Retirement Thoughts: Boise Idaho Area?

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Sinistar

Sinistar

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Brad
We're not ready to retire yet but starting to think about it more and more. We would like winters more mild than here (Twin Cities) but 4 seasons are okay. The main thinking is to re-locate to a place that would be more interesting when it comes to outdoors and flying. The Boise area seems to check several boxes. Curious what others think of this area? Very interested in what the local airports are like? Hangar availability? How much of the year is VFR? Any other locations generally in that area that would be better than the Boise metro area.
 
My wife and I drove through eastern Idaho (along with Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana) a few days ago. Spectacular scenery. We found Pocatello and Idaho Falls friendly with nice views. Then again I might be the wrong person to ask since I like small towns and anything more than 30K population would be too large for me.
 
We have in-laws (or are they out-laws) in Nampa. We go out that way from time to time. Tentatively scheduled to go again this year in June.

Its' a great place to visit but I've never spent a winter there. I hear winters are fairly mild. Only been out to the airport once (MAN) many years ago but seemed a good spot to commit aviation ...
 
I would visit first and spend some time. Particularly if you are coming from any sort of metro area.

After owning several rentals in Idaho for a number of years, I have found the people there... well, you need to meet and mingle with them and draw your conclusions, they may be exactly to your taste, in which case, enjoy your blue heaven.. I found myself almost 180 degrees in the opposing direction from them in all manner of benign interactions, including business, banking, social protocols, and general outlook on life. For whatever reason, I had a consistent and particularly acute allergy to folks there.

It is beautiful country, however. I enjoy flying over it all the time.
 
I spent about a year in Boise, in the 1980s. Don't know what it is like now, but I liked it then. However, I remember the winters as being foggy and smoky, with the inversion holding it in the valley. Probably not as cold as the Twin Cities, though. The sun didn't rise until very late in the morning due to the fact that Boise is on the far west edge of the mountain time zone. In the summer, it was still somewhat light at 10pm, though.
 
Boise is growing very rapidly and as a consequence, there are pressures on the housing market, job market, and the cost of living is climbing. Boise is expanding at an incredible rate and it nearly extends nearly as far east as Mountain Home and north up the Treasure Valley. It’s the home of Micron and has other high tech industries along with JR Simplot, perhaps the largest agribusiness in the US, Boise State University and a host of smaller colleges. So it does have something of a college town feel in certain sections. Caldwell and Nampa are really bedroom communities now as is Garden City, etc. Boise is actually a pretty fun town with lots to do. Many festivals (the Basque is one of my favorites), restraints, micro breweries, wineries,and all manner outdoor activities abound from hunting and fishing, to skiing, biking (lots of trails) etc. Idaho, like many western states is geographically diverse, although in the past 10 years or so, Idaho has become more homogeneous politically than some other western states. That said, and contrary to the California myth, Idaho has become deeply conservative; it’s a very Red state in nearly all parts of the state, although there is a fair amount of distrust between those who live in North Idaho and those who live in Boise. A common saying in North Idaho is that Idaho ends just south of MaCall - rest of that stuff is Northern Utah. The Idaho Legislature seems to take pride in the fact that Idaho ranks 50th in the nation for per capita funding of public schools. Idaho has a state income tax, sales tax, and it’s real property tax system is whacked.

I have flown in and out of Caldwell and Nampa a number of times. Both are great general aviation airports, and there is a warbird museum at Nampa. I understand aviation is very active down there if for no other reason the agribusiness. Overall, Boise would be a decent retirement place. It has 4 seasons, winters are relatively mild, has great medical care and related facilities and there is lots to do. You are close to lots of backcountry strips if you like mountain flying and have a plane that can handle it. Johnson Creek and many other lesser known strips are not that far away and there are some truly narly ones in the Salmon River area that would be fun to fly in and out of not to mention the canyons on the Snake River.
 
schmookeeg said:
I would visit first and spend some time. Particularly if you are coming from any sort of metro area.

After owning several rentals in Idaho for a number of years, I have found the people there... well, you need to meet and mingle with them and draw your conclusions, they may be exactly to your taste, in which case, enjoy your blue heaven.. I found myself almost 180 degrees in the opposing direction from them in all manner of benign interactions, including business, banking, social protocols, and general outlook on life. For whatever reason, I had a consistent and particularly acute allergy to folks there.

It is beautiful country, however. I enjoy flying over it all the time.
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You are exactly the people we do not want here! Please continue to hold your viewpoints and stay away! Boise and surrounding areas are growing exponentially by people flocking in from California and unfortunately bringing their viewpoints/politics. It completely boggles my mind that someone would want to move to an area that appeals to them in large part because of our politics and beliefs when their belief system is a complete 180.

As far as hangar space, forget it unless you got on a waiting list 8 yrs ago. Most beautiful country in the world IMO and some of the best flying anywhere.
 
If you need a brain surgeon there, my buddy is on call for you. I flew into KBOI and it was a piece of cake....and they have A-10s there. :) I hope to make it an annual flying trip if my wife and work will let me.
 
MtnMarcus said:
You are exactly the people we do not want here! Please continue to hold your viewpoints and stay away! Boise and surrounding areas are growing exponentially by people flocking in from California and unfortunately bringing their viewpoints/politics. It completely boggles my mind that someone would want to move to an area that appeals to them in large part because of our politics and beliefs when their belief system is a complete 180.
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Happy to oblige. :D

You're reminding me of the exact type of conversation I had all. the. damn. time. with folks in your lovely state. Often I was left wondering if we were even having the same conversation or speaking the same language, or if I had been mistaken for someone who had given serious offense to the speaker previously.

To wit, I am not a Californian (nor, I think, is anyone in this thread), I have expressed no viewpoints and no politics of any kind, and no desire or plan to move to the gem state, and yet I have somehow inspired a complete non-sequitur of a rantlet, addressing lord even knows what in my post.

I used to maintain a theory that Idahoans in a social setting with me would listen to my first five words only, and then assemble them into a mélange of assumption about what I had actually said, and then would reply aggressively to that construction.

Then I would remember that Idahoans as a rule are very well armed and steadfast in their convictions, leaving me to politely smile, nod, and chew my own arm off to exit the conversation.

Thus, :D and :yes: and happy Easter good sir. :cheers:
 
dans2992 said:
I’ve heard folks from California are swamping the area, driving up prices.

Also, bringing their politics with them... which may or may not appeal to you... ;)
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I'm a 2nd amendment type and conservative politics are just fine with me. So not too worried about that.

I have been reading about the inversions. Then again we can get 3-4 straight weeks of low IFR during the winter months, usually Nov or Dec or January.

I am surprised at the long waiting lists for the larger airports. I would have thought that would be a bit more "less developed" or not in such demand so that is a bummer. If all goes well we would be selling our hangar so maybe it would be a purchase vs rental.

It would seem the biggest issue isn't the politics (trying to avoid that topic) but rather the rapid growth and inrush is perhaps disrupting the previous norm in ways that will directly effect retirement such as housing costs, etc. Still gonna head out there and check it out. From a flying POV it would be awesome to start flights from that general area vs the ever vast flat plains.

As a kid we would visit my aunt/uncle an cousins up around Kooskia(??). That was so much fun up there exploring around the mountains, rivers, etc. I don't expect Boise to be like that...but those are great memories of a wonderful part of our country.
 
schmookeeg said:
Happy to oblige. :D

You're reminding me of the exact type of conversation I had all. the. damn. time. with folks in your lovely state. Often I was left wondering if we were even having the same conversation or speaking the same language, or if I had been mistaken for someone who had given serious offense to the speaker previously.

To wit, I am not a Californian (nor, I think, is anyone in this thread), I have expressed no viewpoints and no politics of any kind, and no desire or plan to move to the gem state, and yet I have somehow inspired a complete non-sequitur of a rantlet, addressing lord even knows what in my post.

I used to maintain a theory that Idahoans in a social setting with me would listen to my first five words only, and then assemble them into a mélange of assumption about what I had actually said, and then would reply aggressively to that construction.

Then I would remember that Idahoans as a rule are very well armed and steadfast in their convictions, leaving me to politely smile, nod, and chew my own arm off to exit the conversation.

Thus, :D and :yes: and happy Easter good sir. :cheers:
Click to expand...

Didn't assume you were from California but simply mentioned it in the context of them invading Idaho. But I do see mention of PDX in your profile and I do lump you all in the same category. And I really wish people who don't embrace Idaho beliefs and values and want to perpetuate those would not move here. So kudos to you for recognizing that and staying far away!! I wish more of you existed!
 
I’ve heard folks from California are swamping the area, driving up prices.
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Visited a friend of mine living in Boise, I got the same complaint.

Mind you, my visit was about 30 years ago. Seems like everything should be owned by ex-Californians by now.

Ron Wanttaja
 
I have to admit that 'crazy level of hostility' isn't the first thing that would have come to my mind when someone mentions Idaho.
 
MtnMarcus said:
You are exactly the people we do not want here! Please continue to hold your viewpoints and stay away! Boise and surrounding areas are growing exponentially by people flocking in from California and unfortunately bringing their viewpoints/politics. It completely boggles my mind that someone would want to move to an area that appeals to them in large part because of our politics and beliefs when their belief system is a complete 180.

As far as hangar space, forget it unless you got on a waiting list 8 yrs ago. Most beautiful country in the world IMO and some of the best flying anywhere.
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I get it. We are having the same problem with refugees from New York and New Jersey. It’s a virus.
 
If I ever get to retire, and that's a big IF, I think my primary concern is to have good friends or family nearby. Sooner or later I won't be able to fully take care of myself, and I do want some community around when that happens.
 
wanttaja said:
Visited a friend of mine living in Boise, I got the same complaint.

Mind you, my visit was about 30 years ago. Seems like everything should be owned by ex-Californians by now.

Ron Wanttaja
Click to expand...

I grew up there. Hoping to retire there. Even back in the 70's you'd see "Don't Californicate Idaho" bumper stickers on local cars.
 
Jumpmaster said: ↑
...Idaho real property tax system is whacked...

TCABM said:
How so?
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I'm curious to hear as well. I haven't lived there in a long time, and have no direct experience with the property tax structure in Idaho.

I do know that a few years ago, my parents in Idaho were paying just 10% as much property tax as I was paying in NJ.

I have a three bedroom house in NJ. They had 140 acres with 3 houses on it. And they were paying 10% of what I was paying in property tax.

No discussion of 'whacked' property tax is complete without including NJ, highest property taxes in the nation.
 
NealRomeoGolf said:
If you need a brain surgeon there, my buddy is on call for you.
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I dunno, sounds like there might not be much for him to work with there. :cool:

Nauga,
who wonders why people insist Californians can't run their own state but can easily take over others
 
MtnMarcus said:
You are exactly the people we do not want here! Please continue to hold your viewpoints and stay away! Boise and surrounding areas are growing exponentially by people flocking in from California and unfortunately bringing their viewpoints/politics. It completely boggles my mind that someone would want to move to an area that appeals to them in large part because of our politics and beliefs when their belief system is a complete 180.
Click to expand...
MtnMarcus said:
Didn't assume you were from California but simply mentioned it in the context of them invading Idaho. But I do see mention of PDX in your profile and I do lump you all in the same category. And I really wish people who don't embrace Idaho beliefs and values and want to perpetuate those would not move here. So kudos to you for recognizing that and staying far away!! I wish more of you existed!
Click to expand...
Just... wow. The ego and arrogance on display here just blows me away.

You do realize that the US is a free country, right? As in, people can decide on their own where they may or may not want to live. The right wingers (I assume that includes you) will loudly trumpet "FREEDOM!!"... but if someone from California or Oregon wants to move to Idaho, all of a sudden their freedom doesn't count?

Please, go crawl under a rock with your "holier than thou" attitude.
 
jbDC9 said:
Just... wow. The ego and arrogance on display here just blows me away.

You do realize that the US is a free country, right? As in, people can decide on their own where they may or may not want to live. The right wingers (I assume that includes you) will loudly trumpet "FREEDOM!!"... but if someone from California or Oregon wants to move to Idaho, all of a sudden their freedom doesn't count?

Please, go crawl under a rock with your "holier than thou" attitude.
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I think perhaps that you are missing the point. Mountain Marcus is not saying they don’t have the freedom to move there or anywhere. But there are cultural differences and the newbies need to respect those cultural differences. Just like joining a club. when you’re the new guy in the club, business, etc., changing the culture of the organization to suit your desires is not gonna make you friends. Neither are your personal attacks against MtnMarcus.
 
schmookeeg said:
Happy to oblige. :D

You're reminding me of the exact type of conversation I had all. the. damn. time. with folks in your lovely state. Often I was left wondering if we were even having the same conversation or speaking the same language, or if I had been mistaken for someone who had given serious offense to the speaker previously.

To wit, I am not a Californian (nor, I think, is anyone in this thread), I have expressed no viewpoints and no politics of any kind, and no desire or plan to move to the gem state, and yet I have somehow inspired a complete non-sequitur of a rantlet, addressing lord even knows what in my post.

I used to maintain a theory that Idahoans in a social setting with me would listen to my first five words only, and then assemble them into a mélange of assumption about what I had actually said, and then would reply aggressively to that construction.

Then I would remember that Idahoans as a rule are very well armed and steadfast in their convictions, leaving me to politely smile, nod, and chew my own arm off to exit the conversation.

Thus, :D and :yes: and happy Easter good sir. :cheers:
Click to expand...

You know what a Double Coyote is dontcha? That’s when you chew the other arm off to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
 
MtnMarcus said:
Didn't assume you were from California but simply mentioned it in the context of them invading Idaho. But I do see mention of PDX in your profile and I do lump you all in the same category. And I really wish people who don't embrace Idaho beliefs and values and want to perpetuate those would not move here. So kudos to you for recognizing that and staying far away!! I wish more of you existed!
Click to expand...

“....and I do lump you all in the same category....”

and there ya have it
 
Morgan3820 said:
I think perhaps that you are missing the point. Mountain Marcus is not saying they don’t have the freedom to move there or anywhere. But there are cultural differences and the newbies need to respect those cultural differences. Just like joining a club. when you’re the new guy in the club, business, etc., changing the culture of the organization to suit your desires is not gonna make you friends. Neither are your personal attacks against MtnMarcus.
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Nope, I didn’t miss his point at all; his intense dislike for “outsiders” is on full display. I guess only the “proper” type of groupthink is allowed in Idaho?

You perceived my post as personal attack? So, it’s okay for MtnMarcus to rip on people from California or Oregon, but I can’t yank on his chain a bit? Well, ooookay then.
 
I thought about taking a job in Boise about a dozen years ago. Had been to the area numerous times and loved it. Did some research and found something quite similar to this (this is from 2018):

Most Hate Groups Per Capita:

Idaho: 7.1 hate groups per million people, 12 total

Tennessee: 5.6 hate groups per million people, 37 total

Mississippi: 5.0 hate groups per million people, 15 total

Alabama: 4.7 hate groups per million people, 24 total

Indiana: 4.5 hate groups per million people, 30 total

Virginia: 4.4 hate groups per million people, 37 total

Oregon: 4.4 hate groups per million people, 18 total

Arkansas: 4.0 hate groups per million people, 12 total

Georgia: 3.9 hate groups per million people, 40 total

Colorado: 3.8 hate groups per million people, 21 total

So I passed.

and that from a boy who's from relatively pearly white Iowa.
 
Morgan3820 said:
I think perhaps that you are missing the point. Mountain Marcus is not saying they don’t have the freedom to move there or anywhere. But there are cultural differences and the newbies need to respect those cultural differences.
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Until they're the majority. In a place like Boise that wouldn't take much.

Steingar: who attended his buddy's wedding on Gay Street in Fruitland Idaho.
 
jbDC9 said:
Nope, I didn’t miss his point at all; his intense dislike for “outsiders” is on full display. I guess only the “proper” type of groupthink is allowed in Idaho?

You perceived my post as personal attack? So, it’s okay for MtnMarcus to rip on people from California or Oregon, but I can’t yank on his chain a bit? Well, ooookay then.
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You used a personal pronoun as apposed to a generic comment about people from a certain location.
 
TailWheelChamp said:
I thought about taking a job in Boise about a dozen years ago. Had been to the area numerous times and loved it. Did some research and found something quite similar to this (this is from 2018):

Most Hate Groups Per Capita:

Idaho: 7.1 hate groups per million people, 12 total

Tennessee: 5.6 hate groups per million people, 37 total

Mississippi: 5.0 hate groups per million people, 15 total

Alabama: 4.7 hate groups per million people, 24 total

Indiana: 4.5 hate groups per million people, 30 total

Virginia: 4.4 hate groups per million people, 37 total

Oregon: 4.4 hate groups per million people, 18 total

Arkansas: 4.0 hate groups per million people, 12 total

Georgia: 3.9 hate groups per million people, 40 total

Colorado: 3.8 hate groups per million people, 21 total

So I passed.

and that from a boy who's from relatively pearly white Iowa.
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How is a hate group defined? Who is doing the defining?
 
We just bought a place in Meridian (west side of Boise); been planning to move back for years and 2021 is finally the time. The housing market here is absolutely insane. The houses we looked at were going up $30k/month and selling faster than you could get an offer in. Hangar space is incredibly hard to find (there's a FB group called Treasure Valley Hangar Seekers). I'm getting in on the next build of big box hangars at Nampa but they are a year out from completion.

The area, outdoor activities, backcountry flying and skiing are all awesome.
 
Morgan3820 said:
You used a personal pronoun as apposed to a generic comment about people from a certain location.
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So he can make generic but rather ugly comments about people from certain locations... but me using a personal pronoun towards him is wrong. Sure dude, whatever.
 
jbDC9 said:
So he can make generic but rather ugly comments about people from certain locations... but me using a personal pronoun towards him is wrong. Sure dude, whatever.
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Review the Rules of Conduct. Personal attacks are top of the do not do list. So, yes, you are right about being wrong. Glad we are on the same page now.
 
@Sinistar PM me if you want, I have lived in Boise for about 40 years and have been flying in the valley for almost 30 years so would be happy to answer any questions...
 
How does Idaho tax retirement income ? SSI, pensions, 401k distributions etc.

Boise wouldn't have been my first thought when considering retirement locations. Are there any smaller cities in that region, college towns ?
 
TCABM said:
How so?
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Each county has multiple taxing districts that separately establish budgets annually and then apply a millage rate applicable to your property. For example, there are 13 taxing districts that are applicable to my property on Coeur d’Alene Lake. They range from Kootenai County and the Coeur d’ Alene School District, to the East Side Highway District, Weed Control, etc. Each holds a budget hearing every August/September and then sets the rate for the tax year. Each taxing district can increase their rates by 3%. On top of this, the County Assessor assesses the value of your property annually. As a consequence, your taxes can swing wildly from one year to the next. In galloping real estate market like we have now, my taxes could swing up $1500-$2000 next year from this year. Makes it a little hard to plan. The Legislature has been trying to work on a more uniform solution but unfortunately they have made little progress, partly because they are in recess due to COVID-19 infections (none will wear masks apparently) and they seemed to be preoccupied with giving the Feds the finger by passing legislation that a first year law student would know is unconstitutional. But hey - that’s Idaho.
 
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