*NGC* Idaho-Bound (Again!)

[Jim C]

I appreciate all the suggestions and comments related to my wife and
I moving to Coeur d'Alene, ID a few months ago. I found out that it
was 'too snowy' for her, so we looked at some other areas.

Meridian seems to be the place to go, as it's not as 'snobby' as Eagle
seems to be, based on the housing costs in Eagle versus anywhere else.
(My younger brother had a house 'built' in Eagle...Great Googly Moogly!!)

Can anyone recommend a decent builder in  the Treasure Valley area?
We're actually thinking of buying new, but when my parents were alive,
they got screwed by a builder in Oregon, so I'm really cautious.

Also, any opinions on the area, things to do, places to see, etc.?
Thanks for any input...

Jim

[oldbike54]

 Meridian is town of 75,000 , so they will have several building inspectors . I might try by buying a couple of the inspectors a beer and ask them who the good builders are . Good luck .

 Dusty

[Frulk]

I'm in this area quiet a bit during the summer although I'm no local. From my perspective if I was pulling up roots and moving here I would move out a little further then Meridian. I like the wine country out by Marsing and south of Caldwell. More open space and the cookie cutter housing developments on all that flat farmland by Meridian have yet to push that far out.  Leslie Gulch on the Oregon side is a very cool place to visit in the area (although a long drive on gravel). The Qwyhee River canyon just across the border in Oregon is a nice drive to the dam on pavement and the canyon.  If you trout fish and are there at the right time of year get a day license and try your luck for some huge brown trout. St. Chappelle vineyard and some others in that area are great for tastings year round and the Koenig Distillery/vineyard is worth a visit.  All are off Hwy 55 south towards Marsing. Boise has lots going for it and a number of attractions.

[Caffeineo]

The wife and I moved to Caldwell just over 3 years ago. Boise is really nice but too much traffic and too many people for our taste. IF.....you do look outside of the "big city" you will find housing is much cheaper or you get much more for your $$$$. It feels like we are out in the country but only 15 minutes from Costco, Home Depot, Harbor Freight etc. Going to the post office, DMV and the bank takes minutes. 
 I have heard good and bad about a couple of big builders (CBH and Hubble) I would consider finding a good home inspector and have them check out any house you are interested in. We found one and it was well worth the $150.

If you like to ride off road there is almost unlimited places to go. Good street rides also but the dirt is hard to beat.

Welcome to Idaho. 

[Caffeineo]

I forgot.....Boise specific forum for people who live here and those considering it. http://www.city-data.com/forum/boise-area/

Just to give you an idea of what you get housing wise here. One of my current favorites. http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/26275-Riverview-Rd-Wilder-ID-83676/72324894_zpid/