What I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Idaho

by Curtis Chism - Idaho

Thinking About Moving to Idaho? Read This First.

If you're planning a move to Idaho—especially from California—there are a few things you need to know that Zillow searches and Instagram reels won’t tell you.

I moved from San Diego to the Boise, Idaho area a few years ago, and I help dozens of families each year relocate to Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, and the rest of the Treasure Valley.

And let me tell you—Idaho is not exactly what I expected.

In this post, I’m going to break down:

What surprised me most after moving
The real cost of living in Idaho
Idaho’s unpredictable weather
What to know about traffic, culture, and community
The biggest pros and cons of living in Boise and beyond

Let’s dive in.

✅ What I Expected Idaho to Be Like (And What I Got Instead)

I pictured Boise as a small farm town with tractors and not a whole lot to do. The reality? Boise has a legit city vibe with:

A walkable downtown
Great restaurants and coffee shops
Fun events and live music
An actual nightlife scene

It’s not LA or San Diego, but it’s way more developed than most people expect.

I also assumed traffic would be a non-issue. While it’s nowhere near Southern California gridlock, you will hit congestion during rush hour—especially on Eagle Road or I-84.

And lastly, I thought everything would be dirt cheap compared to California. While housing is definitely more affordable, prices have risen in recent years—especially in Boise, Meridian, and Eagle.

🌦️ Let’s Talk About Idaho Weather: It’s Wild

Coming from San Diego, I thought I understood what “cold” meant.

I didn’t.

Some winters are mild with almost no snow.
Other years? You’ll get weeks of snow and sub-freezing temps.
And spring? One day it’s 60 and sunny, the next day it’s snowing again.

You also need to know that snow plowing varies by county. Ada County (Boise, Meridian, Eagle) salts and plows regularly. Canyon County (Nampa, Caldwell, Middleton)? Not so much. Be ready to drive in winter conditions, especially in side streets and subdivisions.

In the summer, it’s a different story.
Yes, it’s a dry heat—but 100°F is still HOT. Last summer? We hit triple digits regularly.

How locals beat the heat:

Floating the Boise River
Cooling off at Roaring Springs Water Park
Weekend trips to Lucky Peak or Redfish Lake

💰 The Real Cost of Living in Idaho

Yes, Idaho is cheaper than California. But let’s break that down a little further:

1. Housing

You’ll still get more home for your money, especially in places like Nampa, Caldwell, or Kuna. But in Boise and Eagle, home prices have increased dramatically.
Check out available homes here:
➡️ Search Boise homes
➡️ Search Meridian homes

2. Property Taxes

Idaho has some of the lowest property taxes in the country—typically 0.5% to 1%.
Plus, the Homeowner’s Exemption helps reduce your taxable value by $125,000.

Example:
Buy a $600,000 home → Pay taxes on $475,000 → Annual tax: $2,200–$5,000 depending on your county.

3. Utilities

Surprisingly affordable. Our monthly gas + electric bill averages $100–$250 depending on season and home size.

4. Homeowner’s Insurance

Still far cheaper than California or Florida.
Even after a 50% hike, mine is under $1,000/year.

🧑‍🌾 Idaho Culture: Slower, Friendlier, and Fiercely Independent

Moving to Idaho means adjusting to a different pace of life—and mindset.

People are friendly, but they also value their space and privacy.
Politics vary: Boise leans more progressive (especially the North End), but suburbs and rural areas are largely conservative.
Open carry is legal, and it’s not uncommon to see someone with a firearm in public.
Things move slower. Contractors, service providers, and even government offices may not move at “big city” speed.

🏞️ The Biggest Pros of Living in Boise and the Treasure Valley

✅ Incredible Outdoor Lifestyle
Skiing at Bogus Basin, hiking in the Foothills, fishing in mountain streams, and floating the river—it’s all here.

✅ You Get More for Your Money
More space, bigger lots, better neighborhoods for less—especially outside of Boise proper.

✅ Strong Sense of Freedom and Family Values
People here respect personal choice and traditional values. It’s a great place to raise a family.

✅ Low Crime and Good Schools
Compared to Portland, Seattle, or LA, Idaho offers a safer, more family-friendly environment.

⚠️ The Cons of Moving to Idaho

❌ Winters Can Be Brutal
If you’ve never driven in snow, be prepared for a learning curve. Winter tires and patience are musts.

❌ Traffic Is Increasing
More people are moving in, but public transportation is limited. Be ready to drive.

❌ Fewer Big City Amenities
No IKEA. No major pro sports teams. Limited high-end shopping. If you’re used to big-city conveniences, you might miss them.

❌ Some Locals Aren’t Thrilled About Growth
Most people are welcoming, but a small vocal group resents how fast Idaho is changing.