Coree Ray, a mother of two, has announced her decision to move back to California after relocating to Idaho in search of a more conservative environment.
Initially moving to escape progressive sex education, the family found themselves in a situation where hostility and prejudice from their new community forced them to reconsider their decision.
The Move to Idaho
Ray, along with her partner Melvin Galang, moved to a beautiful seven-bedroom home in Idaho Falls. They were attracted to the conservative values of the area, hoping for a better environment for their children’s education.
However, what seemed like a perfect solution quickly turned problematic due to the locals’ attitudes towards Californians.
Experiencing Hostility
Ray recounted how the family was treated differently once people discovered they were from California. The hostility wasn’t limited to adults; her children were bullied by their classmates.
Ray observed that these negative behaviors were learned from their families. Despite the school environment being fine, the social exclusion they faced was overwhelming.
Documenting Their Journey
Ray has been sharing her experiences on her popular TikTok account, where she discussed the family’s struggles to fit in and the “gossipy” nature of their neighbors.
She clarified that the decision to return to California had nothing to do with racism but rather the prejudice they faced as Californians.
The Impact on Children
The bullying affected her children deeply, with other kids making derogatory comments about Californians.
Ray explained that locals assumed they were all liberal and would try to change the community. Despite being Christians, Ray’s children were not allowed to play with Mormon kids, adding to their sense of isolation.
Their visibility on TikTok and success in commercial acting also made them targets of jealousy and harassment.
Struggles with Integration
The family’s high profile on TikTok and their children’s involvement in commercial acting led to further social isolation.
Ray noted that although people were polite, forming genuine connections was challenging. The polite yet distant behavior of the locals did little to help the situation, as her children continued to face mistreatment.
Missing California
Ray admitted missing the opportunities and faster pace of life in California. Her children, being dancers and performers, felt the lack of challenge and opportunities in Idaho.
Despite the negative experiences, Ray viewed their time in Idaho as an extended vacation and had no regrets about the temporary relocation.
Return to California
Ray plans to sell their Idaho home and downsize in California, where her partner has already started a new job.
Despite Idaho’s lower crime rate compared to California, the sense of community and opportunities for their children outweighed the benefits.
Ray advised other conservative parents to spend ample time in a new community before committing, acknowledging that while Idaho has its charms, it wasn’t the right fit for her family.
Conclusion
Coree Ray’s story is a testament to the complexities of relocating for ideological reasons.
The family’s experience highlights the importance of community acceptance and the challenges of integrating into a new environment with preconceived notions.
As they return to California, they take with them lessons learned and a renewed appreciation for their home state.
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