A great place, twenty years ago....not today
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4/18/2020
I lived in this city for over 20 years. This place is regressive with too many conservatives and not enough social programs. The cost of living is expensive compared to the pay. There is a misalignment where organizations can get away with paying low wages for skilled labor. This is great for Employers and Entrepreneurs, but if you are moving here to find a great job and buy a house, you might keep looking. As a right to work state, the laws are not in your favor. The rich are getting richer, while the average family is struggling to keep up. The population is shifting away from a conservative majority, and in the next 10-15 years, this will likely result in changing laws and social dynamics. For anyone looking to invest in real-estate, the influx of people has created a housing shortage, making this an attractive place to invest. Traffic and congestion are similar to what you find in Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake, and Denver. There are two issues, and ineffective public transportation system and a single highway that spans the valley from east to west. Moving from a coastal or warned climate is tough, but there are truly 4 seasons with summer reaching over 100 and winter getting to the low teens. The air quality has issues in the winter from an inversion that traps pollution into the valley. But, if you drive into the mountains you will find blue skies. There is a lot to do in the mountain, but you must plan carefully to avoid the traffic o Friday night and the return Sunday afternoon. Boise is quaint with a small river running through the city and a greenbelt, and the traffic is mild on the week-ends in the valley. 20 years ago Boise would get 4 stars. If you are looking for a place to retire, Boise is affordable, especially if you are coming from California.
Tom | Boise, ID