I made this video and write this post because I get asked constantly, as someone who moved from San Diego, what was my biggest regret — and what I’ve seen others regret — when moving to Boise, ID. In this guide I’ll share real stories, hard truths, and practical tips so your decision about moving to Boise, ID is informed and intentional. I’m Curtis Chism from LIVING IN BOISE IDAHO & TREASURE VALLEY, and I’ve helped dozens of Californians relocate here; I want to help you, too.
Table of Contents
- Quick Overview: Why Some People Regret the Move
- The Single Biggest Mistake Californians Make
- Suburbs vs. The City: Where to Look if You Want Rural or Conservative Vibes
- Housing Costs, Market Trends, and What Moved People Here
- Weather and Seasons: The Shock Many Californians Don’t Expect
- Jobs, Industry, and Future Opportunities
- Lifestyle Adjustments: What You’ll Miss and What You’ll Gain
- How to Avoid the Common Mistakes
- Conclusion: Is Boise Right for You?
- FAQs About Why Californian's Regret Moving to Boise, ID
Quick Overview: Why Some People Regret the Move
People leave California hoping for wide open spaces, conservative values, and a slower pace. They often picture Idaho as one big rural, red state. But Boise — the city — is different. Many newcomers expect the whole state to be like small-town Idaho, and that misunderstanding creates the biggest regret I see when people consider moving to Boise, ID: they move into Boise thinking they’re getting rural Idaho, and they end up in an expanding, younger, more progressive urban center.
EXPLORE BOISE IDAHO COMMUNITIES
The Single Biggest Mistake Californians Make
The mistake is assuming Boise equals all of Idaho. Boise is the most liberal part of the state and is changing fast. It has a college campus, bike lanes, downtown development, and a younger population that supports progressive causes. If you’re relocating to Boise, ID for a deeply conservative small-town feel, you’ll likely feel some culture shock.
How that shock shows up day-to-day
- More bike lanes and urban planning elements than you might expect.
- Downtown restaurants, nightlife, and tech industry presence.
- Visible progressive community events and flags in neighborhoods near the university.
Suburbs vs. The City: Where to Look if You Want Rural or Conservative Vibes
Often the fix is simple: don’t live in the city. If the reason you’re moving to Boise, ID is to get country living, a quieter, more conservative community, or more land, then look at Treasure Valley suburbs or even North Idaho. Here are the common alternatives I recommend:
- Eagle — high-end, country lifestyle, larger lots, quieter streets.
- Star — fast-growing but still holds small-town charm; great if you want land and proximity.
- Meridian — family-friendly, suburban with lots of stores and conservative-leaning neighborhoods.
- Kuna — more affordable homes and a rural feel while still commuting to Boise.
- Nampa & Caldwell — further out, strong agricultural and small-town identities.
- Middleton & Emmett — classic Idaho countryside feel for those who want distance from the city center.
Housing Costs, Market Trends, and What Moved People Here
When people think about moving to Boise, ID they often expect previously lower housing costs compared to California. That was true for years, but in recent times home prices rose dramatically here, driven by demand. Prices corrected in 2022–2023 and have flattened, but higher interest rates mean mortgage payments can still surprise newcomers.
Important to know:
- Home prices have been volatile — do not assume steady affordability.
- Inventory can be tight, especially in desirable suburbs.
- If you already bought in Boise and then wished you hadn’t, many people simply relocate within the valley instead of packing up for California.
Weather and Seasons: The Shock Many Californians Don’t Expect
One of the top reasons people regret moving to Boise, ID is the weather. If you’re used to San Diego’s mild, predictable climate, Boise’s seasons are more pronounced. Winters bring snow, freezing temperatures, and shorter days. We average roughly 19 inches of snow a year, though that varies — some years are light, and some years bring big storms.
What really surprises people is inversion season: trapped clouds in the valley that can last weeks. Without planning, those gray stretches can be depressing. My recommendation: plan winter getaways to sunnier places, expect snow gear, and be ready for a true winter season if you’re committed to moving to Boise, ID.
Jobs, Industry, and Future Opportunities
Boise’s economy is growing, but it’s not California. If you work in specialized tech, entertainment, or niche industries, opportunities might be limited locally. However, big investments are shifting the picture:
- Micron’s multi-billion-dollar investments are creating long-term manufacturing jobs and engineers’ demand.
- Meta (Facebook) is investing nearly a billion dollars in data center infrastructure, expanding high-paying construction and tech roles.
- These projects fuel a decade of construction and related job opportunities — especially electricians, engineers, and skilled trades.
If your career requires a major metro’s breadth, consider whether remote work or relocating within the valley is realistic before moving to Boise, ID.
Lifestyle Adjustments: What You’ll Miss and What You’ll Gain
Leaving California means giving up some conveniences: more restaurant diversity, certain cultural scenes, and the beach. I miss the beach, my family, and San Diego’s weather. But the tradeoffs include cleaner air on many days, less traffic outside the city center, and a more affordable lifestyle for many households — if you pick the right neighborhood.
- Pros: outdoor recreation, growing job market, community feel in suburbs.
- Cons: winters and inversions, fewer niche job roles, cultural shifts in city neighborhoods.
How to Avoid the Common Mistakes
If you’re considering moving to Boise, ID, follow these steps to avoid regret:
- Do deep research on neighborhoods — don’t assume Boise equals rural Idaho.
- Visit in different seasons (including winter) to experience inversions and snow.
- Think about commute times and whether you need to be in the city or a suburb.
- Assess job market realities and remote work feasibility.
- Find community groups before you move — social fit matters.
Conclusion: Is Boise Right for You?
Boise can be an incredible place to live — but only if it matches what you actually want. Many Californians regretted moving to Boise, ID because they equated the city with rural Idaho and didn’t research suburbs or seasonal realities. The good news: many of those who regretted it simply moved within the Treasure Valley and found a neighborhood they love. Others returned to California because they missed beaches, family, or the mild climate.
If you plan carefully — visit, research, and pick the right town — moving to Boise, ID can be one of the best decisions you make. If you’d like help figuring out where to settle, I’ve relocated my family from San Diego and helped many others make the transition smoothly. Planning ahead is the difference between a move you celebrate and one you later regret.
FAQs About Why Californian's Regret Moving to Boise, ID
Will I escape California prices by moving to Boise?
Not always. Home prices in Boise rose quickly in recent years, corrected in 2022–2023, and have since flattened. Interest rates affect monthly payments, so affordability depends on timing, neighborhood, and loan terms. If you’re comparing costs, include property taxes, utilities, and commuting.
Is Boise politically like the rest of Idaho?
No. Boise is the most progressive part of the state, with a college influence and a younger population. If you want deep-red conservative communities, explore Treasure Valley suburbs like Eagle, Star, Meridian, Kuna, or towns further out.
How bad are the winters?
Winters can be cold with snow and inversions that trap gray skies. Average snowfall is around 19 inches, but it varies. Expect lows in the teens or 20s and highs in the 30s during typical winter days. If you’re used to Southern California, plan trips to sunny places or prepare for seasonal adjustments.
Where should I live if I want country living?
Consider Eagle, Star, Emmett, Middleton, or rural pockets around the valley. These areas offer more land, quieter neighborhoods, and a different pace than downtown Boise. Visit each to get a real sense of commute and community.
Should I move first or buy a house remotely?
I strongly recommend visiting for an extended stay (an Airbnb or rental) and exploring neighborhoods before buying. Too many people regret purchases made sight-unseen or after only watching online videos. If you plan to buy, work with a local agent who knows the valley well.
If you want personalized help with moving to Boise, ID — neighborhood selection, market insights, or a walkthrough of what life is truly like — reach out to me at (208)-510-0427 . I moved here from San Diego and have guided many families through this transition. Take the time to research, visit in every season you can, and choose a community that aligns with your values and lifestyle.
