Moving to Idaho Is Hard - The Truth About Moving to Idaho

If you're thinking about making the move to the Boise, Idaho area, it's important to recognize that it's not just a logistical decision—it's an emotional one too. In today’s post, I want to share a story about a recent client who relocated from Northern California, along with a bit of my own journey. Chances are, some of what we experienced will resonate with you as you consider a similar move.

One of my clients, a woman from Northern California, had a lot on her plate when she began exploring Idaho. She had recently lost her husband, a general contractor, with whom she had built their home. Facing that emotional crossroads, she had to decide: should she stay in California near one of her children, move to Idaho to be near another, or explore a different state altogether?

When she first visited Idaho, she spent time getting to know the communities, checking out different neighborhoods and homes, and trying to decide if she could truly see herself here. Ultimately, she did choose to move. But that decision didn’t come lightly. Leaving behind the home she built with her husband, along with years of memories, was a deeply emotional process.

I can relate.

I’m a third-generation San Diegan, and all three of my children were born there—making them fourth-generation natives. We had deep roots in Southern California. But after 2020, I realized I didn’t like the direction the state was heading. Despite the beautiful weather and coastal lifestyle, it was time to look elsewhere.

What really spurred us to take action was a visit to Missouri during the lockdowns. We saw firsthand that much of the country was still open while California remained shut down. It was an eye-opener. Today, I’m so thankful to live in a state where that kind of overreach won’t happen again. Idaho offered something I didn't realize how much I needed: freedom.

Affordability was also a huge draw. Whether you're looking for a starter home or a luxury property, you get a lot more for your money in Idaho. From more spacious lots to lower taxes, groceries, utilities, and insurance, your dollar goes further here.

If we haven’t met yet, I’m Curtis Chism, and I run one of the top relocation real estate teams in Idaho. My team and I specialize in helping people like you make the move to Idaho with a custom roadmap based on your needs. Once you reach out—whether by phone, text, or email—we’ll hop on a Zoom call and walk through what you're looking for in a home, neighborhood, and lifestyle. Whether you're moving in nine days, 90 days, or even two years from now, our goal is to make the transition as smooth and thoughtful as possible.

Of course, one of the hardest parts of relocating is leaving friends and family behind. That was a big reason I didn’t move for a long time. And yes, I still miss my family and friends in San Diego. We stay in touch and make it work. My wife even has a standing weekly call with her best friend. Sometimes they go for walks at the same time or hop on a Peloton and catch up. It's small things like that that keep those bonds strong.

You might also be leaving behind your church community. That’s another emotional hurdle for a lot of people. But rest assured, Idaho is full of incredible churches across denominations. Whether you’re looking in Nampa, Meridian, or Boise, there are welcoming communities where you can plug in and find belonging.

That said, building new relationships does take effort. If you don’t have hobbies, don’t attend church, or tend to keep to yourself, it might be harder to build a community here. I met someone recently who had lived in Idaho for a year and still only had a few friends because she didn’t get out much. So my honest advice is: if you’re not intentional about creating connections, any move—not just to Idaho—might be a tough one.

Having children helps. You naturally get involved in school events or homeschool groups, and that becomes an easy entry point into building friendships. Our own homeschool group has given us an incredible community. We go camping together, celebrate holidays, and stay active throughout the year. Just this past Fourth of July, we went from the Star Parade in the morning to fireworks in the evening, all with that group of friends.

Of course, there may be things you’re giving up, too. I’ve had clients who loved surfing back in California. Some of them were willing to give it up; others couldn’t. One elderly client, a 70-year-old man who still surfed regularly, ultimately decided not to move because he just couldn’t imagine life without it. Boise does have river surfing, but let’s be honest—the water is cold!

If you have a passion that you can only pursue where you live now and you’re not willing to trade it for something else, then that’s something to seriously think about.

That said, if you’re into the outdoors, Idaho has it all: hiking, camping, fishing, boating, floating the river, or just walking the Greenbelt. We love taking our trailer out with friends during the late spring through early fall. It’s one of the best ways we’ve found to unwind and connect.

Pickleball is another fast-growing activity here. A recent client of mine played tennis in college and now plays pickleball several times a week. His sons are even professional pickleball coaches! He and his wife just joined Lifetime Fitness in Eagle. There's also the Flying Pickle indoor facility in Meridian, with another opening in Nampa. New and older communities alike are adding or converting tennis courts to pickleball courts. If you’re into it (or want to get into it), it’s a great way to stay active and meet people.

Something else to factor in emotionally is the shift in seasons. We have four very distinct seasons here. Winters are cold—teens to 20s at night, 30s during the day, and sometimes dipping into single digits. If you're coming from a place like Arizona, Texas, or coastal California, that can be a major adjustment.

Summer heat? People tend to adjust pretty quickly. It regularly hits the 90s and sometimes 100s. Honestly, we don’t mind it. We love the water park (Roaring Springs in Meridian) and only go when it’s super hot out because that’s when it’s the most fun. Even the Boise River is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day.

Again, if you're thinking about making the move to the Treasure Valley, I'd love to help. My team and I specialize in guiding people through every part of the relocation journey. Whether it's choosing the right neighborhood, finding the perfect home, or just figuring out if Idaho is the right fit for your family, we’re here for it.

Reach out to me anytime—call, text, or email. My contact info is on the screen or in the description below. We'll schedule a Zoom call, talk through your vision, and build your Idaho relocation roadmap.

And if you want to dive deeper into what life in the Treasure Valley is really like, check out my blog. I’ll see you there!

📲 Call or text Curtis Chism at (208) 510-0427
📥 Ready to relocate remotely? Download our Boise Relocation Guide