Help! I am torn between ID and CO (Boise, Nampa: sales, low crime)

[busone]

I was born and raised in Littleton/Denver. I spent many summers in Durango and Silverton. For me I would rather live in Idaho (In fact I do) The whole state of Colorado is messed up. Just look at the water law it is FUBAR. At least here I can water my garden with my well water.

I am not LDS and have never been hasseled by them. Most of my friends are LDS and they don't ever try to convert me or steal my mail.

If you are that unsure try renting a place for a few months in both places and see which feels like home.

[huntman58]

Originally Posted by idaho Lifer

Colorado is much nicer than Idaho. The Idahoans here hate outsiders and will hound you till the day you die or move away. There are no decent paying jobs and no one can afford the high prices for land and houses.

there I fixed the quote to better say what Idaho is for real and it has nothing to do with someone’s belief it just seams to be I got mine now you stay out we do not want you here and if you come we will let you know about it if we decide we do not like you or your from Calif!

[rosanielle]

I grew up in rural Illinois and moved to Denver 25 years ago for job and financial security. I found both immediately. It's a great place to work. The climate has 4 seasons but they're jumbled up -- you'll have to relearn everything you think you know about gardening. Denver is a semi-arid, high-country desert, gets about 15" of precipitation a year, and green comes out of the end of a hose. The city has undergone massive changes, both good and bad (loss of old architecture to new development but a redefined lower downtown 'lodo' that is fun and alive). The people are genuinely friendly. The entire state enjoys good roads and is picturesque. There is lots of diversity of cultures here with Hispanics dominating (we have some of the best Mexican food in the country). Unfortunately, the city suffers from polution in the winter due to temperature inversions (we call it the 'brown cloud') and the fact that everyone owns an SUV and enjoys driving them. The cost of living here is very high -- housing and gasoline are both more expensive than most of the country -- but if you have a good-paying job, of which there are many, these things are benign. The Rocky Mountains are truly beautiful and should be experienced as much as possible. It's been a privilege to live here. Having said that, I should say I want to move to a smaller community after I retire, which won't be for awhile, but I'm already thinking of it, which is why I ended up on this thread.... I'm curious about Idaho!

[jinxs18]

Been to Both/one daughter moved to Colorado Springs and loves it. Hates the traffic and road construction all over. I prefer Idaho,but then I am retired from 2 careers so I can pick a place that allows me freedom from crime,traffic,hysteria, and all the Calif. crap we wanted so badly to leave. Owning a business up here is easier than either CO or CA. like some others said get specific areas in mind. A couple of our friends moved waaaay north to Sandpoint (he's Norwegian so maybe that's why!hee) another went to a big company in Boise and loves the city feel there. We choose American Falls for the river and lake(?) and the great people here. We traveled quite a bit all over the western states, almost settled in AZ-but just couldn't pass up the great prices and stuff to do up here. Good Luck

[proeye]

Originally Posted by Putty

Has anyone lived/or been to both places so I can get a perspective or comparison on these places. I can't decide!

They both seem like places I would like to call home!

I agree with others that you need to be more specific, but I'll offer my perspective for whatever that's worth...

The cities are like any other cities anywhere so there can't be much of a comparison there. Boise is not unlike Colorado Springs except that Boise is a central hub like Denver in Colorado--just not as big. People come and go from other states so any city is a mismash of people from everywhere.

As far as the Mormons... It depends on where you are. Obviously eastern and southern Idaho has the highest concentrations of Mormons. If you live in the Rexburg area, I think you should expect that most of your neighbors will be LDS and you'll be excluded from a lot of activities. That is, if that's what you are looking for. It might not bother a non-religious working person who keeps to himself/herself, but it will bother your kids since they are more social.

I lived in Western Colorado and Eastern Idaho so I can compare these two. I grew up in Idaho Falls and there were a lot of "outsiders" because of the site so I think that area was like a typical city. The city was an odd mix of scientists, engineers, farmers, LDS and non-LDS people. The people of W. Colorado I can say for a fact are rather stand-offish. It seemed that the "natives" didn't like outsiders at all. I suspect because most of these people moved to a remote part of Colorado for a reason--to get away from others. I found that a lot of people said the same thing. The cities along the Front Range are typical cities like anywhere else.

[ifid]

Idaho falls is a good place to live.It has everything you need.

[YOU-CANT-EAT-SCENERY]

I have it worse...I am trying to decide between MT, CO, WY, and ID.

[RockyMtnr]

John (and others), here's a way to do the math - a little time-consuming but sooo accurate. Fly, drive or walk to each state. Go to a major grocery store. Get a cart, throw a couple things in it so you don't look suspicious - and navigate your way around the store on a moderately busy day. You get a true look at what the folks are like and it'll scare you right off from a couple of your possible choices! I still get the heebies remembering a couple towns and states.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by RockyMtnr

John (and others), here's a way to do the math - a little time-consuming but sooo accurate. Fly, drive or walk to each state. Go to a major grocery store. Get a cart, throw a couple things in it so you don't look suspicious - and navigate your way around the store on a moderately busy day. You get a true look at what the folks are like and it'll scare you right off from a couple of your possible choices! I still get the heebies remembering a couple towns and states.

good advice, I also recommend 'sitting-in' at some local coffee shops 6-10am, as well as chatting with some local businessmen (hardware/lumber) during their 'slack hrs' 2-4pm or 9-11AM. Walking is a good mode of transit while looking over a town. Visit a school or community event (a midweek evening church service if nothing else) you can engage folks into conversation and learn alot. Also stay in 'guest homes' (source online, and in directories) Locals know best, check schools for 'transient' student #'s. And I have to ask auto repair and parts stores about 'delivery / available parts'..., my newest car has well over 200k...)

for finances, make a Cost of living spreadsheet with projected income, home $$ and expenses. include taxes (property, sales, income) add a factor for 'commuting' (shopping or work...fuel / tires / ins is getting expensive...) and one for services, and cost of moving in and out! Then I like to add a 'scoring column' for +/-; in addition to costs. (I add, swimming, biking, recreation, education, friendly, work potential, and resale potential)

just another tool... nothing beats a personal visit
jb

[YOU-CANT-EAT-SCENERY]

Originally Posted by RockyMtnr

John (and others), here's a way to do the math - a little time-consuming but sooo accurate. Fly, drive or walk to each state. Go to a major grocery store. Get a cart, throw a couple things in it so you don't look suspicious - and navigate your way around the store on a moderately busy day. You get a true look at what the folks are like and it'll scare you right off from a couple of your possible choices! I still get the heebies remembering a couple towns and states.

Heck, I do that now!!!! ROTFLMAO