On my way to becoming a member of this forum....

[Barbastard]

Finally pulled the cord on CA. Just accepted an offer for a job in Treasure Valley area in Idaho!!!

I'll be starting up there December/January, will sell the house in CA late spring and buy a new one up there and move family up after school ends next May. I'll be commuting back and forth as need be until we sell.

Taking a decemt pay cut but can't put a price on freedom, happiness, health and sanity.

So stoked to get this place in my rear view.

[Yugo]

better start selling now, while you still have a chance to come out with some profit.

[Rotnguns]

Originally Posted by Barbastard

Finally pulled the cord on CA. Just accepted an offer for a job in Treasure Valley area in Idaho!!!

I'll be starting up there December/January, will sell the house in CA late spring and buy a new one up there and move family up after school ends next May. I'll be commuting back and forth as need be until we sell.

Taking a decemt pay cut but can't put a price on freedom, happiness, health and sanity.

So stoked to get this place in my rear view.

Well done, and welcome to the Treasure Valley!

[BAJ475]

Originally Posted by Barbastard

Finally pulled the cord on CA. Just accepted an offer for a job in Treasure Valley area in Idaho!!!

I'll be starting up there December/January, will sell the house in CA late spring and buy a new one up there and move family up after school ends next May. I'll be commuting back and forth as need be until we sell.

Taking a decemt pay cut but can't put a price on freedom, happiness, health and sanity.

So stoked to get this place in my rear view.

If you have a CA CCW you should take the class to get an enhanced Idaho CWP while you are a CA resident. Otherwise you will have to be an Idaho resident for 6 months to get the enhanced permit. Of course you will be able to carry in Idaho without a permit, but you will not be exempt from the NICS background check and will not be able to carry in 40 states based on a single permit. Be prepared for a pleasant surprise when you discover how much lower Idaho DMV fees are than those in CA. Oh yes, you will also be able to remove the BBs from your ARs and will be able to walk out with any firearm you purchase without any waiting period and that includes a whole bunch of off roster pistols. Welcome to the Great State of Idaho.

[ABR]

Congrats OP!!

[DaveInOroValley]

You'll feel that oppressive weight of tyranny drop off your shoulders when Commiefornia is in the rear view mirror. Congratulations on the move and yes it will be worth it no matter what others here may say.

[nitroxdiver]

Congrats and welcome to Idaho and the expats subforum.

Start your suppressor buying process as soon as you get settled here. The longer you wait, the longer you’ll wait. Research what you want now, that way you can buy one and start the form 4 process as soon as you are settled.

You can’t throw a dead cat in the valley without it hitting the front door of a gun store. There are a TON of them. I’ve been here for 6 years and still haven’t visited them all in the greater TV. Many carry and deal in NFA items.

Great advice by baj475 above also on getting your Idaho ECWP.

[Senko]

Congratulations! Welcome to the TV. We relocated from the East Bay as well.

[scout II]

Welcome, and congratulations. We are East Bay Area expats too. You are going to ask yourself why you didn't move here sooner.

[hermosabeach]

Enjoy

[Barbastard]

Originally Posted by BAJ475

If you have a CA CCW you should take the class to get an enhanced Idaho CWP while you are a CA resident. Otherwise you will have to be an Idaho resident for 6 months to get the enhanced permit. Of course you will be able to carry in Idaho without a permit, but you will not be exempt from the NICS background check and will not be able to carry in 40 states based on a single permit. Be prepared for a pleasant surprise when you discover how much lower Idaho DMV fees are than those in CA. Oh yes, you will also be able to remove the BBs from your ARs and will be able to walk out with any firearm you purchase without any waiting period and that includes a whole bunch of off roster pistols. Welcome to the Great State of Idaho.

Great advice and thank you. Yes, have my CA CCW and Arizona as well. Current plans won't have me becoming official ID resident (won't have a permanent residence until then) until likely next May/June. From research I've done doesn't appear I can take the enhanced Idaho class anywhere but in Idaho. I'll plan on doing that early next year when I'm in the state before I buy.

Originally Posted by nitroxdiver

Congrats and welcome to Idaho and the expats subforum.

Start your suppressor buying process as soon as you get settled here. The longer you wait, the longer you’ll wait. Research what you want now, that way you can buy one and start the form 4 process as soon as you are settled.

You can’t throw a dead cat in the valley without it hitting the front door of a gun store. There are a TON of them. I’ve been here for 6 years and still haven’t visited them all in the greater TV. Many carry and deal in NFA items.

Great advice by baj475 above also on getting your Idaho ECWP.

That is definitely in the works!! Starting my application process will be one of the first things I do after we get into our new place.

To all others....thanks for all the well wishes and support. Was a hard decision to leave friends and family behind. But ultimately, this will be the best thing for our family. Wish we could get up there sooner but really don't want to take our son out mid school year. Besides...with me being up there for a 5-6 months before we move, it will let me do more recon on the area and see potential houses first hand. While giving us time to get the house ready for sale in CA.

Interest rates and house prices will be our biggest liabilities. Not too much we can do to manage them....just need to roll with it.

[mike.h]

Yup, congrats, I moved to Eagle the second week of August... Still getting settled, but I love it here, the people are friendly, and lots of new places to explore, a ton of new restaurants, and lots of churches to choose from and water.... lots of water... so much so, it runs down the street gutters in the morning, and water parks all over the place. There's one within walking distance from my house... the grandkids love it!

Some of the high schools have auto and wood shop... it's like stepping back in time.


And lots of Corvettes, Teslas, and old chevy pick ups with loud pipes. So glad I moved.... do I miss Commiefornia... no.

Got new plates on the vehicles, and I can't wait to get the new drivers license, because we all know what that means.

Oops, almost forgot, your AR doesn't need one of those goofy grips.

Did I mention that I love it here?!

[BAJ475]

Originally Posted by Barbastard

Great advice and thank you. Yes, have my CA CCW and Arizona as well. Current plans won't have me becoming official ID resident (won't have a permanent residence until then) until likely next May/June. From research I've done doesn't appear I can take the enhanced Idaho class anywhere but in Idaho. I'll plan on doing that early next year when I'm in the state before I buy.

That is definitely in the works!! Starting my application process will be one of the first things I do after we get into our new place.

To all others....thanks for all the well wishes and support. Was a hard decision to leave friends and family behind. But ultimately, this will be the best thing for our family. Wish we could get up there sooner but really don't want to take our son out mid school year. Besides...with me being up there for a 5-6 months before we move, it will let me do more recon on the area and see potential houses first hand. While giving us time to get the house ready for sale in CA.

Interest rates and house prices will be our biggest liabilities. Not too much we can do to manage them....just need to roll with it.

Yes, the classes are only taught in Idaho from what I understand. It's an 8hr class with a minimum of 98rnds live fire. With a CA CCW you can take the class and get an Enhanced Idaho CWP before you move to Idaho. That is what I did. Then when we moved to Idaho, it was merely changing the address on my Idaho CWP. You might also want to check with the Sheriffs in Klamath, Lake and Malheur counties to see if you can get an appoint to get an OR CPL.

[Rivers]

First, congratulations on seeing your CA exit in your near future. Light at the end of the tunnel!

Having recently (Jan 2021) made the move to the SE corner of the state, Allow me to make a suggestion. Probably the biggest change you're going to experience (outside of politics) is the weather. During the summer, not terribly different but since I don't think the Bay Area gets much snow, think about that. From your vehicle choices (2WD, 4WD, AWD, lift kits, tire selections, etc.) to even the slope of the driveway of a house you're considering buying. In hilly areas, during the winter with snow or ice, driving up the driveway in the morning can be wishful thinking, just like stopping at the bottom of an icy driveway before you hit your house. Our realtor commented about that with a property in which we expressed an interest. Get a good realtor. Ours saved us hundreds of thousands of dollars and found a place that wasn't even on the MLS when we were looking. While the snow is still in abundance, drive all around the area to see what's tolerable for you. We ended up well outside Idaho Falls but only an easy 10-12 minute drive away. We got lower property taxes (different county), property we can shoot on, more acreage, and fewer neighbors. Just keep an open mind, follow your gut feelings and listen to your realtor.

[Barbastard]

Originally Posted by mike.h

Yup, congrats, I moved to Eagle the second week of August... Still getting settled, but I love it here, the people are friendly, and lots of new places to explore, a ton of new restaurants, and lots of churches to choose from and water.... lots of water... so much so, it runs down the street gutters in the morning, and water parks all over the place. There's one within walking distance from my house... the grandkids love it!

Some of the high schools have auto and wood shop... it's like stepping back in time.


And lots of Corvettes, Teslas, and old chevy pick ups with loud pipes. So glad I moved.... do I miss Commiefornia... no.

Got new plates on the vehicles, and I can't wait to get the new drivers license, because we all know what that means.

Oops, almost forgot, your AR doesn't need one of those goofy grips.

Did I mention that I love it here?!

Congrats on your recent move. I've checked out Eagle and it's a super nice area. It's on the list of places we are considering.

Originally Posted by BAJ475

Yes, the classes are only taught in Idaho from what I understand. It's an 8hr class with a minimum of 98rnds live fire. With a CA CCW you can take the class and get an Enhanced Idaho CWP before you move to Idaho. That is what I did. Then when we moved to Idaho, it was merely changing the address on my Idaho CWP. You might also want to check with the Sheriffs in Klamath, Lake and Malheur counties to see if you can get an appoint to get an OR CPL.

Again..great advice. I'll absolutely plan on taking the classes when I'm up there early next year in my temp housing. Won't have anything else to do other than work, go to the gym and check out the area.

Originally Posted by Rivers

First, congratulations on seeing your CA exit in your near future. Light at the end of the tunnel!

Having recently (Jan 2021) made the move to the SE corner of the state, Allow me to make a suggestion. Probably the biggest change you're going to experience (outside of politics) is the weather. During the summer, not terribly different but since I don't think the Bay Area gets much snow, think about that. From your vehicle choices (2WD, 4WD, AWD, lift kits, tire selections, etc.) to even the slope of the driveway of a house you're considering buying. In hilly areas, during the winter with snow or ice, driving up the driveway in the morning can be wishful thinking, just like stopping at the bottom of an icy driveway before you hit your house. Our realtor commented about that with a property in which we expressed an interest. Get a good realtor. Ours saved us hundreds of thousands of dollars and found a place that wasn't even on the MLS when we were looking. While the snow is still in abundance, drive all around the area to see what's tolerable for you. We ended up well outside Idaho Falls but only an easy 10-12 minute drive away. We got lower property taxes (different county), property we can shoot on, more acreage, and fewer neighbors. Just keep an open mind, follow your gut feelings and listen to your realtor.

Good advice. Thank you and congrats on your move. All my vehicles except for 1 are 4x4 and have a lot of experience wheeling and driving in snow/ice. Can't wait to get up there and out of CA. Going to be a very busy next 10 months until we get fully out of CA and into a house up there but I know it will go by very fast.

[ACfixer]

I crossed the Colorado River on I-40 and felt like 1,000 lbs were lifted from my back, you'll feel the same when that U-haul leaves the state. Congrats!

[Sutcliffe]

You will do just fine.

My biggest wtf moment when visiting was teens in the labor force. You haven’t seen that in CA for decades.

I commuted 14 months before finally retiring. It was that bad as Lockdowns made plane trips cheap and easy.

Check out ‘Valley Custom Moving’.

They are local, vet owned movers that were cheaper than renting a Uhaul.

[kustomkat1950]

Just remember you are a political refugee from a communist state!!

[Barbastard]

Well....this move is getting real.

I accepted my new job back in early September and for a multitude of reasons needed to wait until after 11/1 to give notice. Finally dropping the news tomorrow...should go over really well.

Still on track for me to start up there after the first of the year, buying a house late spring time and moving the family up in June.

Hardest decision of my life, but know I'm making the right move.

[kwsr166]

Welcome, you will not regret coming here. December will be two years for us in Eagle. This place is like stepping back in time. Like others have mentioned, you will see a lot of cool cars you haven't seen in ages, saw a cherry Chevy Luv last year. There are lots of good family owned restaurants and be prepared, everything here starts with a conversation, even the 16 yr old working the drive up window at Dutch Brothers is going to chat you up before taking your order! It truly is a beautiful place!

[Sutcliffe]

A year of packing, purging and long road trips landed us in TV and we have no regrets.

Shoot, Idaho was not even our first choice of retirement states. We had such high hopes for WallaWalla/Eastern WA that just didn’t pan out. Stumbled into Moscow, ID and fell in love.

Put yourself out there and you will see how awesome the people are here.
Of course, most are Californians.

[-hanko]

Originally Posted by Sutcliffe

A year of packing, purging and long road trips landed us in TV and we have no regrets.

Shoot, Idaho was not even our first choice of retirement states. We had such high hopes for WallaWalla/Eastern WA that just didn’t pan out. Stumbled into Moscow, ID and fell in love.

Put yourself out there and you will see how awesome the people are here.
Of course, most are Californians.

I'd disagree about the Californians...they're primarily Republicans, but most of those moving into the Boise area are from other parts of Idaho.

[Rotnguns]

Originally Posted by Sutcliffe

A year of packing, purging and long road trips landed us in TV and we have no regrets.

Shoot, Idaho was not even our first choice of retirement states. We had such high hopes for WallaWalla/Eastern WA that just didn’t pan out. Stumbled into Moscow, ID and fell in love.

Put yourself out there and you will see how awesome the people are here.
Of course, most are Californians.

I worked for the Corps of Engineers in Walla Walla for a summer - unbelievably hot in the summer, but great sweet onions that you can eat like apples. Milton-Freewater, nearby, is a Seventh Day Adventist community where everything is open on Sunday. Moscow is a great student town - got my engineering education there. Moscow's small-town character emerges in the summer when most of the students leave. Believe it or not, Moscow had artesian wells in the early 1900s - now they have a groundwater crisis.

[Senko]

OP know that prior to the move it is normal to question changing to the unknown.
We moved here two years ago this month and wish we could have moved here long ago. It is a great place to raise kids.

We knew we wanted out of CA and had been considering the Reno area. Put our home up for sale and drove to Boise to check it out while the agent tried to sell our house. As we drove into Boise my wife said this is where she wanted to live. We were in escrow on a Meridian house the next week.

Now we really don't like to go to CA at all. We have kids in San Diego and N CA still so we suck it up, but both of us can't wait to get back to Idaho.

Best of luck with your move and new job. Welcome to Idaho!

[Loaded_Potato]

Congrats, OP! We've been in the TV since August. Like you, it was one of the hardest decisions we have had to make. Tons of sacrifice including leaving behind all our friends and family. Living out of CA is truly a breath of fresh air though and you will not regret it.

I had tons of help from members on this thread that helped answer the many questions I had before moving. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Once you get settled give me a holler, I'm in Meridian.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[Barbastard]

Again....thanks to all for the great posts, support and feedback. Very helpful and reassuring.

Notice was given Monday....went about as well as I thought. They were unhappy, sad and shocked (shouldn't have been surprised....my boss knew how I've felt about CA). So relieved to have this portion behind me.

I'm on track to start at my new job after the 1st of the year and move the family up after school ends in June.

More updates to come!!!

[bigbossman]

Meet me at Sully's in Star when you're in town, and the 1st beer is on me.

[ACfixer]

Barbastard - This was the toughest decision I have made in my life as well and I applaud those willing to follow through with it, it's not to be taken lightly. There will probably be times when you feel really out of place when you get there... it will fade, it takes about a year. I don't mean to suggest you will have regrets or homesickness really, but if you are like me, well I was a Californian through and through and I left a lot of memories and contacts behind. It was the one thing that caught me a little off guard, you know when I got here I didn't have an auto mechanic, a lawn guy, a banker, insurance agent, people you really take for granted. You'll figure it out.

Some people here have expressed this, others say not a second thought, but be ready to be there for your wife and family. Be ready to buy some airline tickets and make a few trips if need be. I've sent Carrie back 4 times I think in 2.5 years, she loves it here now but it almost cost a relationship a couple times in the first year. I hope your wife has an easier time with it, but just be prepared. FWIW - Carrie can't stand going back there anymore. She gets it now.

I wish you the very best, reach out to our CG brethren in the area.

[kwsr166]

Like @ACfixer says, there are some things you're going to miss and you took for granted, like good Mexican on every corner! For me, I hated leaving my dentist, primary Dr and our Church Pastor was solid. I had been going to my Church for 15 years, dentist for 25 years and my Dr for close to 34 years! Course all of them were older and with COVID, they all retired in Dec of 20' so I woulda been searching for new ones anyway. GL, the positives will out weigh any negatives.

[mojo goat]

Count yourself smart and fortunate as you are leaving the downward spiral of the state before you cannot escape it. The election results suggest the conservatives will not be able to stop or slow the progressive damage that will eventully spread to the other states.

[GlockN'Roll]

Originally Posted by Barbastard

So stoked to get this place in my rear view.

[Rotnguns]

Originally Posted by kwsr166

Like @ACfixer says, there are some things you're going to miss and you took for granted, like good Mexican on every corner! For me, I hated leaving my dentist, primary Dr and our Church Pastor was solid. I had been going to my Church for 15 years, dentist for 25 years and my Dr for close to 34 years! Course all of them were older and with COVID, they all retired in Dec of 20' so I woulda been searching for new ones anyway. GL, the positives will out weigh any negatives.

I always thought Nampa and Caldwell had pretty good Mexican. Also, Andrade's in Boise seems authentic (not so much tex-mex).

[nitroxdiver]

Originally Posted by Rotnguns

I always thought Nampa and Caldwell had pretty good Mexican. Also, Andrade's in Boise seems authentic (not so much tex-mex).

Hands down absolute best taqueria style mexican food i’ve found in the greater treasure valley is Taqueria sol de Jalisco in Garden City. Chinden and Glenwood. Ironically right next to a taco bell

[Senko]

I have been very impressed with the medical care in Meridian and Boise. Moved from the bay area. Having used the medical services in the east bay and Palo Alto along with UCSF Benioff children's hospital. Setting aside UCSF that happens to have the best pediatric specialty for one of my kids west of the Mississippi.

The services, facilities and time to be seen have been equal to or better here. In my case, a bay area PC and specialist completely misdiagnosed a debilitating issue that was correctly diagnosed by a new primary care provider in the first few minutes of my appointment in Meridian.

Ironic that I never go to the doctor except when I had to just prior to leaving CA. Since coming to the TV I've been to a great primary care provider, dermatologist for sun damage, arthritis specialist, and just had my hip replaced four days ago.

[bigbossman]

Originally Posted by Senko

Ironic that I never go to the doctor except when I had to just prior to leaving CA. Since coming to the TV I've been to a great primary care provider, dermatologist for sun damage, arthritis specialist, and just had my hip replaced four days ago.

If your GP is taking new patients, I'd love to get their name. That is the last piece of the puzzle for me, finding a good doctor.

[Senko]

Originally Posted by bigbossman

If your GP is taking new patients, I'd love to get their name. That is the last piece of the puzzle for me, finding a good doctor.

PM'd you

[Fate]

Welcome!

[GW]

It's gonna be a bit nippy when you start up there but as has been said. If you make it through your first winter, you'll never leave.

Good luck! You're doing the right thing.

[Barbastard]

Well....last day at work is next Friday (12/23). Was able to negotiate getting my full bonus for this year and some other pretty significant financial perks all for agreeing to stay on for 6 weeks after I gave notice to help them transition and wrap up things.

I leave for Boise sometime Jan 4-6, first day at new gig is 1/9. Company got me set up in a really sweet fully furnished 2 bedroom apartment on the east side of Boise. New chapter starts then!!!

[nikonmike5]

Congratulations