Where would you live? (Boise, Nampa: spring break, crime rates, new house)

[scoopmorgan]

We are thinking of moving to the greater Boise area from Northern California. We prefer mountains to high desert, but if there is a view, we could live pretty much anywhere that is relatively safe. We have been told to stear clear of Nampa, due to high crime rates.

We have looked at property as far out as Idaho City, and Mountain Home, but we want to be close enough to take advantage of all the ammenities Boise has to offer, such as concerts, college theater productions, museums, etc.

We do not have unlimited funds, so price range of housing is one of our primary considerations. We do have two very large dogs who need a bit of yard to run in, and we need a four + bedroom home for under $250K. Are we dreaming? Can we find such a place in or around Boise? Where would you live in our position?

We want to leave California for many reasons: poor education (our daughter will enter high school next year and we definately want her to go to college), high taxes, crazy politics, high cost of living, lack of things to do. (We live in Lake County- the only places to shop here are Walmart and Kmart- there is very little entertainment available, except Konocti Harbor Inn for concerts, but at $75+ per ticket, we don't go often, and food and housing rival the expensive San Francisco Bay Area prices, but wages remain under $10 per hour, even for professionals!)

Idaho seems to offer a quality life style that a family can still afford. Again, am I dreaming?

[palmdale]

You can get a 4 Bedroom home in Meridian, ID for 250K or under. I'm thinking the same way that you are. I have a son that is going into high school and I've always said that I want to be out of her before he gets into high school. We are in So CA, in the high desert. If you look at my listing under relocating quetions about schools, there are some suggestions as where to live. We drove to Meridian, ID at the end of January and really liked it. Meridian school district is the one to be in, so everyone says.

Good Luck to you!

[scoopmorgan]

Thanks Palmdale! Ironically, we just found a really great house in Meridian, and are making arrangements to go see it! We were planning a Spring Break trip, too, but when opportunity knocks... well, you know.

[run-mike]

Star is a small town with a view and solitude, The Home Prices are great and the lots are large. It's in the Meridian School District which has GREAT schools! We love it!

[Bayarea2Meridian]

Scoop,
I moved my family from Antioch, CA to Meridian, ID. We love it here. I have 4 kid ages 2, 3 , 9, 11. They love it here too they tell me the kids in california were mean and the kids here are nice. My commute to boise is 15 - 20 mins @ 7:30 am (I live south west meridian) I have found a few people in meridian boise area that dont like californians. but now that I have lived here for 18 months I understand why. Everyone here is use to the slow pace and low traffic. the last year meridian has grown a lot. I bought ten acres away from town and they are building 24 1 acre lots right behind us. What I understand they are going to be $600,000 4000 to 5000 sq feet homes. But yes $250,000 will give you a nice house. I would look south of the freeway near lake hazel rd. to amity rd. new houses tucked away with easy commute cost from $170,000 to $250,000.

Rob Betts
Meridian resident

[elkosharon]

Not all of Nevada is like the circus of Las Vegas. We live in Elko. The high-desert country you prefer is what it's all about. Add to that the beautiful Ruby Mountains and all that the outdoors can offer. If you've never left I-80, you don't know what you're missing!

[juliemc]

North Idaho is located in the chimney part or (panhandle of the state), and is gorgeous country with beautiful views. LAKES AND SKI MOUNTAINS. You might look into post falls or coeur d'alene idaho. Good luck ... I have lived in these areas and it is nothing but NICE. Lots of wildlife.

[scoopmorgan]

Thank you, everyone, for responding. I definately feel like Meridian might be where we end up. I like the looks of Star, also. I can't wait to get there! We looked at Northern Idaho- Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene area, and it is lovely! I decided Boise was better suited for us, primarily due to the colleges in the vicinity.
My teenager and I enjoy seeing Shakespeare, and concerts, etc. And...maybe I can keep her home for a few more years. (Okay that may be wishful thinking :Any way, thanks again!

[Linsey]

Hey, great you found a home! [moderator cut]

[d4l]

i would live in florida or goergia