In recent years, a notable trend has emerged as Americans from liberal-leaning West Coast states seek refuge from political turmoil, homelessness and crime by moving to neighboring red states.
Among these states, Idaho has emerged as a favored haven, witnessing a significant surge in its population by 12% between 2018 and 2023, Fox News reported.
Nick Kostenborder and Ashley Manning are emblematic of this migration wave, having relocated from Portland to Sandpoint, Idaho, with their young son in tow. The decision to move was largely driven by concerns over the escalating mayhem plaguing their former city.
Kostenborder highlighted the deteriorating situation in Portland, particularly the pervasive homelessness problem, as a pivotal factor influencing their relocation.
“You’re worried about someone else besides yourself,” Kostenborder told the outlet. “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.”
Portland’s struggle with homelessness is well-documented, with the city government maintaining a tracking portal to monitor the proliferation of encampments across its neighborhoods. Such challenges have contributed to a broader exodus from blue swaths of the West Coast, fueling Idaho’s population boom.
“Currently there are hundreds of unsanctioned camps spread out across virtually every neighborhood of our city, over a massive 146 square mile area,” according to the Portland city government.
For Manning, the appeal of Idaho lies in its promise of safety and tranquility for their family, a stark contrast to the urban unrest they left behind. She expressed relief at witnessing her son freely enjoying outdoor activities in their new community, a luxury she deemed unthinkable in their former neighborhood.
“He just can take off on his bike and it’s so safe,” she told Fox News. “Everybody just watches out for him.”
“It’s this kind of weird little expat group that we all found ourselves here,” Kostenborder added.
The influx of migrants from cities like Seattle and San Diego has created a unique expatriate community in Idaho, fostering a sense of camaraderie among those seeking refuge from ideological and social upheaval.
Bryan Zielinski’s journey from Washington to Idaho underscores the multifaceted motivations driving this migration. As a conservative and firearms enthusiast, Zielinski found himself at odds with the increasingly hostile political climate in his home state.
“Everything is political,” Zielinski said, speaking with Fox News. “Whether it’s the car you drive, where you work. You’re wearing a mask, you’re not wearing a mask.”
Stringent gun laws and politicization of everyday life prompted him to establish his own gun shop in Idaho, where he could uphold his values and livelihood free from government interference.
However, this influx of transplants is not without its challenges for Idaho natives. Rapid population growth has led to rising home prices, encroachment on once pristine landscapes and increased traffic congestion, threatening the cherished sense of space and tranquility.
Sandpoint, for example, located in Idaho’s Bonner County, grew 13% from 2020 to 2022.
“Growing up in a wide-open space like this, people get used to having elbow room,” Bonner County Commissioner Luke Omodt said.
“And we’re struggling with the fact that there’s other people that want to share the same beauty that we do.”
