West Coast exodus drives surprising political effect in red state, and it's not a liberal shift

  • 📰 FoxNews
  • ⏱ Reading Time:
  • 88 sec. here
  • 3 min. at publisher
  • 📊 Quality Score:
  • News: 39%
  • Publisher: 87%

United States Headlines News

United States Latest News,United States Headlines

As California, Washington and Oregon families flock to Idaho, many locals fear their new neighbors will change the culture — and politics — of their state.

This story is the third in a series examining the mass-migration of West Coast residents to Idaho. Read parts one and two.

Idaho — A snarky saying appeared on local bumper stickers in the early 1990s as droves of Californians moved to North Idaho: 'Welcome to Idaho. Now go home.' The 'Don’t California my Idaho' sentiment remains alive and well 30 years later as tens of thousands of West Coast residents seek refuge in the Gem State. Recent transplants can be some of the fiercest critics of new residents. 'As soon as we signed the mortgage, we’re like, ‘That’s it. No more Oregonians.

Educating potential movers about the state's culture has become part of the job for Horst, who runs a podcast and YouTube channel called Residing in North Idaho. 'We get some pushback from locals and people that don't want others moving here,' Horst said. 'But not a secret anymore. … What's important right now is that people are educated because we want the right people moving here.

People born in Idaho are getting priced out of their hometowns, said Daniel Hanson, whose family has lived in the Sandpoint area for more than 100 years. He and his wife built an approximately $500,000 home on a small parcel in 2000. Their latest tax assessment values the home at $1.3 million, he said. 'It's unaffordable,' Hanson told Fox News. 'I fear for my children being able to afford a home remotely close to our area.' Grimm hopes a surge in new inventory will help.

And as some lifetime residents bristle at the rapid growth, Omodt said he hopes the 'newcomers and the old-timers alike' can work together to preserve the quality of life he experienced growing up. 'People struggle when the field next door to them turns into houses,' he said. 'But that's also brought jobs.

 

Thank you for your comment. Your comment will be published after being reviewed.
Please try again later.
We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

 /  🏆 9. in US

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

8 North Coast adventures from California’s Redwood Coast to Southern OregonFrom towering redwoods to dramatic rocky coastline, the remote stretch along the California-Oregon border offers a spectacular escape from civilization. Here are eight must-see stops along the way.
Source: sdut - 🏆 5. / 95 Read more »

These 36 states are better to live in than California, new report showsCalifornia was the one of the lowest-ranking states on the West Coast.
Source: FOXLA - 🏆 445. / 53 Read more »

New study puts California in bottom 15 of ‘Best States to Live in’California was the one of the lowest-ranking states on the West Coast.
Source: KTVU - 🏆 465. / 53 Read more »

Annual Washington Coast Cleanup looking for volunteers ahead of Earth DayThe Washington Coast Cleanup is held every year on the Saturday before Earth Day. This year it's Saturday, April 22.
Source: Mynorthwest - 🏆 438. / 53 Read more »

Former Ohio State football receiver transferring to west coast ACC teamAn Ohio State football receiver is transferring to a former Pac-12 team after two seasons.
Source: clevelanddotcom - 🏆 301. / 63 Read more »

Cease-fire protesters block Brooklyn and Golden Gate bridges in coast-to-coast demonstrationsThe protests came after top Democrats expressed their support for Israel following Iran’s missile and drone attacks on the country over the weekend.
Source: politico - 🏆 381. / 59 Read more »