Idaho is an awesome place to live, but where you move in Idaho will drastically impact your life based on lots of varying factors like weather, culture, and recreational options. You should consider and research the following to ensure a smooth transition and to familiarize yourself with the state’s lifestyle, climate, economy, and culture. Here’s a list of things to know before moving to Idaho:
- Housing Prices: In Idaho you have cities in and around Boise, Idaho Falls, and Coeur D’Alene which are all very fast growing cities with higher housing and land prices. Idaho has several hotspots for the wealthy and these areas like Sun Valley, McCall, and Teton Valley will all have high rates because they are destination locations. The homes here may be overpriced or go extremely quickly. Along with these fast growing cities we also have a lot of rural and remote areas around the state of Idaho that might be a lot more affordable, but with rural properties in Idaho you will often be quite isolated especially in the winter months.
- Cost of Living: Research the cost of living in different cities or regions of Idaho to understand housing, utilities, groceries, and other expenses. Climate: Idaho has a diverse climate, with colder temperatures in the northern parts and warmer temperatures in the southern regions. Familiarize yourself with the climate of the area you plan to move to. For example the city of Rexburg is a smaller city north of Idaho Falls, but due to a large university there you will see a higher cost of living due to that factor.
- Job Market: Investigate the job market in your field to ensure there are opportunities available in Idaho that match your skills and qualifications. If you work remote be sure you are looking at areas that might have access to internet and cell service. Boise area tends to be the tech area of the state, and the main employers in Idaho are agriculture and Idaho National Laboratories.
- Outdoor Recreation: Idaho is renowned for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, skiing, hunting, fishing, and camping. Consider how these activities align with your lifestyle preferences. It is important to understand also that Idaho has long winters. It is the beginning of May as I am writing this and we just got a snow storm yesterday. If you don’t have winter hobbies or are not a homebody then you might want to be selective as to where you move in Idaho, because the east side of the state tends to have longer winters, but perfect summers.
- Cultural Diversity: Research the cultural diversity of Idaho and consider how it may differ from your current location. Idaho has a mix of urban and rural areas, each with its own cultural characteristics. Farming and agriculture have a huge influence on the culture of Idaho. Idaho also is a very conservative state as a whole and you will see that in the culture that exists, especially in the more rural areas. Outdoor recreation, especially with hunting and fishing are a big part of the Idahoan culture, which makes sense when you see that Idaho borders Yellowstone, has tall mountain peaks, large national and state parks, and is home of some of the best fishing rivers in the country. You will notice also the culture tends to be very family oriented and a large percentage of the state is of the religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Check different cities and you will find a lot of different cultures around the state.
- Education System: If you have children or plan to pursue further education, research the quality of schools and higher education institutions in the area. Although the school funding isn’t like that of other states, it is my experience that they still have really qualified teachers. Idaho is also home to some great Universities and offer graduate and postgraduate degrees at affordable prices.
- Healthcare Facilities: Look into healthcare facilities and services available in the area to ensure access to medical care when needed. Some areas of Idaho can be pretty rural and remote. During winter months some cities might not have easy access to healthcare. Keep this in mind when looking at cities to live in Idaho.
- Transportation: Consider transportation options and infrastructure in Idaho, including public transit, highways, and airports, especially if you rely on commuting or travel frequently. Idaho has great highways and the state takes good care of their roads. With the winters you might need to have a 4-wheel or all wheel drive vehicle to get around in harsher conditions. Airport travel is getting more affordable, but Idaho doesn’t have a lot of large airports to choose from. If you fly often you might notice Idaho as a bit more pricey to fly in and out of.
- Economic Stability: Understand the economic stability and major industries in Idaho, as well as any potential challenges or opportunities in the local economy. As a whole the state has a wide range of industries that help to support the local economy.
- Community and Lifestyle: Research the local community and lifestyle of the area you’re considering moving to, including amenities, social activities, and community events. Facebook tends to be the biggest social gathering place and communication source in Idaho. There will be some people on apps like Nextdoor, but Facebook groups are really popular here and they are a great way to stay connected.
- Natural Disasters: Be aware of any prevalent natural disasters in the region, such as wildfires, earthquakes, or floods, and take necessary precautions. As a whole Idaho is a really safe place to live in the way of natural disasters. Our largest dangers are wildfires, high winds, and winter blizzards.
- Taxes: Understand the state and local tax laws in Idaho, including income tax rates, property taxes, and sales taxes. In Idaho we do have sales tax and property taxes, but we don’t have some of the odd item taxes that some other states have.
- Licensing and Registration: If you’re bringing a vehicle or plan to work in a regulated profession, research the requirements for licensing and registration in Idaho. Licensing and registration isn’t very strict or complicated when compared to many of the other states.
- Local Laws and Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations, including zoning ordinances, pet and plant regulations, and noise ordinances. These will vary a lot from city to city and from urban to rural areas.
- Community Support Networks: Look into community support networks, such as religious organizations, volunteer groups, and social clubs, to help you integrate into your new community. Obviously the bigger the community the more support groups you will have access to.
Hope this list of 15 things to know about Idaho helps you in preparing to move to Idaho. It really is a beautiful state with areas that fit most lifestyles and cultures. Let me know in the comments if I missed anything or if you have a difference of opinion.
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