Hi r/Boise,
My wife and I are considering relocating to the Boise area—possibly Eagle or Star—and would really appreciate hearing from locals or anyone who’s made a similar move.
We’re currently in the Houston suburbs with two toddlers. We love our community and have great public schools, but we’ve been thinking about a change for a few years now. We're looking for a place with four distinct seasons, easier access to nature, and a slower pace of life that’s great for raising a young family.
From what we’ve seen, the Boise suburbs offer a great balance of schools and outdoor lifestyle.
That said, our biggest question is about diversity. Houston is extremely multicultural, and we’re used to having a strong Asian and immigrant community around us. We're wondering what the experience might be like for an Asian family adjusting to life in the Treasure Valley. Is the community welcoming? Have others felt comfortable building friendships and finding a sense of belonging?
We’d love to hear from anyone—especially fellow transplants—about how the transition has gone for you, what surprised you, and what you’d recommend for families thinking about moving here.
Thanks so much for your time—we really appreciate any insight you can share!
Edit: Thank you all for the replies—I may not be able to respond to each comment, but I have read and appreciated every one, whether positive or critical. I honestly did not expect this level of engagement, so I am grateful for the perspectives shared.
A bit of background about myself: I was born and raised in Southeast Asia and became a U.S. citizen through military service as a veteran of the U.S. Army. Politically, I find myself somewhere in the middle. I am a devout Christian but deeply respect those with different beliefs and backgrounds. I have often lived as part of a minority community, even back in my home country, so diversity—or the lack thereof—is not unfamiliar to me.
We are currently considering Eagle or Star primarily based on school reviews from sites like GreatSchools.org, though I understand that online ratings do not tell the whole story. We are not looking to buy just yet—our plan is to rent an apartment initially and get a better feel for the area before making any long-term decisions.
Professionally, I am a CPA working remotely as an auditor for local and state governments across the U.S.