Idaho is a landlocked state between Washington and Oregon to the west, Nevada and Utah to the south, Montana and Wyoming to the east, and a slice of Canada to the north. Like its neighbors, Idaho has fantastic mountain views, sections of the best national parks, and plenty to do and see. Get to know the 5 best places to live in Idaho and find your new home in the Gem State:
1. Boise
2. Twin Falls
3. Idaho Falls
4. Moscow
5. Eagle
Boise
If you’re looking for great schools and the great outdoors, you’ll love living in Boise. The state capital has a lot of small-town charm despite being home to more than 200,000 people across many diverse neighborhoods. In and around the “City of Trees,” you can enjoy the natural splendor of forests, rivers, lakes, and trails as well as the Rocky Mountains and its heaps of snow. The area is perfect for avid skiers, snowboarders, kayakers, fishermen, hikers, and bikers.
The city is also home to Boise State University and other colleges, so you have access to exciting sporting events all year long. There’s also a fantastic arts and entertainment scene, nightlife, restaurants, and family-friendly festivals where you can embrace Basque culture. Wine- and beer-lovers rejoice for the many wineries and the Ale Trail, which guides you through Boise’s breweries. Treat the kids to a day at the Discovery Center, Camel’s Back Park, Zoo Boise, or the Aquarium of Boise.
You can get a one-bedroom apartment in Boise for an average of $1,400 per month and get to see the Idaho leg of the historic Oregon Trail and the Idaho State Capital building whenever you want!
Twin Falls
While this area of Idaho is primarily known for growing spuds, Twin Falls is home to the Shoshone Falls, often called the “Niagra of the West.” This gorgeous location is the perfect place to hike or boat in calmer waters, and you can also get great views of the Snake River Canyon along the namesake trail via zipline, too. Adventure-lovers will love going to Snake River for rafting, tubing, kayaking, and other awesome watersports. Plus, see one of Idaho’s manmade wonders when you visit Perrine Memorial Bridge, which, at 486 feet above the river, spans the Snake River Canyon.
Twin Falls is also home to the Herrett Center for Arts and Sciences, which has a planetarium and diverse exhibits the whole family will love. And with the University of Southern Idaho and a fantastic public school system, the city is also known for being an educational gem of the state. Join this community that welcomes people from all different cultures and snag a one-bedroom place in Twin Falls for $638 per month.
Idaho Falls
In Idaho Falls, you can enjoy big-city amenities like cinemas, bars, restaurants, and museums and world-class adventuring at Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and the trails, waterways, and natural sites that reside there. A one-bedroom apartment in Idaho Falls runs, on average, $675 per month, making it affordable to live in this bustling city with plenty to do for singles, couples, and families alike.
Enjoy an educational trip to the Idaho Museum, the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, the Idaho Falls Zoo, or the East Idaho Aquarium. Soak up the sun during a round of disc golf at Russ Freeman Park, a peaceful stroll along the River Walk, hike the Upper Geyser Basin Boardwalk near Old Faithful, or have a picnic at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Sportsman Park. If you’re into curiosities and interesting sites, you’ve got to check out the Collector Corner Museum, the volcanic formation at Hell’s Half Acre, and the Giant Eagle Waterfall Nest monument.
Moscow
Right along the Idaho-Washington border sits Moscow, the home of the University of Idaho, 17 local parks, and fantastically rated school systems. It blends small-town charm with college-town amenities like exciting nightlife, outdoor recreational areas, live entertainment, shopping, museums, and theaters. Spend your days scaling the indoor climbing wall at the rock climbing gym, strolling through the arboretum and botanical garden, grabbing fresh produce at the farmers market, sampling beers at local breweries, or hiking and biking the Latah Trail.
There are plenty of family-friendly activities, too, for children of all ages. Cool down at Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center, catch a football or soccer game at the Universe of Idaho’s Kibbie Dome, practice your axel at the Palouse Ice Rink, read up at the Moscow Public Library, and visit the Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center to learn about the Native Americans history of the area. Become a resident of Moscow when you rent a one-bedroom place for an average of $595 per month.
Eagle
Pay an average of $1,482 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in Eagle, making it one of the more expensive places in Idaho to live as a renter. But you can save money on utilities and taxes, enroll your children in some of Idaho’s best schools, enjoy a mosquito-free summer, and zip around town with little traffic. Being so close to Boise, you also have access to historical sites like the Old Idaho State Penitentiary, plenty of museums, and a lot of fun nightlife. But you’re also close to Meridian, which has Roaring Springs Family Fun Park and The Village.
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