Moving from California to Idaho: What No One Tells You

Why So Many Californians Are Headed to Idaho

If you’ve been living in California for a while, chances are you’ve either thought about leaving or you know someone who has. High housing prices, rising taxes, and nonstop traffic have pushed hundreds of thousands of families to look elsewhere. Idaho, and specifically the Treasure Valley around Boise, has become one of the top destinations.

On paper, the reasons are obvious: more affordable homes, wide-open spaces, family-friendly communities, and outdoor access that rivals almost anywhere in the country. But the truth is, there are things no one really tells you until you actually live here.

When I moved my family from San Diego, I had the same questions you probably do. Will I like living in Idaho? Is it too cold? Are people welcoming? Will I miss the ocean, the food scene, and the California lifestyle? And the biggest question of all — will this move actually give my family a better life?

Table of Contents

• My Family’s California to Idaho Story
• First Impressions of Idaho Living
• The Things No One Warns You About
• The Pace of Life in Idaho
• Raising Kids in Idaho
• The Culture Shift: “Don’t California My Idaho”
• Housing Affordability and Costs
• The Four Seasons Reality
• Final Thoughts

My Family’s California to Idaho Story

I grew up in San Diego. My family had roots there going back generations, and for a long time I never imagined leaving. But over the years, California changed. Housing costs exploded, politics became heavier, and the quality of life we wanted for our kids just didn’t line up with what we were experiencing.

Deciding to move wasn’t easy. It meant leaving behind friends, family, and the beach lifestyle we had always known. What surprised us most was how quickly we realized Idaho was a better fit — not just financially, but in how we wanted to live and raise our family.

First Impressions of Idaho Living

The first thing we noticed was the pace of life. Idaho moves slower than California, and in a good way. People aren’t constantly rushing. They make eye contact in the grocery store, wave as you drive by, and strike up conversations with strangers.

Another surprise was how patriotic and family-oriented Idaho is. Flags on porches, packed community events, and a culture that celebrates families instead of criticizing them. Coming from California, where larger families can sometimes get sideways looks, this felt refreshing.

The Things No One Warns You About

Idaho isn’t perfect, and that’s important to say. Winters can feel long if you’re used to San Diego weather. Traffic has increased as more people move here. And yes, you will hear the phrase “Don’t California my Idaho.”

But for most families I help relocate, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Idaho remains one of the cleanest, safest, and most affordable places to raise a family in the western United States.

The Pace of Life: Slower, Calmer, Friendlier

Daily life in the Treasure Valley feels calmer. Even with growth in Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and Nampa, it’s still a dramatic shift from California’s hustle.

Places like Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park and The Village at Meridian are gathering spots almost every evening. Kids play, parents relax, and community events are part of normal life — not special occasions.

Raising Kids in Idaho

For families with children, this is one of the biggest wins. Idaho is extremely family-friendly. Schools in Eagle, Meridian, and parts of Boise consistently rank well, and there are strong charter, private, and homeschool options.

Beyond school, kids here get to be kids. Splash pads are everywhere, summers are spent at Roaring Springs or floating the Boise River, and outdoor activities are part of everyday life.

The Culture Shift: “Don’t California My Idaho”

You’ll hear this phrase, especially online. In reality, most Idahoans are welcoming once they know you’re moving here because you appreciate what Idaho already is.

Change is happening — farmland is turning into subdivisions and traffic is increasing — but if you respect the culture and aren’t trying to change it, you’ll likely feel at home.

Housing Affordability and Costs

Housing is the number one reason Californians move. A modest three-bedroom in San Diego can easily cost over a million dollars. In Boise or Meridian, that same money can buy a larger home with a yard.

• Entry-level homes often start in the mid-$400s.
• Family-sized homes typically range from $550,000–$750,000.
• Luxury homes in Eagle or along the Boise River can exceed $1M.

Property taxes average around 0.8% of assessed value thanks to the homeowner exemption, and homeowners insurance is often dramatically cheaper than California.

Utilities are another surprise. Many homeowners see combined gas and electric bills around $150 per month — even with winter heating and summer AC.

The Four Seasons Reality

Moving to Idaho means embracing all four seasons.

• Winter: Snow, ice, and temps in the 20s. AWD or 4WD is recommended.
• Spring: Green, beautiful, and sometimes muddy.
• Summer: Hot but dry. Floating the Boise River is a local tradition.
• Fall: Cool air, harvest season, and incredible color.

Air quality can be affected by wildfire smoke in summer and inversions in winter, but Boise still averages about 300 days of sunshine per year.

Final Thoughts

Moving from California to Idaho is a big decision, and it’s not for everyone. But for many families — including mine — it’s been life-changing in the best ways. Lower costs, safer communities, family-focused culture, and access to nature make Idaho a place where people can truly slow down and enjoy life.

If you’re considering the move, my team and I specialize in helping families relocate smoothly to the Treasure Valley. Whether you’re days, months, or years away, we’re here to help you plan it right.

Call or text Curtis Chism at (208) 510-0427

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