For many longtime Bay Area homeowners thinking about their next chapter, staying in California isn’t the only option. Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley have become an increasingly interesting alternative for people looking for more space, a different pace of life, and housing options that can look very different from what they’re used to in Silicon Valley.
But moving to Idaho isn’t simply a matter of comparing home prices. Boise, Eagle, Star, Middleton, and Meridian each offer something different, from walkable neighborhoods and access to the Boise foothills to newer communities, larger lots, acreage, and custom homes. Understanding those differences is important when deciding whether the Treasure Valley could actually fit the lifestyle you have in mind.
I recently sat down with Boise REALTOR® Elise Wishlow to get a firsthand look at what California buyers are finding when they make the move. We talked about what they’re looking for, what homes cost in different parts of the valley, where buyers may have room to negotiate, and practical considerations such as commute times, hospitals, water, new construction, and the region’s continued growth.
We also toured several properties to see what different budgets can actually buy, from a character home in Boise’s North End to luxury construction in Eagle, acreage in Middleton, and a remarkable mid-century modern home overlooking Boise.
If you’re considering leaving California for retirement, downsizing, moving closer to family, or simply looking for a different lifestyle, Boise may be worth exploring. You don’t need to be ready to move today. Learning about the communities, costs, and tradeoffs now can help you decide whether the Treasure Valley belongs on your list when the time comes.
Sell As-Is. Sell Easy. Sell Smart!
From the Monterey Bay Wayback Machine
Watsonville Cannery Workers Begin 18-Month Strike (September 9, 1985)
About 1,000 mostly Latina workers walked off the job at Watsonville Canning and Frozen Food Co. after the company cut wages and benefits. The walkout began the Watsonville Cannery Strike, a labor struggle that continued for 18 months. Workers maintained picket lines despite financial hardship and company pressure. The strike became an important chapter in Central Coast labor history, highlighting the organizing power of women and Latino workers in the food-processing industry.
This Week in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County Urges Residents to Prepare for Strong El Niño
Santa Cruz County has released an updated safety guide to help residents prepare for a potentially strong El Niño this fall and winter. El Niño can increase the risk of heavy rain, flooding, landslides, large waves, and coastal erosion. However, officials caution that its effects vary and its connection to increased rainfall is less consistent in Central California than in Southern California.
The county is encouraging residents to prepare emergency plans and supplies, sign up for CruzAware alerts, learn their evacuation zones and clear gutters, drains and culverts before storms arrive. The guide also provides information on sandbag locations, road closures, power outages, flood warnings and evacuating pets and large animals.
Residents are also advised to avoid flooded roads, follow official emergency instructions and document property damage after storms. County officials emphasize that preparing early can help households respond more safely if severe winter weather develops.
SLV Senior Caregiver & Family Resource Fair
Date: Thursday, September 10
Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Highlands Park Senior & Community Center, 8500 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond
Plan for aging and caregiving at the free SLV Senior Caregiver & Family Resource Fair. Connect with local organizations offering guidance on housing, in-home care, health, legal planning, food assistance, financial resources, disaster preparedness, and more, all in one convenient place.
Capitola Art & Wine Festival
Date: Saturday, September 12
Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Location: Capitola Village, Esplanade, Capitola
Celebrate summer’s last hurrah at the 43rd Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival, set against the beautiful backdrop of Capitola Village. Browse works from more than 150 artists, sample wines from Santa Cruz Mountain wineries, and enjoy live music, dance, and street performances throughout the weekend.
125th Anniversary Celebration of Saint Andrew’s Church Ben Lomond
Date: Saturday, September 12
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 101 Riverside Avenue, Ben Lomond
Celebrate 125 years of the Little Red Church at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Ben Lomond. Explore historical displays, enjoy refreshments, and experience a special concert while learning more about the church’s long-standing place in the community.
Raise the Barn Farm Festival at Common Roots
Date: Saturday, September 12
Time: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Common Roots Farm, 301 GOLF CLUB DR, Santa Cruz
Celebrate the harvest season at Common Roots Farm with a fun day of live music, food trucks, kids’ activities, face painting, and fresh finds from the farm stand. Explore the farm, see the new barn taking shape, and learn how people of all abilities come together to grow food, flowers, and community.
Time to talk to a REALTOR?
Senior Friendly Homes in Silicon Valley South
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