11 Important pros and cons of moving to Idaho in 2023

Idaho is a beautiful state located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The state is known for its breathtaking scenery, friendly people, and relatively low cost of living. It is no wonder that Idaho has become an increasingly popular destination for people looking to relocate. However, as with any decision to move, there are pros and cons to consider. In this blog post, we will explore the 11 Important pros and cons of moving to Idaho in 2023.

Welcome To IdahoPhoto byCanva

But First! My Story Moving To Idaho!

I wanted to share my story with you first so that you know why we moved to Idaho and how it was for us to move here!

My family and I moved from Washington to Idaho in March of 2016. We took a BIG chance and packed up our stuff and headed out to Idaho. We had a house secured but we had no clue what the house actually looked like as we had only seen pictures of it (inside and out). So, we were clueless about what the house looked like in person and the town we were moving to. Of course, we did our research but our first time was when we actually moved here! Talk about taking chances and not looking back! This had to be our craziest adventure yet that we ended up LOVING! It ended up being the best decision of our lives.

11 Important pros and cons of moving to Idaho in 2023

With that said... Let's talk about the pros and cons of moving to Idaho in 2023!

Pros of Moving to Idaho

Natural Beauty: Idaho is a beautiful state with a wide variety of natural landscapes, from the majestic mountains in the north to the rolling hills of the southern plains. It is one of the best things about Idaho in my humble opinion. The state boasts some of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the country, including the Sawtooth National Forest and the Frank Church Wilderness Area.

This is one of the reasons WHY we chose to move to Idaho. There are SO many breathtaking views!! our home is surrounded by mountains and through my windows, I get to see mountains that are SO close to us and it is absolutely beautiful! We certainly got the views! Idaho is a good place to visit for the views alone! I am so glad we took our chances and moved away from the big city to live where we do now!

Low Cost of Living: Idaho is one of the most affordable states in the country, with a cost of living that is significantly lower than many other states. However, that is definitely rising! When we first moved here, home prices were SOOOO cheap! In 2016 you could find a house in Idaho for under $150,000 easily! Crazy to think about that (and a little sad we did not buy a property to invest in!).

Because the housing costs are relatively low, makes moving to Idaho an attractive destination for those looking to buy a home and raise their family. I know it was what interested us the most in moving here and taking that chance! So glad that we did.

Growth Rate And Economy: With a growth rate of 2.6% annually over the past five years, Idaho has ranked first among all 50 US states in terms of growth rate up to 2022. This could go both ways I suppose. I think it is a good thing, but it could eventually not be so good.

LOTS of people moving in! I know we moved here to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and just people in general, so I don't want where we live to start getting overpopulated! Right now it is one of the best places to live as far as I am concerned. I like living in a SMALL town with not a lot of people to bother us nearby! Don't get me wrong, I do like people, just not too close by :)

Employment Growth: In the base period of 2022, the total employment in Idaho, including self-employed and family businesses, reached a record high and it is estimated to increase by 2024. Despite the setback in 2020 caused by the pandemic, Idaho's job growth has been so robust that the total employment in 2022 surpassed the projected numbers (source). Idaho’s January unemployment rate is down to 2.7% which is down from 2.8% in December 2022 (source).

I know when we first moved to Idaho, my husband did NOT have a job lined up (I told you we moved here not knowing anything or having anything lined up!!), and we took a pretty big chance doing this! But, my husband easily found a ranching job and soon he was working his new job as a rancher full time while I worked from home with my home-based business! Since then, jobs have become available and the job market is booming right now. However, people seem to not want to work like they used to (my personal opinion of course).

Outdoor Activities: Idaho is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, with ample opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, and more. The state is home to numerous national parks, forests, and wilderness areas, providing endless opportunities for adventure.

Old Mackay MinePhoto byShop with Me Mama

We have SO much fun hiking, fishing, and just being outdoors every spring and summer. There is SO much to do and see! We have lived here for a little over 7 years now (wow, I can't believe that!) and we have still yet to see everything this gorgeous state has to offer. We are constantly coming across new places to visit and see! Even in our tiny town, we still have not seen everything! From natural hot springs to ice caves and more, there is always some place to explore! So fun! I think visiting Yellowstone National Park is our favorite though!

Yellowstone National Park GeyserPhoto byShop with Me Mama

Friendly People (for the most part!): Idahoans are known for their friendly and welcoming nature. The state has a tight-knit community feel, (especially where we live because the town is SO tiny), and newcomers are often welcomed with open arms. I have noticed, however, that though people are super friendly and nice, they do like to keep their population down.

They love when people visit but they also like it when people go too :) I guess it is the way a small town should be. Welcoming but not too welcoming where the whole world wants to move in and take over. I can understand that!

Cons of Moving to Idaho

Harsh Winters: While the natural beauty of Idaho is undeniable, the state's harsh winters can be a challenge for some. Snow and ice can make driving difficult, and the cold temperatures can be uncomfortable for those who are not used to them.

This winter has been BRUTAL. Usually, we have snow melted by now and spring has finally sprung, but not this year... yet! Snow is still falling in some parts and in our front yard, we have 5-6 feet of snow piles everywhere from having to plow our driveway so much this winter! It is so crazy! I have included some pictures for you so you can see just how much snow we have accumulated this winter!

This is right outside my bedroom window!

6 Feet Of SnowPhoto byShop with Me Mama

So yes, this winter has been absolutely brutal!! I call this the "never-ending winter" because it is! I have never seen so much snow in my life! Ever. So, if you like your seasons, and like warmer weather, I would not recommend moving to Idaho. You must love winter and snow to live here. I have learned that!

Inflation: Idaho may be experiencing the highest rates of inflation in the country. If Idaho’s economy remains strong, even while the rest of the country slows down, inflation could well remain higher in Idaho for longer. (source)

Limited Cultural Scene: Idaho is a relatively rural state due to its large size and relatively small population (growing steadily each year...), and as such, there are limited opportunities for cultural experiences such as museums, art galleries, and theater. Those who value these activities may find themselves feeling isolated or bored.

However, Idaho does have yearly concerts and things like that you just have to look for them! I think since moving here in 2016, it has gotten better and we are finding more cultural experiences. Idaho does have a few good museums we enjoyed going to! But, we live in a tiny town as I already stated, and we have to drive a long ways to go anywhere! We have to plan a whole day just to go into town and grab groceries! We usually go to Idaho Falls, but sometimes venture to Blackfoot or Pocatello too.

Conservative Politics: The state of Idaho is a politically conservative state. Idaho is the fifth-most Republican state in the U.S. and those with more progressive views may find it challenging to find like-minded individuals or feel out of place. (source)

Health Care: Idaho has relatively limited healthcare options, particularly in more rural areas. This can make it challenging for those with chronic medical conditions or specialized healthcare needs to receive the care they require.

In fact, Idaho's healthcare system is ranked the eighth worst in the country, mainly due to the difficulty residents may face in accessing medical care compared to most other states (source). Getting access to healthcare in Idaho is hard to come by. So, if you have health issues then Idaho may not be the state you should move to.

Overall, Idaho is a great place to live, with a low cost of living, employment growth, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. However, the state's harsh winters, limited cultural opportunities, conservative politics, and healthcare options may be a downside for many. Ultimately, the decision to move to Idaho will depend on your individual priorities and preferences.

For us, the decision was simple. We wanted to move away from the city and all the fast-paced living that came with it. We love where we live now and we are so happy that we can raise our kids in a tiny town with caring people (but not too many people!!). I am sure my daughter will move away when she is old enough because she says she can't stand it here because of the LONG winters, but for the rest of us? I think we found our forever home. And? I can probably convince my daughter to stay ;)

It is important to carefully consider both the pros and cons of moving to Idaho, before making a decision that will impact your life and future. We didn't carefully consider anything when moving here, but it turned out okay for us! However, that is not the "normal" for most people so do your research, talk to people and read articles like the one you just read :) Thanks for reading and I hope I helped at least one person make the right decision to either move to Idaho or not. Good luck!