Living in Boise, Idaho?
 

We are considering a move with our family to Boise, Idaho. We currently live in Texas, but grew up in Seattle, WA and Salem, OR. Any feedback on living in Boise and some of the best neighborhoods from those of you out there with experience? How are Meridian, Nampa, and other outlying areas? We hope to buy a house for less than $200,000 (at least 3 bedrooms). Tacoma, WA is our other thought but the cost of living is higher so we are interested in finding out more about either.

I lived in Arlington, Texas (Fort Worth) area for 10 years and Houston for 3, So I hear you. I have been in Boise, Idaho since 1983, and Spokane before that. Here are some quick salient facts about the Boise (Treasure Valley) area:
Good climate with 4 REAL Seasons - if you like dry air as I do, its great.
Altitude is approx 3,000 MSL
Boise river is the boundary between the Rocky Mountains (N & E) and the Great SW American desert. I love the desert as the natives do.
Winters are mild and min snow at 3000'.
Summers are hot - afternoons (90-100F.)but night cools down to (50-60F.)
Rapid growth has home prices going through the roof, just get out of town a ways. Medical facilities are world class - St. Al's, St. Lukes, Mercy, Holy Family in Ontario, etc. Schools are good and improving. Entertainment is western in flavor but has it all.
Outdoor activities are best overall and close to home. Good Luck. Bill M in Boise

I have never been to Boise but we are going rafting on the Snake River (hells Canyon) in July. I am excited but nervous too. Your description sounds very nice. Good luck!

We had a close friend move to Nampa last year and still loves it.

Bought a 4/2.5 on maybe an acre for around $260,000.

Sold his house here in Sacto, Ca area and paid cash in Nampa. I hate him. :^o :^o :^o

Oh...the one thing he did run into was being a "Californian"!

He was told by a local Co Sheriff, ex-Californian too, to get his Calif license plates changed as soon as he could. ;)

Texas plates may not be as bad? :-?

Close friends of ours from here in CA moved to Boise Area (one couple to Eagle and the other to Meridian) and they both love it. They have been there close to a year and it is everything they had hoped. We are going to see them soon so will check it out.