29 Pros and Cons of Moving to Idaho
– What to know before you move
Things to Know before Moving To Idaho
So you’re thinking of moving to Idaho? Maybe you’re still on the fence…
You’ve heard amazing things about the gem state and all the great outdoors it offers. You may be coming from surrounding states such as Oregon, California, Arizona, or even the East Coast. You’re looking for a fresh start, a better place for you’re family, or just a new adventure.
In recent years Idaho and the Boise area, has exploded. According to a study published in 2022, nearly half a million of Idaho’s 1.84 million residents are new to the state. The majority of new residents are coming from California, Washington, Oregon, and Utah.
Before you pack your bags and load up the moving truck. Here is a list of 29 Pros and Cons of Living in Idaho that you should know before moving! These are my personal lists of things to consider before moving here, do your own research before making a big move to Idaho!
Pros of Moving to Idaho
1. The Great Outdoors - the nature is unbelievable
Idaho is filled with natural beauty with the famous Yellowstone National Park right at it’s doorstep. It boasts outdoor activities for everyone with mountain biking, white water rafting, kayaking, hiking, and much more all in your backyard.
Idaho has a diverse outdoor landscape with barren desert landscape in the Eastern part, towering mountains, and thundering rivers in Norther Idaho. The BLM manages nearly 12 million acres of public lands in Idaho, nearly one-fourth of the state’s total land area.
Much of this area is accessible for public use and we hope it stays that way! Northern Idaho offers world class fishing and river excursions. This is the perfect place if you’re looking to move somewhere with amazing outdoor recreation and beautiful scenery.
2. Low Crime Rate: low violent crime
In 2019 Idaho’s crime rate was 1,443 crimes per 100,000 residents making it one of the lowest states for crime. Of the 50 states, 47 had higher crime rates than Idaho. As of 2022, according to the Idaho State Police’s Uniform Crime Reporting Data, your chances of being a victim of a violent crime in Idaho are about 1 in 401.
3. Low unemployment Rate- Idaho's job market continues to grow
As of October 2023, Idaho had an unemployment rate of 3.2%. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics Idaho ranked 21st in lowest unemployment in the US. Idaho continues to grow and welcome new business each year. Matched with a reasonable cost of living, Idaho is a great move for those looking to start their careers.
According to Idaho Commerce: “For the first time, the state of Idaho was awarded the 2023 Golden Shovel Award by Area Development Magazine, and Micron Technology’s recent expansion in Boise was named one of the 2022 Manufacturing Projects of the Year.”
These awards recognize Idaho’s top projects and Idaho Commerce’s mission to support businesses and job expansion in Idaho. The projects recognized by the award will create significant new jobs and capital investment across Idaho. If you’re thinking of moving to Idaho, the career opportunities are growing.
4. Access to Skiing/Snowboarding - check out all the ski resorts in Idaho
Idaho is home to 19 different ski areas. Featuring over 29,000 vertical feet of terrain and over 20,000 acres of spectacular scenery. Idaho features epic steeps, and glorious backcountry throughout the Winter months.
This hidden gem is an undiscovered powder playground for those looking for their next adventure. Check out my favorite 15 ski resorts in Idaho!
Idaho is also home to historical Sun Valley Ski resort, established in 1936 by the Union Pacific Railroad. It was the first winter destination resort, receiving almost year-round sun, endless vertical slopes, and no crowds. Visited by celebrities’, champion skiers, and snow lovers alike. It continues to be a destination worthy of the trip.
Don’t forget that Idaho is also home to Bogus Basin, Brundage, and Schweitzer- all must visit powder havens in Idaho. Add this to a pro of moving to IDaho.
5. Amazing Idaho Hot Springs
Another Pro of living in Idaho is the premiere access to amazing hot springs. Idaho is ranked #1 in the Nation for most usable natural hot springs. It has over 100 soakable springs, and over 300 total geothermal springs in total.
Nevada may have the most hot springs in the nation, but most of them are unusable by the general public.
Idaho has hot springs dispersed throughout the state with easy access thru state parks, camping grounds, national forests, or along stream beds. It is one of the best things to do in Idaho, and makes a great activity during our cold winters.
Most of Idaho’s hot springs are a result of energy heating the water near previous fault lines, and the remaining are traditionally heated by volcanic activity. The incredible natural resource of these springs is even uses to heat Warm Springs Avenue in downtown Boise.
If you’re visiting the capitol, check out the list of hot springs near Boise.
6. All 4 Seasons - some seasons greater than others
Idaho is a great place to experience all 4 seasons throughout the year. Add this to the list of Pro’s of living or moving to Idaho. Although some may consider Idaho weather a bit extreme, I beg to differ. The entire state has a vast variation of landscape from dry desert, to mountainous cities.
Due to Idaho’s northerly latitude and location in the interior of North America, its climate has large seasonal temperature differences. The Winter cold seasons lasts approximately 3.5 months from November until end of February.
What is the winter climate in Idaho: Average daily high temperature below 44°F. The coldest day of the year is January 1, with an average low of 24°F and high of 34°F.
What is the spring Climate in Idaho: Daily high temperatures increase by 26°F, from 51°F to 77°F, rarely falling below 41°F or exceeding 90°F.
Daily low temperatures increase by 18°F, from 33°F to 51°F, rarely falling below 23°F or exceeding 61°F.
What is the summer climate in Idaho: The hot season lasts for 2.7 months, from June 20 to September 12, with an average daily high temperature above 75°F. Some seasons seeing as high as 100 degrees.
Is Idaho humid or dry: Idaho is considered a desert and therefore has no humidity; it is a very dry heat.
Average precipitation in Idaho: Precipitation in southern Idaho averages 13 in (33 cm) per year; in the north, over 30 in (76 cm).
A pro of living in Idaho is that you’re going to get to enjoy or get through (if you hate winter) all four seasons.
7. Idaho's Forests: Great for Hunting
Boise is known as the city of trees, but Idaho itself is filled with incredible nature. With over 21.5 million acres of forest land spanning from the Canadian border to the Southern edge of the State. Idaho forests contribute beauty, diversity, and foster the availability of outdoor activities within the state.
The Idaho Fish and Game ensures that the forest wildlife is preserved, protected, and perpetuated in longevity for future generation. Most animals are not hunted, trapped, and fished.
The fishing and hunting availability is strictly regulated as to preserve Idaho’s natural wildlife diversity. The tall pines near the rocky mountains serve as a home for Idaho birds of prey and other winged creatures.
There is an abundance of creatures within Idaho if you’re lucky to spot them. The hunting in Idaho is a big draw, but the state makes sure that it’s done ethically and responsibility. Most Idahoans are gun owners, and they take their 2nd amendment rights seriously.
Getting into hunting here will require a license and gun safety course. If you’re looking for big game hunting, bird hunting, or other game, this is a pro of living in Idaho.
8. River Access- Idaho's White Water Recreation
Idaho has access to limitless recreational opportunities via there waterways.
The Boise River runs right thru the treasure valley and is used throughout the summers for boating, floating, and other water sports.
The Snake River runs across Idaho’s Southern border and is famous for it’s fishing and boating opportunities. The South Fork of the Payette, the Middle Fork, and the Main Payette offer class 5 rapids for kayak and white water rafting enthusiasts.
Kayaking, tubing, and ever river surfing. Idaho has it.
If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure head up to the Idaho-Montana border along the Lochsa River for an Idaho tradition of Lochsa River Madness. Raft some amazing class 3-4+ rapids while spectators cheer you on!
If you’re out near Twin Falls, watch the Snake River tumble over the edge at Shoshone Falls. This Idaho landmark puts Niagara Falls to shame!
9. Mountain Biking Access - Idaho's premiere mountain bike trails
Are you a thrill seeker looking to try out a new hobby? Idaho’s mountain bike scene in the last decade has taken off. One of the best states for avid mountain bikers new to the sport, or looking for expert trails. With over 5,000 miles of trails throughout the State, Idaho’s Mountain Bike Project has created some amazing rides.
From the Eastern side of the state, to the Northern tip Idaho has embrace mountain biking. Some of the winter ski resorts have even started offering summer months lift passes for downhill biking throughout the warmer months. Check out Tamarack, Brundage, Bogus, and Schweitzer mountain resorts if looking for downhill thrill without the uphill drudgery.
After you’re done biking, check out Idaho’s emerging brewery scene as well to rehydrate and cool down! Check out my list of favorite Breweries in Downtown Boise!
10. Rural areas - Escape the rat race for small town living
Idaho residents have seen the population boom in the last 10 years, however we still have the small town feel. Boise, the state capital, has grown like crazy. Yet, most of the surrounding areas still have the small town secluded feel.
If you’re looking to get out of the big metropolitan city and see the starts, Idaho is what you’re looking for. Unlike some of the other western states, like Oregon and Washington, we still offer small towns for those looking for seclusion.
Most of our towns are separated by large areas of untouched forestry and foothills, making it easy to feel like you’re away from the business of the big city.
Warm River Idaho founded in the 1940’s near Rexburg is the least populous city in the state with a population of four. You probably want a few more neighbors, but some of the smaller towns like Grangeville, Saint Mary’s, and Orofino have gorgeous scenic views and outdoor recreation with the small town way of life.
11. Our capital is a pretty cool place - Boise is where it's at!
Our state capital Boise is a pretty sweet place! Home to Boise State University (the blue turf), and known as the city of trees. Boise has a unique history, with a strong Basque culture downtown.
In the last decade Boise has seen a major revitalization with over 100 new businesses opening in the last 5 years. The green belt, a trail along the river, runs right through the city providing recreation for all.
Boise has a total of 90 parks within it’s city limits, with frequent outdoor activities and family friendly events. It’s a great area for young families, single adults, and retirees. Check out my Boise homepage to see what other amazing recreation Boise offer!
The foothills is right in your backyard, giving the metropolitan area access to limitless outdoor activities. You’re only 45 minutes from the nearest ski mountain, 2 hours from McCall, and a short day trip to other adventures in the state!
Did you know? Lewiston, Idaho was previously the state capital for one year from 1863 until 1864.
12. Emerging Beer and Food scene
Idaho up until the last decade was limited on food and beer options. Close to Utah, and predominantly LDS, the wine and brewery scene was somewhat stagnant. However, in the last 10 years Idaho has seen a major influx of new people to different parts of the state. Coeur d’alene and Boise have seen the biggest growth with hundreds of new restaurants, breweries, and bars throughout the state.
Some of these unfortunately shut down during Covid, however 3 years later the food and beer scene is thriving.
Check out Caldwell/Nampa area for some amazing wineries and tasting rooms. Coeur d’alene has had an emergence of bistros and delicious restaurants with new flavors and dishes. Boise’s brewery scene continues to expand throughout the treasure valley.
We are still lacking in some cultural food diversity, but compared to growing up here 20 years ago, the new options are amazing!
Plus, known as the potato state, we have some pretty tasty French fries.
Check out the Best Burgers in Boise!
13. Strong sense of Community
I grew up here, so I may be slightly biased but after traveling to other states, I believe Idahoans are some of the friendliest neighbors you’ll ever meet. Most residents of Idaho are friendly and have created a strong sense of community.
Religion is a center-fold within the state, and the Idaho Mormons are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. If you move here, get used to strangers holding the door, asking you how your day is, or being genuinely happy to greet you in public.
Throughout the state, community events are a big deal, and if you’re moving here, expect to join them. Idaho’s lower crime rate has made the locals a very trusting group of individuals. I will say if you’re moving to Idaho, please bring that attitude with you!
14. Homeownership rates are high - affordable homes are somewhat available
Idahoans tend to own their home with the average home value at 462k. Homeownership rate for Idaho was 71.3% in January of 2022, according to the United States Federal Reserve.
This has been changing in the last few years, with home rates rising. Yet, owning a home in Idaho is still doable. Idaho has a progressive income tax system that features a top rate of 6.50%. Sales and property tax rates are relatively low in the state. According to recent survey’s, Idaho ranked 13th in affordability and 9th in the economy.
Homeownership also tends to be more affordable as utilities tend to more affordable than neighboring states. The home prices have continued to climb, so this may be switching to the con list in the next few years.
15. High Quality of Life - We love it here
According to the labor of bureau statistics, Idaho was recently ranked 22nd in quality of life and fifth-lowest in crime rate. Idaho consistently gets ranked best places to live in the US.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2022 Idaho was the second-fastest growing state in the nation after Florida. The reasons cited include moderate cost of living, low crime rates, strong economy and cities that have a small-town feel.
The best places to live in Idaho according to polls are Boise, Idaho Falls, and Coeur d’Alene. The access to thousands of acres of outdoor space, amazing recreational opportunities, and state’s lower cost of living, have made this another pro of moving to Idaho. This is a good place to raise a family, start a career, or retire.
16. Agriculture opportunities - Dairy and agricultural farms in Idaho
Idaho is filled with limitless job opportunities in agriculture and otherwise. The state produces dairy products, potatoes, barley, peas, trout, onions, sugar cane, and much more. According to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, the state produces nearly 200 different commodities, ranking in the top of the nation for a handful of different crops and livestock.
Eastern Idaho is the potato capital of the world, and agriculture is an important and fast growing industry in Idaho. Besides potatoes, Idaho also produces wheat, alfalfa, and malt barley. Eastern Idaho was the first state in the nation to produce and harvest barley, and is the #1 producer of Spring Wheat and Alfalfa, and #2 for Winter Wheat.
Idaho continues to produce high-quality products with new technology and innovative farming processes.
Cons of Moving to Idaho
1. Lack of public transportation - Con of moving to Idaho
Idaho’s metro area are lacking when it comes to public transportation. Unlike other big cities, that have rails or trams, Idaho has yet to invest in public transportation. Some of the larger cities in other states have prioritized and planned for their rapid expansion. Idaho on the other hand is still years behind with public transit.
The roads are getting more bikeable, however certain areas throughout the state lack effective bike pathways for safe commuting. The treasure valley does have a commuter bus that runs throughout the city, and some of the smaller cities have intercity travel. Yet, there are no reliable and quick transit around the state.
We did recently get public scooters and bikes thru Bird and Lime scooters, however they tend to clog up the roadways and litter the river.
2. Winters can be harsh
Have you heard of snowmageddon or “Snowpocolypse ? Welcome to Idaho and circa 2016-2017.
Have you heard of a second Winter? Welcome to the cons of Idaho. Every year we get a taste of Spring going in to February and March. The sun comes out, the snow melts off, and Idaho warms. Flowers start to blooms, you get the sense that Spring is on the horizon. Then BOOM! Idaho’s second Winter with another few inches of snow, freezing rains, and cold. Welcome to Idaho’s snowy winters.
If you enjoy snow sports… no problem… if you don’t, well you better find a fun winter hobby.
3. Rapid Growth - Idaho is exploding!
Idaho still has the small town feel that people moving to Idaho love. Yet, the rapid growth in the last 10 years proves that Idaho wasn’t ready for the boom. Traffic has been slowly getting worse. You may not be able to compare it to the congested highways of New York or San Francisco. But, for the locals it’s gotten a lot worse.
Downtown is dealing with lack of parking and busier streets. The housing costs are rapidly increasing, and to compensate high rise apartments are being built. Yet, the parking and roadways haven’t kept up.
The increase in median home price, has changed Idaho from one of the most affordable states, to a more expensive luxury. The rapid growth has made it harder for some locals to keep up, and those moving here will not find it as affordable as it once was.
4. Rapid increase in Idaho's cost of living
According to: Bestplaces.net Idaho was previously considered to have an affordable cost of living. However, in recent years Idaho’s rapid expansion has also contributed to the rapid cost of living.
The total cost of food, child care, transportation, housing, taxes, and other daily necessities is 5.5 percent higher than the US. average. A typical home costs 445,000$ in 2023, which is 31.6% more expensive than the national average of 338,000k. Renting a two-bedroom unit in Idaho costs about 1,200$ per month which has gone up significantly. Because of this, new surveys suggest that to live comfortably in Idaho, a minimum annual income of $85,000 per family is recommended.
This graph taken from the 2021 Data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis breaks down average yearly spend in Idaho.
Category | Average Annual Per-Capita Cost in Idaho |
Housing and Utilities | $7,109 |
Health Care | $6,714 |
Food and Beverages (non-restaurant) | $3,296 |
Gas and Energy Goods | $1,393 |
All Other Personal Expenditures | $21,227 |
That’s $3,312 in average monthly expenses for each Idahoan.
5. Lack of access to affordable housing- con of moving to Idaho
According to the State Fact Sheet published at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/AJP-State-Fact-Sheet-ID.pdfH Idaho is experiencing an affordable housing issue.
This is in part due to a lack of available and affordable housing, 84,000 renters in Idaho are rent burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on rent. There is an anticipated 24,000+ shortage of affordable rental homes for low-income renters.
Once considered the place to experience the American dream, Idaho has had rapid growth and rapid cost of living as seen above. The City of Boise is facing an unprecedented housing crisis. Rapidly rising rents and appreciating home values have led to renewed conversations among city leadership on the right actions to take to address these issues and build a comprehensive set of housing policies, programs, projects, and partnerships.
RealtyHop says, out of the 100 biggest real estate markets in the country Boise, not Idaho, Boise ranks 40th for least affordable markets. That’s even estimating the household income at $80,000.
6. Lack of cultural diversity
The 5 largest ethnic groups in Idaho are White (Non-Hispanic) (80.6%), White (Hispanic) (5.95%), Other (Hispanic) (3.94%), Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (3.07%), and Two+ (Hispanic) (2.63%).
Broken down by city you are unlikely to see a significant amount of cultural diversity. 96.7% of the residents in Idaho are U.S citizens .
Growing up here I had very few non-white students at my schools. This is also demonstrated in our local and state leadership. Yet, Idaho has continued to expand immigration and programs to embrace diversity.
While only 6% of the state’s residents are foreign-born, immigrants represent a greater share of the workforce. Idaho’s faming and fishing industry act as the State’s top economic drivers. It may come as a surprise, but immigrants make up more than a quarter of its labor force.
As Idaho continues to grow and expand so does the cultural diversity. However, it’s going to be a long time before we see the diversity in other big cities throughout the nation.
7. Limited Infrastructure
According to https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/AJP-State-Fact-Sheet-ID.pdf) Idaho has over 275+ bridges and over 1,000 miles of highway in poor conditions. Since 2011, Idaho commute times have increased by over 11%, and each driver pays over $390 per year in costs due to driving on roads in need of repair.
Public transportation is not currently well funded in Idaho. Idahoans who take public transportation spend an extra 150% of their time commuting. This effects lower socioeconomic groups the hardest.
In regard to drinking water, Idaho’s drinking water infrastructure will require $1.3 Billion in additional funding to ensure clean, safe drinking water availability.
For those of us who grew up here, we know that the government does not plan infrastructure ahead. The same roads throughout the Treasure Valley will be redone and expanded numerous times within a decade due to poor planning for growth. It seems like Idaho planners haven’t taken into account planning for water availability with the rapid expansion, road congestion, or parking for new housing in Boise.
Our state infrastructure has a long way to go and currently feels like we’re constantly lagging behind.
8. Access to healthcare
As the silver tsunami of an aging population comes to fruition, Idaho’s access to healthcare is getting the spotlight.
According to AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) Idaho ranks 45th in the nation for actively practicing primary care physicians. Idaho ranks 49th for actively practicing physicians of all types, and 50th for actively practicing general surgeons.
Notably, rural Idaho bears the brunt of these challenges, struggling to maintain an adequate health care workforce. In addition to struggling to take care of the aging population, the shortage of primary care physicians means that family planning and young adult care is suffering as well.
Currently there are only 86.3 primary care physician per 1000,000 people in the State. This number will get worse as Idaho has chosen to make working in healthcare even more difficult with some of the most restrictive abortion bans in the country. Idaho is one of the six states in which authorities can prosecute health care providers for performing abortions.
In a report last September, Pew found, “The Idaho Legislature continues to introduce and pass bills that criminalize physicians for medical care nationally recognized as the standard of care. Consequences for Idaho Physicians providing the standard of care may include civil litigation and criminal prosecution, leading to jail time or fines,”
As more providers are stuck choosing between facing criminal charges that will upend their personal and families lives, or taking care of patients that continue to vote against their best interests… they’re choosing to move to states with less archaic healthcare laws.
9. Childcare/Family Services
According to https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/AJP-State-Fact-Sheet-ID.pdf
Idaho has an estimated $301 million gap in what schools need to do to make improvements and about 49% of Idaho residents live in a childcare desert. Idaho does not have access to significant early education, and family services are limited throughout the state.
Idaho struggles to retain childcare workers, which is leading to a significant increase in the cost of childcare. Ultimately, this rising cost of childcare has had the undesired effect of people leaving the workforce to care for their children.
According to a press release from Idaho Voices For Children regarding the latest release of the Kids Count data book, child care challenges cost Idaho’s economy $525 million a year. From 2020 to 2021, 10 percent of Idaho children under age 5 lived in families in which someone quit, changed or refused a job because of problems with childcare.
In 2021, full-time infant care cost on average $7,675 per year, nearly as much as a year of tuition at an Idaho public university. This may be due to the Idaho hour wage in 2022 for childcare workers. Ranking 5th lowest in the country, childcare workers in 2022 were making $10.56 an hour. You can’t expect to retain staff when employees can make 15$ an hour working in fast food. Something to consider before moving to Idaho, is are you going to be in a childcare desert.
10. Conservative View Points
Growing up in Idaho, a red state, we used to have a more purple ideology. Yet, in the last decade most of the people moving to Idaho have been much more “red conservative.” The political pressure has started effecting the day to day in Idaho.
According to an article in the Idaho Capital Sun: Earlier this year, Bonner General Health in Sandpoint — 400 miles north of Boise, Idaho and serving about 9,000 people — said it would no longer be providing obstetrical care due in part to the state’s “legal and political climate,” indirectly referring to recent restrictions on abortions.
In its announcement shutting their labor and delivery unit, Bonner General Health said these challenges have been compounded by the “political climate.” Idaho has one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the country. The Idaho Capital Sun reported on the state’s decision to defund a state maternal mortality review committee that saves mothers’ lives.
“Highly respected, talented physicians are leaving. Recruiting replacements will be extraordinarily difficult,” Bonner General Health said.
Some of the more rigid conservative viewpoints are starting to have negative effects for Idaho residents. Previously, Idaho was known for conservative view points regarding the family unit, religious affiliation, and even the second amendment. Yet, growing up here, I never felt like those political pressures were pushed on everyone.
It’s only been in the last 5 years that the political climate has turned neighbor against neighbor in what used to be a close community.
11. National poor ranking in Education
Unfortunately, Idaho does not seem to be doing much for the future generations. Idaho ranks #29 for education choice, down nine spots from 2022, as lawmakers in other states expanded education choice options in 2023, while officials in Idaho did not.
Overall, Idaho ranks 44 out of 50 for educational attainment and 43rd for quality (Massachusetts ranked number 1, with eastern states dominating the top 10).
Idaho’s high school graduation rate is less than 81% (the national average is 85.6%). We also have almost the lowest college-bound rate; 44% of Idaho high school grads go on to college — 49th in the nation (national average is 62%).
The below rankings are from schoolaroo.com. You can find the full report: scholaroo.com/most-least-educated-states.
Idaho Education Rankings out of 50:
SAT scores: 47/50
High school graduation rate: 45/50
College grads: 38/50
Master’s degrees: 47/50
Doctorates: 41/50
School quality: 43/50
The only states ranking lower than Idaho were New Mexico, Mississippi, Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada and – dead last — Oklahoma.
12. No professionals sports teams
If you’re hoping for a large professional sports team, Idaho doesn’t have one.
Most of Idaho sports are centered around college athleticism. This isn’t a terrible thing as tailgaiting and college sports are still a blast to watch.
We do have the national famous blue field BSU in Boise. Most of the Treasure Valley will come out for a BSU Game. If you’re up North, Lewiston Idaho hosts the NAIA Baseball at the Lewis-Clark State College.
Downtown Boise is the home of the Idaho Steelheads, our hockey team. Another great sport to come out and support locally.
If you’re moving to Idaho and looking for a professional state team however, we don’t have one. I’m sure our neighboring states are happy to have you as a fan!
13. Small Major Cities - Airport with limited flights
The biggest city in Idaho is Boise with a population of 240,000 people as of 2023. Compared to other major capitals, this is a tiny population. I always forget how small Idaho is until I go somewhere else.
Having a smaller population ultimately means that our airports are going to be smaller, have less direct outbound flights. Most of the cities in Idaho you have to drive to, as the other closest airports are going to be in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Spokane, Washington.
We do have smaller airports around the state, but they are going to be expensive to get to.
If you’re looking for a big city, Idaho doesn’t have one. We’re a small town community that is rapidly growing and just trying to keep pace.
Ultimately, I love it here!
I grew up in Idaho and I love it here. I’ve lived up North in Lewison, and ultimately ended back up in Boise. In the last 30 years Idaho has changed exponentially and continues to grow at a crazy pace.
People are moving here because it still has the small town feel, neighborly support, and home town values. The access to outdoor recreation is unrivaled, and the cost of living is still manageable. We are experiencing some growing pains driven up by covid, political divide, and just natural growth. But, this is normal for any growing state.
Ultimately, I think Idaho is one of the best places to live!