Best Town to move to in Idaho? (Boise, Sandpoint: for sale, home)

[C_ferreira]

I am biased in saying Coeur d'Alene, but I must admit that at times, there are a little too many old people here. Either as transplants or tourisy Washington people. Speaking of Washington, there is a very strong WA presence in Cd'A...more so than Boise, Twin Falls, SE Idaho combined. We are kinda like Vancouver, WA in a sense. We benefit from all the amenities a large city has to offer, with less taxes.

[MaryMomOf4]

Originally Posted by boiseguy

I really wonder if some of these statements are over dramatized for the California vs Idaho debate. Reality of it is, boise is growing due to influx of people from california oregon AND washington, as well as micron workers from Utah. If California is what you like.. then stay there.. and if you long to go back.. go back.. I moved here in 04 from Seattle, and I love it. its friendly, clean, safe, practical, and very outdoorsy. There's jerks everywhere, and there's all the problems of life EVERYWHERE.. but seriously.. labeling yourself and others as WE and THEM.. means that somewhere in your mind you haven't made yourself a local and if YOU move here to point yourself out to be a californian people will treat u as such.. I moved here and I'm idahoan.. and have had no problems.. I get involved in local activities and organizations, and that alone shows to others you're not trying to be an outsider, but you wish to be part of the family.. a city is kind of like a big family.
Anyway, I hate to step on people's toes, but perhaps the ill attitudes you've seen directed towards you are because of your own soap box you choose to stand on.. rather than coming down and participating in what is idaho...
btw.. I'm gay.. partnerd... and responsible family oriented and I vote.. and I live in Boise Idaho..
so take your stereotypes and eat my shorts...
cheers..

"Eat my shorts?" Wow, Boiseguy, I apparently hit a nerve with my complaints. I apologize to any Idahoans whom I've offended with my handful of stories. I have definitely heard the "if you don't like it, go back," before - not directly because this is the first public forum where I've shared my feelings (and I see that they were well received, smile) but as a statement of general dislike for other Californians who have expressed exaspiration with some of the attitudes here.

I mean, yes, you're going to to encounter jerks everywhere, I agree. But, for example, why would I move to Compton instead of La Jolla, saying to myself "well, there are jerks everywhere, I'm sure it'll be fine." Some areas just DO seem to have more than their fair share of crime, negativity, and difficulty, don't they. It's reality. In my reality, this area I chose to move to for some very good reasons has proved to have more crime and descrimination than I'm used to.

Perhaps I do need to try harder to fit in here . . . but I've heard a lot of people here using the "N" word while I have a biracial son, and I've heard a lot about "those Mexicans" when many of my friends back home have Mexican roots. I only touched the tip of the iceberg when I listed my concerns about this area. I'm not sure I WANT to fit in with people who leave loaded guns around kids, who use racial slurs, who are ugly to outsiders (even going so far as to use billboards), and who condone beating children (the boy who came to us for help had marks and still the police were unsure whether to take it seriously). I'm sorry . . . maybe I will end up going back . . . but I sold my house there in a very soft market to move here, where my new home is not appreciating. You want to pay me to move back to California? Because right now I can't afford to do it. If I could, I just might.

In writing here I was only sharing my very real experience, trying to help someone else have a better experience than the one I've been having. Normally I am a very outgoing, positive, invested person. I'm just not seeing much I want to invest in here. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough . . . but why should a person have to look so hard to find the good in a place?

[deem]

Originally Posted by Cleveryoung

Star, Idaho
new houses, good small town, alive and growing good for kids, boise river, nice, central to most activities around the treasure valley. night life in downtown boise. close to the mountains and a handfull of lakes and ski resorts. an all around amazing place

Hello -
I am so glad to hear someone mention Star Idaho - can you tell me how close this is to Boise and what are the schools like?

[boiseguy]

MaryMomof4,

You didn't hit a nerve, I'm just trying to give insight into some frustrations, You know, Anytime you move some place you are going to have frustrations, and its very easy to say.. THEY are weird, THEY are backward, They have the problem. I see all of your statements and stories, but I can tell u this, I HAVENT seen that at all, so perhaps you should know that some of these things you've seen, might have been extreme even for idaho. As for racial slurs and attitudes, I don't know what to tell you. I have spent LOTS of time in California, and I think remarks towards "mexicans" were more extreme there than here. As for the N word, that is just not acceptable anywhere, and I don't find anyone in my circle using such language. As for racism towards african americans, L.A. Given the Police departments record, is hardly a beacon of racial justice and equality. So, the point I'm making is I am someone that is not origionally from idaho OR California, and I can see your side of what you think about idaho, But I can see another side about california. If you're going to move to rome, you better be ok with being a roman, with that said, romans are people, and people have problems everywhere. Sounds to me like you picked a bad neighbourhood here in boise to live. I live downtown, and I have never experienced anything of what you say, so that in itself should give you a bit of comfort in knowing that what you have experienced is not the norm.
Saying you're from california (some place big and influencial nationally) might give you some sort of street credibility in talking down other places because you don't feel welcome or like you belong. But, I'm calling bull$hit.. I'm sorry.. it all comes down to YOU... and your outlook. A few bad experiences does not warrant condemning the whole place. Had the same things happened to you back home in Cali, you would have gotten over it easier I'm sure.
Anyhow, I appologize for seeming blunt, and in no way am I attacking you, I just want you to know that many of us are newbies, and I can sympathize on some levels, but on others I am not so sure. Good luck in whatever you choose to do, biracial children are hard to raise anywhere, due to ignorance. I really do not feel that hate is as strong anymore in this country, its more of social segregations and ignorance. I would welcome you and your family just because diversity makes idaho a better place one person at a time. so for that you should be thanked!

[Vinyard Meadows]

Hi all!

I moved here in 2000. I was born and raised in the Santa Cruz (Aptos) area of California. The 10 years in the Seattle area. I came here because my husband was offered work that was terrific... for him.

Aptos has beaches, redwoods, apple orchards, arts, wilderness and so much that I miss. I'm so homesick. But the average price of an average home is one million dollars. Most are much more. My mom's little house with no garage would sell for more than 1.2 million dollars as is. Her small, steep vacant lot with a view of the harbor would sell quick and easy for 400k.

When I came to Caldwell in 2000, we bought a very large challet in town, on a hill with mountain views, on 1/3 of an acre. Large trees, 4 large bedrooms, 2 large baths, ets... only 100k. We sold it 3 years later for 200k. Real estate prices trippled in that neighborhood. That was one of the 2 nices homes in 3 miles.

It took me a few years, but I found an excellent Physician. I found work immediately at Micron, but Micron just this month downsized dramatically. There is quite a lot of work available though. I was able to retire at the age of only 42 years old. Impossible in California or Washington.

It also took me quite a while to appreciate the greenbelts here. Some friends that are longtime residents sure help you find out what's great here! Otherwise it can take a decade of personal research.

It's over 103 degrees today. Santa Cruz rarely reached 80. But in winter, my teeth were chattering while I waited for the school bus in 45 degree weather in Aptos. Here, 30 degree weather is fine for shorts and a short-sleeve t-shirt waiting for a bus.

Speaking of buses, there are hardly any! You have to get around by car in most cases. The traffic is far worse now than in 2000, but it is nowhere near as bad as Seattle or Santa Cruz. New roads and wider highways are getting built as fast as Idaho and the Treasure Valley can keep up. California has no money to keep up.

Competition in the workplace? I didn't find very many people as educated as I, but it was very difficult to find employers that would hire an out-of-state person like me. Micron hired me. Local small businesses were hardly civil. Yet people are pretty kind here otherwise. No honking on the roads. People let you merge if they see you (if they see you). Only out-of-state folk seem to cut you off when driving. Long-time residents drive slow compared to others and take their time at 4-way stops.

Dentists are good. Medical specialists are often good, certainly not all. I've had some terrible specialists and some incredible. You'll need more than one referance to be sure.

Grocery shopping. Now that's a funny experience for me. Some grocery stores are so expensive I can't imagine how they stay in business except for the few customers that can't drive somewhere else. (read foottraffic). If you can bag your own groceries, prices are fine except for fresh produce. Twice the price as California's. Grocery clerks would not likely keep their jobs on the west coast. Wierd local people work as grocery clerks and grocery store managers here. Really wierd. Not one. Most. Wierd. Really wierd. Wierd! Unbelievably wierd. Gross. Wierd. Can't say if often enough. But clerks in other stores like furniture and clothing stores are very nice. (I dunno why, but I'm pretty sure it's management.) Some grocery stores here are ... so wierd. Just thought I'd prepare you.

Life for kids in Nampa seemed wonderful in 2000. Mom's could afford to stay home if they wanted and keep the kids safe and occupied in healthy activities. But with real estate prices now, how can they? Kids have to be cared for by others, and that means some trouble when it comes to child psychology and safety. Thankfully, the YMCA in Caldwell is incredible but it can't substitute for full-time moms. Wonderful YMCA. Brand new. But stay-at-home moms were what kept the streets safe, not cops. Moms. They were caring for happier, healthier kids. I'm a lady, and I went to UCSC, recieving several degrees and worked at the University of Washington. Kids in both places were full of kids without moms available most of their days.. and kids had more problems than Boise had during the same time period. That is changing quickly. The communities here were not well prepared for the numbers of kids now needing more time in activities outside the home. Tragic imo. I really like it that mom's have choices for careers and lifestyles, but the cost of living took the choice for home life away from moms if they don't have someone bringing home 40k or more per year. 40k used to be plenty for a comfortable life just 10 years ago.

We from the west coast messed that up royally. My husband and I could buy a 100k home easily as soon as we got here. Now the locals have to find a way to purchase a 200k home just 7 years later. Of COURSE non-locals are a problem. But most locals are polite anyway though most moms have to be away from home more, the kids are not as safe, the roads are now not as safe since traffic trippled. More roads under construction... but real eatate developers are making easy fortunes building ugly (ugly) houses for the people from out-of-state and newly married.

I was born and raised in California. If I could afford it, I'd have stayed. Or I'd move back. How can I? I'm so sorry Treasure Valley. It's not your fault.

[jfreuden]

Originally Posted by AlleyTD

JF, may I ask WHY you are leaving SLO ...
I want to move to Idaho because its beautiful AND affordable.
However, my husband and I always say that IF we could afford to live anywhere we would live in the SLO area.

I would love to here why someone would leave there. Is it too many college kids?

We love SLO too, but it's just too expensive. We currently live in a 850 sq. foot home, built in 1948 that cost us $510k. We have an almost 2 yr. old and I'm due w/our 2nd in March. We're growing out of your little home that we dearly love. We can't affort to add on or move, unless we moved north to Atascadero or Paso Robles. We don't want to live in those towns and the cost would only be slightly less.

So, here we are planning to move to Boise June of '08. Scary, and exciting!

[Torrie]

Boise is a great town for a family. You will adjust very well and be able to buy a lot more house for your money!

[Mtn. States Resident]

You may want to check Idaho Falls, in eastern ID out as well.

A very alive arts community, major redevelopment of the downtown area, two school districts that need teachers and teachers (one averages adding a new grade school each year). About 90 miles from Jackson Hole.

Look east as well. You'll know what fits for your family. Good luck!

[eyetech]

MaryMomOf4:
I just reread your first post on this thread, and honestly don't see what could have gotten boiseguy so riled up toward you. (He clearly was.) I just wanted to thank you for being specific about your experiences there. I've had my heart set on moving to Coeur d'Alene for a couple of years and have gotten myself in a position to move now. However, after reading about SO many experiences people have had with Idaho being unwelcoming to "outsiders" (read: Americans), I have to rethink this.
I didn't read any "we/they" mentality in your post, marymomof4. What I read was that you were MADE to feel that this mentality existed already, and that's what greeted you. I sure didn't sense that you were bitter or angry...just concerned and hurt.
On the other hand, I sure got the anger drift from boiseguy. I just don't get why.
MaryMomOf4 was referring to her family when she used the word "we." How else could she have offered her personal experience? The way the car accident was handled could only be viewed as pitiful in any locale. It was the officer who used the word "We" (do things differently here) in reference to Idaho or that area. To lecture before attending to immediate physical need is unacceptable in any situation, not to mention the citation! Who would expect to be hit while at a stop by a vehicle turning right from the left lane? Of course, if you're behind the truck and see a signal, everyone should know that they must make a wide turn, but did the officer ask those questions? I can't even begin to discuss a child having access to a gun whether unloaded or loaded.
Obviously, we all can get riled about things. That in itself isn't such a big deal. But sharing personal experiences the way marymomof4 did was done respectfully. boiseguy, where did she indicate that she brought "stereotypes" from California, and why would you feel the need to tell her to eat your shorts? How are you representing Idaho's integrity?

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by eyetech

MaryMomOf4:
I just reread your first post on this thread, and honestly don't see what could have gotten boiseguy so riled up toward you. (He clearly was.) I just wanted to thank you for being specific about your experiences there. I've had my heart set on moving to Coeur d'Alene for a couple of years and have gotten myself in a position to move now. However, after reading about SO many experiences people have had with Idaho being unwelcoming to "outsiders" (read: Americans), I have to rethink this.
I didn't read any "we/they" mentality in your post, marymomof4. What I read was that you were MADE to feel that this mentality existed already, and that's what greeted you. I sure didn't sense that you were bitter or angry...just concerned and hurt.
On the other hand, I sure got the anger drift from boiseguy. I just don't get why.
MaryMomOf4 was referring to her family when she used the word "we." How else could she have offered her personal experience? The way the car accident was handled could only be viewed as pitiful in any locale. It was the officer who used the word "We" (do things differently here) in reference to Idaho or that area. To lecture before attending to immediate physical need is unacceptable in any situation, not to mention the citation! Who would expect to be hit while at a stop by a vehicle turning right from the left lane? Of course, if you're behind the truck and see a signal, everyone should know that they must make a wide turn, but did the officer ask those questions? I can't even begin to discuss a child having access to a gun whether unloaded or loaded.
Obviously, we all can get riled about things. That in itself isn't such a big deal. But sharing personal experiences the way marymomof4 did was done respectfully. boiseguy, where did she indicate that she brought "stereotypes" from California, and why would you feel the need to tell her to eat your shorts? How are you representing Idaho's integrity?

Wow, I don't understand the attitude and specific suggestion boiseguy wrote here. Maybe a moderator needs to have a chat with boisebuy about manners? I read posts, like those of Torie, C_ferreira and Vineyard Meadows, describe their experiences, and what jfreuden is thinking about when considering moving next year.

Not everyone in ID is like boiseguy.

Honestly, I get tired of the CA vs. ID threads too, which is why I don't read them. I simply don't understand when so many people started to become so unkind to others. I do know from reading threads in other states, similar threads exist.

Most of us, who are happy where we live, want to keep certain factors in place - the things that make life great for us and others. When I read about all the "bad experiences" some in the Treasure Valley have had with those from CA, I am always puzzled exactly what has happened and vice versa.

I sometimes wonder if those, like boiseguy, who make those type of remarks have always lived in ID or moved to the Boise area many years ago? Sometimes, I've found those who have been in the state maybe 20 years or more, but are not natives, say things to those contemplating moving to ID that I'm not sure they would say to their neighbors or friends.

Just know we don't all address others like boiseguy did. If the Treasure Valley is growing too fast, there are other really nice areas in ID to consider.

From what I've read, Torie and others try to give people planning to move to the T.V. factual resources and links for information. Be sure to check those links out, along with visiting a few times, to make sure this is the right move for you and your family. Boise isn't SLO or any other city in CA. It's just Boise.

Those moving to the area have to decide what is most important to them and what they can live with daily, as new residents of ID. Good luck with the decisions you make.