Relocating to Meridian or Eagle what are the differences?

[palangga]

In terms of real estate, I would say Eagle all the way. When we first came to Boise in 2007, Eagle was pie in the sky in terms of being able to afford a house. But now with the housing crash, many houses have reached a parity as there is no premium for a foreclosure in Eagle. I can't believe some of the prices I see in Two Rivers nowadays! We chose SW Boise because of its proximity to the highway, but everyone has their own priorities.

[Wurzig]

Originally Posted by shades_of_idaho

Actually we had pulled pork tacos with cilantro lime and a dollop of Daisy. Rice and Beans and beer. you missed a good one. Wurzig.

Any meal that is fixed for me is a good one, Shades!

[gcflyfish]

Originally Posted by boisefan88

You raise some good points.

I do think the "anti-California" sort of xenophobia exists here to a large extent in a number of ways. California, or more specifically San Francisco, tends to represent in people's minds the sort of out of control, debaucherous, anything-goes radical liberalism that is supposedly the cause of the downfall of our society economically, socially, morally, whatever. If you're from California unfortunately you'll get suspected of enabling this type of attitude. It's silly, but Boise really is still a very traditional, conservative red state. And it's stronger the further from Boise you get.

Perhaps even stronger the anti-California xenophobia exists because of our growth the past 15-20 years, and all of the problems or negatives that come with it - crime, crowding, sprawl, traffic, increased taxes, increased cost of living, etc. Mostly I think it's because of the equity-rich that cashed out during the height of the housing bubble, moved here and literally bought an entire house free and clear. Or rather, built extremely large houses and invited an entire market of these developments that have catered to them.

There is valid criticism here, as this type of newcomer changes the entire demographic of the area significantly - they raise housing prices beyond what the local can afford, but they also put the local at an employment disadvantage because they now have to make more to be able to maintain their lifestyle. Meanwhile, the newcomer, having a paid off or nearly paid off home, can afford to take a job at a lower wage, which is attractive to any employer, especially with the experience the newcomer usually brings.

I have literally witnessed this shift in the past 15 years in the professional makeup of Boise, as well as the type of housing built, the cost of housing in specific areas, and the property taxes that come with it.

It's a sad inevitability, I guess.

But you're right that you can hardly blame the individual for exploiting situations to their advantage - after all, it's sort of the American way. The blame should really go to our local leaders in business and government for inviting this type of growth. And while it has resulted in some positives, in many people's opinions the negatives have far exceeded the positives, as Boise is now a place built and ran on speculation and economic bubbles - in other words, it's now a boom and bust place that depends on growth to survive, as we've eradicated our truly local business structure.

Which is likely why Boise is so attractive to Californians - it mirrors so many of the communities that have come into their own and grew rapidly in such a short time, only to overgrown, overcrowd, and push an entire demographic of people and developers to look to the next sleeper town.

All of this combined I do think anti-Californian sentiments are quite strong here, though people will never say anything to a person's face. But believe me it comes out at time, much like a number of people's latent racism (see any immigration topic for examples of this). Check out any Boise public forum - the Statesman is a good example. Any topic on growth and you'll see a number of vitriolic anti-Californian posts. The irony is some of these people are likely ex-Californians themselves. For other examples check some of the posts on this forum about it. Hey, if it wasn't an issue this topic wouldn't come up time and time again. Or ever better, check out the Colorado forum, where that sentiment is much more alive and vocalized. But yeah, it's likely a bit overblown.

That doesn't mean the next ex-Californian should be scared of this, however. As most have said, it will usually never directly come out and/or you likely won't experience anything more than getting flipped off, if even that.

One last point, and this is just thinking aloud. Yes, this is America and people have a right to move where they want. But I do think this attitude is so misguided. There is a phenomenon called the "tragedy of the commons," and while it doesn't apply specifically here, the overall concept does. Yes, we have certain freedoms here, but that freedom comes with consequences. In almost any situation or context you think of an individual action hardly has any significant consequence, but when it's a 100 or a 1000 individuals doing that same thing, the consequence is felt.

Let's look at California. It's a state with unrivaled natural beauty, with some of the most abundant natural resources anywhere. It has great weather, great culture, and was (and perhaps still is) an economic powerhouse. But look what happened...

As more and more people moved there and enjoyed the natural resources, for recreation or economic exploitation, more and more regulations were needed. There is a direct link to population and regulation, economically and environmentally.

Now there are many that say that California is a wasteland, that it's so regulated you can't do anything there, that it's polluted and trampled and more significantly, the goverment is oppressive and the economy is in shambles.

Does anyone think this is something unique to California, that it can't happen anywhere else?

Look, I've seen it happen here. As more and more people come here and use our resources, enjoy our recreational opportunities, and exploit Idaho economically, we have necessarily had to regulate and govern more. And it will keep happening as more people move here.

There is only so much impact our forests and deserts can take, there is only so much water to use, only so much waste and pollution our land, air, and water can handle. So think about that when you move here - or anywhere - how are you contributing to the decline of an area simply by your addition?

What ends up happening is the quality of life is lowered for everyone. So while one might think "I have a right to enjoy the same things as the locals that live there do," or you use the cliche pejorative "NIMBY/I have mine," keep in mind you're contributing to the problem. One person hardly thinks they make an impact, but when there are 25,000 people who think they are just one person, the impacts are felt, and we all suffer.

Just some things to think about.

Awesome post, Boisefan...

As a student of goegraphy I found your writings extremely insightful. Do you write here locally as the Statesman could definitely use some help. I'm young, came here with nothing (and this hasn't changed much), and enjoy living in Boise for the simple pleasures like the river, Greenbelt, and proximity to AWESOME fly fishing. For me terms like "growth", "congestion", and "housing market" are just terms, and I'd like to keep it that way .

It does seem like the influx of Californians (and those from other states) has slowed during the economic downturn as many wait and wait and wait for their house to sell. So there is a reversing going on trend as all of the regional cities are seeing significantly less migration than 5-10 years ago. Housing prices haven't found the bottom yet. But invariably the economy will inch back upwards and the Boise Metro will again attract those looking to put "things" behind them. It's the economic ebb and flow.

My feeling on the "California stereotype" is this: I would think these a-holes that take the Idaho lifestyle for granted and hog the road, etc. would probably get flipped off a bunch in the SF Valley or Orange County as well. People are people, and every place has the good, the bad, and the ugly. Most of the folks here have been great and I've even made a few "friends for life" in my six months. Not too shabby...

gcflyfish

[aaroncatt]

Meridian or Eagle?


Eagle X10!!!!

For many reasons, and as someone has already pointed out, you'll see why when you get here!

Eagle is situated near the river and nestled under the foothills. Both cities are in the Joint #2 Meridian School District which has very good schools. As for the Charter Schools, they are basically a limited admission school that focuses it curriculum in certain areas, Arts, Mathematics, etc. They generally attempt to provide a better and more efficient general education than nearby public schools (thanks wiki!).

The question however is: Why have you narrowed it down to Meridian or Eagle? There are other areas of town that have some really nice natural amenities as well as community anchors. South East Boise is a great area, so is, North Boise as well as North East Boise.

Whenever I have a relocation client come to town I always give them the 'Grand Tour' of the Treasure Valley (the local term for the area at large) and show them which areas are hot and which ones are not. Of course at the end of the day, it comes down to what you like.

[sidney02]

Could anyone share their input about the seasons and weather there in (Meridian and Eagle, specifically).

Generally:

When is Spring and what is it like.

I know the Summers are so lovely (from previous visits).

When does Fall begin.

When does the Winter begin.

How much snow.

Generally, how much sun throughout the year.

We are originally from California and moved to a fly-over state where winter is a good 8 months. We are considering to relocate to Idaho and know that Meridian and Eagle are lovely. Because of the economic turmoil California is presently in, we are considering Meridian and Eagle.

I would appreciate your personal input.

[boisefan88]

Well, we went from 85+ degree days in the third week of September to sub 50 degree days here in October, mostly in the lower 40's. So far we've had a few rainy days and even a pretty heavy day of snow (though not in Eagle or Meridian). Colder temps look to remain here until May.

Although I will say this is sort of an unusual pattern. Typically our weather goes as follows:

Jan - probably the coldest month, expect snow and temps in the teens/twenties. Snow doesn't necessarily stick, but because of the cold, it remains in shaded areas. Slick roads, biting wind, and oppressively gloomy, especially with inversion. The setting and dead trees don't help.

Feb - same as Jan, but we usually get a few teaser days of nice weather. It isn't as gloomy but at this point winter has been around for a few months and cabin fever sets in.

March - more teaser days, a little more sun, but it also snows a few more times in March. Usually the wind and rain pick up, and the temps increase into the 30's and maybe a few days of 40 degree weather.

April - same as March. Longer days help, but it's typically windy. Weather gets sporadic - will it be calm and warm, windy and rainy, perhaps one last snow, sunny, cloudy, what? You never know. But things are greening up and that makes everything better.

May - Transition month to summer, but the temps are still usually in the 40's and 50's. That life is blooming is exciting. Might actually be able to get out and bike the Foothills (can't when they're muddy) and just maybe might be able to get deep into the mountains without cross country skis. Might even get a heat wave of almost 90 degree weather somewhere.

June - Can be hot (90+) or cool and rain ALL month (last last year). You never know, but count on some wind, some rain, but generally warmer weather. The city is green green, and the city is bustling again.

July - what the hell, all of a sudden it's 90+, everything is alive, people are out and about, and there are numerous events. People head to the mountains for relief.

August - still 90+, but still a very active and alive place. No rain now for a few months, and pretty much sunny all through July and August.

September - generally the best time of year. However, it can be hot still, a cooler Indian summer, or maybe a bit cooler, but no matter what, enjoy Sept.

October - also usually pleasant, though this year has been unusually cool. It's starting to get dark really quick, so there isn't much time to do things after work. Might get some wind and rain. The leaves are turning colors. Lovely time to be in the area.

November - starts getting gloomy, temps usually stay in the 40's and 50's. Nights get colder. Might get our first snow here, but it's usually rainy.

December - dark, cold, and here comes the snow. People are excited for the change, and because skiing has begun. However, temps drop to the 20's, and stay there for a few months. Boise gets really bleak once all the trees lose their leaves.


That's my fast assessment of the months. People can feel free to add/amend as their experiences differ. Bottom line - the winters aren't what you'd expect coming from the midwest, but expect at least Dec-Feb of real cold, sometimes snowy winter, March-May of cold, changing, biting weather, May-June being what you'd consider spring, July-Sept being a HOT summer, and Sept-Nov being a schizo, rainy, cool fall.