Young Couple Relocating -- Suggestions? (Boise: attorneys, construction, places to live) - Idaho (ID) - City-Data Forum

kmarleee · 06-02-2015, 08:07 AM

Hi All:

My fiance and I are planning a cross-country move from Florida, and doing some research. Idaho came up as a possibility, among others. We're a young professional couple. I work in digital marketing, and he is an attorney. I can work from anywhere, but my fiance would need to find work in the legal field.

I have a chronic health condition that affects my lungs/heart, so I am seeking a place that has very high-quality air, low pollution. I would prefer cool, low-humidity weather. We also need newer construction (housing, stores, etc.), as this is a *major* factor in my health condition.

Aside from the mandatory health stuff above, we love spending time outdoors. Fishing, hiking, walks, and appreciate good food (farmer's markets, gourmet foods).

It would be nice to be around people our age. We also tend to be progressive/liberal, but this isn't a major factor to us.

Any thoughts of nice places to live in Idaho for us? I appreciate any suggestions. Thanks

VandalsLOL · 06-02-2015, 09:22 AM

I would cast a wide net and go wherever you can get jobs (preferably wherever pays the best). Any other strategy is hoping and praying...

Sagle Sam · 06-02-2015, 09:53 AM

Colorado, or Boise.

kmarleee · 06-02-2015, 10:02 AM

Thanks VandalsLOL. I figured the legal jobs aren't too plentiful in Idaho (or the other states we're considering, Oregon and Washington). The challenge is deciding where to take the bar exam, since none of those states offer reciprocity for FL attorneys.

cleosmom · 06-02-2015, 10:08 AM

Just curious as to how the higher altitude will affect your heart/lung condition? Have you spoken to your cardiologist about this?

emm74 · 06-02-2015, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmarleee

Thanks VandalsLOL. I figured the legal jobs aren't too plentiful in Idaho (or the other states we're considering, Oregon and Washington). The challenge is deciding where to take the bar exam, since none of those states offer reciprocity for FL attorneys.

That's because Florida doesn't offer reciprocity at all. My current state (CO) allowed me to waive in because my old state would allow CO attorneys the same ability.

But aside from the bar issue, I think you should look into Denver. It's a non-humid climate, and there is a world famous respiratory hospital here as well as a thriving economy.

kmarleee · 06-02-2015, 10:50 AM

Thanks emm74, we will look into Denver. I have some friends there who seem to really love it, and haven't had trouble finding work.

Thanks cleosmom, good point. I figured since my condition is chronic but stable, altitude wouldn't be a big problem. But I will ask my doctor at the next appointment to be sure.

Sagle Sam · 06-02-2015, 10:52 AM

Yep, CO. The economy is thriving due to the weed industry and the altitude is good for the heart. Also, it is dry and if you live in the hills off of 285 (Conifer, Aspen Park, Bailey), you will get clean air too.

kmarleee · 06-02-2015, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sagle Sam

Yep, CO. The economy is thriving due to the weed industry and the altitude is good for the heart. Also, it is dry and if you live in the hills off of 285 (Conifer, Aspen Park, Bailey), you will get clean air too.

Thanks for the suggestions, Sagle Sam. Will check those as well.

IdaD · 06-03-2015, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmarleee

Thanks VandalsLOL. I figured the legal jobs aren't too plentiful in Idaho (or the other states we're considering, Oregon and Washington). The challenge is deciding where to take the bar exam, since none of those states offer reciprocity for FL attorneys.

If it makes him feel any better, I think the Idaho bar is a pretty generic multi-state exam these days. When I took the test there were some multi-state components but there was also an Idaho specific section and the state potentially tested on a couple of dozen areas of law, so preparing for it was a bit of a hassle. Water law was one guaranteed area they would test. But I think it's all multi-state now - I'm sure all that info is on the ISB website. FWIW, the Idaho bar is relatively smaller than most states and for the most part the members get along quite professionally with one another.

I don't know how big of a city you're looking for, but with your list of criteria you might check out the following: Boise, Eugene, Portland, Seattle, Denver, Missoula or Bend. Obviously there's a lot of variance in size, but these are all nice and largely newer cities with clean air and nice outdoor access.

The smaller towns may require you to travel to larger cities to visit your doctor. I don't know enough about your condition to gauge what degree of specialized care you might require. Bend and Eugene, for instance, both have good hospitals and physicians, but they lack a lot of the various specialists and can't offer certain surgeries or treatments. We have a daughter with some special needs and if we lived in one of those towns we'd be traveling to Portland for her appointments. Boise has what she needs and more, though.