The #1 Mistake People Make When Moving to Idaho (And How to Avoid It)

Thinking of Moving to Idaho? Avoid This Common Mistake!

If you’re considering moving to Idaho—especially the Boise metro area—there’s one major mistake that I see people make over and over again. As someone who moved from San Diego to Boise and now helps families relocate here every week, I’m pulling back the curtain to help you avoid it.

Hi, I’m Curtis Chism, a real estate agent who specializes in helping relocation buyers move to Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley. Whether you’re relocating from California, Washington, or elsewhere, this blog post will give you a realistic view of Idaho living—and how to make your move a smooth one.

❄️ Idaho Weather: What You Didn’t Expect

One of the first surprises for many new residents is the Idaho climate, especially if you’re used to warm, sunny weather year-round.

Winters in Boise

Compared to Southern California, winters in Boise feel downright frigid. While we don’t see the sub-zero temps of the Midwest, daily lows in the 20s and even single digits aren’t unusual. It’s a sharp contrast to the sunny 70s of San Diego or Los Angeles.

But the real kicker? The inversion.
The Boise area sits in a bowl called the Treasure Valley, which can trap cold air and clouds. For days—or even weeks—you might not see the sun. These gloomy stretches are a real mood-killer for people who aren’t prepared for it.

💡 Tip: Plan a mid-winter getaway or be sure to get above the clouds into the mountains when the inversion hits.

☀️ Idaho Summers: Hotter Than You Think

While the winters are cold, summers in Idaho bring the heat. Expect many days in the 90s, and don’t be shocked when it hits over 100°F. In fact, 111°F was the record high last year.

But don’t worry—there are tons of ways to cool off:

• Float the Boise River (cold, snow-fed, and super refreshing)

• Splash pads and public parks all over the Treasure Valley

• Roaring Springs Water Park in Meridian (a local favorite)

• Weekend getaways to mountain lakes like Redfish Lake near Stanley

Living in Idaho means embracing all four seasons—and learning how to enjoy each one.

🚗 Traffic in the Treasure Valley Is Growing Fast

One of the biggest changes locals have seen recently is increased traffic in Boise and surrounding suburbs. With more people moving here from out of state, infrastructure is struggling to keep up.

For example, a friend of mine used to commute from Caldwell to downtown Boise in 35 minutes. Today? It takes over an hour.

While improvements like Highway 16 are underway to relieve congestion, it’s something to be aware of as you plan your move. Roads that were once country lanes are now major commuter routes.

🏘️ The #1 Mistake People Make When Moving to Idaho

Here it is:
They pick the wrong neighborhood... and end up moving again within 1–2 years.

Here’s how it usually goes:
Someone relocates to Boise or a nearby city like Meridian, Nampa, Eagle, Star, or Kuna. They fall in love with a home but don’t fully understand commute times, school locations, or lifestyle differences. A year later, they realize they’re in the wrong spot—and they’re back in the market.

This happens all the time.
Maybe you move to Kuna, but your kids go to school in North Meridian, and the 30-minute drive gets old. Or you buy in Nampa, but your community ends up being in Eagle.

Even my own family lives in Nampa, and our kids do a hybrid homeschool program in Meridian/Boise—we’ve considered moving too!

✅ Two Smart Ways to Avoid Regret

1. Rent First
   Not sure where to settle? Rent for 6 to 12 months and explore different neighborhoods before buying.

2. Use My “Love It or Leave It” Guarantee
   If you buy with me and realize within the first year that it’s not the right fit, I’ll sell your home for no listing-side commission when you buy another home with me.

🏡 Thinking About Moving to Boise?

I help families and individuals relocate to Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Caldwell, and beyond—95% of my buyer clients come from out of state.

Here’s how I make your move stress-free:

• Virtual home tours

• Remote inspections

• New Homeowner Orientations (NHO)

• Final walkthroughs

• Builder meetings—all handled for you

Even if you can’t visit Idaho in person before moving, I’ve got you covered.

📲 You can call, text, or email me—or schedule a time on my calendar below to talk about your move.

📍 Questions about golf course neighborhoods? Call or text Curtis Chism at (208) 510-0427
📩 Email: info@chismteam.com
📥 Download the FREE Boise Relocation Guide