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Well, my family and I finally ended up relocating to Idaho, and so far, it's been great. I wanted to post and give some feedback for others who might be thinking about moving to Idaho from CA.
First off, for anyone thinking about moving, it's not cheap. We used movers, only because the company helped offset the cost, but you really need to consider the cost of moving before making any big decisions. Even if you are renting a truck yourself and making the drive, you should have at least a few thousand just for the move. Factor in rent, deposit at a new place and you're looking at anywhere from $3,000-$5,000 (this is for moving a family, individuals are obviously less). I think this is important to mention, because I've lurked on this and the CA board for years, and I don't think many people take this fact into consideration, which makes it that much harder when you arrive.
We ended up moving to Meridian, right outside of Boise. I had work lined up before moving.
I hadn't been out to Idaho since 2006, and alot has changed. Eagle road is a whole new world, with tons of new places and construction going on. It's definitely exciting, because the amount of amenities and restaurants is amazing. If you're coming from CA, you won't feel too out of place. All the usual strip mall / big box stores are around, you've got lots of familiar chain restaurants, and everything is pretty close together. If you're from the Bay Area, their mall here is modeled almost exactly after Valley Fair, which is pretty interesting. So, you've got your usual mix of mid-high end stores that you're used to there.
Overall, it's cleaner, less densely populated, and more affordable. Those are key things that we enjoy. So far people have been very friendly and we're having a great time exploring the area.
Some peculiar things I've noticed, coming from the Bay Area, that will take some getting used to:
- No alternative radio station. Seems minor, but it's just weird...
- People here refer to "traffic" that is almost non-existent, from a Bay Area perspective. So don't worry about people talking about "rush hour traffic" or anything - it's nothing.
- Much less diversity. This can be a pro or con depending on where you're coming from.
- The "we hate Californians" mentality seems either way overblown, or just a recall to the past, because I haven't noticed any animosity at all. I think it may have been like that 10-15 years ago in this area, but almost everyone I've met is a transplant from somewhere.
- Not many family owned or authentic ethnic restaurants (compared to Bay Area) - this doesn't bother me that much, as I don't go out to eat all the time, but if you're a foodie, this could be rough
- Overall friendliness. If you live in the Bay Area, or most big cities, you're probably used to people keeping to themselves, minding their own business, and in general, not striking up conversation. It's pretty much the opposite here, so just try not to be too surprised when the teller / clerk starts asking about your family life, job, favorite color, etc
We're definitely happy with the move, and hopefully the job and everything else work out so that we can set down roots here.
Some peculiar things I've noticed, coming from the Bay Area, that will take some getting used to:
- No alternative radio station. Seems minor, but it's just weird...
- The "we hate Californians" mentality seems either way overblown, or just a recall to the past, because I haven't noticed any animosity at all. I think it may have been like that 10-15 years ago in this area, but almost everyone I've met is a transplant from somewhere.
Radio Boise, 89.9, is a great alternative station with different genres during the day and night.
The "we hate Cali" mentality is overblown as you said. I have several friends who moved to Boise from Cali and none of them have experienced any negativity just because they are from California and one friend still has Cali plates on her car. I think it is more of a city-data gossip topic.
The "we hate Cali" mentality is overblown as you said. I have several friends who moved to Boise from Cali and none of them have experienced any negativity just because they are from California and one friend still has Cali plates on her car. I think it is more of a city-data gossip topic.
Now if you are driving with "2C" plates in Boise you may encounter some negativity.
Now if you are driving with "2C" plates in Boise you may encounter some negativity.
Now, that's funny!
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