Any liberal communities out there in N. ID? (Boise, Pocatello: environment, relocating)

[mom2JJz]

I am considring a move from Phoenix, AZ area to Idaho. I was looking at the Northern part, liked Sandpoint, but seems like getting a job there would be rough. My husband makes $45K here as an lanscape maintenance and design manager for a property management company, managing 7 diffferent properties and 7 crews. I work from home, and wouldn't need to find a job where we move to.

A friend of mine grew up in Pocatello and lives in the Boise area, and is warning me about considering ID. Apparently ID is VERY conservative, Northern is not very diverse, and some problems with racism.

I am 25, married, 2 kids under 3. I am into gardening organic, healthy living, concious consumption, recycling, yoga, etc. I am NOT a fan of the Bush dynasty, but also not a fan of the Hitlery Rotten Clinton gang either. I am more of a...constitutionalist, moral, sober, hippie???

The QUESTION: Is there anywhere in N. Idaho that has decent jobs, homes under $325K, clean air, and forward thinking people who wouldn't spend the whole day gossiping if they saw a black person, gay couple, or Ron Paul bumper sticker?

Thanks in advance!

[jufrbo]

Lewiston is democratic, not so much liberal, Moscow is a college town so its pretty liberal. But most of Idaho is more libertarian than conservative and Ron Paul is right up our alley.

[mom2JJz]

Originally Posted by JustinFromBoise

Lewiston is democratic, not so much liberal, Moscow is a college town so its pretty liberal. But most of Idaho is more libertarian than conservative and Ron Paul is right up our alley.

Right on! I love the guy!

I checked out Moscow, but it doesn't seem to have the scenery I was hoping for. We want to get at least a couple of acres for organic gardening, would like to be near a lake (that's not polluted), and would like to be in a more private secluded woodsey area (I have lived in desert terrain far too long), but close to natural food stores, thrift stores, yoga and dance classes for kids. Definitely don't want to live in trailer park USA, but also not looking to live in a rich snooty area either.

[Sandpointian]

On the job front, your husband's salary is attainable only in areas where there are numerous planned-communities or rental units to maintain. NID does nto have the size (populations: SP 10K, Hayden 7K, CDA 40K). He would have to make serious inroads in design and artistry to have a shot at matching.

What is conservative to you? Racist? I can tell you that the four most racist areas I have ever lived in were in blue states: LA, SD, Washington DC, New York.

How do you define the link between racism and diversity?? It seems to me you had better think more deeply about that. NID is 95%+ white. Absolutely. And while there are a few idiot low lifes, many of whom came over recently from places like SoCal, Seattle, Portland, etc., most people I know do not have the same reactionary predisposition and prejudices when it comes to race. How can we? We have little to no direct experience with slavery, the post-Civil War Northern migration, the post-WW2 Western migration, redlining, unlocking a great mass of humanity from terrible racist legislation,
or the deeply suspicious tension that pervades most of America on anything whatsoever to do with race. Lack of diversity has little to do with racism.

Here in NID, we are far more into freedom and liberty. The right not to be burdened by baggage brought from elsewhere. What makes me cringe the most is the hear the racist among us (almost always first generation) who want to recast NID as a bastion for "White" living. Funny. I like to think as NID as a bastion for "Right" living, a place that is more human and in touch with nature than anywhere else I have lived.

You see, my views are liberal in the classic sense. If that liberalism, you find many believers and adherents. Of the blue state version, what we see is tranny of the majority coupled with tyranny of the vocal minority. People are not allowd to live and let live, but are forced to comply with some domineering vision of the world that may or may not be my vision or those of my neighbors. Civility and good neighborlinness are important reasons to defer. Laws that are intractable and infeasible are not.

You are young, only 25. Your whole life in front of you. The things you are into are great, each and every one. You will find communion with many of us in NID who live the same way. Politically as well.

Where would you find a place? Ex-jobs, anywhere with a mass of people: Sandpoint, CDA/Hayden, Post Falls, perhaps even more North as well, such as Bonner. But...you have to understand sensibilities here. Well-behaved XXX (fill in the blank) go unoticed. Those who have an infantile need to draw attention to themselves, of course, do not. Because local eyebrows raise a bit when a teen is acting out his/her need to be overly hip hop does not equate to racism. Statistics alone suggests they will be a rare occurence and therefore worthy of a second look. But all my friends would likely bend over backwards for blacks and gays, knowing how horrible they are treated in blue states. Ron Paul? large local support.

Forward thinking? A very coded question. I would prefer to think refreshingly honest and humble. Living in four distinct seasons does that. Living in an area where we know most everyone else also does that. If I am living a good decent life, trying to understand my Self, trying to to live in balance with Nature (taking what I need and being respectful fo the rest), then I am OK. "Progressive thinking" is a term from blue states who are ashamed of their behavior towards blacks and other disenfranchised. My progress is my own and presumably yours is yours as well.

Under $325K--you should have many options. $325K should buy you a wonderful home. No problem.

Finally, jobs. There are 3.5 million residents in the Phoenix metro area. My favorite three cities, Sandpoint, Hayden and CDA, have no more than 60K. There is Post Falls (25K) and Spokane (200K), and a few other pockets in between. Be smart. Come with job in hand.

Best of luck, S

[Sage of Sagle]

Sandpointian is pretty right on here...

Among people who have moved here, conservatives move here expecting political homogeny but find the area more libertarian and free thinking and politically critical than they perhaps expected. Yes, a lot of conservative people do dislike Bush...but we like Clinton and Obama even less...I think Ron Paul has the broadest reach among people I know here.

Liberals move here expecting a battle of political ideology...and nobody wants to fight...we found people just care if you're a good neighbor...we really don't care

Racism? Just haven't seen it. Lack of racial diversity does NOT equate to lack of racial tolerance. As a retired cop, the least tolerant place I ever saw was Lynwood-Firestone area of south central LA. A freakin' powder keg of racial disharmony. Up here there's no hostility to speak of...

In fact, the guy we saw last summer at Sandpoint City Beach sporting nazi tattoos got more weird looks than any minorities we see in town. People here are pretty cool...just live your life, respect people's property, be humble and respectful and responsible, and life is good.

I think your biggest obstacle will be employment...

[OnOurWay2MO]

[quote=mom2JJz;2635422]
Apparently ID is VERY conservative, Northern is not very diverse, and some problems with racism. (I would say North Idaho has more conservatives than liberals for sure, but I am seeing a lot of Ron Paul bumper stickers and signs
There are still some problems with racism north of Coeur d' Alene. The news channel does'nt really broadcast it, so many don't know, but in my town we have experienced it first hand, sad but true)

I am 25, married, 2 kids under 3. I am into gardening organic, healthy living, concious consumption, recycling, yoga, etc. I am NOT a fan of the Bush dynasty, but also not a fan of the Hitlery Rotten Clinton gang either. I am more of a...constitutionalist, moral, sober, hippie??? (We are a young couple as well, with many of your same interests, and from our experience most of the people we have anything in common with here our twice our age, if that matters to you. Recycling is'nt easy to do here, we have to take ours to the landfill and they are limiting what can be recycled. Also a lot of the lakes here are polluted, but with man around what lakes are'nt. I would read up on the water quality here if that is a concern of yours.)

The QUESTION: Is there anywhere in N. Idaho that has decent jobs, homes under $325K, clean air, and forward thinking people who wouldn't spend the whole day gossiping if they saw a black person, gay couple, or Ron Paul bumper sticker? (From my experience you could find some of these things but not all. Coeur d' Alene or Hayden would probably be your best bet.)

[PNWhike]

Idaho is about as red a state as you can find. Most people own guns. N. Idaho is not diverse. Expect exponential growth from California. If anything all of the retired people relocating there are making it LESS diverse, (wealthier and whiter), although some don't mind that particular aspect. If you enjoy skiing and hiking it is absolutely great. The great state of Montana is only a few hours away. Good luck with your move.

[mom2JJz]

Originally Posted by Sandpointian

On the job front, your husband's salary is attainable only in areas where there are numerous planned-communities or rental units to maintain. NID does nto have the size (populations: SP 10K, Hayden 7K, CDA 40K). He would have to make serious inroads in design and artistry to have a shot at matching.

What is conservative to you? Racist? I can tell you that the four most racist areas I have ever lived in were in blue states: LA, SD, Washington DC, New York.

How do you define the link between racism and diversity?? It seems to me you had better think more deeply about that. NID is 95%+ white. Absolutely. And while there are a few idiot low lifes, many of whom came over recently from places like SoCal, Seattle, Portland, etc., most people I know do not have the same reactionary predisposition and prejudices when it comes to race. How can we? We have little to no direct experience with slavery, the post-Civil War Northern migration, the post-WW2 Western migration, redlining, unlocking a great mass of humanity from terrible racist legislation,
or the deeply suspicious tension that pervades most of America on anything whatsoever to do with race. Lack of diversity has little to do with racism.

Here in NID, we are far more into freedom and liberty. The right not to be burdened by baggage brought from elsewhere. What makes me cringe the most is the hear the racist among us (almost always first generation) who want to recast NID as a bastion for "White" living. Funny. I like to think as NID as a bastion for "Right" living, a place that is more human and in touch with nature than anywhere else I have lived.

You see, my views are liberal in the classic sense. If that liberalism, you find many believers and adherents. Of the blue state version, what we see is tranny of the majority coupled with tyranny of the vocal minority. People are not allowd to live and let live, but are forced to comply with some domineering vision of the world that may or may not be my vision or those of my neighbors. Civility and good neighborlinness are important reasons to defer. Laws that are intractable and infeasible are not.

You are young, only 25. Your whole life in front of you. The things you are into are great, each and every one. You will find communion with many of us in NID who live the same way. Politically as well.

Where would you find a place? Ex-jobs, anywhere with a mass of people: Sandpoint, CDA/Hayden, Post Falls, perhaps even more North as well, such as Bonner. But...you have to understand sensibilities here. Well-behaved XXX (fill in the blank) go unoticed. Those who have an infantile need to draw attention to themselves, of course, do not. Because local eyebrows raise a bit when a teen is acting out his/her need to be overly hip hop does not equate to racism. Statistics alone suggests they will be a rare occurence and therefore worthy of a second look. But all my friends would likely bend over backwards for blacks and gays, knowing how horrible they are treated in blue states. Ron Paul? large local support.

Forward thinking? A very coded question. I would prefer to think refreshingly honest and humble. Living in four distinct seasons does that. Living in an area where we know most everyone else also does that. If I am living a good decent life, trying to understand my Self, trying to to live in balance with Nature (taking what I need and being respectful fo the rest), then I am OK. "Progressive thinking" is a term from blue states who are ashamed of their behavior towards blacks and other disenfranchised. My progress is my own and presumably yours is yours as well.

Under $325K--you should have many options. $325K should buy you a wonderful home. No problem.

Finally, jobs. There are 3.5 million residents in the Phoenix metro area. My favorite three cities, Sandpoint, Hayden and CDA, have no more than 60K. There is Post Falls (25K) and Spokane (200K), and a few other pockets in between. Be smart. Come with job in hand.

Best of luck, S

Wow...thank you. Alot to ponder, and alot of great info. You seem well educated. I have a couple of questions for you. In reserching Sandpoint, I ran into some info on drilling companies coming into the Cabinet Mountain Range, and there was some upset over this contaminating your lake. Is this happening, or has the community come together to stop it? My second question is this. We are, or rather I am very environmentally...concerned, which makes it impossible for me to allow my husband to work for any companies who specialize in environmental exploitation whether it be mining, drilling, logging, etc. To each their own, but I choose not to be a part of what I view as a problem. Are their decent paying jobs, say making $15 per hour or more, in the Sandpoint area?

I have already looked into Spokane, CDA, and I am definitely not interested in living in cities with supefund sites and high levels of pollution, so those places are out.

[mom2JJz]

Originally Posted by Sage of Sagle

Sandpointian is pretty right on here...

Among people who have moved here, conservatives move here expecting political homogeny but find the area more libertarian and free thinking and politically critical than they perhaps expected. Yes, a lot of conservative people do dislike Bush...but we like Clinton and Obama even less...I think Ron Paul has the broadest reach among people I know here.

Liberals move here expecting a battle of political ideology...and nobody wants to fight...we found people just care if you're a good neighbor...we really don't care

Racism? Just haven't seen it. Lack of racial diversity does NOT equate to lack of racial tolerance. As a retired cop, the least tolerant place I ever saw was Lynwood-Firestone area of south central LA. A freakin' powder keg of racial disharmony. Up here there's no hostility to speak of...

In fact, the guy we saw last summer at Sandpoint City Beach sporting nazi tattoos got more weird looks than any minorities we see in town. People here are pretty cool...

This is the place I am looking for!

I think your biggest obstacle will be employment...

Thanks Sage. I have read alot of your messages on these boards, and already know you are a good resource for knowledge on the area.

[mom2JJz]

[quote=OnOurWay2MO;2641167]

Originally Posted by mom2JJz

Apparently ID is VERY conservative, Northern is not very diverse, and some problems with racism. (I would say North Idaho has more conservatives than liberals for sure, but I am seeing a lot of Ron Paul bumper stickers and signs
There are still some problems with racism north of Coeur d' Alene. The news channel does'nt really broadcast it, so many don't know, but in my town we have experienced it first hand, sad but true)

I am 25, married, 2 kids under 3. I am into gardening organic, healthy living, concious consumption, recycling, yoga, etc. I am NOT a fan of the Bush dynasty, but also not a fan of the Hitlery Rotten Clinton gang either. I am more of a...constitutionalist, moral, sober, hippie??? (We are a young couple as well, with many of your same interests, and from our experience most of the people we have anything in common with here our twice our age, if that matters to you. Recycling is'nt easy to do here, we have to take ours to the landfill and they are limiting what can be recycled. Also a lot of the lakes here are polluted, but with man around what lakes are'nt. I would read up on the water quality here if that is a concern of yours.)

The QUESTION: Is there anywhere in N. Idaho that has decent jobs, homes under $325K, clean air, and forward thinking people who wouldn't spend the whole day gossiping if they saw a black person, gay couple, or Ron Paul bumper sticker? (From my experience you could find some of these things but not all. Coeur d' Alene or Hayden would probably be your best bet.)

Age does not mean a thing to me when seeking the company of like minded people, so that is not a problem. Water quality is important to me, but to be honest, like you said, there is really not very many water sources that have not been contaminated by drilling, mining, conventional farming, etc. CDA has alot of pollution, and OR and WA...don't even get me started!