Photo of Idaho Skyline
Photo of Idaho Skyline

Idaho Real Estate

Real Estate For Sale In Idaho

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  • Landmarks

  • Culture

  • Climate Risk

  • Demographics

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Idaho is called “The Gem State,” and with good reason! It is the 2nd fastest growing state in the nation

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Why The Sudden Interest In Idaho Real Estate?

But why are so many people moving there now? 

Idaho has a great deal more to offer than many people think. Far more than an “agricultural fly-over state,” Idaho offers a strong job market, a very low cost of living and plenty of good real estate. Idaho real estate tends to come on large lots with plenty of garden space, too. But even so, it isn’t for absolutely everyone. This article will explore Idaho’s weather, its culture, and some of the amazing amenities its residents enjoy. We’ll even highlight a handful of the best cities to look for real estate in the state of Idaho, and some of the trendiest neighborhoods as well.

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Things To See And Do In Idaho

Before we look more deeply at places with Idaho real estate for sale, let’s consider some of the things visitors and residents alike have to do in Idaho. The Boise River Greenbelt, for example, offers amazing hiking for a 25 mile stretch on both sides of the river. There is a similar greenbelt along the Snake River. The Museum of Clean offers an interesting if quirky afternoon out, and of course there are its many parks and protected natural areas, such as Nez Perce National Historical Park, Oregon National Historic Trail, Yellowstone National Park and the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. 

A Brief History Of Idaho

A Brief History Of Idaho

A Brief History Of Idaho

Before you consider investing in real estate or even buying a mobile home in Idaho, it might be good to learn a little about its past. This patch of land was occupied by various Native American groups for 14,000 years or more before the Europeans came. At the time of contact, it was occupied by the Shoshone people in the south and the Nez Percé in the north. 

By the 1800s it was part of the disputed “Oregon Country,” claimed by both the US and Britain. Early colonists lived in native communities, and the first non-native fur trading settlement was established in 1809. True settled communities of Europeans were not established until 1860. The land became the Idaho Territory in 1863, and it became the 43rd US state in 1890.

A Brief History Of Idaho

Idaho Demographics

Idaho Demographics

Idaho Demographics

Idaho’s population according to the 2020 census was 1,839,106, though it has certainly grown since then. It was only 1,567,592 in 2010, after all. Lots of people are looking to buy land in Idaho, so many of its 751,105 individual housing units move quickly when they come up for sale. Roughly 70% of the housing in the state is owner-occupied. In 2020 alone, though, more than 19,000 building permits were issued – housing supply is rising to meet demand. 

 Roughly 91% of Idaho residents over the age of 25 have high school diplomas, and just under 29% have a Bachelor’s degree or higher. The median household income was $58,915 in 2020. 

Idaho Demographics

The Idaho Climate

The Idaho Climate

The Idaho Climate

Idaho has varied terrain and therefore several climate zones. The eastern edge experiences milder winters than its latitude would suggest due to the influence of the (admittedly distant) Pacific Ocean. The northern panhandle region is dominated by the North American inland temperate rainforest. To the southwest, in the rain-shadow of the mountains, it becomes semi-arid.

Overall, though, Idaho is known for hot summer days with low humidity and cold winters, though it rarely stays below zero for long. Most of the places you’d consider buying real estate in Idaho follow this pattern fairly closely. 

The Idaho Climate

Boise, Idaho

Boise, Idaho

Boise, Idaho

Boise is both the capital and the largest city in the state, and this is where some of the most sought-after Idaho real estate for sale can be found. It had 235,684 residents in 2020, but it sits at the heart of the Treasure Valley metropolitan area, home to nearly 750,000 people. 

Living in Boise, you’ll be able to hike the Boise River Greenbelt, spend the day at the Boise Art Museum, take the kids out to the Discovery Center of Idaho, go to their famous Aquarium, and shop at the Capital City Public market. 

 

Boise, Idaho

Meridian, Idaho

Meridian, Idaho

Meridian, Idaho

Meridian is Idaho’s 2nd largest city, and a major part of the Treasure Valley metro area. Anyone looking to buy real estate in Idaho should try in Meridian. It is the fastest growing city in the state, and among the fastest in the US. 

Meridian has a thriving art and cultural scene, and residents can see the Initial Point gallery for free, or attend regular performances of the Meridian Symphony Orchestra. Less high-brow entertainments include the Wahooz Family Fun Zone, the Roaring Springs Water Park and the Meridian Speedway.

Meridian, Idaho

Nampa, Idaho

Nampa, Idaho

Nampa, Idaho

Nampa is the 3rd largest city in the state, and the largest in Canyon County. Anyone buying real estate in Idaho would do well to consider plots in Nampa. It had just over 81,000 people in 2010, but had grown to more than 100,000 by the 2020 census. 

Nampa residents can see shows at the Ford Idaho Center entertainment complex, see the Snake river Stampede Rodeo, spend the day at the Nampa Recreation Center or either of 2 golf courses.

Nampa, Idaho

A Few Great Reasons To Buy or Rent A House In Idaho

A Few Great Reasons To Buy or Rent A House In Idaho

A Few Great Reasons To Buy or Rent A House In Idaho

Here are a few of the best reasons to look into buying Idaho real estate

 Idaho’s economy is strong. According to AreaVibes, the state unemployment rate is just 3.9%. The U.S. News Best States rankings for 2021 put it in first place for economic growth and 4th for fiscal stability. 

Idaho is a cheap place to live. AreaVibes placed Idaho’s cost of living at just 93% of the national average, and complimented the affordability of Idaho real estate.   

The natural surroundings can’t be beat. Idaho boasts everything from the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park to the hot springs at Goldbug and the Salmon River. 

Idaho is a safe place to live. The capital of Boise actually has a lower crime rate than the state as a whole, fully 25% lower than the national average! Alarms.org and d U.S. News have both ranked Idaho among the top ten states in the nation for safety.  

A Few Great Reasons To Buy or Rent A House In Idaho

Is Idaho Right for You?

Is Idaho Right for You?

Is Idaho Right for You?

It certainly suits a lot of people, and with 10-year growth rates approaching 20%, most of them seem to choose to stay. Idaho is nowhere near crowded yet, though, and real estate in Idaho can still be had relatively cheaply. When employment is high, housing is available and the cost of living is low, a place does tend to fill up quickly, though. 

Perhaps you should visit Idaho before you decide. The local culture is welcoming and vibrant, and you might find that you ‘really click’ with one of your favorite neighborhoods. And if not, you’ll probably still have a great time in The Gem State.

 

Is Idaho Right for You?

Real Estate in Idaho

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Notable Landmarks In Idaho

Notable Landmarks In Idaho

Idaho Climate Risk

99/500

Earthquake risk

Medium risk

89/500

Air pollution risk

Medium risk

62/500

Wind risk

Low risk

28/500

Hail risk

Low risk

24/500

Tornado risk

Low risk

14/500

Total weather risk

Low risk

Idaho FAQs
Idaho FAQs

Other Real Estate In Idaho

Top Idaho Unreal Estate Agents
Kaiya Botosh

Kaiya Botosh

Jaydon Levin

Jaydon Levin

Martin Lipshutz

Martin Lipshutz

Alfonso Rosser

Alfonso Rosser

View related pages

State

  • Land for sale in Idaho
  • Condos for sale in Idaho
  • Mobile homes in Idaho
  • Real Estate for Sale in Idaho

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