- Since 2018, this state has skyrocketed to become one of the nation’s fastest-growing.
- It’s residents from California, Oregon, and Washington State who are leading the charge in their liberal exodus.
- A myriad of factors are driving this mass departure from the West Coast states.
In recent years, a notable trend has emerged across the United States: residents from liberal West Coast states are increasingly relocating to neighboring ‘Red States‘ in search of respite from political unrest, homelessness, and rising crime rates. Idaho, in particular, has emerged as a favored destination, witnessing a staggering 12 percent surge in its population over just five years, fueled largely by arrivals from California, Oregon, and Washington.
Among those who have made the move is the husband and wife duo of Nick Kostenborder and Ashley Manning, who migrated to Sandpoint with their then-9-month-old son, seeking refuge from the escalating troubles of Portland. Kostenborder highlighted the homelessness crisis in Portland as a significant factor influencing their decision to depart, expressing concerns about the safety implications of the pervasive issue. Portland’s city government itself acknowledges the severity of the situation, maintaining a tracking portal to monitor the proliferation of encampments across the city.
Are Red States Safer?
The allure of Idaho’s safer, more family-friendly environment is a common sentiment among transplants. Manning, now a mother of a three-year-old, attested to the palpable sense of security in their new neighborhood compared to the one they left behind in Portland. For them, Sandpoint offered a haven where their son could freely explore and play outdoors without the anxieties that plagued their previous urban dwelling.
The influx of West Coast migrants has fostered a sense of community among fellow expatriates in Idaho. Kostenborder noted the emergence of a unique expat group, with families from Seattle and San Diego becoming their neighbors. Similarly, Bryan Zielinski and his wife relocated from the Seattle area, driven by a combination of factors including ideological discord and legislative measures that encroached upon their values and livelihood. Zielinski’s experience as the general manager of a prominent gun shop in Washington underscored his discomfort with the state’s increasingly politicized climate, prompting their move to Idaho where they established their own gun shop.
The impact of this migration wave is palpable in Idaho’s small towns, where growth rates have surged, bringing both benefits and challenges. Sandpoint, nestled in Bonner County, experienced a remarkable 13 percent increase in its population within just two years. While the influx of newcomers injects vitality into these communities, it also strains local resources and infrastructure. Native Idahoans grapple with soaring housing prices, rapid development encroaching upon once pristine landscapes, and congested roads that disrupt the tranquility they once enjoyed.
Bonner County Commissioner Luke Omodt encapsulates the mixed sentiments prevailing among Idahoans, acknowledging the allure of their state’s natural beauty while grappling with the tensions arising from rapid growth. The influx of newcomers seeking refuge from urban unrest underscores the evolving demographic landscape of Idaho, presenting both opportunities for enrichment and challenges in preserving the cherished qualities of their communities. As the state continues to attract migrants seeking solace from the tribulations of the West Coast, the delicate balance between growth and preservation remains a pressing concern for its residents and policymakers alike.
