Moving to Idaho? Pack for Spuds, Snow, Hot Springs, and Adventure
Last Modified: January 1, 2026
Why are Idaho moving guides stuffed with census stats and no personality? You don't move to Idaho for census stats. You move here because you want something wholly unique. As a local, I can tell you that life in Idaho can't be summed up with average weather charts (sunny Boise or deep snow north) or simple demographic stats (since they'd obviously miss the nuance of the REAL fry sauce recipe and mountain life). If you love the idea of soaking in steaming hot springs after a snowstorm, riding singletrack trails that begin in your own backyard, or enjoying huckleberry milkshakes that stain your smile, the Gem State might just be calling you home. This moving guide will prepare you for the good (like trailheads five minutes from your latte) and the bad (road construction season that doubles as small talk) so you'll actually know what it's REALLY like to live, work, and play in Idaho. No dictionary or calculator required.
Snappy Summary: Idaho is a tradeoff where fast rising housing costs, lower wages, car-based living, serious winters, and summer smoke meet big mountains, clear rivers, a serious food and arts scene, friendly towns, and generally moderate taxes. People move here for more space, a slower pace of life, and access to top tier outdoor life at a price that often beats the costs.
Hey, I'm Chandi
I’m Idaho born, raised, and still deeply obsessed with the Gem State—even though I now split my time between here and South Carolina. With a mind-boggling 30 moves under my belt, I’ve amassed a library’s worth of moving tips and tricks. I believe Idaho rewards curiosity, from small-town events to overlooked trailheads and restaurants that haven’t yet been popularized. I love dinner at XVIII in Idaho Falls, welding junk into sculptures, and getting a little too excited about spiders, beetles, and other types of arthropods. At Snappy Scout, I bring sharp local instincts and hard-earned insight from three decades of Idaho living.
Chandi LynIdaho Local ExpertThe Inside Scoop on Idaho Cities
Major Cities In A Nutshell
Boise
Perfect for: river town living with a startup hustle.
It's well known for: blue turf, bikes, growing population, and backyard chickens.
If this city had an avatar it would be: a trail running mayor sipping single origin cold brew.
Move here for: family vibes, greenbelt rides, decent tech jobs.
Locals love: floating the river and Bronco game days.
Home sweet home in Boise is: North End bungalows and suburban cul-de-sacs with a few farms thrown in the mix.
Don't say we didn't warn you about: inversions, traffic, and everyone discovering huckleberries.
Don't forget to pack your: Patagonia fleece, trail shoes, and Boise State cap.
Coeur d'Alene
Coeur d'Alene is lake life with small city grit.
It is best known for glass lake mornings and summer traffic conga lines.
If Coeur d'Alene were a person, it'd be a wake surfer who plows snow before breakfast.
Locals live here for the easy commute to Spokane without having to live in Washington State, and the nightly lake escapes.
Nothing's more Coeur d'Alene than huckleberry everything and fireworks over the lake.
Your housing options are cabins, cabins, cabins, and Craftsman blocks with pockets of suburbia.
Be prepared for the tourist crunch, and winters that actually winter.
Local fashion forecast is puffy coats, flannels, and boat shoes with socks.
Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls is perfect for steady paychecks and 360° views.
This city is widely recognized as the place for INL badges, family barbecues, and wind. So. Much. Wind.
Idaho Falls in human form is an engineer dad with a fishing calendar and a rifle mounted in the back window.
Move here for affordability, a developing downtown scene, schools, and backyard trampolines.
Locals swear by greenbelt strolls, ice blocking, and Fry Sauce debates.
Housing vibe is ranch homes, cul-de-sacs, and new builds everywhere.
The downsides are the wind. It can be bad enough to counts as more than one.
The dress code here is Carhartt jackets and church clothes on Sunday.
Twin Falls
This place is perfect for canyon views and dairy paychecks.
Check out the waterfalls and hike the Auger Falls Trail System.
This city's avatar is an adrenaline junkie who milks at sunrise and sunset.
Locals live here because of the affordable houses, short commutes, and relaxed Costco runs.
Locals love BASE jumping from Perrine Bridge (one of Idaho's 7 wonders) and taking Sunday canyon drives.
Your housing options here are ranchers, tidy bungalows, and brand new cul-de-sacs.
Don't be surprised if wind gusts flip patio furniture — we did warn you.
What you'll wear most often is work boots, hoodies, and canyon sunblock.
Pocatello
Pocatello is perfect for its college town quirks with mountain trailheads.
It's best known for ISU spirit and stubborn wind.
If Pocatello were a person, it'd be a gritty grad student who fixes bikes.
Move here if you want cheap rent, trail access, and low-key neighbors.
Nothing's more Pocatello than Old Town bars and Bengals on TV.
Home sweet home in Pocatello is like brick duplexes, 60s ranchers, and quirky porches.
The downside to Pocatello is the hard wind slaps and winter inversions.
Local fashion forecast is beanies, thrifted flannels, orange game day hoodies.
Sun Valley
Sun Valley is perfect for remote work with champagne powder breaks.
This city is well known for celebs in lift lines and tiny groceries.
Sun Valley in human form is a trust fund ski coach with a vintage film camera.
Move here for mountain culture, arts, and quiet shoulder seasons.
Locals swear by Dollar laps and post ski nachos at Grumpy's.
Your housing options here are pricey condos, worker housing lotteries, and cabin unicorns.
Be prepared for rent that skis uphill all year.
What you'll wear most often is puffy jackets, trail runners, rich guy sunglasses.
Moscow
This panhandle city is perfect for Palouse sunsets and bike friendly living.
It is widely recognized as the place for U of I pride and farmers markets.
If Moscow were a person, it'd be a bookish barista who composts everything. And we mean EVERYTHING!
Locals live here because of the walkable streets, progressive vibes, university jobs.
Locals love the winter sledding and lentil festival lore.
Housing vibe is old foursquares, student rentals, and leafy blocks.
Don't say we didn't warn you about the lingering snow, and many hills (going down is easy, but you have to bike back up).
The dress code here is flannels, beanies, Chaco sandals with socks.
Eat Like a Local
Many restaurants have Navajo tacos on the menu. It's a Western favorite and there's nothing special to ordering it — though you should ask what the spice level is if you're sensitive to that.
Chandi LynIdaho Local Expert
Fun Facts
Fun Facts You Might Not Know About Idaho
Think you really know Idaho? Have you seen the Shoshone Falls? They could humble Niagara's ego. Have you soaked in a hot spring only the locals know? Have you heard the haunting echo of the bull elk during rutting season? Keep reading to learn all of the spud-tastic gossip and see what makes the Gem State so irresistible.
- Common nicknames for Idaho: The Gem State, Spud State, The Whitewater State, Little Ida, The Potato State.
- Local reality check: We have it all! Farming, booming Boise tech, world-class whitewater, the Basque Block, prime fly fishing, and alpine glaciers.
- You're most likely moving from: California, Washington, Oregon, or are a road tripper from Utah who just never left.
- Strangely large concentration of: Drive thru coffee and soda huts, hot springs you won't see on a map, huckleberry everything, and herds of elk.
- Music scene: Treefort Music Fest, Knitting Factory shows, DIY garages, Sun Valley jazz nights, Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival, and Grand Targhee bluegrass Festival (just to name a few).
- You'll have to see it to believe it: Shoshone Falls! Roaring higher than Niagara, you can experience the majesty right in Twin Falls.
- Unique geography: Hells Canyon depths, Snake River Plain, Sawtooth spires, Craters of the Moon, Clearwater River.
- Idaho is home to: Boise State blue turf, INL, Sun Valley, Simplot spuds, Albertsons HQ, Idaho Potato Museum (yup, we have a museum for spuds!), and ghost towns.
- Well known for its: Potatoes, huckleberries, whitewater, hot springs, sand dunes, public lands with groomed trails, and red star garnets.
- Fun history fact: Union Pacific engineers installed the world's first chairlifts in Sun Valley in 1936.
- Celebrity sightings: Bruce Willis and Demi Moore in Hailey, Tom Hanks spotted skiing Sun Valley, Post Malone hanging out in Boise, and many more.
- Noteworthy census stat: Second fastest growing state 2010 to 2020, boasting an increase of 17.3%.
- Most interesting sub-culture within Idaho: Boise's Basque Block: pelota courts, sheepherder festivals, paella block parties.
- Population: 38th by population, 14th by land size. Due to its size, it's still considered one of the most rural states with a low population density.
- Idaho is roughly the same geographic size as: Belarus
Locals Know Best
If you want to avoid crowds, shop on Sundays. Oh! And if you're at a small town parade, don't leave when the last float passes you. It usually comes back around for a second pass. Insider's trick: make an obvious target for the candy-throwers to hit. You will end up with a table full of goodies.
Chandi LynIdaho Local ExpertMost Likely Personalities to Love (or Hate) in Idaho
Is Idaho right for me? If you're an adventure junkie, a homesteader, or a college student, you'll chase Sawtooth sunrises, open spaces, Boise tailgates, and hot springs nirvana. If you're a surfer dude, beach bum, or wall street exec, you'll likely feel landlocked, sun deprived, and suit cramped — though lakes and startups may help soften homesickness. Either way, read on to see if Idaho is for YOU.
Personality Fit Guide
| Personality | % | Recommended Cities | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adventure Junkie | 96% | Stanley, McCall, Twin Falls | Sawtooth trails, Brundage powder, Perrine Bridge jumps, South Fork of the Salmon River |
| Homesteader | 92% | Emmett, Caldwell, Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint | Acreage, Snake River water, Caldwell farm auctions, supportive laws |
| College Student | 90% | Boise, Moscow, Rexburg | Boise State blue turf, Vandals pride, BYU-Idaho socials |
| Craft Beer Fan | 88% | Boise, Garden City, Coeur d'Alene | Payette Brewing pints, Barbarian sours, Laughing Dog lakeside |
| Dog Momma | 86% | Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Eagle | Boise Greenbelt strolls, Tubbs Hill swims, off-leash bliss |
| Farmer's Market Regular | 84% | Boise, Ketchum, Sandpoint | Capital City Public Market bounty, Ketchum Sundays, Sandpoint cherries |
| Foodie | 83% | Boise, Ketchum, Coeur d'Alene | Barbacoa Grill's table side flair, Fork's trout, Cedars Floating Restaurant |
| Cowboy | 82% | Nampa, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls | Snake River Stampede, county fairs, boot stores everywhere |
| Coffee Snob | 81% | Boise, Moscow, Ketchum | Dawson Taylor roasts, Push and Pour patios, latte art |
| Hipster | 79% | Boise North End, Moscow, Garden City | Freak Alley murals, Treefort sets, thrift scores abound |
| Retired Military | 78% | Mountain Home, Meridian, Pocatello | Mountain Home AFB nearby, veteran networks, calm commutes |
| DIYer | 76% | Nampa, Idaho Falls, Post Falls | D&B Supply aisles, ReStore finds, fixer dreams |
| CrossFit Regular | 74% | Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls | Boxes near Albertsons Stadium, lake sprints, mountain recovery hikes |
| Stay-at-Home Mom | 72% | Meridian, Eagle, Idaho Falls | Top parks, Roaring Springs days, library storytime culture |
| Yoga Instructor | 70% | Ketchum, Boise, Coeur d'Alene | Sun Valley zen, hot springs, studio heavy Boise |
| Gamer | 66% | Boise, Meridian, Pocatello | Boise State esports arena, fast fiber, winter grind sessions |
| Tech Bro | 64% | Boise, Meridian, Nampa | Micron HQ, HP campus, scrappy startups over unicorns |
| Garden Club Lifetime Member | 62% | Boise, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls | Julia Davis roses, Idaho Falls greenbelt strolls, dahlia contests |
| Vintage Thrifter | 60% | Boise, Caldwell, Moscow | Vintage Boise market, Caldwell Goodwill bins, Vandal era finds |
| PTA President | 58% | Eagle, Meridian, Idaho Falls | High school spirit, Friday nights, West Ada spreadsheets |
| Minimalist | 46% | Boise condos, Ketchum lofts | Minimalism exists, but gear-heavy Idaho adventure nudges toward clutter |
| Retired Snowbird | 44% | Lewiston, Twin Falls, Boise | Enjoy summer perfection, but long winters chase many to Arizona |
| Binge Shopper | 42% | Boise Towne Square, Idaho Falls, Coeur d'Alene | Boise Towne Square scratches itch, but luxury flagships rarely land |
| Wall Street Exec | 34% | Boise | Downtown finance growing, but no NYSE vibe on 8th Street |
| Beach Bum | 32% | Coeur d'Alene City Beach, McCall | Pristine lakes and rivers, but no ocean swells |
| Surfer Dude | 30% | Boise Whitewater Park, Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene | Boise Whitewater Park waves, but Pacific barrels live far away |
What Makes Idaho Feel Like Home
Ashton and Island Park area are where I call home. I know I'm here when I smell the fresh pines. In the Idaho Falls area, it's sage after a rain storm. And my pre-hike ritual always ends with grabbing bear spray on my way out the door.
Chandi LynIdaho Local Expert
Things To Do
Fun Things to Do Around Idaho
Ready to see what you'll get up to in Idaho? If you like the idea of chasing the sunrise over sagebrush, paddling on alpine lakes, and stargazing under dark skies, Idaho is calling you home! The Gem State is packed with fun! Whether you love the outdoors, small-town charm, or want a little adventure mixed into everyday life, there’s always something to do. The following list of things to do will take you from basalt canyons to Sawtooth peaks and give you a taste of Idaho's natural beauty and culture.
- Go outside & hike: Trek Alice Lake trail in the Sawtooths near Stanley, scramble the Inferno Cone trail near Boise, scale Mount Borah in Custer County.
- Spend time on the water cooling off: Paddle Payette Lake beside Brundage Mountain, float the Clearwater River near Kamiah, fish Henry's Lake near Island Park.
- This is THE road trip to take: Cruise the Thousand Springs Byway near Hagerman and Buhl.
- Stargaze in resplendent dark nights: Visit the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve. Found in the Sawtooth National Park, you simply must experience it to get it.
- This is the scenic ride for you: Drive the Sawtooth Scenic Byway from Shoshone to Stanley.
- Underground adventures: Shoshone Ice Caves near Shoshone, Mammoth Cave also near Shoshone, Minnetonka Cave near St. Charles.
- Maybe you should go chasing waterfalls: Marvel at Upper and Lower Mesa Falls near Ashton, gawk at Shoshone Falls in Shoshone, revel in the beauty of Smiths Falls near Bonners Ferry.
- During the short days of winter: Ski Sun Valley's Bald Mountain in Ketchum, ice fish in Ririe Reservoir, ride the numerous groomed snowmobile trails on public lands.
- This is what locals do on the weekends: Float the Boise River from Barber Park to Ann Morrison, play on public lands and hike the trails, board and 4-wheel around the sand dunes.
- For the sports fans: Catch Boise State football at Albertsons Stadium and take in the unique blue turf.
Hidden Gem Spotlight
Emerald Valley. Take a drive in the summer or fall. It is unreal.
The Lewis and Clark trail runs through many small towns including Kooskia and Kamiah. Go there during the Kooskia Days to sample some local mountain flavors.
Chandi LynIdaho Local ExpertTaxes, Politics & People
The Essential Idaho Trifecta
State Income Tax: Flat 5.8% statewide, grocery tax credit helps offset food sales tax
Property Taxes: Ada and Kootenai higher with rapid growth, Eastern Idaho lower, homestead exemption helps
Idaho politics are: Deep red statewide, Boise city tilts blue, Moscow and Sun Valley are progressive pockets
Idahoans are: Outdoorsy, neighborly, generally welcoming, always willing to pitch in and help
The religious breakdown is: Mostly Christian, strong LDS in eastern Idaho, evangelicals statewide, unaffiliated rising in Boise
Weather
Idaho Weather: All the Facts, None of the Stats
Is it going to rain, snow, blow, or maybe something worse? The summers are huckleberry hikes and intense whitewater, while the winters boast powder day jackpots and picturesque winter views. But there's a lot more to enjoy. Get outside and enjoy all that Idaho has to offer!
- Summer temps be like: High desert broiler mode (triple digits in Treasure Valley, breezy at the lakes up north).
- Winter lows are: Icebox roulette vibe (Idaho Falls and Rexburg bitter cold, Boise inversion gloom, Panhandle snow globe).
- The humidity makes me: turn into artisanal jerky.
- Unique weather patterns: Treasure Valley winter inversions, afternoon mountain thunderstorms, spring runoffs, late summer wildfires, Pacific storms in the panhandle.
- Local weather fashion tip: Down vests year round, beanies in June, river sandals with socks. Unless you're a local. Then it's shorts and flip flops year round.
- Creepy and crawly: Mosquitoes in Coeur d'Alene and Island Park, horseflies along the Salmon, yellow jackets at every picnic, Mormon crickets crossing highways.
- You're stuck indoors again today because: The wildfire smoke turned the sun into a Cheeto or the temp is -30 but the wind makes it feel like you're standing on the top of Mount Everest in a bikini.
- Green thumb enthusiasts love: Potatoes. Just because. Tomatoes that finally blush in September, raspberries that take over without permission, high valley hoop houses to beat surprise frost.
- Your friend with allergies is always saying: Sagebrush season is a personal attack.
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Idaho
WINTER — the views. The fresh snow covers everything and makes it feel magical. During particularly cold nights, I love to go outside and shine my flashlight on the trees and rocks. The whole world is covered in fairy dust.
SPRING — the crocus. They push up through the snow and offer color to the slushy.
SUMMER — the weather! It's perfect and beautiful.
FALL — bottling my harvest for the year. Fresh jams, peaches, salsa, and everything else! Also hunting. I love having a freezer full of elk.
Chandi LynIdaho Local Expert