There is something about Summer in Boise that gives you the reason for the long way. I'll catch myself driving through Downtown Boise more on the way home just to feel the vibe.

I was circling around Front Street heading towards the Winco when something caught my eye. Boise's beautiful Parkcenter area was riddled with graffiti down the brick wall that lines the street. Boise as we know it might have already changed.

Graffiti Now Lines Boise Walls

There is definitely animosity towards people moving into Idaho from other states. I don't look at it as a negative attitude or anger because it's much deeper. It's almost like listening to your grandparents or parents talk about the way things used to be "back in the day."

Idahoans feel sadness because their baby is growing up and there's no way to stop it. It's painful. It hurts. Yes, you like some of the new hotels, trendy stores, and nice restaurants. That also reminds you that your precious hometown is not the same. The reminder light also comes on when bad things happen in the news and you find out it's someone not from Idaho. It's a shock to the system.

Courtesy: Kekeluv
Courtesy: Kekeluv
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Change In Boise Started Years Ago

I drove by some graffiti on East Front Street and it wasn't like I pulled over crying. It's just some paint that can be cleaned up, but it's a stark reminder that Boise is changing in front of our eyes. You speak to transplants who almost mock our reactions as if Boise is so great and how dare we act so, "righteous". Okay. Well, what you forget is that you moved here from another place. Out-of-towners admit this is the exact reason they ended up in Boise.

You might be used to seeing graffiti in your hometown on a daily basis, tragedy in the news, live car chases, gang violence, and the list goes on. We have those issues too, but not at the volume you might be accustomed to.

Courtesy: Kekeluv
Courtesy: Kekeluv
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There is a special space of safety in the Gem State that inspires people to raise families here. Boise still has Pumpkin Patches in the Fall, hot air balloon events that light up the Boise skyline beginning in the Spring, and the best local parades all year round.

Boise didn't invent these events and we recognize they happen everywhere. The difference in our community is we still know each other and it makes Idahoans emotional knowing that Boise's beauty is taking on a fresh new coat of paint they may not recognize.

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