A lighthearted guide for the future Idahoan who’s probably Googling “Is Boise really like that?” right now.
Thinking about relocating to Boise? Congrats, you’ve officially entered the “Should we move to Idaho?” phase, also known as:
The Great Spiral of Zillow, Googling Cost of Living Charts, and Telling Your Friends You’re Just ‘Exploring Options’
(while secretly already shopping for new hiking shoes).
Before you pick out your new house, here’s what you should know… with a little honesty sprinkled in.
1. Yes, Boise really is that clean.
You may think you’ve arrived on a movie set, but no, people here actually pick up after themselves (and their dogs).
It’s unsettling for the first 48 hours. You’ll adjust.
2. Everyone has a favorite trail… and they WILL tell you about it.
You: “We’re thinking about moving to Boise.”
Boise people: “HAVE YOU HIKED TABLEROCK YET??”
You haven’t even unpacked, but don’t worry, you’ll receive at least three unsolicited trail recommendations by sunset.
3. The cost of living will make you question every life decision you made in California/Oregon/Washington.
Want a backyard?
A garage?
A house you can actually turn around in without knocking over a roommate?
Boise gently taps you on the shoulder and says,
“You know you could actually afford that here… right?”
It’s the moment you realize Idaho might make more financial sense than the latte you once bought for $8.75.
(And yes, I can help you find the home where you actually have room to breathe.)
4. You will develop strong opinions about grocery stores.
Albertsons vs. WinCo becomes a personality test.
And once you catch yourself saying,
“I’m running to Freddie’s, need anything?”
…that’s it. You’re officially a local.
The day you memorize where the good produce is?
That’s when you unlock Idaho Level 2.
5. You’ll pretend you’re going to ski every weekend.
Then winter comes, and suddenly the couch looks VERY comfortable.
But Bogus Basin is 30 minutes away, so you can still tell people you ski.
It counts.
6. You’ll be shocked at how short the commutes are.
Your first week here, you’ll leave 45 minutes early “just in case.”
You’ll arrive 38 minutes early.
You’ll sit in your car questioning your past life choices.
Then the locals will tell you (with complete seriousness), “The traffic here is terrible.”
And you’ll nod politely… even though you just crossed the entire city in 12 minutes.
Fast forward a few months and suddenly YOU’RE complaining about “long drives,”
which, in Boise terms, means anything over 15 minutes.
It happens faster than you think.
7. The outdoor lifestyle is NOT a myth.
People here hike, bike, float the river, kayak, ski, run, and then do it all again… voluntarily.
If you don’t consider yourself outdoorsy, don’t panic.
There are beginner-friendly options, like:
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Walking the Greenbelt
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Sitting on a brewery patio
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Watching other people be outdoorsy
All valid.
8. Yes, people are friendly. REALLY friendly.
Someone will wave at you while driving, or say “hello” while you are walking your dog. And cashiers like to engage with you and sincerely want to know how your day is.
They’re not trying to lure you into a cult.
It’s just Idaho.
And you will eventually wave back.
9. You may experience “Ada County Sticker Shock”… and then instant relief when you see Canyon County.
Ada County:
“$549,900 median?!”
Canyon County:
“Hold my fry sauce.”
(Nampa, Caldwell, Middleton, I see you.)
10. You’ll absolutely fall in love with Boise… and want a guide.
At this stage, you’ll also start correcting your family when they say Koo-nah instead of
“It’s Quna (Kyoo-nuh), thank you.”
and telling your friends back in California,
“Honestly, Idaho wine is SO underrated.”
These are the final signs that Boise has claimed you.
Luckily, you found me:
I specialize in helping families relocate to Boise, from picking the right neighborhood to understanding the REAL cost of living.
Whether you want walkable downtown charm, quiet Meridian suburbs, Eagle luxury, or Nampa affordability, I’ve got you.
Why I Specialize in Relocation
Going through this process myself is why I decided to specialize in relocation. I know firsthand how stressful it can feel, and I’ve built my business around making it smoother for families just like yours. Today, I’m proud to say that I’ve helped numerous individuals and families relocate to Boise and the Treasure Valley, and many of them have shared their experiences:
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“We recently visited Boise, Idaho, interested in retiring there, and were fortunate enough to find Jennifer… We discovered that she was a knowledgeable agent, very familiar with the local and surrounding areas. Once she understood what we were looking for, she was able to show places that fit our requirements.” — Michael & Marie
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“I would recommend Jennifer 1000% for any real estate needs… We took multiple trips, and Jennifer guided us through each one and was very patient. She was honest and knowledgeable about the area and what we were specifically looking for. We are so thankful we found our gem that we call home and thankful for Jennifer!” — Kyle & Lindsey
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“Jennifer was absolutely amazing in helping us find our new home in the Boise area. Her patience was incredible as we looked at numerous houses from Boise to Caldwell and everywhere in between… Her knowledge of the area was a key factor in our search.” — Mike & Cindy
- “Jennifer Louis helped us find our dream house in Boise!! She knows the market well and made the house hunt fun. When changing market conditions made things complicated, her years of experience in negotiation were a big help. We really appreciated her help when we couldn’t be there in person”. — Mike & Claudine
Ready to Make Your Move to Boise?
If you’re looking for a real estate team that blends personalized service with the power of collaboration, look no further. From top-tier listings to expert relocation services, we’re here to make your move to (or around) the Treasure Valley seamless and successful.
Contact us today to set up a consultation and discover what makes Welcome to Boise and Beyond the best guide in your relocation to Boise.
