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Hello everyone: We have one month to pack up and leave our Minnesota home and have chosen Boise ID as our next residence. We have never been there, but I've been reading this forum off and on. I like how the climate sounds and that there are lots of trees around.
We're looking for a home in the 130K to 150K range in a quiet neighborhood. Husband likes to garden so we'd need a little space for that. We'd like a quiet neighborhood, in a newer home. We are getting nervous as closing is getting nearer...and still have no idea where we should live. Would appreciate any help you could offer. We are wondering if Meridian area would be good for us. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
I used to live in Boise some time ago, liked it very much, and often think of returning: it's a very nice medium-sized city.
But to your question, I think you'd be very foolish to move to Boise/Meridian or any city you've never been to before and immediately buy a home without investigating the city. Even though it involves 2 moves, ideally you'd make your move, rent for atleast a few months to learn about the city, and specically different potential locations for your new home, and then buy if you wanted to remain there. At the very least you should store your furniture and live in one of those extended-stay residences a few weeks when first arriving in Boise/Merideian to learn about the area. Doesn't that sound reasonable to you ?
why would you move to a place you've never even visited before, especially if you are older, as you say. and I think there are alot more trees in Minnesota than in Boise.
Bajuhe, moving to Idaho sounds wonderful and exciting, BUT I also can't help shaking my head at your approach. I often try to read up on some of the OP's previous posts so I can get a better picture of what kind of help they need. So I can see you've lived for a while in Spokane, you don't want a lot of snow, and you don't want arid conditions, either. Do those criteria still apply? You're used to going online checking for properties, and also to come visit before you buy. So why on earth would you consider buying a house in Boise before visiting, unless you have a deep personal connection to the city (which would be none of our business), or you've made a very quick decision? JimBaker is right, if you really can't come for a visit (and time is short, I know that) then store your stuff and get a rental for 3-6 months. Where you spend your retirement years ("old folks") shouldn't be left to chance unless you are unusually adventurous. Boise is a fine place for taking a breather and making decisions about the future, but don't commit to anything long-term until you've tried it out for a few months, and explored the area. You'll probably love it--but what if you don't?
If you've got a storage pod business in your area, that can be a great way to move. I've had out-of-state clients in your boat who put all of their belongings in the PODS, had them shipped and stored in Boise, then stayed in extended-stay housing here (hotel, Residence Inn, Boise Guest House, etc.) while their PODS were in storage http://www.pods.com/. (I hope sharing that link isn't a violation--this is not my company--just a great one that works well in these situations) When it was time to move, the PODS were delivered to the new house. This totally saved having to unpack and re-load a truck and gave them the time they needed to find the neighborhood and house that worked best without having to move twice. Otherwise, you might consider flying out for a week or so before your move and exploring the area.
I used to live in Boise some time ago, liked it very much, and often think of returning: it's a very nice medium-sized city.
But to your question, I think you'd be very foolish to move to Boise/Meridian or any city you've never been to before and immediately buy a home without investigating the city. Even though it involves 2 moves, ideally you'd make your move, rent for atleast a few months to learn about the city, and specically different potential locations for your new home, and then buy if you wanted to remain there. At the very least you should store your furniture and live in one of those extended-stay residences a few weeks when first arriving in Boise/Merideian to learn about the area. Doesn't that sound reasonable to you ?
Ditto...My wife and I made two long visits over the past year and follow news, blogs, realeastate, ect. on a daily basis. We are still learning valuable information that is helpful. I highly recommend pumping the brakes a bit and doing some detailed homework. IMO at least one good trip there is a must. As beautiful as it looks and sounds, things are rarely the same as when experienced in person. By all accounts of the qualified experts, you better bring a garunteed income or have a source secured prior to moving....the job market still seems to be the chief deal buster for many people desiring to move to Boise. It still looks ideal for us, but a fair pension will be in the bag when we do it. Good luck!
I'm not a retiree, but we did just move to Boise.
We were researching Boise for about a year and a half, visited twice (once in the summer and once in the winter), tracked weather and looked up weather history and STILL found a rental to make sure we liked it before buying.
There are a LOT of little nitches in the Boise area and you're not going to be able to find those, or really even know about them unless you visit a few times.
I would REALLY REALLY suggest renting a place, especially if you're thinking of Meridian (as I saw in another post).
I'm in no way putting down Meridian, but there are a lot of people there and the main road (Eagle / 55) does get very busy.
Of course that depends on WHERE in Meridian, some areas aren't as populated.
I guess that's my point.. rent someplace, find houses you like and drive around those areas.
That will get you to a LOT more areas than you'll find reading posts online.
Also look at crime maps.. we were looking at a house that had zero crime in the immediate area, but a lot of drug related arrests surrounding it.
I'd hate to see you make a hastey move to buy a place only to find out you don't like the area..
Just another reason to rent before buying. Consider the housing market. If you bought and after a year decide you really want to live in another area it will be very difficult to sell your house unless you really discount the price. Being retired means you have lots of time. Take advantage of that time by renting and discover where you really want to live before making a major financial decision.
Good luck!
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