In recent times, a noticeable pattern has developed as residents of liberal-leaning states on the West Coast opt to move to neighboring conservative states, seeking respite from political unrest, homelessness, and rising crime rates.
Among these destinations, Idaho has stood out as a popular choice, experiencing a substantial 12% increase in its population between 2018 and 2023, according to the Daily Mail.
Nick Kostenborder and Ashley Manning represent this wave of migration, having moved from Portland to Sandpoint, Idaho, accompanied by their young son.
The decision to relocate was primarily motivated by concerns about the escalating chaos in their former city.
Kostenborder emphasized the deteriorating conditions in Portland, particularly the widespread issue of homelessness, as a significant factor influencing their move.
Kostenborder stated, with the Daily Mail, that “you’re worried about someone else besides yourself.”
He continued, “So you start to notice threats more. Like, it’s no longer charming to have the homeless guy asleep in front of the grocery store. Now it’s like, all right, this actually might be dangerous.”
The issue of homelessness in Portland has been extensively recorded, with the city authorities operating a monitoring system to track the growth of encampments in various areas.
These difficulties have played a role in the increasing number of people leaving liberal regions on the West Coast, leading to the population growth in Idaho.
“Currently there are hundreds of unsanctioned camps spread out across virtually every neighborhood of our city, over a massive 146 square mile area,” as per the municipal administration of Portland.
Manning finds Idaho attractive due to its commitment to providing safety and peace for their family, a significant departure from the urban chaos they experienced previously.
She expressed joy in seeing her son happily engaging in outdoor pursuits in their new environment, a privilege she believed was unattainable in their old neighborhood.
“He just can take off on his bike and it’s so safe,” she told the outlet. “Everybody just watches out for him.”
“It’s this kind of weird little expat group that we all found ourselves here,” Kostenborder added.
The arrival of migrants from urban centers such as Seattle and San Diego has given rise to a distinctive expatriate community in Idaho, nurturing a bond among individuals escaping ideological and social turmoil.
Being a conservative and passionate about firearms, Zielinski felt out of place in the growingly hostile political environment of his original state.
The strict gun regulations and politicization of daily existence motivated him to open his own gun store in Idaho, providing him with the freedom to uphold his principles and make a living without government intervention.
The swift population increase has resulted in higher housing costs, encroachment on previously untouched scenery, and more traffic congestion, jeopardizing the beloved feeling of openness and peace.
Bryan Zielinski’s transition from Washington to Idaho highlights the diverse reasons behind this movement.
“Everything is political,” Zielinski said, speaking with the Daily Mail. “Whether it’s the car you drive, where you work. You’re wearing a mask, you’re not wearing a mask.”
Nevertheless, the arrival of these newcomers poses difficulties for the original residents of Idaho.
For instance, Sandpoint, situated in Bonner County, Idaho, saw a 13% growth from 2020 to 2022.
Luke Omodt, a Commissioner in Bonner County, stated, “Growing up in a wide-open space like this, people get used to having elbow room.”
Adding, “And we’re struggling with the fact that there’s other people that want to share the same beauty that we do.”
