In case you’re planning on transferring to Idaho, add these cities to your checklist.
Dwelling to world-famous potatoes, dramatic landscapes, considerable out of doors recreation, and rugged mountains, Idaho has all of it. Throughout its seven numerous areas, there are cities, landscapes, and adventures for everybody. Every area is filled with appeal, facilities, and vistas rivaling any state within the nation.
The distinguished Bitterroot and Caribou ranges of the Rocky Mountains stretch throughout most of northern, central, and southeastern Idaho, spanning the borders between each Montana and Wyoming. Additional south, the fertile Snake River Plain runs the remainder of the state from Yellowstone Nationwide Park to Jap Oregon. Forested mountains, hills, and valleys make up a majority of the state’s panorama, whereas rivers, prairies, calderas, and desert represent the remainder.
The vast majority of Idaho’s inhabitants lives within the Snake River Plain (particularly the Treasure Valley) in cities like Boise, Meridian, Twin Falls, and Caldwell. Many individuals additionally dwell additional north in locations like Moscow and Coeur D’alene. Dry climate is pretty widespread all through the state, with snow starting from a hint to dozens of ft. Precipitation is extra probably the farther north you go.
However which cities within the Gem State are the perfect for you? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the perfect locations to dwell in Idaho, rating them on qualities akin to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. Yow will discover extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
The very best locations to dwell in Idaho
Boise, ID
Coeur d’Alene, ID
Twin Falls, ID
Meridian, ID
Lewiston, ID
Moscow, ID
Nampa, ID
Caldwell, ID
Submit Falls, ID
Eagle, ID
1. Boise, ID
Inhabitants:235,421Median Sale Value:$499,000Median Lease Value:$1,625Average Commute Time:19.1 minutesUnemployment Price:3.3%
With world-renowned out of doors recreation, a comparatively inexpensive price of residing, and navigable format, Boise tops our checklist as the perfect place to dwell in Idaho. Often known as the “City of Trees”, Boise is the state capital and largest metropolis in Idaho, so it’s no shock there’s lots to do within the space. It’s a preferred place to dwell, too, and has seen constant development over the previous decade.
Positioned in Treasure Valley in southwest Idaho, Boise supplies each an city and rural really feel. Skyscrapers, sprawling neighborhoods, and a full of life downtown are subsequent door to untouched pure magnificence and out of doors recreation.
Simply northeast of town is the jagged Sawtooth Mountain Vary, offering forests, peaks, trails, canyons, and rivers to discover. Desk Rock, Harrison Hole, and Freddy’s Stack Rock are all inside a half hour by automotive. For individuals who need a shorter journey, the calm Boise River runs proper by town heart, good for river rafting and enjoyable.
In downtown Boise, The Treefort Music Fest is one among Boise’s flagship occasions, drawing musicians and music lovers from across the nation for a number of days. Moreover, the Boise Artwork Museum showcases a various vary of up to date and conventional artwork, whereas the Idaho Shakespeare Competition affords out of doors performances of basic performs through the summer season months.
Boise’s local weather is semi-arid and sees all 4 seasons, with sizzling summers, chilly winters, and greater than 200 days of sunshine. 100°F days are unusual (however have gotten extra frequent), and winter temperatures common round 34°F. Some snow is widespread within the winter.
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2. Coeur d’Alene, ID
Inhabitants:56,894Median Sale Value:$543,000Median Lease Value:$1,695Average Commute Time:18.8 minutesUnemployment Price:2.4%
Positioned simply east of Spokane, WA alongside the large Harrison Slough, Coeur d’Alene is second on our checklist of the perfect locations to dwell in Idaho. Tall, evergreen mountains, deep blue lakes, and miles of trails are all over the place you flip on this resort metropolis, attracting hundreds of holiday makers through the heat summer season months. Town has French origins and was traditionally the land of the Schitsu’umsh Tribe (additionally referred to as the Coeur d’Alene Tribe).
Facilities abound in Coeur d’Alene. Whether or not you need to kayak alongside Lake Coeur d’Alene, hike within the Coeur d’Alene Mountains, or simply wander down historic Sherman Avenue, you’re positive to search out one thing to like. Widespread landmarks embrace the North Idaho Centennial Path, Tubbs Hill, and Beverly’s restaurant.
Many individuals dwell and work throughout the Coeur d’Alene space, together with neighboring Submit Falls and Hayden. This helps hold commute instances down and roadways clear. Commuting into Spokane alongside I-90 might take round an hour, although. The local weather within the space can be nice. Summers are about 6.6°F cooler than Boise, with colder and snowier winters.
One draw back is that Coeur d’Alene housing costs are a lot increased than most different cities in Idaho, and $50,000 increased than Boise. Additionally, it’s vital to notice that the mattress of Lake Coeur d’Alene is kind of poisonous with lead and arsenic because of previous and current mining operations. You possibly can nonetheless swim and play in it, however ought to completely wash sediment off your garments. The federal government has been engaged on cleansing the lake for many years, with some progress.
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3. Twin Falls, ID
Inhabitants:54,943Median Sale Value:$326,000Median Lease Value:$1,500Average Commute Time:15.9 minutesUnemployment Price:1.9%
Twin Falls is available in because the third-best place to dwell in Idaho. Nestled within the fertile Snake River Plain 130 miles southeast of Boise, Twin Falls is thought for its pure magnificence. Town boasts a comparatively inexpensive price of residing – median sale and lease costs are properly under the nationwide common (14% and 31% decrease respectively) – in addition to famend views of riverine canyons, waterfalls, and historic calderas. The School of Southern Idaho calls town residence as properly.
The spotlight of town is the Snake River Canyon, which lies simply to the north and supplies alternatives for river rafting, cliff leaping, and swimming. Most individuals head to Centennial Waterfront Park, Shoshone Falls Park, or Twin Falls Park to hop within the river or see awe-inspiring waterfalls.
Simply an hour and a half from city, you can too discover Craters of the Moon Nationwide Monument & Protect, a vivid glimpse into the volcanic historical past of the Snake River Valley. A number of golf programs, climbing trails, and parks dot the panorama as properly.
Twin Falls’ local weather is just like Boise and different cities on the plain. It’s pretty dry and sees all 4 seasons, with sizzling summers and funky winters. Solely round 10 inches of precipitation falls yearly, most of it within the winter and spring. Some snow is widespread, and since it’s situated at almost 4,000’, excessive and low temperatures might be wildly totally different.
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4. Meridian, ID
Inhabitants:134,801Median Sale Value:$540,000Median Lease Value:$2,200Average Commute Time:22.3 minutesUnemployment Price:2.1%
Subsequent on our checklist is Meridian, a farming city turned sprawling Boise suburb. A low unemployment price, prime quality of life, and lively housing market helped town declare the quantity 4 spot on the checklist.
Positioned simply west of Boise within the Treasure Valley, Meridian is a suburban metropolis residence to nice views, quaint outlets and eating places, and huge parks. Town is remarkably in style; Meridian is definitely one of many quickest rising cities within the nation and has grow to be a brand new epicenter of Idaho. In truth, town authorities expects the inhabitants to develop one other 52% by 2040. This development has bolstered the regional financial system and allowed town to increase its gridded format, providing extra room and alternative for homebuyers and companies.
Site visitors might be a problem within the area, nevertheless. Meridian has lengthy been a bed room group to Boise, as many individuals who dwell in Meridian work in Boise. This implies lots of people commute every single day, inflicting robust rush-hour site visitors. And paired with the restricted regional public transportation, journey instances might be fairly lengthy.
Whereas it’s primarily recognized for being a suburban commuter city, Meridian has lots going for it. The Village at Meridian, an upscale out of doors mall, is probably the most well-known, that includes interesting structure, water options, boutiques, and acquainted restaurant chains. Wahooz Household Enjoyable Zone and Roaring Springs Waterpark are different beloved points of interest for all ages.
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5. Lewiston, ID
Inhabitants:34,836Median Sale Value:$385,000Median Lease Value:$1,500Average Commute Time:15.6 minutesUnemployment Price:2%
Positioned in North Central Idaho alongside the Washington border, Lewiston is available in at quantity 5 on our checklist of the perfect locations to dwell in Idaho. Lewiston sits on the intersection of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, making it Idaho’s solely seaport and a hub of commercial manufacturing. As such, town is residence to many agricultural and industrial corporations, particularly paper and timber merchandise. A big portion of town’s inhabitants works in these industries, with Lewis-Clark State School offering relevant profession and technical training.
Home costs and lease costs are properly under the nationwide median, and a big portion of town’s inhabitants is employed. These qualities have helped town keep a gradual development price and make it an interesting place to dwell.
Lewiston’s local weather is just like different Western Idaho cities. It’s pretty dry and sees all 4 seasons, with sizzling summers and chilly winters. It’s typically hotter than cities additional north, although, particularly in comparison with Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. The local weather can be very best for agriculture, particularly vineyards. Clearwater Canyon Cellars and Lindsay Creek Vineyards provide a number of native wine.
Whereas Lewiston could also be small and pretty distant, it has no scarcity of issues to do. Among the highlights of the world embrace Hells Gate State Park, Locomotive Park, and the Nez Perce County Historic Society.
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6. Moscow, ID
Inhabitants:26,387Median Sale Value:$426,000Median Lease Value:$1,200Average Commute Time:14 minutesUnemployment Price:4.1%
Coming in at quantity six is Moscow, Idaho. Moscow (pronounced “moss-COW”) is a university city on the border of Washington recognized for pure magnificence and the College of Idaho (U of I). Town is in North Central Idaho simply 10 miles west of Pullman and Washington Statue College, and 30 miles north of Lewiston.
For being a small metropolis, Moscow is residence to some main occasions. It’s even earned the nickname “Heart of the Arts.” The Lionel Hampton Worldwide Jazz Competition, Renaissance Honest, and Artwalk are in style amongst locals and draw vacationers yearly. Moscow even hosts an award-winning farmers market from Might by October on historic Foremost Road. It’s additionally simple to catch the U of I Vandals taking part in basketball, soccer, or some other variety of sports activities.
Native outlets are an enormous a part of life in Moscow, too. Safari Pearl is a beloved comedian e-book retailer simply exterior the college, whereas downtown, Breakfast Membership supplies all of the brunch fixings you’re craving. Historic Downtown Moscow has a majority of town’s historic and in style facilities, together with the Moscow Meals Co-op, Bucer’s Espresso Home Pub, and the Nuart Theatre.
Climate in Moscow is just like Coeur d’Alene, however the topography is wildly totally different. The first distinction is the fertile Palouse Hills. These historic, glacial hills stretch westward for so far as you possibly can see and alter dramatically in response to the season. In spring and summer season, they’re flowering, rolling inexperienced hills; within the winter, they rework into snowy hills.
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7. Nampa, ID
Inhabitants:114,268Median Sale Value:$411,000Median Lease Value:$1,500Average Commute Time:24 minutesUnemployment Price:3.3%
Nampa is the seventh-best place to dwell in Idaho on our checklist. One other suburb to the west of Boise, Nampa is extremely in style and was among the many fastest-growing cities within the nation, beating out neighboring Caldwell and Meridian. Home and rental costs are extra inexpensive than Boise, however commuting into the massive metropolis could also be tough throughout rush hour.
Nampa is 20 miles from Boise and inside driving distance of loads of out of doors actions, which means you’ll hardly go a weekend with out one thing in your calendar. The Deer Flat Nationwide Wildlife Refuge and Lake Lowell present picturesque views and loads of recreation alternatives, whereas dozens of bars, eating places, and big-city actions await in Boise. And just like different cities within the Treasure Valley, you’re inside an hour to dozens of wineries.
Even throughout the metropolis, there may be loads to do. The Warhawk Air Museum, Lakeview Water Park, and West Park are native favorites. Northwest Nazarene College additionally calls town residence and hosts occasions all year long. Brick 29 Bistro, Burger Concept, and Jalapenos Bar and Grill satiate town’s meals cravings.
Nampa houses on the market | Nampa homes for lease | Nampa flats for lease
8. Caldwell, ID
Inhabitants:68,336Median Sale Value:$405,000Median Lease Value:$1,650Average Commute Time:24.5 minutesUnemployment Price:4%
Caldwell is the eighth metropolis on our checklist of the perfect locations to dwell in Idaho. A suburb of Boise, Caldwell is situated 28 miles to the west in an space often called Canyon County. The Canyon area has been rising remarkably shortly as of late because of its comparatively low price of residing and ample house for development. In truth, Caldwell was not too long ago one of many fastest-growing cities within the U.S., alongside Meridian and Nampa.
Pure magnificence, considerable out of doors recreation, and a reasonably inexpensive price of residing are a few of the metropolis’s largest attracts. New non-public developments are all the time beneath building, together with the not too long ago accomplished Sky Ranch Enterprise Park. Some downsides embrace underfunded colleges, a quiet nightlife, and a car-dependent format. For instance, there is only one bus route into Boise (the 43 Caldwell Specific), and town has a Stroll Rating of 24 out of 100. Nevertheless, as town grows, extra infrastructure and funding are anticipated to comply with.
Caldwell boasts quite a lot of points of interest for year-round enjoyable. Indian Creek Plaza has undergone some main upgrades and is now a downtown hub for eating places, leisure, and buying. Simply exterior of city, you’re simply quarter-hour from the Sunnyslope Wine Path, which incorporates 20 native wineries. And eating places on the town don’t disappoint, both – Amano’s head chef was not too long ago (2023, 2024) named a James Beard Basis semifinalist for finest chef.
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9. Submit Falls, ID
Inhabitants:44,798Median Sale Value:$504,000Median Lease Value:$1,789Average Commute Time:22.2 minutesUnemployment Price:2%
Submit Falls is a small suburb of Coeur d’Alene recognized for its riverside appeal, out of doors recreation, and tremendous eating. Town is located within the Spokane Valley alongside the Spokane River, subsequent to the well-known waterfall at Falls Park. The local weather is almost similar to Coeur d’Alene and close by cities. Summers are sizzling and winters are chilly, with a typically cooler and wetter local weather than Southern Idaho. It’s nonetheless a excessive and dry panorama, however sees loads of snow.
Home costs have risen considerably up to now six years, contributing to a better price of residing. Remarkably, since April 2019, costs have almost doubled. Inhabitants development, financial growth, and recognition have all contributed to this rise, which has modified some locals’ perceptions of the world.
Residing in Submit Falls means you’re by no means removed from enjoyable actions. Falls Park grabs all the eye, however don’t overlook the Q’emiln Partitions, Submit Falls Group Forest, or seven miles of calm river to Lake Coeur d’Alene. The Findlay Stadium Stateline Speedway even affords auto-racing occasions from April by October.
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10. Eagle, ID
Inhabitants:32,319Median Sale Value:$795,000Median Lease Value:$2,495Average Commute Time:23.7 minutesUnemployment Price:0.9%
Eagle, ID rounds out our checklist because the tenth-best place to dwell in Idaho. Positioned 10 miles northwest of Boise, Eagle is an idyllic and prosperous suburb with a close-knit group, rolling hillside views, and lots of spas and golf programs. Eagle’s price of residing is much above most locations in Idaho, nevertheless, and commuting south into Boise generally is a problem. For these causes, it solely earns the quantity ten spot.
Regardless, Eagle is filled with actions. Think about strolling by the Eagle Saturday Market or spending the day taking part in a spherical on the BanBury Golf Course. Two Rivers Salon & Spa and the Eagle Day Spa are good for unwinding after a busy week. As for eating places, Rembrandts, Classic 61 Wine Bar & Kitchen, and Bodacious Pig Barbecue provide a few of the finest delicacies.
Outside recreation can be a favourite amongst locals, and it’s no shock why. Miles of trails, dozens of parks, beloved water options, and even an island are unfold all through the suburb, providing year-round actions for everybody. Particularly, the 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt – which runs straight by city – Heritage Park, and Eagle Island State Park are good in sizzling summers and chilly winters.
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Methodology
Redfin’s Greatest Locations to Reside rankings are supposed to assist residence searchers make an knowledgeable determination when selecting the place to dwell. To aim to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes into consideration a number of key elements, together with entry to healthcare, open out of doors house, navigability, housing tendencies, employment statistics, revenue, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of 20,000 or better have been thought-about for our Idaho checklist. Extra details about our methodology might be discovered right here.
Knowledge legitimate April 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
