Californians relocating to Idaho
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8/9/2018
As one who relocated from central California to Boise several years ago, I would submit these suggestions to Californians for their edification:
(And, no, we didn't bring a ton of home equity with us to drive up local property prices. We moved here to escape the intolerable social and political environment that existed, and still exists, in California, that makes living there a nightmare for politically conservative/Republican people like us. Plus, we have close family here in Boise that we wanted to be near as we get up in years.)
1) Don't be running your mouths about being from California! Nobody wants to hear that, and you may find yourself on the receiving end of some choice language.
2) Get IDAHO plates and tags ASAP for your vehicle(s), as well as obtain an IDAHO driver's license, immediately after moving here. The local cops take a dim view of CA plates, especially if you get pulled over for speeding, and will not cut you any slack.
3) Do NOT wax eloquent on how great things were "down in Cali." This won't make you any friends, and you'll probably be asked why you still aren't living there.
4) Be careful to show the utmost courtesy and respect to others while you are driving. No gratuitous horn honking and/or showing people half a peace symbol as a demonstration of your displeasure or impatience with others. Yeah, I know some of the long-time residents drive like jerks, but that doesn't mean that YOU should.
5) Be very circumspect in expressing your political, social and religious views, ESPECIALLY if they run toward the liberal end of the spectrum. This is IDAHO, after all, not some left coast peoples' paradise. Statewide, Republicans outnumber Democrats 5 to 1 in the legislature, and 2 to 1 in voter registration, and people want it to stay that way. If you are a Bernie Sanders or HRC person, then you may want to reconsider your decision to move to Idaho.
6) Do NOT bad-mouth the Mormons, who comprise approximately 15-20% of the local religious population. That means that there is a 1 in 5 chance your careless words may insult someone whom you otherwise might really want to get to know better. FYI, I am NOT now, nor have I ever been, a member of the LDS organization, so please don't accuse me of being sympathetic to the Mormons. Be polite and respectful, as you would be to anyone else. This doesn't mean you have to gladly tolerate their over zealous proselytizing on Saturday mornings, though. Mormons make good neighbors, and hold to some very positive family values. Just saying.
7) Likewise, do NOT bad-mouth the local Boise State football team. During the fall season, the Broncos are the number ONE athletic draw here in southern Idaho, and have a very devoted local following. You may care less for college football; if so, keep it to yourself, thank you.
That's all that comes to mind for now. If I've missed anything, I'm sure that others will fill in my oversights. Cheers to one and all.
Philo | Fresno, CA