Strengths and Weaknesses
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11/3/2007
I have lived in several big cities (Seattle, Portland, Miami) and have traveled all over the United States. I have settled down in Boise and Boise has its strengths and weaknesses. The strengths are its relatively low crime rate, low unemployment rate, recreation and standard of living. The weaknesses are the education system, the salary range, and its strong, conservative political tendency.
The low crime rate is starting to rise. The low unemployment rate means that anyone can find a job though the pay is usually low compared to the housing market/cost of living. Art, museums, operah, ballet, plays and everything else of culture offered in a bigger city can be found in Boise, as well as the out door activities, such as camping, fishing, skiing, rafting and hiking to name a few.
The education system in Idaho is depressing compared to other states. The teachers are underpaid, school initiatives are hard to pass, and overall kids are not viewed as a priority... beginning with daycare regulations all the way through the school system. This issue is expected with the elected state and city officials and very conservative politics that abound in Idaho.
Basically the city and the population is changing dramatically, but anything that is sponsored at the government level is challenged to keep up.
Cheryl | Meridian, ID