Idaho has recently gained popularity as a vacation spot for Californians seeking a change of scenery. Idaho ranked second to Texas in popularity among Californians migrating out of the state in 2020, according to a poll by United Van Lines. What is it about Idaho that Californians find so appealing, then?
The cost of living is one of the key factors influencing this movement. California is renowned for having a high cost of living due to its exorbitant housing costs and hefty taxes. Idaho, on the other hand, provides a far more affordable way of life with reduced housing costs and no state income tax. For retirees trying to stretch their retirement resources farther, this may be very enticing.
Idaho also offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Idaho is a paradise for hikers, skiers, hunters, and fishermen thanks to its enormous areas of forests, mountains, and lakes. Idaho’s natural beauty and the chance to lead an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle appeal to a lot of Californians.
There are some areas in Idaho that you might not want to live in because not all of them are made equally. For instance, Caldwell, New Jersey, has a high crime rate and is sometimes not the best area to live. On the other hand, places like Boise and Coeur d’Alene are renowned for their excellent standards of living, cleanliness, and safety.
So, would you recommend retiring in Idaho? The reply is “yes” for a lot of people. Idaho offers a strong feeling of community, a slower pace of life, as well as affordable housing and outdoor leisure options. Idaho may provide the ideal balance of tranquility, scenic beauty, and social interactions for retirees seeking to escape the rush of big city living.
Last but not least, you could be asking why if you’re a Californian who has moved to Idaho and discover that you owe Idaho state taxes. It’s vital to remember that California does not tax Social Security benefits, whereas Idaho has a state income tax. Therefore, if you moved to Idaho and are now getting Social Security benefits, you may need to pay state taxes on that income. It’s always a good idea to speak with a tax expert to make sure you comprehend your tax responsibilities in your new state.
In conclusion, there are a variety of factors driving Californians to relocate to Idaho, including the state’s reduced cost of living and its wealth of outdoor leisure options. Idaho offers a high quality of life overall and may be an excellent spot to contemplate retiring, despite some less favorable sections of the state. Furthermore, it’s crucial to comprehend the tax regulations in your new state if you recently relocated from California to Idaho and discover that you still owe state taxes.