A conservative Mexican family moved from California for Idaho but decided to return due to difficulties in “adapting”, facing “judgmental attitudes” and gossip.
Their story resonated with many, highlighting the challenges in conservative states. However, people also mocked the family for moving to the red state.
Despite the appeal of Idaho’s values and lifestyle, rising home prices are making them less affordable. Between 2021 and 2022, Idaho was one of the top relocation options for Californians, impacting population trends.
Conservative Latino family reveals regret about moving from California to Idaho
On a TikTok video gaining traction, a conservative Mexican family shared their experience of moving from California to Idaho for political reasons, only to decide to return to California.
“We decided after 3 years in Idaho that we would return home,” the family said. “We wanted to move to a conservative state, but we realized what it would mean to adapt.”
They continued, “That would mean we would need to be judgmental. We would need to gossip about others. Make our children forget how to say please and thank you. Talk badly about new people who moved here in search of a better life.”
Explaining why they initially moved from California, they said, “They left California because of politics, but they forgot that there are other types of politics to consider…”
The family’s confession was met with mixed reactions on social media
Many people agreed with the family’s story in the comments section of her post. One person mentioned, “I moved to Idaho a few years ago. I feel the same way. Honestly, we don’t talk to many people here. You’re right!”
Another commenter said: “I really wish I could move to California! I live in a very conservative state and I absolutely hate it.”
A third person added: “I’m so sorry!! I moved from Cali 11 years ago and I still go through that.”
However, some X users criticized the family for choosing to move to the red state.
Someone wrote: “The video was so nasty and flashy. Conservative content creators are my least favorite.
Another questioned: “Wait, so they [have] lived under the illusion of inclusion, and then Idaho reminded them that [are] isn’t it white?”
A third scoffed: “You guys want to be conservative so bad until you actually find racist conservatives who aren’t in California.”
Idaho has become a haven for conservative Californians
The Mexican family is one of many conservative Californians who left the Golden State for Idaho. Russell Petti, a 70-year-old lawyer who moved from La Cañada, Calif., to Twin Falls, Idaho, a few months ago, marveled at how pleasant everything was.
“It’s absolutely wonderful,” said Petti The Independent. “It really is. On the one hand, the people are extremely nice and polite. It’s like going back to a different time.”
He compared his experience to Mayberry, the idyllic small town from the 1960s Andy Griffith Show. “For a while, I thought they were fooling me,” he added.
Another Californian, 55-year-old Brendan Kirkpatrick, dissatisfied with California politics, moved to Idaho. He was particularly concerned about the state’s handling of immigration and homelessness, which, in his opinion, meant a decline in law and order.
Additionally, Kirkpatrick appreciated Idaho’s relaxed approach to mask mandates and Covid-19 regulations. “It’s a mix of all of that,” he said. “I don’t think it’s anything.”
Migrants from California, Oregon and Washington who move to the Gem State are called ‘the cows’
The migration of people from the West Coast to Idaho has become so common that they are nicknamed “The Cows” (California, Oregon, Washington) in the Gem State, for The Independent.
John L. Scott Boise Realtor Jason Krafsky shared with the publication that he moved from Seattle to Idaho in 2021 during the pandemic, drawn by real estate opportunities, and has since helped several West Coasters relocate.
“I would say probably 70% of the people we know are from California and have moved within the last five to six years,” Krafsky noted.
The real estate agent shared that clients and new friends feel like the California, Seattle, or Portland they knew has changed. The reasons for the change are not just political; The economic impacts of the pandemic also played a significant role.
“It’s mixed into the cake,” Krafsky added. “I don’t know anyone who says ‘it’s over’, for completely political reasons.”
Idaho real estate market becomes one of the most overvalued after influx of newcomers
Between 2021 and 2022, Idaho ranked among the top five destinations for moving Californians, significantly impacting California’s overall population trends.
“They moved here because their values match those here,” said Nicholas Contos, chairman of the Bonneville County Republican Party in Idaho. The Independent.
However, the cost of living in Idaho has become less attractive as the influx of newcomers has driven up home prices.
As of mid-2023, Idaho is one of the most overvalued housing markets in the country, although prices have begun to decline since the pandemic peak.
“The real estate market is booming here,” said former Californian Brendan Kirkpatrick. “I couldn’t afford it if I left a week ago to sell my house in Southern California and move here.”
