Growing up in the sunny coastal vibes of California, I never imagined leaving. But at 31, after years of exploring the world and living life in various forms, I started to desire a higher quality of life at a more affordable cost. Married to my dance partner at the time, with two children in tow, we worked tirelessly as dance studio owners in downtown Los Angeles. We loved our community but craved a healthier, more peaceful environment for our children. So, we decided to set up a temporary base in my hometown, Santa Barbara, while exploring the world for a new place to call home.
Portland was our first stop. While I loved the energy of the city, the great food, and beautiful scenery, it was already too expensive. We struggled to find a home that would support our lifestyle. Then, on a whim, I stumbled upon an email offering $50 plane tickets to Boise in the middle of winter. With several friends in the past recommending Boise, I thought, why not! Let’s check it out! Little did I know that this impromptu decision would turn out to be one of the best choices of my life.
Why I Chose To Relocate To Boise: A Fresh Start
Before departing, I received a plethora of warnings: “Don’t tell anyone you are from California!” “It’s not safe!” Yet, fate had it that my very first interaction with an Idaho native occurred at the airport before departure. “If you are going to move to Boise, see how you can add value to the community. Embrace the state. Show that you love the community and you will be accepted,” she advised me. Those words resonated deeply with me. While I have seen so much of the world, calling California home versus truly inhabiting a different locale, embracing and contributing to its community is different.
Her words instilled in me a profound sense of appreciation for the city before I even set foot there. And as the plane touched down, the California girl in Idaho adventures began. Here's a glimpse into my journey from the Golden State to the Gem State and what makes Boise such a remarkable place to call home.
The Pace of Life: Slow Down and Enjoy
The first thing I noticed in Boise was how friendly and at peace everyone seemed. Compared to the hustle and bustle of California, people in Boise seem to be in less of a rush, take more pride and care in their properties, and welcome everyone with open arms. People take the time to stop and chat. They smile and wave as you drive by and actually slow down to let you switch lanes (can you believe it?!).
And it’s not just born and raised Idaho natives. In fact, most people I’ve met to this day are primarily from California. You’ll often find yourself in a conversation about how we all “got out of the matrix” by relocating here.
Building Meaningful Connections in Boise
One of the most rewarding aspects of my time in Boise has been the opportunity to forge deep and meaningful relationships, particularly with the remarkable women I've met along the way. Boise is home to an empowering community of women who inspire and support each other in both personal and professional endeavors. Perhaps it's because everyone here shares a desire for a better quality of life and is willing to work towards it. Within weeks, I met the most remarkable, insightful, and enterprising women of my life, and I continue to meet more.
A City with Everything You Need: Small Yet Mighty
Despite its smaller size compared to major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Boise boasts an impressive array of amenities and attractions. The local coffee scene rivals that of boutique cafes in California, but at a more affordable price. Access to superb dining options is accompanied by hassle-free parking and short commutes. There’s live music, sporting events, and vibrant cultural events often. Boise has all the makings of a thriving urban center without the crowds and congestion. For this reason, I live a life exploring the city way more than I did when overwhelmed in Los Angeles.
Great Infrastructure & Beauty: Meet The Greenbelt
The Boise River Greenbelt quickly became one of my favorite features of the city. Not only is it beautiful but convenient. It’s a 40-mile walkway along the river that goes directly through downtown. I intentionally sought a home five minutes from the Greenbelt because of all that it offers. While Idaho has even more to offer with a little driving, like the best rafting in the states, Boise offers a taste of adventure within a short commute. Every time I walk the river, I forget I’m in the middle of the city.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Greenbelt offers a practical means of commuting. I love biking the Greenbelt for exercise or scooting into downtown for date night.
Summer provides a quick kayak adventure in the middle of the day if you want! Having traveled extensively, I’ve developed an appreciation for pedestrian-friendly cities like Montpellier, France, or Amsterdam—a trait often lacking in many American cities.
Weather & Seasons
Growing up in Santa Barbara, CA, it was normal to have flooding, droughts, earthquakes, and wildfires. There’s none of that here. Yes, winters are colder, but all you need is one good long coat. That’s it. As the saying goes, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing." True snow days happen from a few days to a few weeks here.
The first few winters relocating to Boise, I was terrified to drive in the snow. But it’s honestly not bad at all. Make sure your tires are in good shape, and you’re good to go most days. Personally, I opt for homes with carports, relishing the convenience of an ice-free vehicle on frosty mornings. That being said, I have many friends who leave their cars out on the street and see it as no big deal.
What’s even more special is, although mild, Boise offers actual seasons. This is something I never got in Southern California! In the springtime, front yards are covered in tulips, and homeowners work happily in their yards. One funny thing I discovered is that geese take over in spring, which means you will often navigate goose poop. Don’t ask me about the time I went to a springtime kids' birthday party. Let’s just say many kids mistook goose poop for piñata candy.
Summertime is my personal favorite. The city is lively. Even the spiders come out to play and cover the Greenbelt. The river is filled with kayakers, beer enthusiasts, and brave souls indulging in cold plunges. Fall paints the city in hues of orange and red as trees shed their leaves. And let me tell you, you finally understand the term “City of Trees” when the city becomes a city of leaves. I still remember the first real leaf pile my kids got to experience.
And if you don’t like the weather? Escape is but a flight away. Boise Airport is so convenient. And while it’s not the biggest hub, it’s definitely good enough. Many people plan vacations in winter.
The only real negative for me is how dry it is here. Having a humidifier in winter is a must. The first few weeks here I almost said no to Boise because of how uncomfortable I was. But I promise your body adapts. Just know you might be investing in a lot of moisturizers.
The Outdoors Life
One of the first things I noticed about Boise was that everyone and their mother has an RV or boat. There are also a lot of HOAs here, which can sometimes make it tricky navigating RV parking. People here love to spend time outdoors. Every year, I feel more and more influenced to take risks and go on adventures, which I love. I’ve had many firsts since moving here, like snowshoeing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and rafting.
New To Boise Housing Hunting
Exploring the housing market in Boise was an exciting experience. One of the first things I noticed is how much I resonated with the style choices of the homes here. Whether renovated or newly built, everything here is designed in good taste. It not only made house hunting really enjoyable but also gave me comfort knowing that there was a great probability of liking the look of the house I found. No cosmetic changes needed. Now, with new builds being a large part of homes being sold, you are likely to get a modern, well-designed home.
Something I learned the hard way was the term “city of trees” sometimes meant “city of too many trees.”
For some of the more developed properties, trees were planted too close together. When I purchased my first home, I didn’t consider the effect and cost of this.
I ended up spending $3,000 in tree removal and more in tree maintenance. I am so grateful to be on properties that make you feel like you are in your own little forest (so definitely not a deal breaker), but it’s also something to include in your financial planning and consideration.
Living in Boise: A Higher Quality of Life at a Lower Cost
Overall, Boise had everything I wanted in reaching my goals: a true higher quality of life at a cheaper cost. And while the Costco doesn’t sell alcohol, there’s no In-N-Out (oh wait, there is now!), things close way too early, and every dating profile here is of a guy holding a fish, living in Boise is still something I take pride in daily.
My journey from California to Boise has been nothing short of transformative. While I’ll always cherish my coastal roots, Boise has truly become my home away from home—a place where community, nature, and opportunity converge to create a life worth living.
Considering moving to Boise yourself?
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