Top 8 Best Cities to Live in Idaho
Idaho is more than a state that loves its potatoes (but let’s be real, there’s not a more versatile food. Fight me.) The Gem State is just that, a gem. Every town has its own unique personality and the cost of living is well below the national average, so you can’t afford not to live here.
Though there are a number of fantastic places to live, lets talk about my top 8:
Idaho Falls
First, let’s start out with me being a little biased. Living in Idaho Falls is amazing. It is a perfectly sized city. You can literally drive from one end to the other in 20 minutes or less and there is never any traffic. Speaking of being a hop, skip, and a jump away, lets talk about Yellowstone National Park, cause it is less than a 2-hour drive! Also, housing prices are so low (the median being $268.5K)! Smack dab in the middle of the city there are beautiful waterfalls and given the Snake River runs right through, there is fishing aplenty just outside your door. Idaho Falls is also home to Idaho National Laboratory and Melaleuca, two of the largest employers and best places to work in the state.
McCall
McCall is a beautiful resort town about 100 miles north of Boise. Though there are only around 3,000 permanent residents in the city, tourist season sometimes triples that number. This should be no surprise to ski bunnies familiar with the west coast. During the winter months there is the ever-popular McCall winter carnival which includes amazing snow sculptures and a mid-week sled dog challenge.
Eagle
If you want to be close to Boise and have some extra change in your bank account, Eagle might be the place for you (the median house sells for around $586K). Nestled in the Boise foothills, Eagle is a touch smaller and quieter than the capital city but is still close and incredibly clean and safe. It is known for its abundance of golf courses, spas, and the Eagle Saturday Market.
Meridian
Meridian is the perfect place to buy if you want to save a few bucks (median is about $384K) and don’t mind a small commute into the Boise. Named the state’s fastest growing city and among the one of the nation’s fastest growing cities, Meridian is another one of Idaho’s great big-little cities. Being in Southwestern Idaho, Meridian has a mild climate with all four seasons.
Sun Valley
Ok, so compared to other places to live in Idaho, Sun Valley is a little spendy, but oh my heck is it worth it. It is adorably tiny and there are just 1,500 permanent residents. Some may call it rural; I call it cozy. During October, every year people flock from all over the nation to watch the live performances at The Sun Valley Jazz & Music Festival. There are also amazing slopes to ski or snowboard in the winter months.
Boise
Oh, Boise, let me count the ways. Your great schools, the numerous food options, the gorgeous trees! Though one of the more expensive places to live in the state (median runs around $425K), when it comes to the national average Boise is merely chump change. Boise has a small town/big city feel where there are tons of things to do, but it is still a place where you can run into people you know at the farmer’s market.
Rigby
A small city on the Eastern side of Idaho while growing by the day, Rigby offers a small town feel while still offering access to a decent sized city (Idaho Falls). If you want to get the feel of Yellowstone without having to make the arduous hour and a half drive (yes, it is really that close), you can drive 12 minutes and visit Yellowstone Bear World in neighboring Rexburg. Rocky Mountain elk, bison, and of course American Black and Grizzly bears are only a few of the wild animals that you will see when you visit.
Chubbuck
Near Idaho State University in Pocatello, Chubbuck boasts a strong economy and great outdoor recreation. Buying a home here will run you around $229.5K, mere pennies nationally or even statewide. Near Mink Creek Campground, Chubbuck offers access to bird watching, wildlife viewing, and miles of multi-use trails.
Whether you are looking for culture, food, or access to the great outdoors, Idaho has it all. It is a beautiful, safe state with low unemployment (the 4th in the nation). And honestly, any place in Idaho is a great place to move and now is a great time to buy.