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Best Places To Live in Idaho

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Best Places To Live in Idaho

If you live for outdoor adventure, Idaho is for you. Read on to learn more about job opportunities, things to do and more in the best cities in Idaho.

By Livability on November 3, 2023

Located in the Pacific Northwest, Idaho is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. With mountainous (and even otherworldly) landscapes, pristine lakes and breathtaking terrain, Idaho beckons with its gorgeous natural scenery, extending from Canada to Nevada.

All kinds of companies — both larger firms and smaller start-ups — find their niche here, with prominent business sectors such as agriculture (can you say potatoes?), lumber, technology, science, tourism and mining. It’s called The Gem State for a reason! 

With a population of 1.9 million, Idaho has seen a surge in newcomers making their homes here. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2022 Idaho was the second-fastest growing state in the nation after Florida. Part of the reason is the moderate cost of living, low crime rates, strong economy and cities that have a small-town feel. Here’s a list of the best places to live in Idaho.

Boise

Downtown Boise, Idaho, during the first winter snow.
iStock/4kodiak
Downtown Boise, Idaho, during the first winter snow.

Boise is a best city in Idaho.

Boise was named one of the Best Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023 and it’s easy to see why. As the state’s capital city, Boise consistently ranks high for its quality of life thanks to good schools, affordable housing, low crime rates and community spirit. The city of nearly 250,000 is a growing tech hub, but also boasts a diverse mix of agribusiness, government and manufacturing companies. Located in the Snake River Valley region of Idaho, Boise is a significant contributor to the state’s potato production, too. The Boise area offers all kinds of outdoor recreation, from hiking and skiing to fishing and golf, and the city has a thriving cultural scene that includes the downtown area and its mix of music venues, theaters and museums — all of which are attracting young professionals to Boise.

Why is Boise known for its outdoor recreation? 

Boise is an outdoor lover’s paradise, with access to hiking trails, biking, skiing and water sports, not to mention scenic mountain views. It’s known as the “City of Trees” because of its tree-lined streets and urban canopy, including the Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile tree-lined path along the Boise River. The city’s parks department maintains more than 90 parks and 200-plus miles of trails. It’s easy to see why Boise is one of the best places to live in Idaho.

Read more about living in Boise, ID.

Coeur d’Alene

An outdoor concert at sunset at Riverstone Park in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Coeur d'Alene is one of the best places to live in Idaho.
iStock/Kirk Fisher
An outdoor concert at sunset at Riverstone Park in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Coeur d’Alene is a best place to live in Idaho.

Located in northwest Idaho, Coeur d’Alene — which means “heart of an awl” — is awash in natural beauty. Residents enjoy a resort lifestyle with the stunning lake of the same name as the focal point of this city. The lake and area forests provide all kinds of recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, hiking and biking. Spectacular scenery surrounds the many golf courses here, including one with the first and only floating green! The lumber industry, tourism and health care are the primary industries, but this is a city with minimal traffic and an easy way of life. The downtown area has fun boutiques, great dining spots and art galleries. Coeur d’Alene, with a population of 58,000, has a higher cost of living due to its more luxurious way of life.

What sets Coeur d’Alene apart?

Coeur d’Alene is a place that offers small-town living with big benefits. Whether you like to bird-watch, go snowmobiling or fish, this city’s access to the natural world makes it easy to enjoy an active lifestyle. In addition, Coeur d’Alene is walkable, and many people commute by bike to work. The growth in tourism has resulted in world-class restaurants, some with incredible views of the water.

Read more about living in Coeur d’Alene, ID.

Idaho Falls

The beautiful Snake River running through Idaho Falls in central Idaho.
iStock/Richard Schafer
The beautiful Snake River running through Idaho Falls in central Idaho.

Idaho Falls is a great city to live in Idaho.

Idaho Falls, which hugs the Snake River, has a population of nearly 70,000 and is the commercial center for Eastern Idaho. Energy, technology, agriculture and health care are the primary industries, and the city is proud to be the home of the Idaho National Laboratory, which is one of the leading nuclear research and development facilities in the country. Agricultural products such as potatoes, wheat, barley and sugar beets are grown here. Idaho State University and Eastern Idaho Technical College contribute to the educational component of the city’s economy. Idaho Falls is family-friendly with good schools and an assortment of fun activities kids can enjoy, including nearby access to national parks such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

Why does Idaho Falls have such a great quality of life?

For starters, the city has a thriving economy with a growing job market. There’s a lively arts and culture scene, beautiful natural areas that offer recreational activities such as rafting and fishing, and plentiful places for family outings. The city’s lower cost of living means your money goes further here. In addition, the city is a welcoming place to raise a family with successful school districts. Any way you slice it, Idaho Falls is one of the best places to live in Idaho.

Read more about living in Idaho Falls, ID.

Meridian

Falls Colors in Meridian, ID, one of the best places to live in Idaho.
Getty Images/Seibel Photography LLC
Falls Colors in Meridian, ID, one of the best places to live in Idaho.

Meridian is a best city in Idaho.

Ranked as the fastest-growing city in Idaho and one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, it’s no wonder that Meridian was also included in Livability’s Best Places To Live in the U.S. list. Meridian, a city of nearly 130,000 people, is located in the heart of Treasure Valley, a place known for its outdoor splendor and family-friendly environment. Because of the surrounding desert, mountains, forest, rivers and lakes, you can take your pick from an abundance of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, fishing, boating and camping. The cost of living is lower here than a lot of other cities, with new neighborhoods being built every year. Meridian has great restaurants, live music, art galleries and shopping at your fingertips. The city has the largest school district in the state, serving more than 35,000 students.

Why does Meridian have such a thriving job market?

Meridian, considered a part of the Boise metropolitan area, is growing, and that equates to more job opportunities for residents and newcomers. Large employers such as St. Lukes, Blue Cross of Idaho, Jacksons Food Stores and Scentsy are located here. Other sectors that provide career advancement possibilities include health care, education, retail and manufacturing. It’s also a great place for those looking to work remotely.

Read more about living in Meridian, ID.

Moscow

Moscow, ID, during sunset. Moscow is one of the best places to live in Idaho.
iStock/Shunyu Fan
Moscow, Idaho, during sunset.

Moscow is a best place to live in Idaho.

Home of the University of Idaho with a student population of nearly 12,000, Moscow has been ranked as one of the Best Small Art Towns in America because of its commitment to celebrate and promote arts in all of its various forms. And If the great outdoors are your thing, you can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, camping and golf. Moscow is known as a wonderful place to raise a family and offers a close-knit community. Education, agriculture, technology, retail, government and health care are the primary industries here.

Why is the art scene so great in Moscow?

The University of Idaho in Moscow contributes significantly to the vibrant arts and culture scene in Moscow. The city boasts several art galleries, which provide a platform for local and regional artists to display their work. In addition, music and theater events are on tap, including The Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival, drawing visitors from around the country to the university’s campus. The city also has its share of fun festivals, including the Renaissance Fair, Rendezvous in the Park and Artwalk, which includes visual, literary, performing and culinary arts offerings at business and nonprofits throughout the community.

Read more about living in Moscow, ID.

Nampa

A view of the train depot in Nampa, Idaho.

Nampa is a great city to live in Idaho.

Known as The Heart of Treasure Valley, Nampa is a great place to call home. Located just west of Boise, this city of nearly 108,000 has a reputation as a family-friendly community with good schools, plentiful parks and other recreational activities such as hiking, biking, fishing and camping. Nampa offers a lower cost of living compared to other areas of the country, making it attractive for those who are looking for an affordable home base. The job market has been growing steadily in recent years, with health care, manufacturing, food processing, technology and agriculture as the main sectors. All in all, Nampa is a welcoming city to put down roots.

Why is agriculture so important here?

Nampa is located in the heart of the state’s agricultural region and is known for its fertile farmland and a multitude of sunny days. Generations of families have farmed the land, establishing a strong agricultural tradition. Crops such as potatoes, sugar beets, beans, onions and corn thrive here, in addition to livestock, dairy and alfalfa. Nampa has a successful wine industry, too, with many wineries open for tours and tastings.

Read more about living in Nampa, ID.

Pocatello

Mormon Latter-day Saints Temple with lights at sunset in Pocatello, Idaho.
Getty Images/eric1513
Pocatello, Idaho, at sunset.

Pocatello is a best city in Idaho.

Affordable homes, a strong sense of community, historic charm and lively cultural events are some of the reasons people move to Pocatello. The city, with a population of nearly 59,000, is also surrounded by beautiful natural areas, including the Portneuf Range and the nearby Caribou-Targhee National Forest, where you will find plenty to do outdoors. The Portneuf River runs through Pocatello, providing opportunities to kayak, canoe or paddle board. The University of Idaho, one of the state’s biggest universities, contributes to the city’s educational and cultural offerings with the Idaho Museum of Natural History on its campus. The historic, 18-block downtown area, one of the region’s most well-preserved urban streetscapes, is full of dining spots, antiques shops and art galleries. Families will enjoy Zoo Idaho — open since 1932 — which spotlights animals native to the Intermountain West. 

Why is outdoor recreation so popular here?

Situated beneath the peaks of the Bannock Range, Pocatello naturally lends itself to being outdoors, where residents can experience the joys of nature in their backyard. Boundless beauty is everywhere you look and, with its diverse terrain, Pocatello delivers on opportunities to hike, bike, climb, ice-fish, ski, snowboard and more. 

Read more about living in Pocatello, ID.

Twin Falls

Kayakers paddle the crystal clear water near Lemon Falls at Thousand Springs State Park in Twin Falls, Idaho.
©Journal Communications
Kayakers paddle the crystal clear water near Lemon Falls at Thousand Springs State Park in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Twin Falls is a best place to live in Idaho.

Talk about natural beauty — Twin Falls offers an outdoor landscape that is second to none. Shoshone Falls, known as the Niagara of the West, is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the United States, and the city boasts numerous other scenic waterfalls. If you want to see someone “fly,” head to the Perrine Bridge, where BASE jumpers take off over the Snake River into the canyon below. As the hub of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls appeals to young professionals and families not only because of the stunning scenery but also the diverse job opportunities and dynamic arts and culture scene. Affordable housing and good schools attract families looking for an active community.

What is Twin Falls best known for?

Twin Falls definitely stands out for its beautiful landscape, which includes the Snake River Canyon, Shoshone Falls and other stunning waterfalls, as well as the Perrine Bridge, which is where BASE jumpers launch themselves into the sky. The Snake River also provides a wealth of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing and water sports. Fun fact: In 1974, Daredevil Evil Knievel attempted to jump across the Snake River Canyon using a rocket-powered cycle but failed, luckily sustaining only minor injuries.

Read more about living in Twin Falls, ID.

Thinking of Moving to Idaho?

Finding a great place to live in Idaho doesn’t have to be a chore. We have more resources for moving to Idaho as well as other best places to live in out West. No matter where you want to live, we can help you decide where to move and discover the best places to live in the U.S .

Other Great Places To Live Near Idaho

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