Thinking of moving to Idaho

[Cal44]

From California where we live now.

We figure the lower housing expenses will be a big plus.

In addition, not to get political here, but I'm kind of tired of the California government.

We already have a home in Meridian ID that is now rented, so at some point we can move into it.

Looks like utilities will be lower too, although how much isn't clear because of increased winter heating requirements.

Many working people who move from CA to ID end up finding that all their savings are negated by much lower wages. You pay less, but make less also.

But in our case, being retired, pension and investment income remains the same so that's not an issue.

Kind of like the Idaho Enhanced CCW license as it's good in a whole lot of states.

Probably take us a year to get ready to leave.

My wife hates to leave all the relatives behind, but we save enough on housing that we can fly back several times per year and still come out ahead.

Dave

 

[glenncal1]

Don't forget a difference in state income tax, Cal is now about 10-12% I think. Don't know about ID. Your car and other insurance policies should be lower too.

 

[RudyN]

I would like to move to Idaho also, but my wife does not want to move away from the grandkids. I am retired also so my buying power would remain the same. We have some friends that live in Eagle. ID so it wouldn't be like we would know no one. I am also happy that Idaho has a lot more freedom than here in California.

 

[Kinman]

Tax rate in Idaho is around 7.5% Most of my friends that made the move years ago were constantly bitching about the high cost of fuel, because they added 60 miles per day to their drive to work, it never made any sense to me at all.

 

[fordson]

Wife and I are also thinking of a move to ID. Probably in the Boise area. We have visited before and like what we see, but that was in the Spring and early Fall. The heat down here is getting extreme, and moving back to the North East - where she's from - is a non-starter. We're thinking of visiting the area during this coming Winter season to see how it is and if we can tolerate it.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Take me with you.

I don't eat much and my wife can pull a plow.

 

[kaaskop49]

As retirees, perhaps you might want to look into the quality of the medical facilities in the "target" area. Of course, it's always possible to fly to a city with better facilities for something planned, such as an operation, but there are serious conditions that pop up (stroke, heart attack) without warning. Also, the distance between your home and the immediate facilities. There are helicopter ambulance firms that are more than happy to fly you to a distant hospital, but the bill is always in five figures.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[cowart]

Don't forget a difference in state income tax, Cal is now about 10-12% I think. Don't know about ID. Your car and other insurance policies should be lower too.

The income tax rate ranges from 1.6 to 7.4 percent on Idaho taxable income. Individual income tax is graduated so higher earnings are taxed at a higher rate.

https://tax.idaho.gov/i-1039.cfm

 

[Mickey D]

I moved from N. California (SF Bay Area) to Idaho this past January and will say IT'S WONDERFUL!.

Like you, I had to get away from CA due to taxes/fees on everything, immigration issues, political environment, traffic, selfish people, political environment, no water, driving 2+ hours to do anything for the weekend. Did I mention political environment?

I did not want to move to one of the bigger cities such as Boise, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, or Coeur d’Alene. I was also concerned about the winters and heavy snow.

I ended up with a beautiful home with 11.5 acres in Carmen, 4 miles north of Salmon (pop 3100), ID. The people are so friendly and helpful. 85% of the folks I've met are from CA or TX. You will get along great with the locals, just don't even think about changing anything!

The seasonal snow is 23"- 28".
Property is less expensive as are the property taxes. Car reg and insurance are much lower, and elect rates are about the same. Food is a little less expensive I believe due to the lower wages here.
Fuel is cheaper due to less fuel taxes and the road maintenance puts CA to shame.

The Southeastern area (Idaho Falls, Blackfoot, Pocatello) is windy and get much more snow. Boise a little less.

Check it out and PM me if you have more questions.

 

[reerc]

You'll have to change your screen name to ID44

 

[tedog]

Take me with you.

I don't eat much and my wife can pull a plow.

This is why I love this forum...

 

[Kinman]

You can also license and drive your quad on the street, at least in North Idaho. Full auto weapons are also legal, although suppressors are not.

 

[OldRook]

You can also license and drive your quad on the street, at least in North Idaho. Full auto weapons are also legal, although suppressors are not.

Hmmm one of us is mistaken, I believe suppressors are quite legal in Idaho.

 

[bigride]

I may retire to Idaho too. At the rate I'm going, I can afford to retire 5 years after I die. Can I count on you to scatter my ashes to the wind? Sounds like windy Southeasten Idaho is the place for me.

 

[jag312]

Several years ago I spent two weeks in Idaho in the Boise area. The air in Idaho is fresh and clean. Idaho is a nice place to live if you don't mind snow in the Winter.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Parts of California are just wildly beautiful, however, in many ways moving from California to anywhere is a good move.

 

[Mickey D]

Parts of California are just wildly beautiful, however, in many ways moving from California to anywhere is a good move.

CA is a beautiful state. It's the state of the government that has ruined it.

 

[Kinman]

Hmmm one of us is mistaken, I believe suppressors are quite legal in Idaho.

I stand corrected, suppressors are now legal in Idaho...