My state newspaper recently posted an article about why Idahoans hate Californians. It was a broad statement that didn't actually make a solid argument. It is an interesting back and forth article that touches on some valid points but brushes them off like they don't matter.
The jist of it is that people don't have valid reasons but if they did they would fall into these strict parameters. Now if you want to go and read the article here's the link: http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/article164420672.html
But I don't think a lot of what it said was valid. It isn't an old mixing with new. It isn't liberals verses conservatives. It's how people act. Idaho is laid back. Mild tempers and calm personalities. California is the exact opposite. Here are my full thoughts on the topic, and really I don't have many grievances against Californians. But the ones I do have don't seem to have a chance at resolving anytime soon.
So let me explain something. I am a young Idaho liberal. And these are the issues I have with some Californians that come here. I can't say I hate them as I'm good friends with one. However when he moved up here, he shed the California skin and went full blown Idaho in as many respects as he could. When we first met he was still driving like a psychopath. But that's changed over the years. He's adopted our laid back style and will even stop and let cross traffic in now.
So here are my real issues, and there aren't really that many. Driving. Please read this and listen. You do NOT have to drive like an aggressive asshole. You aren't that important. Everyone else on the road has a life and family too. You do not need to be aggressive and speed. Come on the speed limit here is 80!!! And in the cities and towns just go slow! Appreciate that you don't need to rush. Getting somewhere all of two minutes earlier will not be a life or death situation. Trust me. Go slow, let the cross traffic turn first, let a couple cars in off of the off ramp. It will be okay. Now my second point, which I have discussed with many people (including Californians) and they all agree. I just happen to be meeting the wrong type of Californian. A lot of the ones that come here are....very fake seeming. At least the ones I run into. They are the exact definition of a fake person you see in a movie. Nice and sweet to your face, but talk behind your back. Vapid and self obsessed. Only caring about themselves and what they can get out of your friendship. I know all Californians aren't like this. I've met some good Californians in California. I wish some of those would move here, they would make a great influx to the community. This bit is just a personal experience. I met one who I did have a type of friendship with. But it was a bizarre friendship and I recall one issue was she stated she was from "the Bay Area" like that should impress me. Or even mean something. I had no clue what that even meant. She was annoyed and even laughed a bit as if I was so cute and simple minded for not knowing. But here's the thing when I went down to "the Bay Area" with her for a visit. They were all like that. It was a bit insane but I think only one of the group we were with wasn't a complete douchebag. So to the Californians that come to Idaho. Don't act like that. Smile at strangers. Say hi in the grocery line. Offer to help someone struggling on the street to carry something. Be nice. Don't be closed off. Don't act like the world and us Idahoans owe you something for being allowed in your presence.
Now my final California grievance. I suppose this plays in the whole housing market/blaming you all for us not being able to buy houses. But not that specific. Here's my hope. Please stop coming here and putting in things like the village in Meridian. At least two more of those types of structures are slated to be built. Just stop. This isn't California. The average person here doesn't have the money to go waste at a shitty California knock off place like that. It does make me irrational angry because that's gone up and now local places (yes that could have closed anyways) are put in a tight spot. The original mall is being gutted as they all want to move there. The strip mall is a literal ghost town. It's just sad. Please don't turn Idaho into a new California. That's all I ask. Just be nice. Idaho isn't like the rest of the country in many aspects. We would like to try and preserve some aspects and continue to move forward. ❤️❤️❤️
Idaho is beautiful... we have been there too. People from are leaving and moving all over and I think they need to adapt to where ever they go, maybe with time.
Yeah! And I think a lot of idahoians don't give them enough time. I try and be patient.
I'm from California and I see this post was written 8 months ago and it's an interesting read on your take. First I have been to your great state many times over the last 10 years. My father left California and moved to Idaho. And my sister and her family moved there soon after. So I visit atleast once or twice a year. I hear what you are saying and I'm conservative.
Let me tell you, we have the same issues with "Bay Area" people. I live in the central valley and bay area people have a very high opinion of themselves. Granted I respect people being proud of where there from, kind of like Boise residents. Town pride is a good thing. Bay area people take it to a whole different level. It's like a know it all superior attitude that is off putting. So it's not just you who gets that.
Also on my last visit. Eagle ave is a freaking nightmare! I remember when my dad took me by the Village when they had just started breaking ground. Now to see it, it's kind of depressing. The reason I would like to move there is NOT for things like the Village and massive shopping centers. And to see Boise town square mall dying is pretty sad. I love that place. And I love Downtown Boise. That is what makes it for me. I once wanted to move to Meridian, but not anymore.
Now housing/ real estate. When my dad moved up there its was during the housing boom of the early 2000s. The real estate agents up there were really pushing owners of farmland to sub-divide and "put up listing on the internet" to make lots of money. I'm seeing the same thing once again. I see so much farm land being eaten up by urban sprawl and it breaks my heart. As I was from a farming family, to see Boise,Meridian, Nampa , Caldwell all become one mass metro, it hurts because I have seen when those towns were separated. And now that I have become able to be considering a move, the price of housing and land has skyrocketed. I live in Fresno and houses in The treasure valley are the same and if not higher than here.
I'm sad to say that I believe that at least the Treasure Valley is lost. I know people there and from what I've been told the problem is that your elected officials and government bureaucrats have learned the "California way". Keep developing to bring in more tax revenue , spend the extra revenue on pet projects , but to keep all the new projects funded, you have to develop more housing and commercial to bring in more revenue. See how it's a viscous cycle? Things are good now, but wait until there is a small downturn in the economy. That's when things get hairy.
Us as Californians , we live this every day. That's why you see the influx. But I just wish when they do move to Idaho, to become Idahoans! Leave the California behind.
Best of luck and keep the gem state a great place until I get there! You won't get no California from me.
I've never been there but I understand your point and just can agree with it.
I hope they change their minds and stop ruining your beautiful country and let it be as it is.
Greetings from
Thank you! It's just so different here than California.
meep
I truly love and respect you. 😝😝😝😝
meep
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