When deciding where in Idaho to put down roots, there are dozens of factors that are in the eye of the beholder, like climate, city size, and proximity to family. Other are coveted by nearly everybody: affordable housing, job opportunities, a low cost of living, good schools, and quality healthcare.
We wanted to provide a well-rounded picture of the best places to live in Idaho, only to find that the vast majority of national systems only rank Idaho's largest cities, neglecting the variety of factors that make our small towns and cities appealing: community, family, natural beauty, and more. In this list - inspired by those created by Area Vibes - we've compiled 10 awesome towns that are lovely in all the right ways, with a healthy mix of population sizes and regions, and maybe just a little overlooked by national travel sites. So without further ado (and in no particular order):
10. Malad City (Pop. 2,063)
Cost of Living: A+
Crime: A+
Education: B+
Amenities: B
Housing: D
Overall: 81/100
Home of the Dragons, this small town - "Where Idaho Begins" - is right on the Idaho-Utah border, and gets a well-deserved spot on our list. Cute as a button, this is one gem that isn't short on charm or amenities, like the Oneida Pioneer Museum, beautiful historic buildings, and lush green parks. Tough to find housing knocks its score down a notch, however.
9. Bonners Ferry (Pop. 2,473)
Cost of Living: A+
Crime: A+
Education: C+
Amenities: A
Housing: D
Overall: 81/100
Idaho's northernmost major town is a rustic charmer at heart - the product of plenty of moose, bears, and other wildlife roaming freely. If the short drive from Canada and endless, forested beauty doesn't win you over, the views of the Selkirks, abundance of nearby waterfalls, and plethora of community events should do the trick!
8. Grangeville (Pop. 3123)
Cost of Living: A+
Crime: A+
Education: B
Amenities: B+
Employment: B+
Overall: 81/100
Like the gateway city that it is, Grangeville doesn't get much attention unless you're driving through it on the way to somewhere else. But it should. A rural slice of paradise, surrounded by rivers, foothills, and just a short drive from nearly every gorgeous slice of Idaho scenery, you'll find this town the perfect place to settle down.
7. Pocatello (Pop. 54,350)
Cost of Living: A+
Crime: A-
Education: A+
Amenities: A-
Employment: B
Overall: 84/100
This quiet, close-knit Eastern Idaho community offers more than meets the eye - Oregon Trail history, haunted legends, and plenty of hidden hikes and classic Idaho scenery. Plus, the Idaho State University campus provides a host of attractions and opportunities that you won't find anywhere else - along with those found within the community itself, which is down to earth.
6. Idaho Falls (58, 292)
Cost of Living: A
Crime: A
Education: A
Amenities: A
Overall: 84/100
While most folks recognize Idaho Falls because of its beautiful LDS temple, gorgeous Snake River Greenbelt, and namesake waterfalls in the heart of town, there's plenty to love off the beaten path. Idaho Falls is also highly rated as a generous and family-friendly community, with a knack for artistic flair that is appealing.
5. Post Falls (Pop. 29, 357)
Cost of Living: B
Crime: B+
Education: A-
Amenities: A+
Employment: B
Overall: 75/100
Set in beautiful North Idaho, but with a smaller population than nearby Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls sets itself apart with natural beauty, a low crime rate, and higher education stats than its surrounding area. Gorgeous parks and smaller tourism influxes are also appealing.
4. Hailey (Pop. 8,014)
Cost of Living: A-
Crime: A
Education: A+
Amenities: A+
Employment: B
Overall: 87/100
There's plenty to love about this gorgeous mid-sized city. Like the rest of its Wood River Valley counterparts, Hailey is a unique community blend of rustic-country and chic-arts. You'll find just as many rodeos and gun shops as you will arts festivals and locally-sourced restaurants. The Blaine County School District is also one of the top systems in the state, and the Wood River Land Trust's preservation efforts continue to keep the valley looking its best.
3. Donnelly (Pop. 152)
Cost of Living: A+
Crime: A+
Education: A+
Amenities: B+
Employment: B-
Overall: 83/100
Close to the amenities of both McCall and the larger Boise area, Donnelly is perfectly situated for rural peace and quiet, idyllic mountain beauty, and all the creature comforts you can ask for, plus a top-rated school system. This gem doesn't get much attention on its own, but it definitely should.
2. Wallace (Pop. 781)
Cost of Living: A+
Crime: A+
Education: B
Amenities: A+
Employment: B
Overall: 85/100
If atmosphere, community, and access to oodles of recreation is at the top of your list, Wallace's quirky personality can't be beat. Dozens of annual festivals, endless natural beauty, and all the small town charm you could possibly hope for is bundled into one convenient package. Its isolation takes a toll on the overall education score, which is the only drawback.
1. Meridian (Pop. 83, 496)
Cost of Living: A
Crime: A+
Education: A+
Amenities: A
Employment: A+
Overall: 88/100
Officially Idaho's second-largest city, Meridian keeps topping national lists for good reason. A healthy economy, plenty of job opportunities, and a unique community centered around learning, fostering connections, and exploring new ideas has created a powerhouse of growth. The only con? The suburban, concrete-and-brick lifestyle might drift too far from the rural, nature-based lifestyle Idahoans typically treasure.
Bonus: Mackay (Pop. 517)
Cost of Living: A+
Crime: A+
Education: B
Amenities: B+
Employment: B
Overall: 80/100
This underrated gem is a best-kept secret when it comes to perfect places to live. Not only is this rugged, rough and tumble Idaho town tucked away amidst some fantastic beauty, with plenty of recreation opportunities, but it also has a surprisingly good school system.
Idaho is a fantastic place, no matter which corner you choose to adopt! Every community has something to offer, with a diverse mix of personalities thrown in - it's almost impossible to choose, isn't it? Be sure to visit these communities in person to really understand what they're all about before making your move!
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