Did you know that Idaho is now one of the hottest spots to move to in the US?
Just a few years ago, nobody would have guessed how wildly popular the state would become. After all, when most people think of Idaho, they picture endless potato farms tended by quaint farmers—a stereotype so deeply ingrained that many accept it as gospel truth.
This one-dimensional caricature, however, couldn’t be further from reality. While spuds are Idaho’s most prominent claim to fame, there’s a whole lot more to the state. Yet like anywhere, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. So, overall, is Idaho a nice place to live? Before deciding whether to live in Idaho, one should consider their priorities and preferences and weigh the state’s pros and cons.
There are many benefits of living in Idaho, including its natural beauty, strong agricultural economy, and various outdoor recreational activities. The state also has a low cost of living and friendly communities.
One of the biggest reasons to move to Idaho from expensive states like California or Washington is Idaho’s relatively low cost of living, which is about 6% below the national average.
These days, with living costs skyrocketing out of control, many Americans are looking for ways to save more of their hard-earned money. Living in Idaho can help with that. Housing costs average 17% below national norms, another factor that draws people to the state. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Idaho is just $1,120 per month, 21.7% cheaper than the national average.
If waking up every day surrounded by stunning natural beauty is your idea of paradise, you’ll love life in Idaho. Residents are never far from jaw-dropping landscapes, such as the majestic peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains and the glimmering waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene, and this perk is among the commonly cited reasons to live in Idaho.
Idaho residents can regularly visit Shoshone Falls, known as “the Niagara of the West,” where water roars thunderously over a magnificent 200-foot drop, sending mist soaring into the air. Spring—when the water flow is at its peak—is the best time to see this spectacle.
Another popular spot is Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America, which drops over 8,000 feet from rim to river. It’s raw, wild, and unforgettable—perfect for those who love getting outside and experiencing nature at its most dramatic.
For an otherworldly experience, Idaho residents can easily visit the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve—so beautifully surreal, it’s like visiting another planet. Its website describes it as “a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush.”
These are just a few of the natural wonders that await when you move to Idaho.
Idaho living offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure year-round. Start by hiking the rugged trails of the Bitterroot Mountains, where you’ll encounter awe-inspiring vistas, such as sparkling mountain streams and towering pine forests, at every turn. Other warm-weather adventures include fishing, cycling, camping, and inner tubing down the Snake or Boise Rivers.
If your idea of outdoor adventure involves lots of snow, head over to Sun Valley. At this world-class resort, the skiing is always first rate—from its 3,400 vertical feet of terrain on Bald Mountain to its child-friendly Dollar Mountain slopes.
If you’re into snowshoeing, you can indulge your passion at Ponderosa State Park near McCall. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as the area is home to white-tailed deer, red foxes, and North American river otters. You will also encounter a variety of avian species, from woodpeckers and nuthatches to bald eagles and great horned owls.
Ice fishing, an enduring Idaho winter tradition, offers a peaceful yet exhilarating way to enjoy the state’s stunning frozen lakes. Just make sure you dress for the weather and pack a thermos of piping hot coffee or cocoa.
If you’re looking for a winter activity that’ll get your adrenaline pumping, snowmobiling is the ultimate way to see Idaho’s picturesque backcountry. With thousands of miles of trails, there is always something new to explore.
If the frantic pace of big-city life has you craving small-town charm and friendly vibes, Idaho living might be right for you. The state’s compact communities offer a rural camaraderie that’s absent in most big cities. Don’t be surprised if neighbors wave to you as you walk down the street or invite you for coffee or a backyard barbecue.
Idaho residents also enjoy some of the lowest crime rates in the country, which further fosters a sense of security and community.
Answering comprehensively requires considering the primary drawbacks of life in Idaho, which include limited public transportation and cultural attractions, rapid growth, harsh winters, and the effects of wildfires.
Public transportation options in Idaho are limited or nonexistent, especially outside major cities like Boise, making it nearly impossible to get around without a car. While ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber operate in larger cities like Boise, they’re not as easy to find in smaller towns.
The massive influx of residents has been driving up housing prices across Idaho, particularly in the bigger cities. It’s also putting a strain on the state’s infrastructure.
Roads that were once relatively free from congestion are seeing increased traffic, particularly during rush hour. With the sudden spike in population, some schools are likewise becoming overcrowded.
While many people find Idaho’s winters breathtakingly beautiful, they’re not for everyone.
What’s it like living in Idaho? Temperatures often dip into the single digits or even below zero during the coldest months, and some areas, such as Coeur d’Alene, get over 70 inches of snow a year. The combination of heavy snowfall and bitter cold can make for treacherous driving conditions, such as black ice and reduced visibility.
While Boise offers a decent array of cultural and nightlife options, smaller Idaho towns often lack these amenities. If you’re used to the hustle and bustle of a big city with lots of entertainment choices, you might find the rural parts of the state too quiet for your taste. However, for many, the natural beauty and outdoor activities that come with living in Idaho make up for the minimal cultural attractions.
Wildfires are occurring more frequently across Idaho, which can lower air quality. If you plan on living in Idaho, therefore, you’ll need to stay on top of the smoke forecasts and air quality advisories issued by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, particularly if you suffer from respiratory problems.
If you’re looking to relocate to a state that offers jaw-dropping natural beauty, endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, and a slower pace of life, you’ll love living in Idaho.
Though wildfires can cause poor air quality, winters can be harsh, and smaller towns have limited public transportation and entertainment, for many, these disadvantages don’t outweigh the many benefits of living in Idaho. Do some research on the pros and cons of living in Idaho before taking the plunge, and be sure to visit a variety of Idaho cities and regions to get a feel for what life in each is really like.
To help you decide whether life in Idaho is right for you, check out the other resources on our website. The official website of the state of Idaho also has several resources that can help inform your decision.
