times fares between two large cities are far higher than between Boise and a large city. I won't try to sell anyone on Boise having a lot of direct flights but when you compare another city of Boise's size, that is not a resort destination, you'll find Boise has a decent amount of flights.

[Dani, NM-TX-ID-CO]

If I am replying to a "dead thread", why did you find it so important to read and reply?
I am finding at this very moment, many acquaintances who are leaving or finding ways to do so. I would be hard pressed to find very many people who want to stay, as the reaction we have gotten from many is that they are "jealous" and trying to find the means to do the very same. Coming from you, there's that me-centered mindset that can only be found in a true Idahoan! Best of luck to you in your sad, secluded little Boise life!.

[Syringaloid]

Dani, NM-TX-ID-CO,
you do realize you replied to a dead thread, two years old in fact, to express your frustration?
Denver, bleh. Have fun. The reason why people return to Boise or stay is because it exemplifies everything positive which Denver falls short in.

[Dani, NM-TX-ID-CO]

Boise is safer? I suppose it depends on how you look at it. No question, there is less crime, however, there is a lot of "toned down" racism here, and the 'me-centered' mindset is contagious. It is much harder for a child raised here to find much success in the "real world" which is why most people raised here either stay, or end up back. All I ever heard about Boise was how friendly the people were, and although it is true on the surface, the locals are hard to "get in" with, and after 6 years, I find myself leaving with no friends to reminisce about. After having lived in many different places, this is a first for me, and I am happy to leave! Looking forward to the real world again, but Boise, it's been...long.

[Syringaloid]

I used to live in Denver and it is not the real world either and I saw and experienced racism in Denver almost more than anywhere else I have lived.

[Dani, NM-TX-ID-CO]

Even so, people are friendly, and there is some culture! I am sorry if this came off as offensive, but leaving is very exciting. I wish nothing but good for Boise and it's natives.

[boi2socal]

I grew up in Boise, lived in Seattle, and have lived all over SoCal and Boise is the least racist of those places. I have a Chinese friend that graduated the same year I did in Boise but at a different HS, she never experienced racism in Boise but she has in LA.

Boise for many years was one of the fastest growing areas in the country. It seems as if you are trying to portray it as a backwoods place where people neither come or go. Based on numbers, that just doesn't make sense.

I'm not saying Boise is for everyone...I don't live there anymore.