A good friend of mine just moved to that area (good move after the Calif. elections)and bought a very nice spread in Nampa, ID.

Sold his Sacto area house and paid cash for a custom built on 1-2 acres.
He loves it but we all miss him...:'(

sdmike, A cool guy named Jason just bought a car from us and he owns Asiagos italian restaurant in Boise, Tell him the Halter's from seattle told you it would be good!Good luck with the move!

Im from Boise and I do love it here. Its a great place to raise a family. I hope I can answer some of your questions. Best place to live, well that also depends on what you want. For instance I live in NW Boise next to the hills. Its great for hiking and mtn biking. Also its close to the Boise River which has a very long path to ride bikes, walk, roller blade or whatever. That goes also for East Boise (but alittle more expensive)but its more green. North Boise "northend" is considered your older homes that are being remodeled etc...Plus their are many homes in the foothills. Really a nice area too, kind of spendy as well. (they have more your "natural" type folk, organic, healthy etc) What has become really popular and the prices has sky rocketed is the Eagle area, just outside of Boise. Really nice homes, getting more and more restaurants, just kind of our Posh area. I hope this helps. If you want further info on restaurants and more let me know.

Thanks Rese, I appreciated yor comments.

I'm in the same boat -- relocating to Boise.

I have heard the smog issue is becoming a little more prevalent with the population growth… is there an area that is a little higher in elevation above that ick – or is the ick not really an issue?

And one more thing... what's the real story on Meridian? It seems like that's where most of the growth and housing is... is it ticky-tacky, or is it as nice as the websites would have you believe?

Hey Escaping calif! Well smog...hmmm in my mind its not really an issue, what its really called is an inversion. Its during the winter time when the air pollution gets trapped in the valley but after a good rain or snow or even some wind can blow it out, it only lasts for a few days maybe some weeks but thats about it.
Ok, Meridian, well, if you want my opinion, its not a place I would move to. I dont get why people do move there. Yes it is a growing area but what is there??? haha. I prefer to stay in Boise. I have the mountains and hills just at my back door, the beautiful Boise river flows thru the city with a awesome greenbelt next to it (you can ride, skate, walk or whatever for many many miles!) Then you have the big parks here too. That said those are the things that keep me here. Now other things that help that decision is, Boise is getting better restaurants, a nicer downtown, etc....This is why I live in Boise and I LOVE it!!! Feel free to ask any further questions. Rese

Rese -- thanks for the insight... give me a little more about why Meridian is not a good place to relocate, I was under the impression that it was just a stones throw from Boise...I could use a little more clarification. Thanks!

Funny thing today, I had a phone interview with a Boise area company and in our discussion the "cost of living" thing came up. I mentioned the sky-rocketing costs here in CA to which he replied "we have a similar problem too because all of your buddies from CA are buying homes here." Now granted, he didn't sound at all hostile when he said it...but I got the feeling there is a growing tension between Idaho natives and the incoming population (much like the SF bay area crowd is viewed in Northern CA - no offense intended). Do you get the vibe that there's a negative feeling toward "outsiders?"

Escaping from Calif- In regards to Meridian. Well its just really congested! I mean I know your from calif and you probably know the meaning of congestion. Your right it is a stone throw away but meridian and a few of the surrounding areas are having growing pains. Our freeway system (mind you there is only one) was not set up for "big" city and I think they/we are having a hard time keeping up with the building and contruction. BUT, maybe in your opinion if you came here it wouldnt be a big deal. It does have everything you need around there and the price of living is reasonable, its just not a place I would go esp if I can be in NW, North, or East Boise!
Yes, alot of you calif people are coming in. I dont know if there's alot of hosility towards that but I think its bumped up our price of living.
Idaho is just a great place with so much outdoor activities and its a wonderful place to raise a family. Its really up to you what you want in a place to live.