Posted: 8/24/2025 10:18:23 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Scar811][Edited]
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Hi Folks, I'm currently living in Texas and have been for most of my life. It's changed dramatically in the Houston area and after my father passes (maybe 2-3 years) I'm thinking I need a total change. My son will be leaving for college and I've always wanted to spend more time in the mountain areas. I've run into a few people here and there from Idaho, Montana, and Washington and they seem to be similar to the native Texan kind of mentality, personality, etc. I was thinking of packing up and settling in either Idaho or Montana and I wanted to get some input from ya'll to have an idea what that would look like. Is there a city to be next to? an area that is best/worst? I was looking at areas that are just across the state line close to Spokane, Washington. I don't want to be in WA because the hunting laws went crazy there. I heard the gun community is strong in ID and the real estate seems cheaper than Montana. I saw a few interesting properties around White Bird, but I know nothing of the surrounding areas. I like to be about 45 min to an hour from a local town on a small acreage where hunting may be a hike away. I don't mind hard winters, in fact I'm about driven crazy with the Texas heat and humidity and would welcome more winter environment. In retirement I'd like to get a part time job at maybe a gun store or similar. Just looking to wind down at this time in my life. I've dealt with too many crazies and I need some seclusion with myself and maybe a dog to enjoy some peace in God's country. Any info is appreciated. |
| There is not much activity in this forum. What I can tell you is overall the cost of living is low in Idaho, but be prepared for insane prices on property. I just bought 20 acres in the panhandle for 250,000. We actually got lucky as most of the properties in that price range were 30 minutes or more down a gravel road, no power close by and only a tiny amount wasn't vertical. |
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Originally Posted By Scar811: Ok, I’ll figure it out myself. Probably the reason why you didn’t get the answers you were seeking in what you would think is in a timely fashion because the question gets asked quite frequently and there’s even a thread here just for people wanting to know or have questions about Idaho. But to answer your question, we’re full. |
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No one is trying to be a dick here, but these questions are asked all the time. So much in fact, there’s a sticky thread about moving to Idaho with just about every question one could want answered. Idaho has seen tremendous growth in the last 10-15 years and it has negatively affected the state. Housing and property prices are through the roof, traffic where there once was none, out of state problems are now our problem, and a lot of people that want to live in a red state also want a lot of things they had in their previous state and don’t know why they can’t have them. It’s a vicious cycle. I say all this and I’m not even from here, but I’ve been here since ‘97. One could say I’m part of the problem. If this is how I feel, imagine how the people actually born and raised here feel… |
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Originally Posted By Scar811: I was already thinking that. I’ll show up with a dip in my lip and some gator skin boots toting my Marlin 45/70. I was thinking about rainbow flag, some "Daisy Dukes" and a "Ridin with Biden" bumper sticker like my tard cousin from San Francisco did just to piss of your new neighbors  |
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Originally Posted By matt58: No one is trying to be a dick here, but these questions are asked all the time. So much in fact, there’s a sticky thread about moving to Idaho with just about every question one could want answered. Idaho has seen tremendous growth in the last 10-15 years and it has negatively affected the state. Housing and property prices are through the roof, traffic where there once was none, out of state problems are now our problem, and a lot of people that want to live in a red state also want a lot of things they had in their previous state and don’t know why they can’t have them. It’s a vicious cycle. I say all this and I’m not even from here, but I’ve been here since ‘97. One could say I’m part of the problem. If this is how I feel, imagine how the people actually born and raised here feel… I’ve experienced that on a major scale here in Houston. This was the best city to live in the 80’s. Now it’s a multicultural cesspool. I was hoping to find a place that still resembles the America I once knew. |
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Originally Posted By Scar811: I’ve experienced that on a major scale here in Houston. This was the best city to live in the 80’s. Now it’s a multicultural cesspool. I was hoping to find a place that still resembles the America I once knew. We’re getting that same shit here. What would moving here do to fix that? Idaho isn’t Mayberry. It isn’t as bad as Houston I’m sure, but we won’t be far away from it at the rate we’re going. Essentially, most of Idaho is ten pounds of shit in a five pound bag. The state and every good sized city was nowhere near prepared for the hordes of people who showed up here. Every bit of our infratructure is overwhelmed, our schools are overcrowded. More In N Out Burgers are being built than fire stations or hospitals. Oh and we’re getting a Bucce’s which will further stress traffic. Then if you don’t want to live in the city and think you can be another Grizzly Adams, think again. The locals don’t want you. They will make that abundantly clear. If you have kids, good luck getting a decent education. Thats never been a priority to those folks when most kids go into farming, ranching or leave for the big city. Medical care is another hurdle. If you want to love in the sticks, a decent doctors office could be an hour or more drive away. Groceries or other sundries, an hour or more again. No one is going to stop you from moving here but you need to be aware that Idaho isn’t the answer to your problems, it can be another problem. I like living here but it’s not all peaches and creme everyday here. It’s the same shit as anywhere else, just a different toilet with a scenic view. |
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Originally Posted By Y-T71: Just wanted to be clear: Guy asks a question, get directed to a thread that's 3 years old and has a wopping 7 posts (no real information there anyway) and a snarky reply saying "we're full".  Cool Do you actually live in Idaho? If not, go wait for a thread by someone who wants to move to Springfield in the Ohio forum. |
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Originally Posted By DefensorFortis: Do you actually live in Idaho? If not, go wait for a thread by someone who wants to move to Springfield in the Ohio forum. No champ, I don't live in Idaho. IDGAF who moves to Ohio and I didn't start a thread offering to answer questions to folks who want to move here. I certainly would shit on my state when asked nor the people who want to move here. So now you're not only in charge of who gets to move to Idaho but the forum to ask questions? |
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Originally Posted By DefensorFortis: /media/mediaFiles/sharedAlbum/ha-gay-1028.gif Alright, you win. I can't compete with your strategic application of a meme! Enjoy your Californians professor. |
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Hi Scar, I think we bought the place your looking for 4 years ago. We got out of western wa because we could and landed just north of Spirit Lake and Post Falls but in Bonner Co. Thats a big plus. Boots on the ground and seven road trips was the price we paid to get our compound on 5 acres. Best place on earth right here. Everything we need. Always places popping up for sale, just got to be quick and ready. Check out Idaho Guns in Athol. Cool store, guys are ok. 
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I'll just say this to the OP, my experience in Idaho was in no way like what is being said here. I found everyone to be extremely welcoming and friendly, even when I was dumb enough to say I was from Washington. Maybe because it was because we are moving to the very rural Benewah county. True, I don't live there yet but I didn't see horrible traffic even in Coeur d'Alene. I guess I get the animosity from some of the locals as it is like that here in Washington. When I moved here with the Navy 32 years ago, it was a wonderful place to live and now it is over run with blue haired freaks from California. But you would think on a gun forum that is mostly full of conservatives, that those looking to move would be welcomed. What I see and hear as different, it seems that most of those moving to Idaho are conservative and want to be around like minded folks. The biggest piece of advice is something I learned in the Navy, don't every say "well, that's not how we did it back in...." |
Y'all can go to hell, I'll go to Idaho.
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The Texans I know who moved here either don't spend winter here, or go back to Texas after almost exactly two years. It's not necessarily that it gets cold, it's that it's dark. We have about 7 hours of light in the middle of winter. Could be less depending on where you are in relation to the hills/ mountains. Originally Posted By DrJekell: True, I don't live there yet but I didn't see horrible traffic even in Coeur d'Alene. Traffic is relative. I think the traffic has gotten about 20x worse in the last five-10 years. Traffic lights where there weren't, cars backing up where we used to have 24/7 yellow blinking lights. When I arrived in Idaho 11 years ago, I could drive on 90 through CDA and see no other traffic going my way, doing 10 under the speed limit. The constant noise of traffic.. |
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Originally Posted By Bourbonator: Traffic is relative. I think the traffic has gotten about 20x worse in the last five-10 years. Traffic lights where there weren't, cars backing up where we used to have 24/7 yellow blinking lights. When I arrived in Idaho 11 years ago, I could drive on 90 through CDA and see no other traffic going my way, doing 10 under the speed limit. The constant noise of traffic.. This right here. Trying to get anywhere around CdA/Hayden/Post Falls has gotten really stupid... Don't get me started on Boise metro area. Strip malls, crackerbox housing developments, and high density apartment/condos, traffic for miles and miles... There are still good places in Idaho, but the whole state is filling up fast. Best wishes on your search OP. |
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Ok OP, I'll give you a little different perspective. I've had a second home here in north Idaho for 35 years , but up until 2023 was stuck in western Washington because of my job and family. I grew up in Spokane and spent every minute I could of my youth chasing around North Idaho . I always knew I'd live here one day and I can tell you in all of my travels I've never found a better place to live and recreate. I have watched Idaho change some for sure and can understand the lifers disappointment in some of those changes , but I still can't imagine living anywhere else . The people are great . They pretty much mind their own business and leave you alone, but they aren't the huggy type and don't care about where you came from or how things were done where you came from. You leave them alone and don't stand out as a raging lib and you'll do just fine , but you'll never be a native so know that going in . I live in a barndo on thirty acres about an hour from CDA near a small town with most basic services including a small hospital. We drive that hour about twice a month for better medical and grocery options, otherwise we stay pretty local and love it . CDA traffic is nothing compared to where you are coming from , the locals just don't know any better . The property prices here have gone nuts and development of raw land in the rural areas is a pain , slow and expensive, but still worth the wait . Winters are long, dark and cold with the potential for heavy snow at times and snow on the ground for months , but spring , summer and fall are glorious . If you can mind your own business, are self sufficient , with a pocket full of money you can do just fine here, but don't expect alot of help . People are busy getting by themselves. You'll find that nearly everyone you meet is from somewhere else, but we all want to preserve Idaho for what it is . If you are a conservative stay away from the Missoula Montana . It is a lib college town about as bad as any other . Just about anywhere within an hour of CDA will meet your needs . I would suggest spending a winter first before you buy . Good luck. |
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Originally Posted By gmtech: Ok OP, I'll give you a little different perspective. I've had a second home here in north Idaho for 35 years , but up until 2023 was stuck in western Washington because of my job and family. I grew up in Spokane and spent every minute I could of my youth chasing around North Idaho . I always knew I'd live here one day and I can tell you in all of my travels I've never found a better place to live and recreate. I have watched Idaho change some for sure and can understand the lifers disappointment in some of those changes , but I still can't imagine living anywhere else . The people are great . They pretty much mind their own business and leave you alone, but they aren't the huggy type and don't care about where you came from or how things were done where you came from. You leave them alone and don't stand out as a raging lib and you'll do just fine , but you'll never be a native so know that going in . I live in a barndo on thirty acres about an hour from CDA near a small town with most basic services including a small hospital. We drive that hour about twice a month for better medical and grocery options, otherwise we stay pretty local and love it . CDA traffic is nothing compared to where you are coming from , the locals just don't know any better . The property prices here have gone nuts and development of raw land in the rural areas is a pain , slow and expensive, but still worth the wait . Winters are long, dark and cold with the potential for heavy snow at times and snow on the ground for months , but spring , summer and fall are glorious . If you can mind your own business, are self sufficient , with a pocket full of money you can do just fine here, but don't expect alot of help . People are busy getting by themselves. You'll find that nearly everyone you meet is from somewhere else, but we all want to preserve Idaho for what it is . If you are a conservative stay away from the Missoula Montana . It is a lib college town about as bad as any other . Just about anywhere within an hour of CDA will meet your needs . I would suggest spending a winter first before you buy . Good luck. Thank You! Lot's of good info here. |
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Originally Posted By DefensorFortis: We’re getting that same shit here. What would moving here do to fix that? Idaho isn’t Mayberry. It isn’t as bad as Houston I’m sure, but we won’t be far away from it at the rate we’re going. Essentially, most of Idaho is ten pounds of shit in a five pound bag. The state and every good sized city was nowhere near prepared for the hordes of people who showed up here. Every bit of our infratructure is overwhelmed, our schools are overcrowded. More In N Out Burgers are being built than fire stations or hospitals. Oh and we’re getting a Bucce’s which will further stress traffic. Then if you don’t want to live in the city and think you can be another Grizzly Adams, think again. The locals don’t want you. They will make that abundantly clear. If you have kids, good luck getting a decent education. Thats never been a priority to those folks when most kids go into farming, ranching or leave for the big city. Medical care is another hurdle. If you want to love in the sticks, a decent doctors office could be an hour or more drive away. Groceries or other sundries, an hour or more again. No one is going to stop you from moving here but you need to be aware that Idaho isn’t the answer to your problems, it can be another problem. I like living here but it’s not all peaches and creme everyday here. It’s the same shit as anywhere else, just a different toilet with a scenic view. These are the answers you seek. 20 years ago no one knew where Meridian was. I think it’s still top 5 growth in the country— looks just like SLC or CA. Who should have thought? (I was wrong-thank God it looks like people have come to their senses and stopped moving here. Caldwell is #25 on US news list). Emmett is now a bedroom community for Boise. There are places in N Idaho that will take 5 years before anyone trusts you and the first thing that will happen is a pissing contest regarding who has been here (Idaho) longest. That said; a lot of Texans with money have already moved into cattle country here and locked up places and pissed off the locals. Be ready for the hate. Prices are stupid high for Real Estate and showing no signs of coming down. Montana is the only other state close. |
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I have lived in Boise for close to 3 years. I first visit Boise back in 2014 and had regularly visited Idaho until I moved here. The best way I could have described Boise back then was like going in a Time Machine back 30 years. Lately, it seems like a lot of people from the East Coast and the South have been moving here. There were a bunch of Californians but many moved back when their jobs required them to go into the office in California. (That said, I have met some people that live in Boise and regularly fly to California for work). There are also a good bit of people here from Washington and Oregon. The real estate market in Idaho does not make sense. The rest of the country is experiencing sharp declines in housing prices, but the Treasure Valley does not seem to be affected. The wages here are very, very low compared to the majority of the country, so it does not seem like it would be the locals driving the prices up. Boise is like a suburb of a big city. I visited Houston several times, and Boise is nowhere near that size. The smaller city feel of Boise does take getting used to (I am from New Orleans, which is a small city but Boise feels a lot smaller than that.). Eating out feels repetitive because there are only so many options of places to go. Boise is still a city, and it has issues similar to whatever is going on in the big cities, but on a lot smaller scale. The weather is not bad, but it can be challenging. It snows here in the winter, but the snow is not plowed as quickly and as often as big cities. The summers are very hot and dry. There are also wildfires out here. It is also difficult to breathe here because of the higher altitude. There is also something here called inversion. |
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Originally Posted By DrJekell: There is not much activity in this forum. What I can tell you is overall the cost of living is low in Idaho, but be prepared for insane prices on property. I just bought 20 acres in the panhandle for 250,000. We actually got lucky as most of the properties in that price range were 30 minutes or more down a gravel road, no power close by and only a tiny amount wasn't vertical. Lucky. 5 acre lots were going for $220+ in bonner county a couple years ago. Originally Posted By jerisaiah: Hi Scar, I think we bought the place your looking for 4 years ago. We got out of western wa because we could and landed just north of Spirit Lake and Post Falls but in Bonner Co. Thats a big plus. Boots on the ground and seven road trips was the price we paid to get our compound on 5 acres. Best place on earth right here. Everything we need. Always places popping up for sale, just got to be quick and ready. Check out Idaho Guns in Athol. Cool store, guys are ok. Sounds like we're practically neighbors. Lol |
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Just be ready for some real winters. I was reading through my journal yesterday and a couple years ago at this time in Bonner Co between Priest River and Spirit Lake temps were in the teens. It wasn’t unusual to wake up and find a couple feet of snow had fallen over night and it sticks around for …..oh, six months. Attached File Enjoy. 🤓 |
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Originally Posted By DFARM: Lucky. 5 acre lots were going for $220+ in bonner county a couple years ago. Sounds like we're practically neighbors. Lol Originally Posted By DFARM: Originally Posted By DrJekell: There is not much activity in this forum. What I can tell you is overall the cost of living is low in Idaho, but be prepared for insane prices on property. I just bought 20 acres in the panhandle for 250,000. We actually got lucky as most of the properties in that price range were 30 minutes or more down a gravel road, no power close by and only a tiny amount wasn't vertical. Lucky. 5 acre lots were going for $220+ in bonner county a couple years ago. Originally Posted By jerisaiah: Hi Scar, I think we bought the place your looking for 4 years ago. We got out of western wa because we could and landed just north of Spirit Lake and Post Falls but in Bonner Co. Thats a big plus. Boots on the ground and seven road trips was the price we paid to get our compound on 5 acres. Best place on earth right here. Everything we need. Always places popping up for sale, just got to be quick and ready. Check out Idaho Guns in Athol. Cool store, guys are ok. Sounds like we're practically neighbors. Lol I'm farther south than Bonner, I'm in Benewah county. But yeah we did get lucky over half of the property is usable and we have a year-round Creek that runs through it. Only downside is we're pretty far from civilization. |
Y'all can go to hell, I'll go to Idaho.
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Dear OP..... When I thought about moving to Idaho, I came to Idaho to visit after traveling through on my way to visit friends in Montana a few times. I came during the spring, the summer, the fall, and the winter. I explored the treasure valley, from south, north, east, and west. I've traveled the east side into Wyoming, and up to Montana. I've been across the west side through Oregon, and up across Washington and into the panhandle all the way east to Montana. I had an idea of what I was looking for....small town, far enough from the small cities and big developments, but 45 minutes from Boise so my wife and I could do big city stuff. I also thought about outdoor recreation, a private gun range, large community developments, the cost of land, the cost to build a house, the weather and it's effects, and other things that were important to us. I bought 3 acres almost 6 years ago, near the small town of Parma, in an area that is well known for agriculture. I found a builder, pulled the permits I needed, got the well and power completed, and moved into a new house. In 5 years, only 2 housing developments of 10-20 houses, and just a dozen or so 5 acre spreads have popped up around this area. These small towns have decided to stay small towns. About 6 minutes from a very nice gun range that allows its members to do whatever and anything. There is a full-auto fun pumpkin shoot the day after Halloween. And they hold weekly, monthly, and annual shoots for most types of competitive or fun shooting. They also host some big matches for this part of the country. Another half-dozen small towns are 8-15 miles away, and Walmart/home depot is 15 minutes up the road on the Oregon side of the Snake River. Costco and all the other trappings of a suburban life are a 20-25 minute drive. Boise is 45 minutes. OP.....you should be making a list of things you want, and figuring out the compromises you're willing to accept. Look at the topography, and see what areas will work for you. We have mtns, valleys, deserts, and everything in between. Now..... take that list, pack a bag, and visit some of the areas that fit the list you made. I mean this isn't hard, this isn't brain surgery, and you shouldn't rely on others to answer the questions YOU need to answer for yourself. Because think about this..... People moved here in a covered wagon 150 years ago based on word of mouth, or a few paragraphs in a news paper. Some died along the way. You have all the information available that you need to know in front of you on a computer. And you have the ability to be here with either a 4 hour plane ride, or a 24 hour drive to see it all for yourself. So get off your ass, and do what you need to do. Or....just go move to Oklahoma or Missouri. |
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Originally Posted By DrJekell: And yes, 3,000 ft is considered high altitude. At least in the baking and canning world I forgot about that-mom used to say that all the time. “Altitude” is high enough to change the zero on your rifle….so about 1k higher than where you are now. |
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