If you happen to’re planning on transferring to Idaho, add these cities to your checklist.
Residence to world-famous potatoes, dramatic landscapes, ample outside recreation, and rugged mountains, Idaho has all of it. Throughout its seven various areas, there are cities, landscapes, and adventures for everybody. Every area is stuffed with appeal, facilities, and vistas rivaling any state within the nation.
The distinguished Bitterroot and Caribou ranges of the Rocky Mountains stretch throughout most of northern, central, and southeastern Idaho, spanning the borders between each Montana and Wyoming. Additional south, the fertile Snake River Plain runs the remainder of the state from Yellowstone Nationwide Park to Japanese Oregon. Forested mountains, hills, and valleys make up a majority of the state’s panorama, whereas rivers, prairies, calderas, and desert represent the remainder.
Nearly all of Idaho’s inhabitants lives within the Snake River Plain (particularly the Treasure Valley) in cities like Boise, Meridian, Twin Falls, and Caldwell. Many individuals additionally stay additional north in locations like Moscow and Coeur D’alene. Dry climate is pretty widespread all through the state, with snow starting from a hint to dozens of toes. Precipitation is extra doubtless the farther north you go.
However which cities within the Gem State are one of the best for you? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered one of the best locations to stay in Idaho, rating them on qualities reminiscent of affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. Yow will discover extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
The most effective locations to stay in Idaho
Boise, ID
Coeur d’Alene, ID
Twin Falls, ID
Meridian, ID
Lewiston, ID
Moscow, ID
Nampa, ID
Caldwell, ID
Submit Falls, ID
Eagle, ID
1. Boise, ID
Inhabitants:235,421Median Sale Worth:$499,000Median Hire Worth:$1,625Average Commute Time:19.1 minutesUnemployment Charge:3.3%
With world-renowned outside recreation, a comparatively reasonably priced value of residing, and navigable format, Boise tops our checklist as one of the best place to stay in Idaho. Often called the “City of Trees”, Boise is the state capital and largest metropolis in Idaho, so it’s no shock there’s quite a bit to do within the space. It’s a well-liked place to stay, too, and has seen constant development over the previous decade.
Positioned in Treasure Valley in southwest Idaho, Boise supplies each an city and rural really feel. Skyscrapers, sprawling neighborhoods, and a vigorous downtown are subsequent door to untouched pure magnificence and outside recreation.
Simply northeast of the town is the jagged Sawtooth Mountain Vary, offering forests, peaks, trails, canyons, and rivers to discover. Desk Rock, Harrison Hole, and Freddy’s Stack Rock are all inside a half hour by automobile. For individuals who need a shorter journey, the calm Boise River runs proper by way of the town heart, good for river rafting and stress-free.
In downtown Boise, The Treefort Music Fest is one in every of Boise’s flagship occasions, drawing musicians and music lovers from across the nation for a number of days. Moreover, the Boise Artwork Museum showcases a various vary of latest and conventional artwork, whereas the Idaho Shakespeare Competition gives outside performances of traditional performs throughout the summer season months.
Boise’s local weather is semi-arid and sees all 4 seasons, with sizzling summers, chilly winters, and greater than 200 days of sunshine. 100°F days are unusual (however have gotten extra frequent), and winter temperatures common round 34°F. Some snow is widespread within the winter.
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2. Coeur d’Alene, ID
Inhabitants:56,894Median Sale Worth:$543,000Median Hire Worth:$1,695Average Commute Time:18.8 minutesUnemployment Charge:2.4%
Positioned simply east of Spokane, WA alongside the huge Harrison Slough, Coeur d’Alene is second on our checklist of one of the best locations to stay in Idaho. Tall, evergreen mountains, deep blue lakes, and miles of trails are in all places you flip on this resort metropolis, attracting hundreds of tourists throughout the heat summer season months. Town has French origins and was traditionally the land of the Schitsu’umsh Tribe (additionally known as the Coeur d’Alene Tribe).
Facilities abound in Coeur d’Alene. Whether or not you need to kayak alongside Lake Coeur d’Alene, hike within the Coeur d’Alene Mountains, or simply wander down historic Sherman Avenue, you’re certain to seek out one thing to like. In style landmarks embody the North Idaho Centennial Path, Tubbs Hill, and Beverly’s restaurant.
Many individuals stay and work inside the Coeur d’Alene space, together with neighboring Submit Falls and Hayden. This helps preserve commute instances down and roadways clear. Commuting into Spokane alongside I-90 might take round an hour, although. The local weather within the space can be nice. Summers are about 6.6°F cooler than Boise, with colder and snowier winters.
One draw back is that Coeur d’Alene housing costs are a lot larger than most different cities in Idaho, and $50,000 larger than Boise. Additionally, it’s necessary to notice that the mattress of Lake Coeur d’Alene is kind of poisonous with lead and arsenic because of previous and current mining operations. You’ll be able to nonetheless swim and play in it, however ought to totally wash sediment off your garments. The federal government has been engaged on cleansing the lake for many years, with some progress.
Coeur d’Alene properties on the market | Coeur d’Alene homes for lease | Coeur d’Alene flats for lease
3. Twin Falls, ID
Inhabitants:54,943Median Sale Worth:$326,000Median Hire Worth:$1,500Average Commute Time:15.9 minutesUnemployment Charge:1.9%
Twin Falls is available in because the third-best place to stay in Idaho. Nestled within the fertile Snake River Plain 130 miles southeast of Boise, Twin Falls is thought for its pure magnificence. Town boasts a comparatively reasonably priced value of residing – median sale and lease costs are nicely under the nationwide common (14% and 31% decrease respectively) – in addition to famend views of riverine canyons, waterfalls, and historic calderas. The School of Southern Idaho calls the town dwelling as nicely.
The spotlight of the town is the Snake River Canyon, which lies simply to the north and supplies alternatives for river rafting, cliff leaping, and swimming. Most individuals head to Centennial Waterfront Park, Shoshone Falls Park, or Twin Falls Park to hop within the river or see awe-inspiring waterfalls.
Simply an hour and a half from city, you can too discover Craters of the Moon Nationwide Monument & Protect, a vivid glimpse into the volcanic historical past of the Snake River Valley. A number of golf programs, climbing trails, and parks dot the panorama as nicely.
Twin Falls’ local weather is just like Boise and different cities on the plain. It’s pretty dry and sees all 4 seasons, with sizzling summers and funky winters. Solely round 10 inches of precipitation falls yearly, most of it within the winter and spring. Some snow is widespread, and since it’s positioned at almost 4,000’, excessive and low temperatures might be wildly completely different.
Twin Falls properties on the market | Twin Falls homes for lease | Twin Falls flats for lease
4. Meridian, ID
Inhabitants:134,801Median Sale Worth:$540,000Median Hire Worth:$2,200Average Commute Time:22.3 minutesUnemployment Charge:2.1%
Subsequent on our checklist is Meridian, a farming city turned sprawling Boise suburb. A low unemployment price, prime quality of life, and energetic housing market helped the town declare the quantity 4 spot on the checklist.
Positioned simply west of Boise within the Treasure Valley, Meridian is a suburban metropolis dwelling to nice views, quaint outlets and eating places, and huge parks. Town is remarkably well-liked; Meridian is definitely one of many quickest rising cities within the nation and has grow to be a brand new epicenter of Idaho. The truth is, the town authorities expects the inhabitants to develop one other 52% by 2040. This development has bolstered the regional financial system and allowed the town to broaden its gridded format, providing extra room and alternative for homebuyers and companies.
Visitors might be a problem within the area, nevertheless. Meridian has lengthy been a bed room neighborhood to Boise, as many individuals who stay in Meridian work in Boise. This implies lots of people commute daily, inflicting powerful rush-hour visitors. And paired with the restricted regional public transportation, journey instances might be fairly lengthy.
Whereas it’s primarily recognized for being a suburban commuter city, Meridian has quite a bit going for it. The Village at Meridian, an upscale outside mall, is probably the most well-known, that includes interesting structure, water options, boutiques, and acquainted restaurant chains. Wahooz Household Enjoyable Zone and Roaring Springs Waterpark are different beloved sights for all ages.
Meridian properties on the market | Meridian homes for lease | Meridian flats for lease
5. Lewiston, ID
Inhabitants:34,836Median Sale Worth:$385,000Median Hire Worth:$1,500Average Commute Time:15.6 minutesUnemployment Charge:2%
Positioned in North Central Idaho alongside the Washington border, Lewiston is available in at quantity 5 on our checklist of one of the best locations to stay in Idaho. Lewiston sits on the intersection of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, making it Idaho’s solely seaport and a hub of commercial manufacturing. As such, the town is dwelling to many agricultural and industrial firms, particularly paper and timber merchandise. A big portion of the town’s inhabitants works in these industries, with Lewis-Clark State School offering relevant profession and technical schooling.
Home costs and lease costs are nicely under the nationwide median, and a big portion of the town’s inhabitants is employed. These qualities have helped the town preserve a gentle development price and make it an interesting place to stay.
Lewiston’s local weather is just like different Western Idaho cities. It’s pretty dry and sees all 4 seasons, with sizzling summers and chilly winters. It’s typically hotter than cities additional north, although, particularly in comparison with Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. The local weather can be superb for agriculture, particularly vineyards. Clearwater Canyon Cellars and Lindsay Creek Vineyards supply a choice of native wine.
Whereas Lewiston could also be small and pretty distant, it has no scarcity of issues to do. A few of the highlights of the realm embody Hells Gate State Park, Locomotive Park, and the Nez Perce County Historic Society.
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6. Moscow, ID
Inhabitants:26,387Median Sale Worth:$426,000Median Hire Worth:$1,200Average Commute Time:14 minutesUnemployment Charge:4.1%
Coming in at quantity six is Moscow, Idaho. Moscow (pronounced “moss-COW”) is a school city on the border of Washington recognized for pure magnificence and the College of Idaho (U of I). Town is in North Central Idaho simply 10 miles west of Pullman and Washington Statue College, and 30 miles north of Lewiston.
For being a small metropolis, Moscow is dwelling to some main occasions. It’s even earned the nickname “Heart of the Arts.” The Lionel Hampton Worldwide Jazz Competition, Renaissance Truthful, and Artwalk are well-liked amongst locals and draw vacationers yearly. Moscow even hosts an award-winning farmers market from Might by way of October on historic Essential Avenue. It’s additionally simple to catch the U of I Vandals taking part in basketball, soccer, or another variety of sports activities.
Native outlets are a giant a part of life in Moscow, too. Safari Pearl is a beloved comedian guide retailer simply outdoors the college, whereas downtown, Breakfast Membership supplies all of the brunch fixings you’re craving. Historic Downtown Moscow has a majority of the town’s historic and well-liked facilities, together with the Moscow Meals Co-op, Bucer’s Espresso Home Pub, and the Nuart Theatre.
Climate in Moscow is just like Coeur d’Alene, however the topography is wildly completely different. The first distinction is the fertile Palouse Hills. These historic, glacial hills stretch westward for so far as you possibly can see and alter dramatically in response to the season. In spring and summer season, they’re flowering, rolling inexperienced hills; within the winter, they rework into snowy hills.
Moscow properties on the market | Moscow homes for lease | Moscow flats for lease
7. Nampa, ID
Inhabitants:114,268Median Sale Worth:$411,000Median Hire Worth:$1,500Average Commute Time:24 minutesUnemployment Charge:3.3%
Nampa is the seventh-best place to stay in Idaho on our checklist. One other suburb to the west of Boise, Nampa is extremely well-liked and was among the many fastest-growing cities within the nation, beating out neighboring Caldwell and Meridian. Home and rental costs are extra reasonably priced than Boise, however commuting into the large metropolis could also be tough throughout rush hour.
Nampa is 20 miles from Boise and inside driving distance of loads of outside actions, which means you’ll hardly go a weekend with out one thing in your calendar. The Deer Flat Nationwide Wildlife Refuge and Lake Lowell present picturesque views and loads of recreation alternatives, whereas dozens of bars, eating places, and big-city actions await in Boise. And just like different cities within the Treasure Valley, you’re inside an hour to dozens of wineries.
Even inside the metropolis, there’s a lot to do. The Warhawk Air Museum, Lakeview Water Park, and West Park are native favorites. Northwest Nazarene College additionally calls the town dwelling and hosts occasions all year long. Brick 29 Bistro, Burger Idea, and Jalapenos Bar and Grill satiate the town’s meals cravings.
Nampa properties on the market | Nampa homes for lease | Nampa flats for lease
8. Caldwell, ID
Inhabitants:68,336Median Sale Worth:$405,000Median Hire Worth:$1,650Average Commute Time:24.5 minutesUnemployment Charge:4%
Caldwell is the eighth metropolis on our checklist of one of the best locations to stay in Idaho. A suburb of Boise, Caldwell is positioned 28 miles to the west in an space referred to as Canyon County. The Canyon area has been rising remarkably shortly as of late because of its comparatively low value of residing and ample house for development. The truth is, Caldwell was not too long ago one of many fastest-growing cities within the U.S., alongside Meridian and Nampa.
Pure magnificence, ample outside recreation, and a reasonably reasonably priced value of residing are among the metropolis’s largest attracts. New non-public developments are all the time beneath building, together with the not too long ago accomplished Sky Ranch Enterprise Park. Some downsides embody underfunded colleges, a quiet nightlife, and a car-dependent format. For instance, there is only one bus route into Boise (the 43 Caldwell Categorical), and the town has a Stroll Rating of 24 out of 100. Nevertheless, as the town grows, extra infrastructure and funding are anticipated to comply with.
Caldwell boasts a wide range of sights for year-round enjoyable. Indian Creek Plaza has undergone some main upgrades and is now a downtown hub for eating places, leisure, and buying. Simply outdoors of city, you’re simply quarter-hour from the Sunnyslope Wine Path, which incorporates 20 native wineries. And eating places on the town don’t disappoint, both – Amano’s head chef was not too long ago (2023, 2024) named a James Beard Basis semifinalist for greatest chef.
Caldwell properties on the market | Caldwell homes for lease | Caldwell flats for lease
9. Submit Falls, ID
Inhabitants:44,798Median Sale Worth:$504,000Median Hire Worth:$1,789Average Commute Time:22.2 minutesUnemployment Charge:2%
Submit Falls is a small suburb of Coeur d’Alene recognized for its riverside appeal, outside recreation, and fantastic eating. Town is located within the Spokane Valley alongside the Spokane River, subsequent to the well-known waterfall at Falls Park. The local weather is almost equivalent to Coeur d’Alene and close by cities. Summers are sizzling and winters are chilly, with a typically cooler and wetter local weather than Southern Idaho. It’s nonetheless a excessive and dry panorama, however sees loads of snow.
Home costs have risen considerably prior to now six years, contributing to the next value of residing. Remarkably, since April 2019, costs have almost doubled. Inhabitants development, financial improvement, and recognition have all contributed to this rise, which has modified some locals’ perceptions of the realm.
Dwelling in Submit Falls means you’re by no means removed from enjoyable actions. Falls Park grabs all the eye, however don’t overlook the Q’emiln Partitions, Submit Falls Neighborhood Forest, or seven miles of calm river to Lake Coeur d’Alene. The Findlay Stadium Stateline Speedway even gives auto-racing occasions from April by way of October.
Submit Falls properties on the market | Submit Falls homes for lease | Submit Falls flats for lease
10. Eagle, ID
Inhabitants:32,319Median Sale Worth:$795,000Median Hire Worth:$2,495Average Commute Time:23.7 minutesUnemployment Charge:0.9%
Eagle, ID rounds out our checklist because the tenth-best place to stay in Idaho. Positioned 10 miles northwest of Boise, Eagle is an idyllic and prosperous suburb with a close-knit neighborhood, rolling hillside views, and plenty of spas and golf programs. Eagle’s value of residing is way above most locations in Idaho, nevertheless, and commuting south into Boise generally is a problem. For these causes, it solely earns the quantity ten spot.
Regardless, Eagle is stuffed with actions. Contemplate strolling by way of the Eagle Saturday Market or spending the day taking part in a spherical on the BanBury Golf Course. Two Rivers Salon & Spa and the Eagle Day Spa are good for unwinding after a busy week. As for eating places, Rembrandts, Classic 61 Wine Bar & Kitchen, and Bodacious Pig Barbecue supply among the greatest delicacies.
Outside recreation can be a favourite amongst locals, and it’s no shock why. Miles of trails, dozens of parks, beloved water options, and even an island are unfold all through the suburb, providing year-round actions for everybody. Particularly, the 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt – which runs straight by way of city – Heritage Park, and Eagle Island State Park are good in sizzling summers and chilly winters.
Eagle properties on the market | Eagle homes for lease | Eagle flats for lease
Methodology
Redfin’s Finest Locations to Reside rankings are supposed to assist dwelling searchers make an knowledgeable choice when selecting the place to stay. To aim to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes into consideration a number of key elements, together with entry to healthcare, open outside house, navigability, housing tendencies, employment statistics, earnings, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of 20,000 or larger have been thought-about for our Idaho checklist. Extra details about our methodology might be discovered right here.
Information legitimate April 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
