Wanting To Move From CA (Boise, Pocatello: transplants, apartment, how much)

[kandjgalvez]

Let me break it down for you.

I'm a young female trying to get a more extensive college education but already have 6 years of customer service, 1 year in management and 2 years supervisory work under my belt. I am currently studying to be a graphics designer. I have already done some professional advertising for local companies here in Ventura, CA. You can check it out at Babycakes Cartel - Graphic Design / Multimedia Freelancer - iFreelance.com.

I want to work, study and live in the same place though I wouldn't mind making a considerable drive from work to home if I can't live and work in the same city. I want to live in a climate that is normally cold (rain, snow, whatever). I want to live near water (lake, river, ocean, whatever). I love the mountains and nature but still need my clubs, downtown, shopping and fun!

I am engaged! My fiance wants to earn the main income and I want to work part time while I send myself to school. He has a 5 year old daughter and wants to have her live with us (on weekends, holidays and summer) so I am aiming to make payments (rent/lease to own) on a 3 bedroom house, but for the beginning I'm down for a three bedroom apartment.

My fiance wants to at least get some response from Idaho residents that came from California or locals that just want us to know something special about their state.

[8 SNAKE]

Originally Posted by kandjgalvez

My fiance wants to at least get some response from Idaho residents that came from California or locals that just want us to know something special about their state.

Your fiance will be able to learn all he wants and then some, just by reading the threads that are posted. There are a LOT of people that have talked about moving from CA to all parts of ID.

Best of luck with your move.

[boi2socal]

Hello there. I'm sort of a backwards source. I grew up in Boise and lived there till 2004 and have lived in Orange County since. My parents are originally from Orange County. I can't say I know what graphic design school and work options there are in Boise. It is a growing area with new business, etc. I think this would be to your advantage.

Boise is the only major city in Idaho. Clubbing and bars are available but it is really geared to the young and rowdy crowd. Meaning you won't really find a whole lot of professionals as you would in the LA scene. However, I believe this is slowly changing in Boise but it won't be anything comparable to Los Angeles.

You mentioned you live in Ventura. Shopping and dining experiences are probably quite similar to that area or any other suburban California community. Boise has a nice downtown with a nice mix of major retailers and local shops. You'll find an abundance of dining opportunities in Boise ranging from national chains to local fine dining.

Boise may not meet your desired climate. It really isn't "normally cold." It can certainly get cold but that is only a few weeks out of the year. Generally, the weather involves moderate temperatures of the 50s to 80s for higs. But don't be surprised by 90s to 100s in the summer. Summer temps are similar to those of Inland LA. The only place that probably comes close to your weather desires is Northern Idaho.

Boise is probably one of the best decent sized cities for recreational opportunities. Just about any outdoor activity can be done there (minus ocean surfing).

[boucinaround]

best bet is to try out Idaho falls/ Pocatello area. They are the next in size of population after boise. Pocatello has your college and shopping as does Idaho falls (eastern idaho technical college) and there also is a college in Rexburg. There is skiing in Kelley Canyon about 30 miles from Idaho falls. There is also camping in the same general area. The snake river is very close and there is also Ririe Resevoir that you can swim, boat and fish in. There is camping in Island Park as well, which is on your way to Yellowstone National Park. There is plenty of outdoorsy stuff to do. Winters are cold and you actually get snow on the ground, but the winters have been pathetic these last few years. summers can get pretty warm, but its dry there so its bearable. hope this helps.

[Torrie]

Originally Posted by Cali4life80

You couldn't have said it any better

You guys just moved to the wrong part in Idaho! Boise would have given you the weather, diversity and more things to do. People are very nice here, though I'm sure those who are unhappy will beg to differ. Probably would have been an easier adjustment as opposed to moving to a smaller town (refering to the Cali people).

[Niners fan]

Be careful basing too much of your decision on this forum! If you have specific questions then you might get some helpful answers. But some people like Idaho and others don't. Some people like California and others don't. I am convinced there are people in this forum that post negative things about Idaho (and this happens on other states where a lot of Californians move too) just to discourage you from moving there. People's experiences in moving there are largely going to be shaped by their own expectations and attitude. There may be some exceptions to that if you move to a small town that is not open to newcomers from anywhere.

Plus, Northern Idaho is different from Southwest Idaho / Boise which is different from Southeast Idaho. The best thing to do is to narrow your choices down and then visit the area yourself. In any case, take what you read (good and bad) with a grain of salt.

[khurley]

There is absolutely nothing to do here unless you like to stare at mountains.

That's incorrect. There is a lot to do in Idaho if you like being outdoors. If you're into going to clubs, then not so much. We do far more in Idaho then we were ever able to do in CA, largely because of cost and convenience. Here, going camping for the weekend is a simple matter of hooking up the trailer and driving for 30 minutes in almost any direction. In the winter we snowboard weekly and occassionally go snowmobiling. In the summer, we camp, boat, jet ski, fish, hike....the options are nearly limitless and they can be done without having to make reservations and driving for hours.

[HDL]

I didn't use this site when I moved to the area as it was not available then . But if I tell you that I love it here, it doesn't mean that YOU will love it here also ! We can both go see the same exact movie and I will HATE it and you will say that it is the BEST film you've ever seen . That doesn't make me right and you wrong (well actually it does, cuz I'm always WRITE !!!)!

Anyways, I've said it before, but I will say it again. Very few native Idahoans know about this site, nor do they post on here due to being busy with family, jobs, church, etc. Besides that fact, most natives I've met really do love it here and have no desire to move to another state, which is the reason why most posters found this site to begin with !

I have seen some really 'negative' posters on City Data Forum who appear to have some issues that no matter where they live, they will complain . And I have seen other posters that paint such a rosy picture, I can't help but wonder HOW they are going to benefit from their 'fluff pieces' . But no matter what any of us posters say , people looking to relocate really need to 'analyze' all the data (employment, COL, taxes, etc) before making such a big move .

CDF is a wonderful site, but use it as only one of your resources and understand that nothing beats a few site visits and additional research using various other means. I spoke to all my friends and family before I moved and through that networking, I came across Idaho natives and transplants that shed additional light of what it was like to live here, which was very helpful.

Best wishes 2 ALL in your RELO search!!! I pray that you end up where you are HAPPY:-)

~HDL~

Originally Posted by Niners fan

Be careful basing too much of your decision on this forum! If you have specific questions then you might get some helpful answers. But some people like Idaho and others don't. Some people like California and others don't. I am convinced there are people in this forum that post negative things about Idaho (and this happens on other states where a lot of Californians move too) just to discourage you from moving there. People's experiences in moving there are largely going to be shaped by their own expectations and attitude. There may be some exceptions to that if you move to a small town that is not open to newcomers from anywhere.

Plus, Northern Idaho is different from Southwest Idaho / Boise which is different from Southeast Idaho. The best thing to do is to narrow your choices down and then visit the area yourself. In any case, take what you read (good and bad) with a grain of salt.

[CafeDelSol]

[MOD CUT: IRRELEVANT]

Please be sure to tell everyone you know in Cali how much Idaho sucks. We like to reinforce that perspective whenever we can.

[Sage of Sagle]

Keep it civil, and keep posts germane to the OP's topics, or you're inviting the smackdown folks...one or more people need to read the terms of service VERY carefully...