I Left California for Idaho: My Honest Thoughts

Most people moving from California to Idaho either fall in love or completely regret it. After pulling my family out of San Diego and relocating to the Treasure Valley just outside Boise, I’ve seen both sides up close. In this article, I break down why we left California, why we’ve stayed in Idaho, and the real tradeoffs you’ll want to understand before you pack up and move.

Table of Contents

• Why We Finally Left California
• How the Housing Math Changed Everything
• Weather Shock: Four Seasons vs 72 and Sunny
• Summer and Fall in Idaho: What We Love
• Politics, Culture, and Gun Freedom
• Cleanliness, Safety, and Raising Kids Here
• Free Things to Do vs “Idaho Is Boring”
• Housing, Growth, and New Construction Choices
• What Life Really Costs in Idaho
• Downsides and Tradeoffs of Moving to Idaho
• Why We Are Staying in Idaho (For Now)
• FAQs About Leaving California for Idaho

Why We Finally Left California

The real turning point for us came in 2020. I’ll never forget driving through San Diego and seeing businesses boarded up, police overwhelmed, and neighborhoods that once felt safe suddenly on edge. Schools closed, parks closed, kids’ sports were canceled, and life just didn’t feel stable anymore.

On top of that, the cost of living kept climbing. Housing prices were insane. Property taxes, car registration, groceries, and basically everything else seemed to go up every year. Add in a growing homeless crisis and the feeling that politicians were throwing money at it without fixing anything, and we reached a fork in the road: keep complaining or make a major life change.

Telling my dad we were leaving was one of the hardest conversations I’ve ever had. I’m a third-generation San Diegan. My roots run deep there. But as we started raising kids, it became clear that Southern California was no longer the place we wanted them to grow up.

How the Housing Math Changed Everything

If you’re in California right now scrolling Zillow at midnight, I’ve been exactly where you are. I started searching neighborhoods, floor plans, and prices in Idaho and the difference was shocking.

• Homes that would have cost $1.5–$2 million in San Diego were priced around $500,000–$700,000 in the Boise area.
• We were looking at three-car garages, vaulted ceilings, and decent-sized lots.
• In California, that same budget barely got you a fixer in a sketchy neighborhood.

That was the moment I realized we weren’t just leaving California. We could actually upgrade our day-to-day life by moving to Idaho.

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Weather Shock: Four Seasons vs 72 and Sunny

Let’s be honest. The hardest thing to leave behind in California is the weather. San Diego is 72 and sunny most of the year. No snow. No humidity. It’s the kind of weather people fly across the world to vacation in.

Idaho is a completely different experience:

• You get four real seasons, and sometimes they hit hard.
• Winters can be long and cold. In 2023, we had one of the snowiest winters in decades with over two feet of snow on my driveway at one point.
• The winter inversion brings a gray cloud layer that traps cold air and pollution in the valley. It can feel depressing, especially if you’re used to blue skies.

Snow levels vary a lot year to year. Some winters bring multiple storms; others are pretty mild with just a couple of light snowfalls. But if you’re coming from coastal California, the combination of cold, snow, and inversions will be a major adjustment.

My advice: don’t just visit in July. Come in December or January when it’s gray and 20 degrees outside and see if you can handle it. That’s exactly what we did before making the move.

Summer and Fall in Idaho: What We Love

On the flip side, Idaho summers and falls are a huge reason we’ve stayed.

• Yes, summer can be hot—often 90s and sometimes 100+ degrees for a week or more—but it’s a dry heat with low humidity.
• There are splash pads all over the valley, plus the Boise River for swimming, floating, and cooling off.
• Just being near the river can drop the temperature by about 10 degrees thanks to the cold, snow-fed water.
• Summer days are long; the sun sets close to 10 p.m., giving families a ton of time outside.

Fall is pure magic. The trees across the Treasure Valley explode with color—yellows, oranges, and deep reds. We love heading to places like Lowe Family Farmstead in Kuna for pumpkin patches and corn mazes, walking downtown Boise during fall festivals, or visiting Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell when it’s decked out for the season.

It’s the kind of fall that makes you grateful to live somewhere with four distinct seasons. Every week feels a little different and a simple drive through town can look like a postcard.

Politics, Culture, and Gun Freedom

Politics are a big reason many people move from California to Idaho. You’ll see the phrase “Don’t California my Idaho” on bumper stickers, T-shirts, and in everyday conversation—and people mean it.

• While states like Texas and Tennessee are trending more purple, Idaho has actually moved further to the right in recent elections.
• Recent state data showed about 75% of people moving to Idaho registering Republican, about 10% Democrat, and the rest independent or unknown.
• We wanted to be around like-minded people and raise our kids in a conservative environment, and Idaho lined up with that.

The cultural difference shows up in everyday life. Rodeos like the Snake River Stampede or the Eagle Rodeo open with prayer. On the Fourth of July, nearly every subdivision lights off a crazy amount of fireworks. Patriotic, community-oriented events are just part of the rhythm of life here.

Gun culture is also very different from California:

• Gun ownership is common and seen as a normal part of life.
• There’s no waiting period to buy a firearm if you pass the instant background check.
• Idaho is a constitutional carry state; concealed carry is legal without a permit for most adults who can legally own a gun.

For some people, that level of freedom feels empowering and is a major reason they choose Idaho. For others, it takes time to get used to. Whether you see it as a pro or a con depends entirely on your perspective.

Cleanliness, Safety, and Raising Kids Here

One of the biggest surprises for me was just how clean and safe the area feels compared to big West Coast cities.

• Downtown Boise doesn’t have rows of tents, needles on the ground, or boarded-up businesses as a normal backdrop.
• The suburbs—Meridian, Eagle, Star, Kuna, Middleton—are full of families, kids on bikes, and neighborhood splash pads.
• Caldwell’s Indian Creek Plaza alone hosts around 260 events a year: concerts, ice skating, holiday markets, and more.

Are there homeless people and crime? Of course. But in general, they are not running the city, and problems don’t feel as “in your face” as they did in parts of California.

I was honestly worried about how Idahoans would treat Californians. Online comments can be brutal. In reality, I’ve been treated with nothing but friendliness. Most of my clients say the same. And since many people moving here are from California, you’ll find you’re far from alone.

Free Things to Do vs “Idaho Is Boring”

Not everyone falls in love with Idaho. I recently had a retired couple tell me they kind of regret the move because they feel like there aren’t enough free things to do. Every time they leave the house, they feel like they’re spending money, so they stay home a lot.

In California, you might have:

• Beaches and boardwalks.
• Piers, promenades, and coastal paths.
• Free or low-cost events layered on top of that.

Idaho is different. The entertainment isn’t handed to you on a boardwalk. It’s in the lifestyle:

• Hiking in the Boise Foothills.
• Floating or fishing along the Boise River.
• Biking the Greenbelt.
• Free community concerts and events at places like Indian Creek Plaza.
• Splash pads all over the valley for families with young kids.

If you’re willing to embrace Idaho for what it offers—outdoor activities, community events, and simpler pleasures—there is plenty to do. But if your heart is set on a coastal lifestyle, you might feel a gap.

This is why it’s so important to reach out before you move. I can help you identify areas with the most community events, free activities, and nearby trails so you don’t land somewhere that leaves you feeling isolated or bored.

Housing, Growth, and New Construction Choices

Idaho is exploding with new development. Farmland is being converted into subdivisions all across the valley.

• Some people love the growth—more homes, jobs, shopping, and amenities.
• Others hate seeing fields turned into rooftops and decide not to move here because of it.

If you’re moving here, be intentional about where you buy:

• Want elbow room? Look for areas with larger lots or more rural feel.
• Want a tight-knit neighborhood? Choose a planned subdivision or master-planned community with amenities.
• Prefer mature trees and established neighborhoods? Focus on resale homes.
• Like new floor plans and modern finishes? Consider new construction and be ready for dirt lots until the community is built out.

In 2025, builder incentives aren’t quite as wild as they were in 2023, but there are still deals to be had. I recently negotiated nearly $80,000 in incentives for a client. Most buyers have no idea what builders are willing to give if you know how to ask.

What Life Really Costs in Idaho

Beyond housing, what does everyday life actually cost here compared to California?

• Our gas and electric bill typically runs between about $100 and $250 per month, averaging around $175—though I run a hot tub, two deep freezers, an extra fridge, and our HVAC 24/7, so your bill may be lower.
• Car registration is roughly $75 a year instead of the $700+ bills I used to get in California.
• Property taxes generally sit in the 0.4–1% range, usually lower than California and far lower than places like Texas.
• Groceries are not dramatically cheaper, and Idaho’s 6% sales tax applies to food, but: there are a lot of local farms and direct-to-consumer options that can be a better deal.

For example, we buy raw milk delivered from a local dairy for about $8 a gallon—compared to $20+ in California if you can even find it. We also buy half a cow from a friend who raises cattle and pick up seasonal produce from farm stands all over the region.

On insurance:

• Homeowners insurance often ranges from about $600 to $2,500 per year depending on the home value. I pay just under $1,000.
• Car insurance is dramatically cheaper for us—around $100–$200 a month total for full coverage on two newer vehicles.

Overall, while groceries and some basics may feel similar, the big-ticket items—housing, taxes, insurance, and registration—tend to tilt strongly in Idaho’s favor compared to many parts of California.

Downsides and Tradeoffs of Moving to Idaho

Idaho is not the promised land. There are real tradeoffs:

• Traffic is growing. I-84 backs up daily, and former two-lane country roads now feed major subdivisions.
• Air quality can suffer when wildfires from Idaho, Oregon, or California blow smoke into the valley—especially when combined with inversions.
• The restaurant scene is improving but still nowhere near California’s. You’ll find good spots and some farm-to-table options, but don’t expect world-class food on every corner.
• Weather can be exhausting—snow, cold, heat waves, and big temperature swings all in one year.

For us, those were tradeoffs we were willing to make in exchange for safety, community, and a slower pace of life. But it’s important to go in with eyes wide open.

Why We Are Staying in Idaho (For Now)

After all of this, would we go back to California? Honestly, I don’t see it happening. Idaho has given us things California no longer could:

• A slower, more intentional pace of life.
• Safer neighborhoods where kids play outside.
• A community where neighbors wave, people show up for each other, and patriotism is normal.
• Better housing and a better financial foundation for our family.

Is Idaho perfect? No. But for our family, it’s home.

My name is Curtis Chism and I run a relocation-focused real estate business helping families move to the Boise and Treasure Valley area. If you’re considering a move—whether you’re 9 days, 90 days, or 2 years out—it’s not too early to start planning.

• Call or text me at (208) 510-0427 .
• Or email me at info@chismteam.com .

We can hop on a Zoom call, talk through your situation, and build a relocation plan that fits your budget, your values, and the lifestyle you want.

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FAQs About Leaving California for Idaho

Is Idaho really cheaper than California?

In most cases, yes—especially for housing, taxes, and car-related costs. You’ll likely get more house for your money and pay less in property tax and registration. Groceries may feel similar, and there is a 6% sales tax on food, but local farms and direct-to-consumer options can help offset costs.

How hard is the weather adjustment coming from San Diego?

It’s a big shift. You’ll experience real winter, snow, and cold, plus inversions that can make the sky gray and the air feel stagnant. On the plus side, you get beautiful summers, long days, and an incredible fall season. Visiting in winter before you move is crucial.

Is Idaho really that conservative?

Idaho leans strongly conservative, and recent data suggests most new residents identify as Republican. Boise itself has more of a blue, urban vibe, but the broader Treasure Valley and state as a whole are very conservative culturally and politically.

What are the biggest lifestyle differences between California and Idaho?

Idaho life is slower, more community-oriented, and heavily tied to the outdoors: rivers, mountains, camping, hunting, and local events. You’ll trade beaches and big-city amenities for four seasons, easier access to nature, and a small-town feel in many suburbs.

How can I figure out which Idaho suburb is right for my family?

Each city—Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Kuna, Nampa, Caldwell, Middleton—has a different feel. The best fit depends on your budget, commute, how close you want to be to the river or foothills, and how “rural” or “suburban” you want to live. I help families map this out every day and would be glad to walk you through it.

If you’re seriously considering leaving California for Idaho and want a personalized relocation roadmap, reach out to me at (208) 510-0427 . Visit in different seasons, ask hard questions, and weigh the tradeoffs—Idaho might be exactly what your family needs next.