You’ve been moving around for years. It’s time to get serious and settle down.

Your first challenge is to choose a location where you can build a future. Not just any state will do. You need a place that’s brimming with possibilities.

Idaho doesn’t get the same attention as California or New York. Despite flying under the radar, Boise has been repeatedly voted as the best city to live in the US.

But that’s just the start!

Here are 10 more reasons why people love living in Idaho.

1. Opportunities in Agriculture

If you’re looking for more opportunities in agriculture, Idaho is the place.

Idaho is home to some of the best agricultural schools in the nation. Choose from over 90 agricultural programs at the University of Idaho. Study agriculture at Bringham Young University and the College of Southern Idaho.

These programs are a great springboard for building an agricultural career in Idaho.

2. Nature Lovers Paradise

Are you dying to leave the city for the great outdoors? Pack your bags and move to Idaho because it doesn’t get more outdoorsy than this.

Even studies show that Idaho residents participate in more outdoor activities than any other state. It’s also a frequent training destination for professional winter athletes.

There are so many outdoor areas to visit in Idaho. Start by visiting the Salmon River, Moon National Monument, and Bruneau Dunes State Park.

3. Buy a Home

If you’re serious about buying a home, take a serious look at Idaho. The state is consistently rated as the best state for homeowners.

Not only are home prices affordable, but Idaho residents have seen their home values grow. In one year alone, the value per square footage jumped by more than 9%!

As an added bonus, Idaho residents enjoy some of the lowest property taxes in the country. Check out homes in Meridian, Boise, Nampa, Twin Falls, and Moscow to find some great deals.

4. The Huckleberry State

Idaho may be world famous for their potatoes, but residents are crazy for huckleberries. The huckleberry is Idaho’s official state fruit, and the state has some of the best huckleberry-picking spots in the nation.

If you want to live like a true local, you have to try huckleberry cheesecake, huckleberry shakes, and a slice of traditional huckleberry pie.

5. A Hub for Basque Culture

Idaho is packed with thriving cultural hubs and communities. The state is home to one of the most vibrant Basque communities in the nation.

Idaho’s Basque community was established by Basque sheepherders who arrived in the U.S. in the 19th century.

Walk around “Basque Block” to enjoy cultural museums, delicious restaurants, and food markets. You can’t leave the block until you’ve tried the Bar Gernika restaurant. This is a local favorite!

6. Enjoy the Finer Things in Idaho

Here’s something you may not know: Idaho is known for its upscale caviar. Yes, the favorite treat of the elite is made right in Idaho.

The reason why Idaho makes such delicious caviar is because of the state’s fishing industry. Idaho has some of the highest quality sturgeon in the nation. Fine caviar comes from a particular species of Sturgeon found right in Idaho.

Try some out for yourself at a local fish market.

7. Load up on Fry Sauce

Every state has its own traditions. One of those traditions in Idaho is an undying love for fry sauce.

What is this mysterious sauce, you ask? Fry sauce is a combination of mayonnaise, onion powder, ground mustard, ketchup, vinegar, salt, sugar, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.

Got all that?

This is the dipping sauce of choice for nearly everything. It’s delicious with fries, fresh veggies, fried fish, hamburgers, and more.

You can also tweak the recipe to your liking. Once living in Idaho, you’ll discover different versions of fry sauce.

8. Enjoy a Festival While Living in Idaho

Checking out Idaho’s many activities is a good way to settle into your new home. Start with one of Idaho’s popular state festivals.

Here are the top festivals to put on your calendar:

  • Festival at Sandpoint
  • Snake River Stampede
  • Idaho Shakespeare Festival
  • Idaho Winter Carnival
  • Teton Valley Summer Festival
  • Shoshone Bannock Indian Festival
  • Art in the Park
  • Trailing of the Sheep

Idaho is also home to two popular jazz music festivals: the Gene Harris Jazz Festival and the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival.

9. Grab a Fiddle and Jam!

Another popular festival to check out is Idaho’s National Old Time Fiddlers’ Contest and Festival. This festival is over 60 years old and represents Idaho’s rich fiddler scene.

Fiddlers from all over the country flock to Idaho’s annual competitions and workshops.

If you’re looking for authentic old-time fiddle music, Idaho is the place. Discover night concerts, daytime events, classes, and more.

10. Potatoes are Still King

Idaho residents may love huckleberry, but they’re still very much devoted to potatoes. Idaho is still the reigning king of potatoes.

To get an idea of just how popular potatoes are in Idaho, visit annual Spud Day in the city of Shelly. Enjoy the biggest variety of potato recipes you’ll ever see. Pick potatoes yourself or participate in the annual potato cook-off.

Residents also enjoy Idaho’s annual Potato Drop. Even the state’s largest college football game is called the Potato Bowl.

Start Your Next Chapter

Ready to make your move? Consider what Idaho has to offer as you plan your next chapter in life. 

Whether you’re relocating for a job or reinventing your life, settle in quickly with the latest tips for moving, packing, and reorganizing your life.