9 Best Places To Live In Idaho In 2025
The Gem State is one of mountainous forests and high desert sprawls. It’s rarely considered a destination state until a visit flips the perspective. Idaho offers safe communities and active hobbies. It ranks as one of the safest states in America, making it a top destination for families. This article will overview the best places in Idaho to live in 2025 based on factors like cost of living, career opportunities, and access to nature.
Boise
“Boy-see” is the capital of Idaho and the largest city in Idaho. It’s known for its friendly population, festivals, and proximity to outdoor activities. The city has grown in popularity over the last decade, impacting its affordability. Boise is a “top place to live” for families, young professionals, and retirees.
Boise has seen an incredible amount of growth in the last decade. Median home prices are around $520,000, and the average monthly rent is $1,600. Major industries in the job market include technology, education, healthcare, and manufacturing. Prominent employers in Boise are Micron Technology, St. Luke’s Health, Boise State University, and HP. The city has a low unemployment rate of 2.4%
St. Luke’s Health System and St. Alphonsus are the largest and most accessible hospitals in the Boise area. They offer everything from urgent care to specialized care throughout the Treasure Valley.
Schools within Boise vary from public to private. There is a high graduation rate in Boise, at 84%. Boise is also home to the famous blue turf field of Boise State University. BSU has an excellent sports program and a robust catalog of majors.
Boise has very low crime rates compared to national levels. It’s safer than most U.S. cities. Boise has a well-funded police force, and the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 368.
Boise has several hiking trails in the nearby foothills, like Table Rock and Hull’s Gulch. These trails also welcome mountain bikers. The greenbelt is a 25-mile paved pathway that runs along the Boise River. It’s popular with runners, walkers, and bicyclists. Unique to Boise is the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, an outdoor performing arts theatre through the summer nights. Treefort Festival in March attracts musical acts from all over the country.
Coeur d'Alene
Located in northern Idaho, where natural beauty abounds, Coeur d’Alene is a postcard-worthy city to call home.
Like Boise, Coeur d’Alene is on the high side of housing costs for Idaho. Average home prices are around $900,000, and monthly rent costs are about $1,300 for a one-bedroom apartment. The lumber industry takes precedence in Coeur d’Alene. Healthcare and tourism are a close second.
The University of Idaho has a campus in Coeur d’Alene for college seekers. Parents will have a selection of public, charter, and private schools within the city. The public school system scores higher than proficient levels in elementary, middle, and high school.
Kootenai Health and Heritage Health are the largest healthcare providers in Coeur d’Alene. They each have several facilities and clinics within the city. Kootenai Health is one of the top 50 cardiovascular hospitals in the U.S.
Coeur d’Alene is safer than 33% of U.S. cities. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime are 1 in 331.
The city of Coeur D’Alene is rich in outdoor activities. Hiking, biking, watersports, and winter sports are all favored outdoor hobbies. Tubbs Hill is full of hiking and biking trails that overlook the lake. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders head to the Lookout Pass Recreation area.
Twin Falls
The Magic Valley hub of Twin Falls offers affordability, natural desert beauty, and potential for further growth. It’s an attractive home base for families or retirees wanting a blend of city and manageable expenses.
The median home price in Twin Falls is around $414,000 and monthly rent averages at $1,200 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. Twin Falls is a growing economic region with a low unemployment rate and projected job growth. Agriculture, food processing, and manufacturing are the city’s biggest industries. Many residents work for companies like Chobani, Glanbia, or Amalgamated Sugar.
Twin Falls School District is the largest public school education provider for adolescents in the area. Alternatively, parents can choose from several charter schools or private schools. Acton Academy and Twin Falls Christian Academy are both highly regarded. College of Southern Idaho is an excellent option for higher education in Twin Falls.
Crime rates in Twin Falls remain low. Residents have a 1 in 252 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 64 chance for property crime. St. Luke’s Healthcare is the largest medical provider in Twin Falls. They have services that range from emergency trauma to specialized care.
Shoshone Falls is a major landmark for tourism in Twin Falls. Hiking, fishing, and rock climbing are popular with locals of Twin Falls. For the true thrill seeker, base jumping at the Perrine Bridge is open year-round. There are base jumping courses available at Snake River BASE Academy.
Lewiston
“The gateway to Hells Canyon,” Lewiston serves as a launch point for numerous adventures. It still maintains a small-town feel and tradition while offering a growing economy and diverse job market.
Housing costs in 2024 averaged $410,000, and monthly rents were around $1150. The main industries in Lewiston are agriculture, manufacturing, and paper and timber products. An average salary of a Lewiston resident is $60,000 with healthcare and management being the top earners.
There are 10 total schools in Lewiston. The town has a near-even split of public and private schools for children to attend. Lewis Clark State College has over 130 programs for students at the college level.
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center is the highest-performing facility in Lewiston. Their care options range from general care to advanced surgical procedures or specialized plans.
Violent crime is very uncommon in Lewiston. Property crime is elevated in comparison to the rest of Idaho. The chances of becoming a victim of property crime in Lewiston is 1 in 77.
Lewiston has 25 miles of paved path along the Clearwater Snake National Recreation Trail system. Locals enjoy access to the path for walking, running, or bicycling. The Snake and Clearwater Rivers have access for anglers and boaters to enjoy. Hells Gate State Park offers miles of dirt trails for mountain bikers.
Pocatello
Lower than-average cost of living and community-driven atmosphere draw movers to Pocatello. It is home to Idaho State University and several corporate headquarters.
Rental costs are 44% lower than the national level in Pocatello at an average of $870 monthly. Average prices for purchasing a home are also lower in Pocatello at $364,000. Healthcare, manufacturing, and retail lead the way for demand in the local job market. Farming and processing of Idaho’s famous potatoes is also a huge contributor to the job industry in Pocatello.
The Pocatello-Chubbuck School District has over 12,000 students and a high graduation rate. The district is highly focused on Visible Learning. Idaho State University is an academic-focused university in Pocatello with over 250 programs.
Recent findings show property crimes outweigh violent crimes in Pocatello. The chances of becoming a victim of either crime are 1 in 57. Families seeking homes in statistically safer neighborhoods look in Pocatello Southeast, South, and Northeast.
Portneuf Medical Center is the preferred hospital in Pocatello. The city also has Health West and Pocatello Free Clinic which offers free medical and dental care for uninsured or are below 300% of the poverty level.
Fishing and floating on the Portneuf River are fun pastimes for families in Pocatello. Old Town Pocatello is full of shops and events throughout the summers, like outdoor concerts and the Portneuf Valley Farmer’s Market. The First National Bar in Old Town features consistent live music. For winter lovers and ski enthusiasts, Pebble Creek Ski Area is just half an hour away from town.
Caldwell
On the western edge of the larger Treasure Valley, which includes our earlier listing of Boise, Caldwell is an appealing option. The city is an affordable alternative to Boise, giving residents accessibility to the city while providing other perks like proximity to wine country and a smaller population.
Rentals in Caldwell average around $1,400 a month and median house prices fall around $380,000. Industries employing the most residents in Caldwell include manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade. JR Simplot and West Valley Medical Center are large employers in the Caldwell area.
Caldwell has 11 total schools. The College of Idaho calls Caldwell home; it’s Idaho’s oldest private liberal arts college, offering 30 undergraduate programs and four graduate degrees.
The chances of falling victim to either violent or property crime are 1 in 86 in Caldwell. It’s safer than 39% of U.S. cities. Residents looking for homes in suburban areas will find Woodgate, Marble Heights, and Virginia Park to meet their needs for safety and accessibility to town.
Caldwell has a thriving downtown with Indian Creek Plaza offering family-friendly events throughout the year. During the holiday season, it is lit up with thousands of lights and an ice-skating rink. The plaza hosts outdoor concerts and events in the warmer months. Wine lovers will enjoy the Sunnyslope Wine Region with visits to popular wineries like Hat Ranch or Kerry Hill.
Idaho Falls
The largest city in eastern Idaho, Idaho Falls, is a natural beauty of Idaho. It’s considered a gateway to popular Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons.
Idaho Falls median home price averages around $400,000 and monthly rent tends to be around $1,400. In-demand industries in Idaho Falls include healthcare, retail, and transportation. Wages average around $26 an hour for residents.
Idaho Falls School District contains 22 public schools with a 19:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Additionally, there are many private schools and four public charter schools for parents to choose from. College of Eastern Idaho is a newer community college offering various career paths.
Safety is essentially on par with the average in Idaho, chances of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 318. Property crime is more common at 1 in 70. Idaho Falls smaller population of 68,000 experiences less crime than similarly sized cities in Idaho.
Golfers enjoy the three local courses in Idaho Falls: Sandcreek, Pinecrest, and Sage Lakes. The River Walk along the Snake River is a pleasant 5-mile loop connected to downtown for locals to walk or run. The Mountain America Center hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as concerts and Idaho Falls Spud Kings hockey games.
Meridian
Neighboring Boise, Meridian, is centrally located in the Treasure Valley. Its location makes it a convenient location to enjoy everything the surrounding areas have to offer.
Housing costs average around $550,000, mirroring Boise prices. Average monthly rental costs are around $1,600. Industries in demand vary in Meridian. Jobs ranging from health care to manufacturing are regularly available. The biggest employers of the area are West Ada School District, Blue Cross of Idaho, Scentsy, and Albertsons.
The Meridian School District has high proficiency rates at all grade levels in reading and math. The district has 61 schools. Additionally, there are charter schools and private schools in the area. Boise State University in Boise is a top choice for continuing education around Meridan, along with nearby Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa.
Meridian is safer than 60% of U.S. cities. It has a very low percentage of becoming a victim of violent or property crime. The city is ranked within the top 100 safest cities in America.
With Boise neighboring Meridian, St. Luke’s Health System and St. Alphonsus are the largest and most accessible hospitals. They offer services in their larger facilities and clinics throughout the Treasure Valley.
Meridian has a plethora of attractions and things to keep residents busy and enjoying their days. For families, visiting the Roaring Springs Water Park or Meridian Speedway will provide plenty of entertainment. The Village in Meridian is a massive shopping and entertainment hub featuring a movie theatre, several restaurants, and events throughout the year. Head to Big Al’s for bowling and an epic sports bar or Matador for the best margaritas.
Sandpoint
Sandpoint is a lovely town on the eastern shore of Lake Pend Oreille. There’s something to do all year round with the number of activities on the lake or surrounding mountains.
Median home values in Sandpoint are around $825,00, and monthly rent is around $1,000. The average household income is $67,000. Most residents work in health care, retail, tourism, or construction.
Sandpoint is incredibly safe, with only eight violent crimes on average in a year. However, the town brings in many tourists seasonally, contributing to random crime.
There are 28 schools in Sandpoint, 20 of them being private schools and one charter. Notably, Sandpoint High School has earned college success awards from Great Schools for assuring students are prepared for college. North Idaho College in nearby Coeur d’Alene is popular for students wanting to stay close to home.
Bonner General Hospital provides medical services with its main campus in Sandpoint. The hospital is a top 100 critical access hospital by iVantage. It offers urgent, acute, and critical care amongst other services.
Sandpoint is a treat for outdoor lovers. Schweitzer is a renowned ski resort for winter activities. In the summer, the resort offers hiking and mountain biking on its trails. Families in the area love a camping trip to Farragut State Park in the summer on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille.
Living in Idaho can appeal to anyone. Idaho is an affordable state with versatile terrain for adventures. Take a trip to the Gem State and let its surroundings speak for themselves. Whether you seek career opportunities, excellent schools, or endless recreational activities, Idaho delivers. As more people discover its appeal, Idaho continues to shine as a top destination for residents in 2025.
