All Things Idaho Real Estate Blog @LauraT-IdahoREALTOR

All Things Idaho Real Estate Blog

Why Idaho? Part 1

My home state, Idaho, is more than just potatoes, and I'm here to prove it! Here are some reasons why Idaho is a great state and why you should consider visiting or even moving to Idaho.

Outdoor Adventures: Idaho is home to some of the most beautiful outdoor landscapes in the world. From the stunning Sawtooth Mountains to the clear blue waters of Lake Coeur d'Alene, there's something for everyone. You can hike, fish, camp, bike, ski, and even whitewater raft in Idaho. The state boasts some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country, with resorts like Sun Valley and Tamarack drawing visitors from all over the world.

Friendly People: Idahoans are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. They're known for their hospitality, warmth, and willingness to lend a helping hand. You'll feel right at home in this welcoming state. But if you're going to move to Idaho, do get Idaho license plates ASAP ;)

Vibrant Culture: Idaho may not be the first place you think of when it comes to culture, but there's actually a lot going on here. From the Basque festivals in Boise to the outdoor Idaho Shakespeare Festival, there's always something happening. Idaho is also home to some great museums, including the Boise Art Museum, the Idaho State Historical Museum and the Warhawk Air Museum.

Affordable Living: If you're looking for a place to settle down without breaking the bank, Idaho is a great choice. The cost of living is lower than the national average, although housing prices (including rents) have gone up a lot in the last few years. But overall you'll get more bang for your buck in Idaho.

Delicious Food: While Idaho may be known for its potatoes, there's so much more to the cuisine here. You can try everything from Basque food to freshly caught trout from Idaho's rivers and lakes. And of course, you can't forget about the huckleberries. These tart, juicy berries are a local delicacy and can be found in everything from jams to pancakes. They only grow in a very narrow altitude range in Idaho's mountains, and it's always a contest between the humans and the resident bears to see who can pick the most!

Fascinating Attractions: Idaho is home to some truly unique attractions. Meet condors and harpy eagles at the World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise; walk in the footsteps of the astronauts at the amazing Craters of the Moon National Monument; or experience the deepest gorge in North America ~ Hell's Canyon. Idaho has something for everyone!

Overall, Idaho is a state that offers a little bit of everything. From outdoor adventures to delicious food and fascinating attractions, you're sure to find something that you love. So why not plan a trip to the Gem State and see for yourself why Idahoans think their state is great?

All Things Idaho Blog

Why Move to Idaho? part 2

As a native Idahoan, I may be prejudiced, but it's easy for me to see why so many folks from other states want to move to Idaho.

Here are some reasons why so many people are thinking of relocating to Idaho:

Affordable Living: Idaho is an attractive destination for people looking for an affordable place to live. Compared to many other states, the cost of living is lower, making it an ideal location for young professionals, retirees, and families. Housing, however, has taken a hit during the pandemic years, becoming more expensive for both purchases and rentals. I always advise people who want to move to Idaho “get your housing figured out BEFORE you move”. Idaho is still less expensive than many other areas, meaning you can sell your home in, say, California and buy a much larger and nicer home in Idaho ~ or buy land and build your dream homestead!

Outdoor Recreation: Idaho is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers a wide range of activities, from skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing in the winter to hiking, camping, and fishing in the summer. Idaho's abundance of lakes and rivers is ideal for water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The state has numerous state parks, wildlife refuges, and forests, providing ample opportunities to explore nature.

Strong Economy: Idaho has a diverse economy that is driven by industries such as agriculture, technology, and manufacturing. The state's unemployment rate is lower than the national average, and the job growth rate is higher than many other states. Companies such as Micron Technology, Hewlett Packard, and Simplot have a significant presence in the state, providing numerous job opportunities. Still, I strongly recommend figuring out your employment BEFORE you move to Idaho.

Quality of Life: Idaho offers an exceptional quality of life, with clean air and water, which contribute to a healthy environment. People who move to Idaho find that they can enjoy a high standard of living without sacrificing their work-life balance.

Cultural Diversity: Idaho has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its diverse communities, including one of the largest Basque communities outside of Spain. Idaho also has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous theaters, museums, and galleries showcasing the talents of local, national and international artists. It's never boring in Idaho!

In conclusion, Idaho is an attractive destination for people from other states for many reasons. Its natural beauty, affordability, strong economy, quality of life, and cultural diversity make it a desirable place to live, work, and play. Thinking about moving to Idaho? Shoot me your questions and I'll be happy to provide the answers! laurat@johnlscott.com 208-275-9823

All Things Idaho Real Estate Blog

Crime and Safety in the Gem State

Anyone thinking of a move to Idaho (or to any state, for that matter) will want to consider statewide crime rates as well as the rates specific to particular towns and cities.

Idaho is generally considered a safe place to live, with a relatively low crime rate compared to other states in the US. However, like any state, there are areas where crime rates are higher than others. Before you relocate to Idaho, do your research. The FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program is a great place to start. Here are some crime statistics for Boise, Nampa, and the state of Idaho as a whole, based on UCR data:

Boise:

In 2020, the city of Boise (population 240,380 in 2020) reported a total of 4,154 violent crimes and property crimes combined.
The violent crime rate per 1,000 residents was 5.5, which is lower than the national average of 5.6.
The property crime rate per 1,000 residents was 45.3, which is lower than the national average of 46.0.

Nampa:

In 2020, the city of Nampa (population 102,030 in 2020) reported a total of 1,988 violent crimes and property crimes combined.
The violent crime rate per 1,000 residents was 4.2, which is lower than the national average of 5.6.
The property crime rate per 1,000 residents was 39.1, which is lower than the national average of 46.0.

State of Idaho:

In 2020, the state of Idaho (total population 1,839,106 in 2020) reported a total of 31,354 violent crimes and property crimes combined.
The violent crime rate per 1,000 residents was 3.7, which is lower than the national average of 5.6.
The property crime rate per 1,000 residents was 27.1, which is lower than the national average of 46.0.

It's worth noting that crime rates can vary significantly from one neighborhood or community to another, and the statistics above bear that out, as you'll note that the state's crime rate as a whole is much lower than the crime rates for major cities like Boise and Nampa. These statistics are meant to provide a general overview of crime trends in these areas. It's always a good idea to research crime rates in specific neighborhoods and talk to locals to get a better sense of safety in a particular area. Overall, Idaho is considered a safe place to live, with low crime rates compared to many other states in the US. It's a pretty safe assumption that many of the people moving to Idaho over the last decade are doing so because they perceive Idaho to be safer, and the statistics bear out that assumption.

All Things Idaho Real Estate Blog

Transportation in Idaho ~ Will you ever be able to go home again?

If you're thinking of a move to Idaho, you'll want to consider connectivity ~ that is, how easy will it be to travel from Idaho to other states and cities? For anyone who wants to relocate to Idaho, easy transportation connectivity is crucial ~ after all, you may want to visit friends and family in your old state, and if you've left elderly parents behind, it may become necessary to make many trips out of state to care for them.

Idaho is reasonably well connected to other states and major cities via highways, airports, airlines, and rail, although the rail connections are primarily for freight.

Highways: Idaho is served by several major interstate highways, including I-84, I-86, and I-90, which connect the state to major cities like Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Denver. The state also has a number of US highways, including US-12, US-20, US-26, US-30, US-93, and US-95, which provide access to neighboring states and cities. If you move to Idaho, you'll definitely want to bring your car ~ most transportation in and out of Idaho is via private vehicle.

Airports: Idaho has several airports that provide domestic and international air travel connections. The largest airport is the Boise Airport (BOI), which is served by several major airlines, including Alaska, Delta and United. Other major airports in the state include the Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA), the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport (LWS), and the Spokane International Airport (GEG), which is located just across the border in Washington state. The Spokane airport is the primary hub for residents of northern Idaho.

Don't expect direct flights to cities outside the western US though ~ count on the better part of a day's travel if you need to go to the South or the East Coast.

Airlines: In addition to major airlines, Idaho is also served by regional airlines, including Horizon Air and SkyWest Airlines, which offer flights to smaller regional airports in the state. Several charter and private jet companies also operate in the state, providing additional travel options for business and leisure travelers.

Rail: Idaho has an extensive rail network, with several major freight railroads operating in the state, including BNSF Railway, Union Pacific Railroad, and Montana Rail Link. Amtrak's Empire Builder passenger line also runs through the northern part of the state, stopping in Sandpoint.

Overall, Idaho is well connected to other states and major cities via highways, airports, airlines, and rail, making it easy for residents and visitors to travel to and from the state. If you're thinking of a move to Idaho, consider your transport options and take into consideration reasons why you might need to make frequent trips to your former state.