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But the transition from city to country life is not solely based on easy living, it is based on a lower crime rate and economics as well.

"One of the biggest attraction that drew us to Twin Falls was the price of housing," Orville Mapes said. "There is also less traffic and the crime rate is much lower compared to Redding, Calif."

Mapes and his wife Cathy built a house here nearly nine years ago as a summer retreat. They would travel back and forth to visit relatives and in 2003, the Mapes became permanent residents of Twin Falls. The Mapes also own several commercial and apartment buildings in the area.

One local realtor has helped several clients purchase homes in southern Idaho.

"Most of the people I've dealt with are moving here from California, but I also see people from North Carolina and Minnesota," said John Irwin, realtor with Irwin Reality in Twin Falls. "We see the Magic Valley area as a fast-pace growing region, but they all view southern Idaho as a nice little Mayberry."

Irwin said some of the other reasons people relocate to the rural areas of Idaho is because of a job transfer, the people here are "friendlier, the commute to work is basically nonexistent in comparison, the crime rate is lower and the cheaper housing market."

Irwin said the price of starter home that sells for $300,000 in Stockton, Calif., can be purchased for $180,000 in Twin Falls.

He said people from large metropolitan areas can get three times the house here in the Magic Valley than they had in California. Plus they can pocket $100,000 and move here with a good chunk of money.