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Hello. I'm kind of shopping for a new site to hang out at. I'm from Boise and have lived here most of my life.
Welcome me with open arms.
Okay....no problem. Welcome to the site!!
As someone who has never been to Boise, and only have inputs from various forums, magazines, and word of mouth, I am always open to inputs from a long-time resident. I will be retiring the middle of next year, and my wife and I are strongly interested in settling in the Boise area. I have been living overseas almost exclusively since 1963 (currently in the Middle East) and am looking for a place not too large or small, but one which has some big city benefits (culture, education, medical care, etc) and some small town benefits (easier pace of life, reasonable cost of living, basic friendliness, etc).
My questions:
1. What does Boise have that would make me want to live here?
2. What does Boise have that would make me not want to live here?
As someone who has never been to Boise, and only have inputs from various forums, magazines, and word of mouth, I am always open to inputs from a long-time resident. I will be retiring the middle of next year, and my wife and I are strongly interested in settling in the Boise area. I have been living overseas almost exclusively since 1963 (currently in the Middle East) and am looking for a place not too large or small, but one which has some big city benefits (culture, education, medical care, etc) and some small town benefits (easier pace of life, reasonable cost of living, basic friendliness, etc).
My questions:
1. What does Boise have that would make me want to live here?
2. What does Boise have that would make me not want to live here?
Cheers,
Mac
Whose thread is this anyway
Boise is very popular with 20somethings and 30something families. It has a large "family feel" to it, overall. But, it is highly desirable for 20somethings because of all the outdoor activities. Skiing, hiking, camping, frisbee golf, etc.
The majority of entertainment involves exploring the stunning natural surroundings of Boise. If these kinds of activities interest you then you should consider Boise. I can't really say this is a golfing/tennis club kind of place.
For culture--there's a great indie film theater, minor league sports, a modern museum, a great public library system, Knock 'em Dead dinner/theater, Idaho Shakespeare Co..those are off the top of my head. It might be small in comparison to Seattle or LA, but the culture "level" is pretty damn good. Boise just needs more.
Boise has all the main chain stores, good supermarkets, great Farmer's markets.
My only major negative is that it's isolated from "bigger" cities. Reno ain't my idea of a big city. Neither is Salt Lake. Portland and Seattle are long drives away.
The weather and affordability is as good as the preceding reputation.
Boise is very popular with 20somethings and 30something families. It has a large "family feel" to it, overall. But, it is highly desirable for 20somethings because of all the outdoor activities. Skiing, hiking, camping, frisbee golf, etc.
The majority of entertainment involves exploring the stunning natural surroundings of Boise. If these kinds of activities interest you then you should consider Boise. I can't really say this is a golfing/tennis club kind of place.
For culture--there's a great indie film theater, minor league sports, a modern museum, a great public library system, Knock 'em Dead dinner/theater, Idaho Shakespeare Co..those are off the top of my head. It might be small in comparison to Seattle or LA, but the culture "level" is pretty damn good. Boise just needs more.
Boise has all the main chain stores, good supermarkets, great Farmer's markets.
My only major negative is that it's isolated from "bigger" cities. Reno ain't my idea of a big city. Neither is Salt Lake. Portland and Seattle are long drives away.
The weather and affordability is as good as the preceding reputation.
Well, Blue Dolphin did say he had lived here all his life, so I welcomed him to the site and asked questions...
Your answers were just about spot on for what I would expect, considering all the inputs I've received elsewhere.
Just because I'm retiring, doesn't mean I'm ready for the golf/tennis club set. My main interest is off-road motorcycling (not the rip around as fast as I can, but the "go gently upon the land and leave no mark" type that just enjoys the scenery), some bicycling and light hiking, river rafting, and things like that.
The farmer's markets sound great, and I'm assuming there are also craft markets that go along with the them so my wife will be happy. I don't plan to work locally, but would eventually like to do some volunteer stuff.
Good public libraries, occasional dinner theater, and other things sound just right. I assume there must be some sort of outdoor concert venue (concerts as in music with old rockers getting back together...fun stuff). If the college has an orchestra, that's a big plus also.
Your fair city is just sounding so "right" that I can't wait until we come visit in May-ish.
As someone who has never been to Boise, and only have inputs from various forums, magazines, and word of mouth, I am always open to inputs from a long-time resident. I will be retiring the middle of next year, and my wife and I are strongly interested in settling in the Boise area. I have been living overseas almost exclusively since 1963 (currently in the Middle East) and am looking for a place not too large or small, but one which has some big city benefits (culture, education, medical care, etc) and some small town benefits (easier pace of life, reasonable cost of living, basic friendliness, etc).
My questions:
1. What does Boise have that would make me want to live here?
2. What does Boise have that would make me not want to live here?
Cheers,
Mac
Sorry it's taken so long for me to get back to you. To answer you Q's:
Boise has a lot to offer. Performing arts, BSU football, a couple of semi pro sport teams, foothills a short distance away, great dining, Bogus, the North End (that's were I grew up and still live) and four seasons.
Now, for the reasons a person may not want to live here:
Mormons: I get so sick of people pushing their ideas on me and people like me. The anti smoking issue is one of those issues.
Strange politicians: For some reason this state likes to elect some really wierd people to office (Larry Craig, Bill Sali, just to name a couple). There's more, but you'll figure it out.
Inversions: The warm air mass that moves over a cold air mass in the valley. They suck in the winter. Nasty air and the only way out is to go up in elevation.
I hope that helps you out.
btw, thanks to all the other people who posted.
Bless all.
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First question
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