Idaho is known as the “Gem State,” and it has plenty of natural beauty, outdoor activities and beautiful vistas. However, it can also have its share of drawbacks and detractions.
One of the biggest draws to Idaho is the fact that it is one of the safest states in the country. People do not lock their doors or have to worry about crime, making it a very appealing option for those looking for a place to call home.
1. Beautiful Natural Scenery
The state of Idaho has a variety of beautiful natural scenery. This makes it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and vacationers who love the outdoors. It is home to majestic mountains, breathtaking lakes, and picturesque landscapes.
With over 2,000 pristine lakes, Idaho is a perfect place for water sports and recreation. It also boasts a wide range of activities, such as skiing, mountain biking, golfing, and camping.
In addition to the scenic beauty of the state, Idaho is also a great habitat for wild animals. It has a diverse ecosystem that houses thousands of species and is inhabited by creatures such as bears, wolves, elk, bison, and antelope.
One of the best things to do in Idaho is to visit the Sawtooth Mountains. This imposing wilderness is the site of many spectacular hikes and has several alpine lakes. It is also home to the famous Old Faithful, which produces hot springs and geysers every once in a while.
Another beautiful destination in Idaho is the Craters of the Moon National Monument. This natural wonder is a must-visit for travelers who enjoy hiking, picnicking, and photography.
The Palouse is another stunning region in Idaho that attracts tourists from all over the world. It is a beautiful area that is picture-perfect all year round and glows golden in the fall.
It is also known as the “Niagara of the West.” The Shoshone Falls is another incredible waterfall that you should not miss. It is 212 feet tall and around 900 feet wide, and it is situated on the Snake River.
2. Good Economy
Idaho is a great place to live for many reasons. It has a good economy, a low unemployment rate and is one of the best states in the country to start a business.
As Idaho’s population continues to grow, it will put a strain on the state’s infrastructure. It will also lead to increased traffic congestion and the need for more bridge repairs.
However, the benefits of living in Idaho are worth the trade-offs. It is a beautiful place to live and it offers a variety of activities for its residents.
The state’s economy is thriving thanks to the growth of several industries, including food production, advanced manufacturing, technology & innovation and outdoor recreation. These sectors are leading the way in terms of employment and revenue.
Another area that is thriving in the state’s economy is tourism. Travel and tourism accounted for almost 6% of the state’s gross revenues in 1997.
This industry can help the state increase its economic growth and create new jobs. In addition, it can attract tourists who may not otherwise visit the state.
In addition to the tourist industry, Idaho’s other major industries include food production, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, energy and back office & shared services. These industries are responsible for driving the state’s economy and have helped it break into the top ten of the U.S. News Best States rankings for the first time in more than a decade this year.
The overall economy in the state has been booming for years, and it is expected to continue growing in the future. Moreover, Idaho is a good place to start a business, thanks to its low taxes and costs. This will allow you to build up your business quickly and start making a profit.
3. Low Crime Rate
Despite being a rural state, Idaho has the 10th-lowest violent crime rate in the country and the third-lowest property crime rate. This makes it a good choice for families looking to raise their children in a safe environment.
Aside from being one of the safest states in the nation, Idaho is also a great place to live if you enjoy the outdoors. With magnificent mountain ranges and beautiful lakes, it’s a popular destination for those who enjoy hiking and skiing.
However, it’s important to note that the low crime rate in Idaho does not mean that the state is totally free from crime. Several factors can contribute to high crime rates in some areas of the state.
If you are considering moving to Idaho, there are a few things that you can do to ensure your safety. First, it is a good idea to get a home insurance policy. Secondly, you should have your car insured.
In addition to these precautions, you should always be on the lookout for suspicious activities. It’s also a good idea to have your phone charged and to make sure you have a back-up plan for emergency situations.
The best way to avoid becoming a victim of crime in Idaho is to stay alert and be proactive. This is particularly true if you are going to be traveling alone or with your children.
You can use our online tool to find the safest places to live in Idaho. It is based on several factors, including the violent and property crime rate, crime ratio, and the proportion of law enforcement employees to the population. You can also adjust the filters to select cities, neighborhoods, or specific amenities that are most important to you.
4. Warm and Friendly People
Idaho is a great place to live and work, thanks to its safe reputation and friendly people. But before you move there, make sure to do your research and get a feel for the area you’ll be moving to.
If you’re a fan of outdoor activities, you’ll love the Gem State’s stunning scenery and unique wildlife. From Yellowstone National Park and the Tetons to the Salmon River and Goldbug Hot Springs, you’ll never run out of things to do.
Besides, you’ll be happy to know that you’ll have access to plenty of fresh produce, including potatoes, carrots, mint, onions, and dairy products. In fact, Idaho ranks among the top three states in the nation for agricultural production.
The Gem State also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. This makes it a great place for anyone who wants to start a family.
Another positive is that the state’s population is relatively small. This means that there are less social problems than you might find in large cities.
For example, the city of Boise, which is the state’s capital, has low crime rates and a strong education system. It also has a great road network, which makes it easier to travel throughout the state.
You might also want to consider living in Idaho if you’re looking for a good climate. However, it’s important to note that winters can be cold and harsh, especially in mountain regions.
5. Affordability
If you want to live in a beautiful state that offers plenty of opportunities for job growth and an affordable quality of life, Idaho might be right for you. It is a thriving state with a low crime rate and a booming economy.
Affordability is an important factor for anyone who is considering moving to a new city. It is also a good indicator of the overall quality of living in a community.
In Idaho, the cost of housing, utilities and transportation is significantly below the national average, making living here more affordable. This is especially true in larger cities like Boise, where the cost of living is higher than many smaller towns, but still well below the national average.
One of the main factors that affect the cost of living in a particular city is how much it costs to rent a home. In Idaho, a typical renter spends $825 per month, about $198 less than the national median rent.
Utilities are another important factor in determining the cost of living in a particular area. Across Idaho, electricity is about $128 per month, and water and gas are both around $80 a month.
Healthcare is another major expense for people in the state. The typical individual spends $4,139 on healthcare in the state, while the average family spends $12,648.
Food is also an important cost to consider when moving to a new city. This is especially true in smaller towns where groceries can be cheaper than in larger cities.
Whether you are looking to buy or rent a home, or are considering buying a small cabin to call your own, it is important to determine the affordability of your new home. It is important to calculate the amount you will need to cover your monthly expenses, and how much you can afford to spend on rent, groceries, utilities, and other necessary bills.
Cons of Living in Idaho
Idaho is a beautiful state that’s known for its wide open spaces and stunning wildlife. Its fast growing economy and low crime rate make it a great place to live, work and visit.
But, it’s not all good news when it comes to Idaho. Here are some of the cons of living in the Gem State:
1. Cost of Living
If you’re looking to relocate, the cost of living in Idaho can be a major factor in your decision. The state is a great option for those who want to live in a quiet, rural environment that still offers access to a variety of outdoor activities and a high quality of life.
Idaho’s cost of living index is 100, meaning it costs about as much as the national average to live there. Cities with higher demand and limited supply often have higher housing costs, while smaller towns and suburbs tend to be more affordable.
For instance, Boise’s cost of living is 15% less than Sacramento and Miami, 34% less than Anchorage, and 129% less than New York. Similarly, industry-rich Twin Falls is 19% cheaper than Miami, 39% cheaper than Anchorage and 5% cheaper than Dallas and Phoenix.
Food is another big component of the cost of living in Idaho. The state is home to some of the nation’s top produce and agriculture, including the famous Idaho potatoes. Fortunately, groceries and dining out are relatively affordable.
The cost of living in Idaho is also lower than most other states in the Pacific Northwest. This is why many people from California and Washington are moving to the state.
In addition to a low cost of living, the state has a strong economy and plenty of outdoor activities. The picturesque landscape and friendly locals are also an attractive draw for those who want to make a change.
However, the cost of living in Idaho can be expensive, especially if you’re trying to move from a more densely populated area. Unless you’re planning on renting or buying a small cabin, you’ll likely need to have a decent salary in order to afford Idaho living.
You’ll need to account for all the additional expenses you may incur, such as movers, storage, hotels, and transportation costs. You’ll also need to take into account any fees for apartment applications, security deposits, pet deposits, and other add-ons.
The cost of living in Idaho is 2% less than the national average, making it a good choice for those who are moving from a more expensive state or are looking to relocate. The state is a great choice for anyone who wants to live in a beautiful area that’s not too far from the national capital.
2. Unemployment Rate
Idaho’s unemployment rate is low, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s employment situation report for January showed a decrease in the number of unemployed to 2.4 percent, down from 3.1 percent in December.
In addition to the low unemployment rate, Idaho also has a high labor force participation rate. The percentage of the population working or looking for work is 62.7 percent, which puts Idaho in a tie for 25th in the nation.
The unemployment rate is influenced by the job market and overall economic conditions. As the economy continues to recover, it is expected that Idaho’s unemployment rate will fall.
During the past year, Idaho’s total nonfarm jobs increased by 2.8%, or 22,700. Every major industry sector saw over-the-year job gains, except for information (-6.8%).
Five of the six Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in Idaho experienced over-the-month nonfarm job increases. Boise had the largest increase at 0.7%, followed by Idaho Falls (0.6%), Coeur d’Alene (0.4%), Twin Falls (0.4%) and Lewiston (0.3%).
The number of unemployed people in Idaho decreased by 135,000 in January, to 5.6 million. The Bureau of Labor Statistics adjusted the unemployment rate for Idaho in January based on new inputs and updated employer data.
To help economic researchers and policymakers evaluate how similar the state’s economy is to that of other states, a common methodology is employed called the “nearest neighbor algorithm.” This analysis compares the mix of industries in each state to that in Idaho and ranks each state in order of similarity.
It is a useful tool because it allows decision makers to determine which states have the most similar economies. It helps them understand the most important areas where a specific state might want to focus their economic policy efforts.
A well-educated population is one of the most important factors driving economic prosperity. For example, an American with a bachelor’s degree earns $26,000 more per year than an individual with a high school diploma.
3. Lack of Retail Therapy
Retail therapy is a type of coping mechanism that involves shopping for items to help improve one’s mood. In fact, it’s so common that psychologists have even coined it as the “shopping-and-stress-paradox.”
The problem is that when it becomes too ingrained into one’s lifestyle, it can become more than just an occasional errand — it could turn into an addiction. There are ways to limit this behavior, though.
In general, retail therapy works because it helps to increase a person’s feeling of control and self-worth. In particular, the feeling of anticipation that comes with a purchase – and the positive emotions associated with owning a new item – can make a huge difference in a person’s life.
Research also suggests that people who have a good retail experience are likely to feel better in the long run, even if they don’t buy something right away. For example, a study from the University of Michigan found that when participants watched a sad video clip and then spent money on a snack, they were less likely to be sad afterward.
Another interesting study from the same university explored how people’s feelings of control were impacted by their shopping experience, and whether they were able to overcome that sense of control by actually making a purchase. The researchers found that while purchasing items from a shopping site made participants less sad, it did not have the same effect when they were asked to shop for themselves.
A more recent study by the same researchers looked at how people’s perception of shopping as a coping tool changed when they were given access to a retail therapy app that allowed them to browse for products and then purchase items. The app prompted them to think about what they needed and how they would use the product, and the results were positive.
As an alternative to a shopping trip, consider taking a walk on the lake or through your local parks. Doing things that give your body and mind a physical and mental break is the best way to get your head in the game when it comes to dealing with your stress. Practice mindful breathing, slow down and relax, and take the time to appreciate your surroundings.
4. Lack of Diversity
Idaho has a lot to offer, including outdoor recreation, vibrant culture, and unique neighborhoods. It also has a diverse population that includes Native American, Hispanic, African American, Asian American, and Caucasian people.
But the Gem State isn’t without its flaws when it comes to diversity. Online financial services website WalletHub recently looked at the 501 most populous cities and measured them by their diversity of ethnicity, language and birthplace.
It found that Boise ranks among the least diverse cities in America – 377th out of 501 for overall diversity, and 403rd for ethnodiversity. It fared slightly better on linguistic diversity, ranking 314th.
This may seem like a minor issue, but it’s still a huge problem for some people who live here, especially Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC). According to the Center for Intercultural Studies at Boise State University, BIPOC and other minorities are underrepresented in all fields, including STEM.
A lack of diverse people can make it hard for a newcomer to settle in and feel comfortable. That’s why a growing number of communities are focusing on making their neighborhoods more welcoming to people from all backgrounds.
One of the most notable places that has made this a priority is Moscow, Idaho. It’s a town that is home to numerous racial justice protests, and Black lives matter signs line the windows of downtown restaurants and cafes.
But even in cities with more cultural diversity, there are still issues with racial discrimination. For example, a recent report from the National Council for Community and Justice revealed that there is a significant disparity between the wages of black men and white men.
There are a lot of reasons that this is so, but the main reason is because of the way people perceive others. That can be a result of how they are taught or the way their parents or other family members talk to them.
In addition, there are also a variety of different social, economic and political factors that can affect how people see others. Some of these things include the education system, social justice movements, and how people view the media.