No matter what corner of Idaho you hail from, one thing is for certain. We all have a huge appreciation for our state. However, there's no denying that there are significant differences between northern and southern Idaho. Of course there are many similarities, but in many ways the two regions of our state could be classified as two distinct places altogether. How many of the eight differences listed below hits home with you?
1. The geography.
To start, northern Idaho looks a lot like this. The area is blanketed in heavily dense forests, mountains, and tons of lakes. So. Much. Green.
And southern Idaho looks a lot like this. Although the southern region of our state does contain plenty of mountain tops, it's also home to those uniquely desert-like landscapes that first come to mind when you think about Idaho. Not to mention all those large sprawling prairies and volcanic landscapes.
2. The weather.
Since the panhandle is so far northern, it does tend to experience different weather patterns than the southern region. The southern part of Idaho is completely protected by mountains on all sides. Because of this, the area doesn't receive as much precipitation (and this contributes to the dry desert climate).
3. The snow.
If you're the type of person who enjoys living in a picturesque winter wonderland, then northern Idaho is probably for you. The panhandle region gets a lot more snow than the southern, and their winters tend to last a lot longer. Southern Idaho does get snow but not nearly as often, and it certainly doesn't look like the picture above!
4. College sports.
We're all Idahoans, shouldn't we always be rooting for each other? Apparently not. The rivalry between the north's University of Idaho and the south's Boise State University is real. Choose a side, because you can't like both!
5. Two words: population density.
If you want to get away from it all, northern Idaho is for you. Although the panhandle is home to a few substantial cities, its region is mostly composed of small communities. All in all, it just seems a lot quieter up here.
6. Urban vs. rural
Some people will laugh when you mention the words "urban" and "Idaho" together. However, there's no denying that the southern part of our state has more of a city feel to it. The capital of Boise is often considered to be a "big little city" because it has the feel of an urban city combined with a small town vibe.
7. Age demographic.
Both northern and southern Idaho is growing faster than ever. However, there is a big difference in what types of people are moving in. For the southern region, it seems that a lot more young people and families are moving to Idaho because of the cheap cost of living and guarantee of a safe community. Northern Idaho is also growing, but retirees are considered to be the largest group of people that are moving there...probably because it's quiet, secluded, and drop dead gorgeous.
8. What time is it in Idaho? It depends.
Idaho is one of the few states that contains two different time zones. The panhandle is on Pacific time and the rest of the state is on Mountain time. So remember to reset your watch the next time you find yourself traveling between the two places!
What would you add to this list? Put your additions in the comments below! Idahoans themselves have a lot in common. Which one of these 15 Types Of People You'll Meet In Idaho are you?
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