As a nature lover’s paradise, Idaho is much more than just potatoes and prairies. The state’s name derives from a Native American word that means “the land of many waters,” and they say Idaho would be the size of Texas if you flattened it. From the Rocky Mountains to the Great Basin Desert, Idaho offers the same quality of housing, economic, and educational opportunities as it does amazing outdoor living.
Considering a move to the Gem State? If so, you’ve stopped by the right page. Great Guys Moving has put together this informative guide on one of the fastest-growing states in America:
We hope this info helps make your next move to Idaho a fun and easy experience. When you’re ready, we can connect you with top Idaho moving services in a matter of minutes!
Relocating to the Gem State? If so, there are several points you should consider before moving to America’s 14th biggest state by size (83,570 sq. ft.) and 39th largest by state population (1.75 million).
To Rent or Buy? Due to rapid growth, housing prices have risen. However, Idaho offers great overall value, especially for people moving from California and other costly states. Housing prices are currently as affordable as the national average. Median rent is low, but it can be difficult to find a place in Boise.
Idaho ranks 19th in the country for cost of living with an index of 92.3 (according to the 2019 MERIC Data Series). This index is below the nationwide index of 100.
Employing the EPI Family Budget Calculator, we can break down the average monthly expenses of a family of four (2 adults + 2 children) in two separate Idaho cities.
Our first example is Boise. The cost for a family of four: $866 for housing, $774 for food, $1,170 for childcare, $1,206 for transportation, $1,035 for healthcare, $662 for other necessities, and $843 for taxes, for a grand total of $6,555 per month or $78,660 per year.
Next, we’ll take a look at Idaho Falls. Breakdown of expenses: $739 for housing, $736 for food, $1,068 for childcare, $1,221 for transportation, $1,104 for healthcare, $595 for other necessities, and $758 for taxes, which comes out to $6,221 per month or $74,647 per year.
Influenced by the Pacific Ocean, Idaho’s climate is quite diverse due to its size. The southern part of the state sees less precipitation compared to the northern part of the state. For example, Boise receives about 12 inches of rain and 21 inches of snowfall, while Coeur d’Alene gets about 26 inches of rain and 52 inches of snowfall.
Southern Idaho also has warmer summers than the northern region. For instance, Boise experiences a high temperature of 90°F in July. Coeur d’Alene, on the other hand, sees temperatures that top out at around 85°F in July. During winter, Idaho Falls has a low temperature of 10°F in January. Lewiston’s low temperature in January hovers around 28°F.
According to Economy Rankings by US News & World Report, Idaho has the 6th best state economy in the nation. This ranking is based on several categories, including business environment (#7), employment (#5), and growth (#9).
Transportation systems in Idaho consist of 12,200 miles of roads, 1,630 miles of rail lines, 126 airports, 1,800 bridges, and the Port of Lewiston (the farthest inland port east of the West Coast).
According to Best & Worst States to Drive In by WalletHub, the state of Idaho is ranked as the 21st best driving state in the country. It also ranks #2 for traffic & infrastructure, while coming in at #30 for safety and #44 for access to vehicles & maintenance.
Idaho is home to several acclaimed universities and public schools. Most institutions of higher learning are small to midsize, and a high concentration of campuses sit in Boise, Idaho Falls, and Moscow. Boise State University (BSU) is the largest with roughly 20,000 students. Here are the top picks:
To qualify as a bona fide resident of Idaho, you must establish domicile for an entire tax year and live there for no less than 270 days out of the year. For in-state tuition purposes, a student must show proof of domicile and physical residency in Idaho for at least 12 months before a new school term.
New residents have 90 days to apply for an Idaho driver’s license.
Steps to getting a new license:
New residents of Idaho must title and register an out-of-state vehicle within 90 days of moving to the state. To register your vehicle, you need to:
Idaho voters have the option to vote absentee and no-excuse early voting. For more information, visit the Voting in Idaho page.
*Note: the state restores voting rights once a convicted felon has completed his or her sentence (including prison time, parole, and probation).
Population: 50,700
Median Home Value: $324,700
Celebrated as one of the best cities in Idaho, Coeur d’Alene has outdoor beauty and recreational fun. Named after the Native Americans who lived in the region – French traders in the 1800s called them Coeur d’Alene, or “heart of an awl,” referring to their sharp-heartedness and shrewdness – the city has grown quite a bit in the last few years due to a boom in tourism.
Known for Lake Coeur d’Alene and the Coeur d’Alene Resort (along with the world’s longest floating boardwalk and a golf course called “America’s most beautiful resort course”), the city is also near three ski resorts and Silverwood Theme Park, the biggest theme park in the Northwest. There are also many fairs, festivals, and concerts, and downtown offers plenty of shops and eateries. Most residents own their homes and tend to lean conservative, while schools are above average.
Are you looking for the best schools in the area? For public education, check out Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy, Canfield Middle School, Sorensen Magnet School of the Arts & Humanities, Dalton Elementary School, and Atlas Elementary School. For private education, consider Holy Family Catholic School, Lake City Junior Academy, ABCD Daycare Center, LAM Christian Academy, and Christ the King Child Development Center. Coeur d’Alene is also home to North Idaho College.
If your heart is set on a new home that offers lake living coupled with great amenities, this Northern Idaho city should definitely be at the top of your list.
Population: 32,800
Median Home Value: $247,300
As one of the top places to retire in Idaho, Lewiston has the distinction of being the state’s only seaport and the former capital of Idaho (until 1864). The city was established in 1862 during a regional gold rush, and since then it has blossomed into a booming little city filled with outdoor activities and rich history. 70% of residents are homeowners and tend to be conservative. The public schools are above average.
Into boating, fishing, paddling, jet-skiing, and more? It’s easy to see why the city of just over 30,000 gets its name from one-half of the famous exploration duo Lewis and Clark: adventure! Situated at the merging point of Clearwater River and Snake River, Lewiston offers great water fun. There are also plenty of festivals, including the Dogwood Festival and Hot August Nights. Student funding is the highest in the state, which is a great plus if you choose to raise a family here.
Have kids? Top public schools include Sacajawea Junior High School, McSorley Elementary School, Lewiston High School, and Camelot Elementary School. Top private schools include All Saints Catholic School, Cornerstone Christian School, Northwest Children’s Home, and Beacon Christian School. If you’re considering higher education, Lewiston is home to Lewis-Clark State College, Headmasters School of Hair Design, and Mr. Leon’s School of Hari Design – Lewiston.
In search of a city with a small-town feel? Lewiston is a growing hub for healthcare and transportation that offers great amenities and promising development.
Population: 25,100
Median Home Value: $291,200
Moscow was recently ranked #1 amongst the best US cities to raise a family by MarketWatch, and it’s for a good reason! Offering a close-knit community that is a perfect blend of urban and rural elements, the modest city has been attracting more and more millennials looking to put down roots or go to school. Nearly 60% of residents rent, and public schools are highly rated.
Home to the University of Idaho, Moscow is equal parts humble community and college town. It is also a commercial and agricultural hub, leading in the production of white winter wheat. Along with being home to several schools, Moscow offers several amenities: 17 city parks, the Latah Trail Bike Path, and the University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden, along with sporting events, family-friendly activities, outdoor living, great food, and nightlife fun.
Moscow has some of the best public schools in the state. Top public schools serving the area include Palouse Prairie Charter School, West Park Elementary School, Lena Whitmore Elementary School, J. Russell Elementary School, and Moscow Middle School. If you’re in search of private schooling, check out Logos School and St. Mary’s School. Local colleges include the University of Idaho, New Saint Andrews College, and Mr. Leon’s School of Hair Design – Moscow.
In search of the top city to raise your kids, not only in Idaho but possibly the entire country? Look no further than the northwestern Idaho city of Moscow.
Population: 33,300
Median Home Value: $289,600
Situated in Kootenai County, just four miles from the border between Idaho and Washington, we find the city of Post Falls. It is known as a bedroom community or commuter city to Spokane, Washington, and is also home to some of the highest earners in Idaho. An impressive 72% of residents are homeowners, and the public schools serving the area are above average.
Like its Northern Idaho counterparts, Post Falls is a lower-population city set in a beautiful location. The city is surrounded by gorgeous mountains, rivers, and lakes, making it a great place to visit or live. If you’re into outdoor living, there are endless activities, including hiking, swimming, fishing, sledding, skiing, and snowboarding. One downside is the recent trend of folks moving here (particularly from California) and driving up housing prices. Another is the hassle created by winter weather and snow removal.
Raising a family here? You should check out the following schools. Top public schools serving the Post Falls area include Sorensen Magnet School of the Arts & Humanities (Coeur d’Alene), Greensferry Elementary School, Ponderosa Elementary School, Seltice Elementary School, and River City Middle School. Top private schools are Classical Christian Academy, Genesis Preparatory Academy, Immaculate Conception Academy, and Cornerstone Christian Academy.
If you’re in the market for a growing city filled with natural beauty and outdoor recreation, as well as proximity to everything, Post Falls checks all the boxes while maintaining a small-town vibe.
Population: 226,600
Median Home Value: $300,800
As one of the top 25 places to buy a home in America, Boise is the capital of Idaho and the cultural hub of the state. Known as a playground for nature lovers, The City of Trees is both beautiful and quickly growing. It is also home to Boise State University, offering great educational opportunities. 60% of residents are homeowners, and the public schools are highly respected.
Need a reason to move to the biggest city in Idaho? Here’s several: surrounded by stunning nature (north of the Great Basin deserts and west of the Rocky Mountains), cultural hub (particularly for theater and jazz), awesome brewery scene (including County Line Brewing and Clairvoyant Brewing Company), booming job market (healthcare, hospitality, and tech), stellar education / college town atmosphere (home to BSU), and a diverse downtown.
Top public schools: Boise Senior High School, Renaissance High School, Meridian Medical Arts Charter School, Roosevelt Elementary School, and Longfellow Elementary School. Top private schools: Riverstone International School, Bishop Kelly High School, St. Joseph’s Catholic School, St. Mark’s Elementary School, and Calvary Christian School. Top colleges: Boise State University, Oliver Finley Academy of Cosmetology, Boise Bible College, and Carrington College – Boise.
Distinct four seasons, friendly folks, breathtaking nature, great opportunities all around, one the safest metropolises in the United States – Boise is a welcoming city that you can easily call home.
Population: 26,100
Median Home Value: $481,400
Considered the #1 suburb to raise a family in Idaho, Eagle is located in Ada County and offers a quick commute to Boise. An overwhelming majority of residents (82%) own their homes and tend to be conservative. Public schools in Eagle are above average.
Once a sleepy “bedroom” community, Eagle is a friendly town with a booming housing and job market. Like its Northern counterpart, Post Falls, the small town has seen an influx of people moving from California, which has increased housing prices and congestion. Nonetheless, Eagle is a quaint, clean community that offers great amenities and conveniences minus the negatives of urban life.
There are several great choices when it comes to public education. Top public schools serving the Eagle area include Renaissance High School, Meridian Medical Arts Charter School, Answer Charter School, Heritage Middle School, And Galileo Magnet School. Considering the private school route? Check out Arts West School, Montessori Academy Christian School & Preschool, and Hall International Academy for Arts & Humanities. Colleges like Boise State University are right down the road in Boise city.
Want to live in the best Idaho suburb right outside Boise? The Eagle has landed.
Population: 61,100
Median Home Value: $203,000
Located in the southeastern region of the state in Bonneville County, Idaho Falls is a safe, welcoming, and rapidly growing community ideal for raising a family. Nearly two-thirds of residents are homeowners and lean on the conservative side. Local schools are above average.
Offering a high quality of life and strong economy, Idaho Falls is home to limitless outdoor recreation (especially along Snake River). The city also serves as the cultural and commercial hub of eastern Idaho. Amenities and attractions include the Museum of Idaho, the Idaho Falls Zoo, bowling, theaters, and restaurants. It’s important to mention that Idaho Falls is home to a large LDS (Mormon) population.
If you’re looking for schools, Idaho Falls offers a handful of options. For public schooling, check out Compass Academy, Idaho Falls Senior High School, Hillcrest High School, Westside Elementary School, and Taylorview Middle School. Those looking for private education should consider Watersprings School, Holy Rosary Catholic School, Little People’s Academy, and Hope Lutheran School. Idaho Falls is also home to Eastern Idaho Technical College, Austin Kade Academy, and Stevens-Henager College.
Idaho Falls is a welcoming city filled with outdoor activities and affordable housing. If you want small-town USA mixed with fast growth, this Southern Idaho city is a great choice.
Population: 100,000
Median Home Value: $323,400
Last on our tour of Idaho, we have Meridian. Ranked as one of the Top 50 cities to live in America, the southwestern Idaho city is giving Boise a run for its money. Many professionals and families call it home, and over 75% of residents own their homes. The public schools rate as above average.
Known as a great place to settle down, there are numerous parks, greenbelts, open spaces, and playgrounds. Public education is highly respected, offering great STEM programs. There are also great attractions & restaurants (Costa Vida and Reed’s Dairy are favorites), rapid job growth, and low crime. On top of that, the city offers gorgeous weather and natural beauty.
Looking for the best schools in Meridian. Top public schools are Renaissance High School, Meridian Medical Arts Charter School, Heritage Middle School, Pepper Ridge Elementary School, and Lowell Scott Middle School. Top private schools include Cole Valley Christian Schools, The Ambrose School, Challenger School – Meridian, Heroes Academy, and King’s Kids Preschool & Kindergarten.
Looking for a neighborly city that combines family-friendly living with urban amenities? Meridian may just be the place you’ve been dreaming of.
Whether you’re starting a new job a few states away or you are moving just for a change of scenery, long distance moving can be a tricky process. Regardless of when or where you make a move within the United States, you’ll need to decide whether or not you’ll move yourself or hire a professional […]
We can all agree that moving is one of the most hectic experiences in life, requiring a lot of time, hard work, and patience. Whether you’ve moved once or a dozen times, the moving process is equally difficult each time. Luckily, with the help of moving companies and their professional staff, the process of moving […]
Making a long distance move is an exciting, albeit stressful time. It is easy to get overwhelmed thinking about all the things that must you need to accomplish before moving to your new town. This checklist is the “must dos” before you go, and hopefully will help keep you organized during your relocation. CLOSE ACCOUNTS […]
Moving your houseplants across the country is challenging. Most houseplants find a cross-country move traumatic, and some will not recover. The best bet for most houseplants is to give them as gifts to friends, neighbors, and relatives before the move. However, if you just can’t bear to part with your grandmother’s 40-year-old begonia or an […]
Moving can be expensive. You must rent a moving van or hire a long distance moving company to move your household items. You also need to consider all the moving supplies that you need to buy, such as bubble wrap, packing tape, and other packing materials. While you can go out and buy boxes, there […]
Great Guys Moving connects you with Idaho moving services at unbeatable prices.
An interstate relocation doesn’t have to be a pain. With the right movers, you can sit back while they handle everything skillfully. Our long-distance moving companies are fully licensed, insured, and equipped to perform any size move in the state of Idaho.
Headed to Boise? Moving to the Idaho Rockies? No problem! Our network of reputable moving partners has plenty of experience moving anywhere in Idaho. Whether you’re packing up for the city or a small town tucked in the mountains, we have the perfect local movers waiting to lend a hand.
Moving to another country? Whether for the military or a fresh start, international relocation has complex challenges, from customs to shipping container logistics. Great Guys pairs you with a fully certified international relocation specialist that will help you to navigate the process smoothly.
You wouldn’t believe how fast and inexpensive your small move can be. If you’re looking for a quick, low-cost solution for your one-bedroom apartment, studio, or college dorm, we can find you small load movers to move you out in no time.
Don’t want to risk injury or damage? If your answer is yes, we’ve got the perfect solution. Our group of furniture moving companies is ready to provide swift and secure services, always showing up with the right tools and experience to safely transport any type or amount of furniture.
Have to transport your organ or piano? Whether across town or to another county, our highly skilled piano movers take the utmost care to relocate your prized instrument securely. Rest assured that it’s in great hands as our specialists perform a flawless delivery.
Antiques and fine art require special attention. Instead of hiring standard movers, let us connect you with specialized art shippers. From building custom crates to using non-abrasive moving blankets and foams, our art handlers take every precaution to safeguard your prized pieces.
Whether you’re relocating, traveling or renovating, finding an inexpensive and secure storage service is a must. Get hold of us today. We can hook you up with short-term or long-term storage that’s easy on your wallet and ensures your valuables are safe and sound.
Facing an unexpected move? Don’t know who to turn to during this last-minute transition? We understand exactly how stressful it is. Whether you’re facing eviction or relocating for a new job, we can quickly set you up with efficient and reliable short notice movers that can help you in a pinch.
Time to move your entire household? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the work. Save yourself a headache and contact us today. Our cheap, dependable household movers take the stress off your shoulders. Relax and focus on what matters while our Idaho movers handle all the logistics.
Packing sucks. At first, you might have everything covered. But then moving week shows up, and you’re facing a pile of possessions and empty moving boxes. Give yourself a break. We can find you pro movers and packers – from partial packing to full-service – to properly pack your belongings.
Relocating to a new retail space or office is challenging. You need Idaho office movers that can help you to organize, plan, and perform your commercial move effectively. If you want to limit downtime and delays, hire one of our highly trained and experienced office moving companies.
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Need affordable Idaho movers you can count on? Request your free moving quotes today!
Whether you’re starting a new job a few states away or you are moving just for a change of scenery, long distance moving can be a tricky process. Regardless of when or where you make a move within the United States, you’ll need to decide whether or not you’ll move yourself or hire a professional […]
We can all agree that moving is one of the most hectic experiences in life, requiring a lot of time, hard work, and patience. Whether you’ve moved once or a dozen times, the moving process is equally difficult each time. Luckily, with the help of moving companies and their professional staff, the process of moving […]
Making a long distance move is an exciting, albeit stressful time. It is easy to get overwhelmed thinking about all the things that must you need to accomplish before moving to your new town. This checklist is the “must dos” before you go, and hopefully will help keep you organized during your relocation. CLOSE ACCOUNTS […]
Moving your houseplants across the country is challenging. Most houseplants find a cross-country move traumatic, and some will not recover. The best bet for most houseplants is to give them as gifts to friends, neighbors, and relatives before the move. However, if you just can’t bear to part with your grandmother’s 40-year-old begonia or an […]
Moving can be expensive. You must rent a moving van or hire a long distance moving company to move your household items. You also need to consider all the moving supplies that you need to buy, such as bubble wrap, packing tape, and other packing materials. While you can go out and buy boxes, there […]
