From the towering peaks of its mountain ranges to the hushed elegance of its river valleys, Idaho’s geographical diversity is a testament to the timeless artistry of nature.
Stepping into the vast expanse of Idaho, you’ll be struck by a landscape that oscillates between serene beauty and dramatic grandeur. Whether it’s the lively urban appeal of Boise, the historic charm of Lewiston or the tranquil allure of Meridian, each location in Idaho paints a different hue on the state’s canvas, collectively creating a picture of life that is as varied as it is captivating.
Listed below are seven of the best places to live in Idaho for everyone from young professionals with families to active retirees and everyone in between. Find your favorite spot, schedule an apartment tour and settle down in your new happy place.
- Population: 240,713
- Median household income: $98,300
- Average commute time: 18.4 minutes
- Walk score: 38
- Studio average rent: $1,437
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,450
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,768
At first blush, Boise might appear to just be the state’s capital city, another spot on the map where the urban grid has staked its claim. But spend a little time here, wander its streets, listen to its stories and you quickly realize this diverse community is anything but ordinary.
Start in downtown Boise, a place that seems to exist in two eras simultaneously. It’s as though time got wonderfully tangled here, old red-brick buildings rubbing shoulders with sleek, modern edifices, each with their own story to tell. This isn’t simply a downtown—it’s an ongoing conversation between past and present.
And oh, the great outdoors! In Boise, nature is not an abstract concept but a close friend. The Ridge to Rivers trail system stitches the city to the vast expanses of Idaho’s wilderness like a beautifully embroidered seam. On these trails and nearby national parks, city slickers become explorers, trading sidewalks for dirt paths, the hum of traffic for the rustle of leaves.
Then there’s Boise State University, a hub of youth and innovation, its energy spilling over into the college town. You can almost feel the hum of thoughts and ideas, as though the city itself is learning, growing and evolving right along with its scholars.
The beauty of Boise isn’t just in its landscapes or its architecture, but in its spirit. This is a city comfortable in its own skin, unpretentious and genuine. It has its quirks and oddities, but rather than smoothing them out, Boise not only embraces them but celebrates them. This city doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is, and what it is, quite simply, is a great place to call home.
Three great apartment complexes in Boise:
- Population: 58,242
- Median household income: $60,984
- Walk score: 35
- Studio average rent: $925
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,720
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,995
Coeur d’Alene is defined by its proximity to nature’s grandeur, an undeniably charming downtown and a welcoming community that welcomes folks from all walks of life. Nestled in the northern panhandle of Idaho, with its glittering lake and towering pine forests, it’s a slice of heaven, lifted straight from a storybook and gently settled in Gem City.
The star of the show here is undoubtedly the majestic Lake Coeur d’Alene, spanning 25 miles in length, framed by pine-clad mountains and blessed with a gorgeous swimming beach. Its turquoise waters reflect the ever-changing sky and offer not just spectacular views but a year-round playground for boating, fishing and swimming in summer; ice skating and bald eagle watching in winter. Watch the sunset over the water paint the sky a fiery red, life in Coeur d’Alene really is nothing short of a religious experience.
You can’t talk about Coeur d’Alene without mentioning its charming downtown, steeped in a kind of authentic Americana, where it’s easy to meander through a jumble of local boutiques, art galleries and historic buildings.
But a place is not defined merely by its geography or its buildings. It’s the people who breathe life into the locale. The community in Coeur d’Alene is warm and inclusive, making newcomers feel at home in no time. The small city also hosts myriad events, from art walks to the famed Ironman competition, fostering a sense of belonging that’s often lost in larger cities.
Three great apartment complexes in Coeur d’Alene:
- Population: 69,450
- Median household income: $57,412
- Walk score: 42
- Studio average rent: $617
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,040
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,675
Idaho Falls embodies the quintessence of small-town America, tucked into an embrace of picturesque landscapes. The city emanates tranquility and serenity. It’s an evolving canvas adorned by the mighty Snake River’s waters, the resilient spirit of its people and the vibrant strokes of its culture.
The city’s heart beats in sync with the Snake River, which etches a serpentine course through its center. The river offers more than a namesake; it contributes to the city’s persona. The city’s waterfalls, cascading from snake river canyon right through the city’s heart, present more than scenic beauty; they are the city’s pulse, their incessant flow echoing the community’s resolve.
Surrounded by the sublime vistas of Idaho, the city serves as a gateway to an extraordinary natural playground, making it an easy choice for one of the best places to live in Idaho. The jagged peaks and spurting geysers at Yellowstone National Park, the untamed wilderness of Grand Teton and the surreal landscapes of Craters of the Moon lie just a short journey away.
However, Idaho Falls isn’t just an Eden for nature lovers, it’s also a burgeoning arts hub. The city’s downtown harmonizes the old with the new, historic buildings standing shoulder-to-shoulder with contemporary structures. From the lush expanse of the Idaho Falls Greenbelt to the myriad artifacts at the Museum of Idaho, the city center is always abuzz with creativity and life.
At its core, Idaho Falls is a tightly-knit community. The residents, imbued with a sense of hardiness and a pioneering spirit, are the city’s greatest strength. The town radiates a unique sense of camaraderie and friendliness. With high-quality public and private schools, lower cost of living and a family-friendly environment, the city provides a splendid backdrop for nurturing a family.
Three great apartment complexes in Idaho Falls:
- Population: 34,896
- Median household income: $60,581
- Walk score: 49
- Studio average rent: N/A
- One-bedroom average rent: N/A
- Two-bedroom average rent: N/A
Lewiston is an unassuming gem nestled in the state’s north central region. It is as if the tranquil rhythm of the Snake and Clearwater rivers has seeped into the very spirit of the former resort town. Lewiston, it seems, has a way of whispering sweetly to those who have the patience to listen. The lush landscape, with its wide-open skies and placid river banks, embodies a distinct and vibrant serenity that is difficult to find elsewhere. This landscape is not just a background but an active participant in the daily life of Lewiston’s residents.
But Lewiston’s charm isn’t confined to its natural beauty. It is found in the way the town retains a distinctive blend of the past and present. Historic downtown Lewiston, with its weathered brick buildings and quaint streets, tells a tale of a storied past. Yet, a blossoming culture imbues the city with fresh energy, where local crafts, eclectic eateries and thriving farmers’ markets create a harmonious blend of the old and the new.
Educational institutions such as Lewis-Clark State College contribute to Lewiston’s vibrancy, offering youthful energy and intellectual stimulation, while the city’s active outdoor recreation culture, ranging from fishing to hiking to boating and more, keeps the community grounded, healthy and engaged.
Despite the common notion of Idaho as a remote outpost for rural living, Lewiston is surprisingly accessible. The Port of Lewiston, Idaho’s only seaport, offers a lifeline to the local economy and a portal to the wider world. In this way, Lewiston seems to exist at a crossroads between wilderness and civilization, the traditional and the modern, the local and the global.
Three great apartment complexes in Lewiston:
- Population: 129,736
- Median household income: $89,857
- Walk score: 26
- Studio average rent: $1,760
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,553
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,830
At the intersection of pastoral tranquility and contemporary growth lies Meridian, Idaho’s second-largest city. Nestled between bustling Boise and the vast expanses of Idaho’s rural landscapes, Meridian possesses a unique, harmonious balance that resonates deeply with those fortunate enough to call it home, making it a natural pick for the best places to live in Idaho.
The city thrives as a close-knit community where neighbors not only know each other’s names but also share in each other’s joys and sorrows. Despite the city’s impressive growth and ample job opportunities—it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the region—the residents have managed to retain a sense of camaraderie and mutual support that is a testament to their collective spirit.
On the educational front, Meridian is home to outstanding public schools, a well-regarded private school system and a focus on lifelong learning. This commitment to education echoes throughout the community, nurturing not just academics but also fostering an environment of curiosity and enlightenment.
Recreational opportunities abound in Meridian. From the tranquil respite offered by the city’s many parks to the adventurous hiking and biking trails, Meridian encourages an active, outdoor lifestyle that keeps its residents connected to the splendid nature that surrounds them.
Meridian balances the vibrancy of a thriving city with the intimacy of small-town living. Here, progress and tradition coexist, each respecting the other, each shaping the city’s unique character. The city does not boast or bluster; it invites. It invites residents to build lives of contentment, enrichment and joy amidst its tree-lined avenues and beyond. It is, in its quiet, steadfast way, a testament to the human capacity for creating spaces that celebrate both the simplicity and complexity of life.
Three great apartment complexes in Meridian:
- Population: 117,082
- Median household income: $57,552
- Walk score: 29
- Studio average rent: $775
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,342
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,525
Nampa feels as if it were crafted from the fabric of a bygone era, while firmly rooted in the present. This robust blend of tradition and progress makes Nampa not just a city, but a living testament to the evolving narrative of the American West.
Nampa’s physical beauty is an undeniable draw. Nestled in the heart of the Treasure Valley, the city is a green oasis surrounded by the grandeur of Idaho’s diverse landscapes. From the lush farmland that flanks the city limits to the distant mountains that frame the horizon, Nampa’s natural setting is a captivating panorama that continually enchants its residents.
The city is a bustling hub of activity, a diverse and bustling place offering tons of recreational opportunities and outdoor activities that tap into the spirit of Idaho’s outdoor culture. From Lake Lowell’s tranquility to the invigorating outdoor pursuits available along the city’s many trails and city parks, Nampa encourages an active, healthy lifestyle for all.
Education and cultural enrichment form crucial components of Nampa’s appeal. The city’s public and private schools both foster an environment of learning and growth, while institutions like Northwest Nazarene University add a rich layer of intellectual vibrancy to the college town thanks to the thriving population of university students. Nampa’s cultural scene, too, is alive and thriving, with the Ford Idaho Center hosting concerts, rodeos and sporting events, ensuring the city is always offering up something fun for its residents.
Nampa stands as a beacon of balance. It merges the comfort of a small town with the opportunities of a growing city. It honors its heritage while eagerly reaching for its future. It celebrates its natural beauty while creating vibrant human-made spaces. It is a city that accommodates and nurtures the many facets of human life, making it a truly appealing place to call home.
Three great apartment complexes in Nampa:
- Population: 50,323
- Median household income: $65,592
- Walk score: 23
- Studio average rent: $1,275
- One-bedroom average rent: $1,395
- Two-bedroom average rent: $1,600
Post Falls sits as a jewel of the Northwest, nestled between the rugged majesty of the Rockies and the tranquil waters of the Spokane River. This city, once a quiet milling town, has grown to become a stunning community that marries the tranquility of a small town atmosphere with the dynamic spirit of a major city, quickly on the rise. Its appeal is multifaceted, drawn from the natural beauty, cultural richness and warmth of its people.
The landscape within the city limits is nothing short of mesmerizing. With waterfalls, rivers and mountains as its neighbors, Post Falls offers a living experience that is like nothing else. The city is a haven for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, with hiking, mountain biking, fishing and boating opportunities that not only provide fun recreation activities but also nurture a profound connection with the environment.
Despite its relatively small size, Post Falls boasts of a diverse range of attractions. The city’s retail offerings range from unique local boutiques to larger shopping centers, catering to a variety of needs and tastes. A fastly growing food scene adds another layer of appeal, with an array of culinary creations that tantalize the palate.
In essence, Post Falls represents the harmonious coexistence of the timeless and the contemporary, the quiet and the dynamic, the natural and the human-made. It’s a city that values its past, cherishes its present and embraces its future, providing an enriching and welcoming environment that makes it a wonderful place in Idaho to call home.
Three great apartment complexes in Post Falls:
Find the best place to live in Idaho
Whether you seek the urban charm of Boise or the rugged beauty of Post Falls, Idaho offers a near-unending selection of stunning possibilities, each holding a unique promise of what it means to call this magnificent state home. The best places to live in Idaho are not just locations, but distinct chapters in the state’s unfolding story, each adding its own unique color to the mosaic of life in the Gem State.
In every corner of the state, you will find that you are always just a stone’s throw from the living, breathing narratives in Idaho’s ever-evolving saga. They are distinct chapters in an enduring tale that grows richer with each new settler and generation. The best places to live in Idaho are not just geographical points on a map, but intricate layers in the richly textured quilt of human experience that comprises this magnificent state.
Source: rent.com