Pros and Cons of Western Idaho for Retirement (from San Diego)

[codypaint77]

Snow and cold

If you are looking at Idaho, once again realize it snows here. The growing season differs throughout the state.

Here in Athol during the winter it got -9 at night. Day temps vary. Snow is about 5 feet cumulative, 2 feet is on the ground at most times. I get by with a Yamaha grizzly w/ snowplow.

I love the cloud cover. I like snow and cold. To each is own.

[Unbekannt]

Californians have no idea of how cold Idaho can get. If you are planning to relocate, don't monitor the weather reports, go there between late Nov. and mid-March. Spend some time there in that wind and then you tell us.

[Brother_Hesekiel]

I have 10 years of full time work ahead of me and still a $3,176.19 mortgage, so I don't know if I will be able to retire in California. My # 1 on my to-go list is Asheville, NC. Our daughter lives there, and the climate is great (a bit more humid in the summer, a bit colder in the winter), and the landscape is beautiful. There are more nice places in NC, and in TN as well.

TX sounds good due to low property prices, but not all in Texas is great. My mother in law lives in Coeur 'd Alene and the only thing I like about the place is the name.

[kmas]

You will probably be in shock after the initial "rush" of moving.
Of course if you've family & friends there ....

[Sinister_1]

Pro: Step siblings live there

Con: MIL lives there

[pdq_wizzard]

Californians have no idea of how cold Idaho can get. If you are planning to relocate, don't monitor the weather reports, go there between late Nov. and mid-March. Spend some time there in that wind and then you tell us.

Yeah, don't forget the wind. It seems strange when it's calm outside.

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[Rivers]

Also being in SD and very familiar with Northern CA, if you like the weather in Julian in SD county, or Placerville east of Sacto., check out Arizona's Prescott / Prescott Valley / Chino Valley / Cottonwood areas. You get a light amount of snow in the winter, low humidity, about 5,000 foot elevation, and great shooting. There are lots of things to investigate so make friends with the Prescott Chapter of CG'ers!

AND.... Unlike CA, you can buy a gun and take it home in the SAME DAY!

[traveler1952]

Be a Snow Bird like we are.
Love the area, not spending winters here. The trees are already starting to change.
We did have one hot week this years.
The wind blows a lot here. Even in spring and summer.
The people are some of the nicest.

[God Bless America]

Also being in SD and very familiar with Northern CA, if you like the weather in Julian in SD county, or Placerville east of Sacto., check out Arizona's Prescott / Prescott Valley / Chino Valley / Cottonwood areas.

And prices reflect the clement weather.

[God Bless America]

^^^ Hahaha

I know exactly what is going on here...

[MaHoTex]

Yes, but I have to make sure to point it out for the slower folks among us.

[nstoolman1]

We moved up here in the winter of 16. (Their version of Snowmaggedon). Rented a house a little north of Boise in Hidden Springs. Found out real fast what a snow shovel and a push broom can do. Got very good at it. When it wasn't snowing real hard I would be able to get my driveway, sidewalk, neighbors drive and sidewalk and some of the street. Last year was a very easy winter. Snowed three times and lasted a week. The new house we had had built has a driveway that feels like an acre when removing the snow. That is where the snow blower comes in handy. Me and another guy split the cul-de-sac and we blow all the driveways and walks for the people that have to work. I would not move back to California for anything. The wind blows, living on a raised foundation is different and people that live next to you actually want to help when needed. We have meet more people and have more social contact with our neighbors up here than we ever did in Southern Calif.

[swruger]

Idaho is nice, but winters are grey. Spend two winter months before you decide.