Boise, Idaho anyone?

Yes, the CA exodus has really inflated prices in the adjacent Western states.

I'm going to toss out Boone NC as a possibility for you folks, given what I understand of your lifestyle and needs. Friends used to teach at Appalachian State there. Quite a sophisticated small city. Lots of nature around. https://www.exploreboone.com/
I remember this lake being particularly beautiful. Much of it is located on protected lands and can't be developed. My friends routinely kayak there. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watauga_Lake
 
For a state with just under 2 million in population, Idaho receives a fair share of refugees. Here is a run down of new arrivals in 2023.

 
As stated, you will have to get used to snowy winters. This year not so much as it's mostly raining after a brief deep freeze. Wildfire smoke is definitely a concern as being outdoors in the height of summer is no fun when it's smokey. Missoula and Spokane are other regional cities worth checking out. Spokane is cheaper as far as housing.
All of these cities, unfortunately, have air inversion problems in winter due their geography of being in valleys. Air quality suffers as a result. Boise probably less so.
 
I was born in Spokane, but believe what you want. Boise has 200,000 people and 30,000 immigrants in the last 20 years or so. In 2023, the most spoken language of foreign arrivals was Swahili. Also lots of Hmong hilltribes settled there.https://www.idahorefugees.org/resettlement-in-idaho.html
 
Yes, the CA exodus has really inflated prices in the adjacent Western states.

I'm going to toss out Boone NC as a possibility for you folks, given what I understand of your lifestyle and needs. Friends used to teach at Appalachian State there. Quite a sophisticated small city. Lots of nature around. https://www.exploreboone.com/
Will check it out, thanks!
 
I'm going to toss out Boone NC as a possibility for you folks ...
Will check it out, thanks!
He is making fun of you.

But seriously, if you want to stay away from coastal areas, are looking for a city with some culture and a real winter, Chicago is the only place to be. After living in Buenos Aires, you won't last in any other place for more than two weeks.
 
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Speaking of correcting estupideces from people who have no real knowledge, not much evidence of these of these significant Indian, Chinese and Sub-saharan African populations here: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/boisecitycityidaho/PST045222

(Where's SinPulgas when you need him to correct his nemesis Ries?)
Alby, I don't want people thinking I'm Ries' or any one else's nemesis. He's got a lot of good posts (as do you). He often makes me think, even when I may not agree with him. There are a few posters here that really get under my skin (and I imagine that those same posters get under a lot of other people's skin), but Ries isn't in that category.
 
Any forum member is from Boise, Idaho? How could you compare it to Buenos Aires? We are considering relocating maybe next year ( married couple in late 40s with nursing and computer science degrees and a 12 year old ). Any tips / advice?
If you like natural beauty, Idaho is incredible. I lived on the border of eastern Idaho for many years, For me it was all about hiking in the spectacular mountains. Other than that, Idaho is pretty boring, in my opinion.
 
He is making fun of you.

But seriously, if you want to stay away from coastal areas, are looking for a city with some culture and a real winter, Chicago is the only place to be. After living in Buenos Aires, you won't last in any other place for more than two weeks.
ack the wind in Chicago is insane...
 
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