Those unfamiliar with the Gem State may think there’s nothing but open space, except where there are potato fields. While the Western state is one of the country’s top spud producers, there’s a lot more to it than that. It’s the 14th largest state and the seventh least densely populated. The entire state’s population is 1.65 million, comparable to medium-sized big cities like Phoenix or Philadelphia. But here, the residents are spread out in a territory the size of New England.
It’s not all country living, however. There are 200 incorporated cities and three metro areas where the community’s population exceeds 100,000. There are definite urban trappings in places, everything from symphonies to coffee shops to gourmet restaurants. In addition, there are tiny farming communities that have their own charm, far from the larger city centers.
Part of the appeal of Idaho is that there is something for everyone, and it’s a great state to visit, fall in love, and never want to leave. If you’re relocating from another state or even from other sections of Idaho, check out these welcoming small towns where it’s easy to stick around.
Sandpoint
Source:flickr.com
Crime: 3,474/100,000
Average commute: 14 minutes
When seeking the ingredients of a perfect smaller-town experience, it’s hard to find more than you’ll discover in Sandpoint. On the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, the country’s fifth deepest lake, Sandpoint offers easy access to year-round recreation, from boating and swimming to skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. It’s also known for a weeklong summer music festival, and Rand McNally has also declared Sandpoint “the Most Beautiful Small Town.”
It’s pretty much an hour from anywhere, including the borders of Washington, Montana, and Canada so that it can be a nice central home base for your adventures in any direction.
The 2010 population was just about 7,000, which grew 10.9 percent since 2000. The media age is 39.7 for males and 35.7 for females, which shows that it’s popular with all ages. The median home value was $190,094 in 2013, up from $106,200 in 2000.
McCall
Source: flickr.com
Crime: 3,598/100,000
Average commute: 11 minutes
If you and your family are fans of outdoor fun, McCall is waiting for you. In the central part of the state, it’s home to beautiful Payette Lake, is right at the entrance to the Payette National Forest, and is close to two ski areas, Brundage Mountain and Tamarack Resort. The area has been considered a pleasant resort destination for tourists – and locals – since the 1920s, and it is said to be the first lake where recreational sailboats were available for sightseeing cruises at the beginning of the 20th century. Besides the splendid scenery, the community is known for a winter carnival that has been taking place annually here since 1923. It has also been recognized for smart planning and has been nominated as one of the country’s best adventure towns and best hotel restaurant.
The population was about 2,900 as of 2013, an impressive 40 percent increase from 2,084 in 2000. Median home values rose from $147,500 in 2000 to $206,867 in 2013.
Kellogg
Source: flickr.com
Crime: 3,683/100,000
Average commute: 13 minutes
The first thing you need to know about Kellogg, located near the Montana border, is that it’s named after the area’s first prospector, not the cereal company. (That’s in Michigan, BTW). It’s actually a naturally scenic community that has reinvented itself several times and now has a clear focus on tourism and encouraging residents and non-residents to enjoy the impressive attractions.
Kellogg, with population of about 2,117, is the second largest city in the Silver Valley, a former bustling hardrock mining community. Though a small amount of mining still goes on, the community is now a place for everyone to come and play. This could take the form of the area’s largest indoor water park, plenty of biking and hiking trails, or an impressive ski area and tubing center accessible by taking the world’s longest gondola. Kellogg is right by the Coeur d’Alene River, a popular waterway for rafting and fishing.
Home prices are definitely attractive for those considering staying awhile: the median price was $108,093 in 2013, up from $69,100 in 2000.
Garden City
Source: flickr.com
Crime: 4,456/100,000
Average commute: 19 minutes
Garden City is ideal for those who like a lot about Boise, but don’t necessarily want to live there. The actual city limits are 4.17 square miles for a population of about 11,260, which is up 6 percent from 2000. Some of the early settlers were immigrants from China, and today, it’s considered a combination of a bedroom community for those who work in Boise, plus a bit of an arts community for creative types who want to get out of the city but still be within reach if needed.
Garden City real estate has a median home value of $163,559, up from $120,100 in 2000. Generally lower rent also makes it easy for artists to set up studios and galleries plus some memorable bars and restaurants. It’s also the location of the Western State Fair, another fun annual event that’s easy to reach.
Hailey
Source: upload.wikimedia.org
Crime: 1,083/100,000
Commute time: 20 minutes
The community of Hailey offers the best of both worlds. It’s adjacent to Sun Valley, a resort patronized by many of the world’s rich and famous, but Hailey has more of a down-to-earth vibe. Some residents work at Sun Valley; others may just like the smaller size (just over 8,000) along with the proximity to recreation, including hiking and skiing.
Home prices are steep when compared to other Idaho small towns, $252,085, up from $202,300 in 2000. But if you have a little disposable income and continue to trade up for a larger home for your family, this can be a winner. It’s also home to the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, a unique October celebration that includes food, information about the role of livestock in local communities, sheepdog trials, and a tasty lamb barbecue. It has been called one of the best festivals in not just the U.S. but the world.
