I recently interviewed my old friend, James (see the video below). What does this have to do with Idaho or moving from California? A couple of things; James was able to start a new life in Idaho on VERY LITTLE money… AND he found a great small town with so much giving community spirit; Marsing, Idaho.
Let’s get into the story!
Great Life in California
I met James coming up on 20 years ago at the Vacaville, California TV station. He was born and raised in California and, by the time I met him, was living the dream. He was an actor in various movies, produced TV shows, and was a valued coworker at the TV station.
But even with all these great things going on, California became more and more of a challenging place to live.
Moved to Marsing and Opened an Ice Cream Shoppe
James took his fact-finding trip to various states and areas in the country and, when just about out of money, found the Treasure Valley area around Boise. To him, this just felt like home. Soon he settled down in small town Marsing, Idaho where he embraced the community spirit. James had an extensive background in the food industry and was moved to open an ice cream shoppe in downtown Marsing.
Opening a Restaurant in Idaho
With the support and success of his ice cream shoppe, James opened a full restaurant in downtown Marsing called Ahu Cafe. The community was so supportive and Ahu Cafe was a great addition to this welcoming town.
In the video below, James talks about his experience working with various government entities necessary to open and operate his cafe. In a nutshell, it was a pleasant and helpful experience!
Community Helps Those In Need
Marsing had a need to help those enduring hard times in their little town. James and his pastor had it on their hearts to help The Hub… Marsing’s food and clothing pantry. Their ideas soon turned into The Summer of Yum! Each month James’ church hosted a fund-raising dinner event and the whole town came out to support this. The Huskies cheer team lined the street waving signs and directing main-street traffic to the event.
Just before Thanksgiving, there was held a community ceremony presenting The Hub with donations from the community to ensure those in need had what they needed and great holiday meals!
Lessons Learned; California and Idaho
James was living the dream in California… but California was slowly changing. One day he decided it was time to figure out where he should move to in order to have a better life. James did what I always encourage people to do… go on their fact-finding trip to get a sense of what new place feels like home.
James arrived in Idaho with very little money but with the determination to make Marsing, Idaho his new home. Before long he became a local business owner and a vital and entheustiac part of the community.
With such a vibrant sense of community spirit and the heart to help others, James fit right in and didn’t hesitate to figure out what he could do to contribute to the cause.
Will James ever give up on Idaho and return to California? Not likely! He hasn’t even returned once to California since arriving in Idaho. Idaho… and particularly Marsing, Idaho… is the shining future for James. Challenges come and go… but in such a caring community and having such a sense of purpose, Idaho is James’ forever home.
Treasure Valley Dave's Thoughts
It is really my hope that everyone is living in a place that they love, find value in, and contribute to. Your happy place may very well be Los Angeles or somewhere else in California… or maybe Phoenix or Austin. But if your happy place has been changing… and it’s not the place you once knew… I suggest you do your research and fact-finding trip and find your new happy place. Life is too short to live where you’re not very happy.
If you are thinking Idaho may be your happy place and considering relocating to the Treasure Valley, let the Treasure Valley Dave team (me and Mareen) help you get to know what the Treasure Valley is all about! Mareen and I would be super excited to answer your questions and be your Treasure Valley resource. So, just call, text, email or smash that Contact Us button and let’s get connected! Maybe we can do lunch too! 
