Fragrant, towering pines. Soaring mountains. And, yes, potatoes. Known far and wide for its tasty, starchy Idaho tubers, more than 13 billion pounds of spuds are harvested here annually.
Vast and incredibly scenic, Idaho’s biggest city, Boise, is also the state’s capital. Nicknamed the “City of Trees,” it’s home to parks galore, including the Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile, tree-lined pathway that skirts the north and south sides of the Boise River, offering scenic views, wildlife sightings and pedestrian access to many of the city’s riverside parks. There’s plenty of culture too, among the most notable options being the Boise Art Museum, an engaging visual experience with an annual “Art in the Park” event.
The bottom line? The state of Idaho offers more than meets the eye, whether you settle here or are simply passing thru.
Advantages of Moving to Idaho
Planning on buying a home in Idaho? As a safe state for those with families, the overall crime rate has been decreasing and the median home prices are affordable (from $150,000 to $350,000 in most places). Add that to the fact that Idaho has an unemployment rate almost a full percent below the United States national average in April 2022. In other words, the job prospects in the state of Idaho are great, too.
Things You Can Only Do and See in Idaho
An eerie spot that appears to defy physics, Gravity Hill in Grangeville, Idaho. Just put your car into neutral and watch it “roll uphill.” Or, try it with another inanimate object. There’s another such optical illusion in Post Falls, Idaho, as well.
For another singular experience, head to Black Magic Canyon in Shoshone, a volcanic river canyon in southern Idaho. Its sculpted, twirling rock is a natural wonder not to be missed.
Appreciate a bit of quirk? The state’s largest (and only) beagle-shaped B&B, Cottonwood’s Dog Bark Inn, affords the chance to sleep inside a man-made pup.
Located in Idaho City, the Sluice Box is an antique shop-meets-historic landmark filled with vintage trinkets throughout its maze of interior rooms. Just watch your back upstairs — it’s purportedly haunted.
Home to the largest potato crisp ever made, the Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot lets visitors learn more about the Idaho Potato and the history of spuds worldwide. Roam the exhibits to see how potato farmers cultivated and harvested their crops before modern technology.
Want to learn about pivotal moments in war history? Take a trip to the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa, where you’ll find artifacts from WWI, WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. And keep your eyes peeled for two rare fighter airplanes on display: the Curtiss P-40 from WWII and the WWII P-51C Razorback Mustang.
True crime buffs can get their fix at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary in Boise, Idaho. Built by prisoners, it opened its doors in 1872, housing famous inmates that include Raymond Allen Snowden, Lyda Southard, and Harry Orchard. The prison was investigated for paranormal activity by the Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures.”
Where the Locals Eat in Idaho
There’s plenty of other great food in Idaho besides potatoes. For one thing, there’s finger steak, an appetizer that’s hard to find outside of the state. Finger-length strips of steak are breaded and deep-fried and served golden and crispy, usually with French fries and a dipping sauce.
Love mushrooms? Morels, with their spongy pinecone tops and sweet taste, are plentiful. With permits in hand, foragers hunt for these prized fungi throughout the mixed forests of Idaho, particularly during the rainy season.
For a storied slice of pie, head to Blue Ribbon Café & Bakery, where down home cooking like country fried steak joins a roster of sweet treats, like sticky caramel pecan rolls and scratch-made cherry pie.
Want to score some of the state’s best produce? Make a fast track to Emmett, a town known for its fertile valleys and fruit production.
Want to snag the best baked potato in the world? Ketchum’s western-themed Pioneer Saloon serves football-sized ones called the Jim Spud, a baked potato with teriyaki beef and all the traditional fixings.
Weather in Idaho
If you’re looking for a state that experiences all four seasons, Idaho has you covered. Granted, the state’s various regions experience the seasons differently due to the rugged landscape and plentiful mountain ranges state-wide. It’s no surprise you’ll want to master the art of dressing in layers since temps and conditions can change on a dime.
From mid-April to late October, the state is in full bloom, mountain bluebirds flit around happily and the sundrenched scenery is hard to beat. While the beginning of spring brings melting snow and a proliferation of flowers, summers are generally warm and sunny (even when it rains). Naturally, it tends to be cooler at higher elevations. Hate oppressive heat? You’re in luck since it’s rare to see temperatures above 100°F during the summer. Nights are typically cooler. In the winter, temperatures rarely dip below 0°F for extended periods.
The north and west regions of Idaho experience the most rainfall during the winter, with the east region receiving the most rainfall during the summertime. Snowfall is most abundant in the mountains, with the annual total in Shoshone County clocking in at an average of 500 inches. Prone to thunderstorms and flooding during the late spring and early summer, Idaho can see damaging winds that knock down power lines. On the flipside, hot weather during the summer brings the threat of wildfires in forested areas. In the mountains, snowstorms are quite frequent and can cause road closures or dangerous commutes, while summer and spring usher in hail storms with hail up to half an inch, which can damage crops and property.
Moving to Idaho Soon? Let Mayflower Get You There
Considering a move to Idaho? Mayflower’s long-distance movers can help you move there. Our interstate agents can also assist with your local moves under their own business and names. Our full-service moving packages have an option that’s right for you. Have questions or are you ready to get started? Get a quote — we’re here to help.
Mayflower Moving Tips and Advice
Mayflower offers many helpful resources for planning your move. We also have articles on finding your new home or what to expect when you’re moving to another state.
For the planning stages of your move, we have articles on packing and moving preparation, as well as tips and tricks for ensuring you have a successful, worry-free move.
