Why I Left California and Moved to Idaho (And Would I Do It Again?)

by Curtis Chism - Idaho

I Never Thought I’d Leave California—Until I Did

Born and raised in San Diego, with three generations of family history, I never imagined I’d live anywhere else. Perfect weather, the beach down the road, amazing food—California had always been home.

But five years ago, everything started to shift. And today, I'm living in Idaho—and honestly? I wish I had made the move sooner.

This blog is for anyone thinking about leaving California and wondering if it’s really worth it. Here’s my story.

Why I Left California

I didn’t leave California because I hated it. I left because the reasons to stay were slowly outweighed by the reasons to go.

1. Cost of Living

I once owned a home in San Diego, but when I sold it in 2014 thinking I’d buy back in later—I quickly realized I was being priced out. Renting was also getting ridiculous. In Idaho, I found I could afford to own again without sacrificing my entire lifestyle.

2. Quality of Life

Traffic, crowds, long wait times, and inflated prices made everyday life in California stressful. Idaho offered something I hadn’t experienced in a long time—space, slowness, and peace.

3. Personal Freedom

While I don’t dive deep into politics on this platform, the growing regulations, taxes, and restrictions in California started to feel like too much. Idaho’s approach is different—lower taxes, fewer mandates, and a culture that values personal responsibility.

The Hardest Part of Moving

Leaving California wasn’t easy. Family, friends, and decades of familiarity are hard to walk away from. Even if it makes financial sense, it’s still an emotional shift.

And then there’s the question we all wrestle with:
Will I regret leaving behind everything I’ve known?

What the Adjustment Was Really Like

❄️ The Weather

Let’s be real—Idaho winters hit hard when you’re used to 70 degrees year-round. Driving in snow for the first time was intimidating, but now I genuinely enjoy having four seasons.

🤝 The People

I had heard mixed things about Idahoans not liking Californians, but my experience has been the opposite. People here are welcoming, polite, and community-minded.

🍽️ What I Miss

The food – California’s diversity and flavor variety is hard to beat. We miss great Mexican food and sushi.
The ocean – You can’t replace the Pacific. But you can trade it for mountains, lakes, and rivers. And I’ve fallen in love with camping and hiking here.

Financial Shifts After Moving

🏠 Housing

Home prices have gone up in Idaho, especially in Boise, Meridian, and Eagle. But you still get way more for your money:

Larger homes
Bigger lots
Often newer construction

💵 Property Taxes

Idaho (Ada County): ~0.6–0.8%
California: 1% base rate + assessments (Melrose, etc.)

A $600K home in Idaho might cost $2,200–$2,500/year in taxes. That same home in California? You’d be lucky to pay under $7,000.

🔌 Utilities

Gas + Electric: $125–$250/month
Water/Sewer: $40–$80/month (pressurized irrigation helps)
Internet: $75–$100/month (fiber is available in many areas)

✅ Bonus: Saving is actually possible here. In California, we were just trying to survive. In Idaho, I’ve bought a second home as an investment property.

What Surprised Me Most

The Growth – Idaho is no longer a “hidden gem.” It’s one of the fastest-growing states in the country.
The Outdoor Culture – Hunting, hiking, skiing, camping—it’s not a weekend hobby. It’s a way of life.
How Fast It Felt Like Home – Even with all the change, this became home faster than I expected.