SperlingViews - Eagle, Idaho

Here you go: First - The "grown in Idaho" which are few... don't like "outsiders". They fail to realize that outsiders have brought jobs and wealth to many. (Farmers sold land for millions...to developers.) Idaho has a cyclical economy. Unemployment is typically stable except in Gem county. What the State fights to do (bring in jobs) the "grown in Idaho" criticize. Jobs require some to come from out of state. Second - Eagle is a beautiful place to live. I would hope that it is because of the "grown in Idaho" influence. The small town atmosphere and I see no race issues (in this area...not all of Idaho). I also hope that Eagle is maintained in the way it was intended. Those that vote and have a say need to say if they don't like it and influence others not to change. (Not use horrible language and act out against "outsiders".) Open minds do exist here. No one should be drunk driving...pay for a taxi it isn't that much when you consider saving a life costs more ($30 to downtown BTW). LDS exists in all areas. Don't be so personal. Travel with your children. Outside of Idaho...this goes for the "grown in Idaho" as well as for those that seek "diversity". I have lived in all areas and I always want better... That is typical for my generation. My view won't change if I move. I'll still want better for Idaho, for Eagle, for California, for all areas I love. To those that are "grown in Idaho"...what if we all took our kids out of daycare, stopped eating at the new restaurants, stopped buying local, and stopped using your services or your business. Would we be missed? If not, let me know where you work and I will gladly stop interrupting your life. In fact, put the stickers back up that say we aren't welcome. I'll make sure I look for them. Take care... Trader Joe's would be nice. However, it is also nice to support our neighbors. [read more...]

We moved to the Boise area about a year ago via Las Vegas, but are originally from the California coast (lived there for 30 yrs) My fiance and I are in our late 30's and work from home, so we have not had the opportunity to experience the work force or pay scale. Pros of living in Eagle 1. Low cost of housing, beautiful well built homes on acerage for under a million 2. Low crime rate (but home invasions seem to be on the up swing) 3. Friendly people 4. Beautiful seasonal changes and scenary 5. Lovely parks and walk ways especially the green belt 6. Great outdoor activities 7. In shape people, (we have found that most everyone in our neighborhood runs, bikes, hikes, skis or does something athletic which we love to do as well) Cons of living in Eagle 1. To far from the action in Boise/ no tolerance for drinking and driving (which is good don't get me wrong but $$$ to take a cab if you plan to have some drinks) 2. Lack of entertainment, only a few good restaurants no decent bars with music. 3. Not dog friendly. Although many people have dogs there are no dog parks in the Eagle or Boise area where dogs can run around in a fenced area with other dogs. We haven't found any place to board our dog that has an open area for the dogs to run around, most facilities crate their dogs. Good opportunity to open one here! 4. Great airport but not a lot of flights out. We found out the hard way that flights to California usually are not direct and the Boise airport (although very easy to find your way around) only has about 4 or 5 flights a day into LAX, and no late night flights. 5. Poor city planning. It is a real hassle to get in and out of any shopping center, the city for whatever reason usually only has one way in or out to get to your local grocery store, Target etc.. so there is a ton of traffic and people drive very, very slow here. 6. High LDS population. Not a fan of LDS. 7. Not multicultural - we could use a little more ethnicity here - I wouldn't want my kids thinking the whole world is white! Overall, I would put Eagle/Boise high on your list if you are planning a move out of California especially. We also considered Austin, Santa Fe and San Diego. Eagle gives you the biggest bang for your buck if your from Cal. and love a lot of land. It also had the best year round weather (with seasonal changes) and the most out door activites. Just wish we had a Trader Joes here!! [read more...]

Those who have lived here longer say this past winter was unusually cold and the snow fall was unusually high. If so, I look forward to another winter before passing judgement because this one reminded me of living in the mid-west. Snow fell almost every day during January and into the middle of February, but most uncomfortable was the morning temperatures which were typically below freezing. While the temperatures increased during the day causing the snow to melt, it wasn't until late afternoon. The air quality last summer was surprisingly poor, but again, those who have lived here longer say that too was unusual. Inversions were common and the air quality was so bad I could actually taste the air. So far, I am unimpressed with the climate here. The one plus is the low humidity. I suffer from a respiratory condition and find the dry air to be beneficial.[read more...]