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

Moving to Boise Isn’t Just a Move, It’s an Emotional Decision

If you're thinking about making the move to the Boise, Idaho area, it's important to recognize that this isn’t 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.

A Client’s Story: Letting Go and Starting Fresh

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. At that emotional crossroads, she had to decide whether to stay in California near one of her children, move to Idaho to be closer to another, or explore a different state altogether.

When she first visited Idaho, she took time to truly experience it. She explored different communities, toured neighborhoods, and walked through homes, asking herself whether she could really see this as her next chapter. In the end, she chose Idaho. But that decision came with real weight. Leaving behind the home she built with her husband and the memories attached to it was incredibly difficult.

That kind of decision isn’t about square footage or price per foot. It’s about identity, memories, and what comes next in life.

Why This Hit Close to Home for Me

I can relate deeply. I’m a third-generation San Diegan, and all three of my children were born there, making them fourth-generation natives. Our roots in Southern California ran deep. For years, I couldn’t imagine leaving.

But after 2020, I started to feel that the state was heading in a direction that no longer aligned with how we wanted to live or raise our kids. The breaking point came during a visit to Missouri in the middle of the lockdowns. While California remained shut down, much of the rest of the country was open. That contrast was eye-opening.

Today, I’m incredibly grateful to live in a state where that level of overreach is unlikely to happen again. Idaho gave us something I didn’t realize how much I needed until we had it: freedom.

The Financial Reality: Your Dollar Goes Further in Idaho

Affordability is another huge piece of the puzzle. Whether you’re looking for a starter home or a luxury property, Idaho simply offers more value. Bigger lots, lower property taxes, and generally lower costs for utilities, insurance, and everyday living all add up.

For many families, that financial breathing room alone is life-changing.

Who I Am and How I Help

If we haven’t met yet, I’m Curtis Chism. I run one of the top relocation-focused real estate teams in Idaho. My team and I specialize in helping people move to Idaho with a customized roadmap based on their specific needs.

Once you reach out, whether by phone, text, or email, we’ll set up a Zoom call. We’ll talk through what you want in a home, a neighborhood, and a lifestyle. Whether your timeline is nine days, 90 days, or even two years out, our goal is to make the transition thoughtful, intentional, and as smooth as possible.

The Hardest Part: Leaving People Behind

One of the biggest reasons I didn’t move sooner was family and friends. Leaving them behind is hard, there’s no way around it. I still miss my family and friends in San Diego. But we stay connected. My wife 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. Those small routines make a big difference.

Church community is another emotional factor. Leaving a church you love can feel overwhelming. The good news is that Idaho is full of welcoming churches across denominations. Whether you’re in Nampa, Meridian, or Boise, there are strong faith communities where you can plug in and belong.

Community Doesn’t Happen by Accident

One thing I’ll be very honest about: building new relationships takes effort. If you don’t have hobbies, don’t attend church, or tend to keep to yourself, it can be harder to build community anywhere, not just in Idaho.

I met someone recently who had lived here for a year and still only had a handful of friends because she rarely got out. My advice is simple: be intentional.

Having kids helps. Schools, homeschool groups, and sports naturally create connection points. Our homeschool group has become an incredible community for us. We camp together, celebrate holidays, and spend time year-round. Just this past Fourth of July, we went from the Star Parade in the morning to fireworks that night, all with that same group of friends.

What You Might Be Giving Up

There are trade-offs. I’ve had clients who surfed regularly in California. Some were okay giving that up, others weren’t. One 70-year-old client who still surfed multiple times a week ultimately decided not to move. Boise does have river surfing, but let’s be honest, the water is cold.

If there’s a passion you can’t imagine living without and it only exists where you live now, that’s something you need to seriously weigh.

What You Gain Instead

If you love the outdoors, Idaho delivers. Hiking, camping, fishing, boating, floating the river, and walking the Greenbelt are part of everyday life here. From late spring through early fall, we take our trailer out with friends regularly. It’s one of the best ways we’ve found to unwind and connect.

Pickleball has also exploded here. I have clients who play several times a week. Facilities like the Flying Pickle in Meridian, with another opening in Nampa, and Lifetime Fitness in Eagle make it easy to stay active and meet people. Many communities are even converting tennis courts into pickleball courts.

The Seasons Are Real Here

Another emotional adjustment is the seasons. Idaho has four very distinct ones. Winters are cold. Expect nighttime temps in the teens or 20s, daytime highs in the 30s, and occasional single-digit stretches. If you’re coming from coastal California, Arizona, or Texas, that’s a real shift.

Summers, on the other hand, are hot but manageable. We hit the 90s regularly and sometimes break 100. We love it. That’s when Roaring Springs Water Park is the most fun and when floating the Boise River becomes a local tradition.

Final Thoughts

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, from choosing the right neighborhood to figuring out whether Idaho is truly the right fit for your family.

Reach out anytime by call, text, or email. We’ll schedule a Zoom call, talk through your vision, and build your personalized Idaho relocation roadmap.

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

Download our Boise Relocation Guide