friendly in idaho

Every so often I read about something that helps me to look at the world in slightly less jaded glasses. Here is one such example...

In Idaho, a state trooper was shot while stopping an armed robbery suspect. Doctors are suspecting that he will never walk again. His community has decided to help him out by building his house (which he had just contracted) free of charge, and making it wheelchair accessible for him.

It's interesting, because people don't often consider these types of caring community efforts when choosing a place to call home, but I believe that they should. It's well known that smaller towns tend to stick together, but I have also heard that some small towns can be brutal on newcomers and that it takes time to become "one of the gang".

But there are still lots of areas in this country that still harbor this sense of community and caring for one another's neighbors. And, they aren't just small towns. The sad part is that people think of cities in these once "country" or "remote" areas to be somehow less developed, but the smart movers out there who want to live in big cities will discover that these are the hidden gems. You don't have to be in a metropolis like Los Angeles or New York to get big city living, and you don't have to give up those caring community neighbors, either. There are lots of metropolitan areas that still offer more entertainment, less crime, and more affordable housing than their megalopolis brethren.

Since I mentioned Idaho, let's talk about Boise. We're talking more than potatoes here. With an average median house cost of only $120k (per 2000 census), but an average income of $42k, Boise is one shining example of a place that still offers big city salaries coupled with affordable housing - a win-win for those of you who complain that you can't figure out how to put any money into savings. Check out the Boise MLS listings if you don't believe me. A quick search for local scenery on the net and you will discover the fountains and mountains that may not have naturally popped into your head when you thought,"Idaho?" But they do exist. And those of you don't enjoy the bugs and mildew that go hand-in-hand with high humidity will find Boise to be a cool wind of change.

The great migration is on, and overcrowded city dwellers from all around the country are in search of the next hot, but not too hot spot. Just like the Californians made their move to Seattle, Portland and Denver in search of a better quality of life in a less bogged down city, today people are looking at cities like Boise, Omaha, and Bentonville. And why not? Each offers the thoughtfulness and caring of a big city that remembers its small town roots, while retaining a strong offering on the latest and greatest metropolitan amenities.

City living, big or small, isn't for everyone, but one thing is for certain - not all cities were built alike. Pick the one that's right for you and your family.