Best Places to Live in Idaho
Northern Idaho
Coeur d’Alene
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.
Lewiston
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.
Moscow
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.
Post Falls
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.
Southern Idaho
Boise
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.
Eagle
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.
Idaho Falls
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.
Meridian
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.