Idaho, often dubbed the Gem State, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and a mosaic of vibrant cities with unique charm and appeal. When discussing the best cities in Idaho, there’s an intriguing blend of options that cater to a diverse range of preferences, whether outdoor adventure, cultural richness, or the tranquil beauty of nature. As we enter 2024, the conversation about this topic takes an exciting turn. Let’s discover places that brilliantly balance modern living with the serene, picturesque landscapes that Idaho is renowned for!
In this exploration of finding the best cities in Idaho, we delve into what makes each town stand out in 2024. From the bustling multicultural hub of Boise to the serene, lakeside tranquility of Coeur d’Alene, each city on this list has earned its spot for a reason.
These destinations are not just about scenic beauty or outdoor adventures. They are also centers of community, innovation, and growth, making them some of the best cities in Idaho to live in, visit, and explore. Join us as we journey through these five Idahoan gems, uncovering what makes each unique and why they deserve a spot on your 2024 travel itinerary or even a place to call home.
1. Boise: The Vibrant Capital
Boise, the state capital, tops our list. Undeniably, it’s a vibrant hub that perfectly balances urban sophistication with outdoor adventure. Known for its lively downtown area, Boise boasts an array of cultural attractions, including the Boise Art Museum, the Idaho State Capitol Building, and the historic Basque Block. The city’s outdoor scene is equally impressive, with the Boise River Greenbelt offering miles of scenic paths for biking and walking and the nearby Bogus Basin providing year-round recreational activities.
The Cost of Living
The cost of everyday items and services in Boise balances affordability and quality of life. Dining out, for instance, ranges from $18 for a basic lunch in the business district to around $10 for a fast-food meal. Grocery prices are reasonable, with items like a liter of milk costing approximately $0.92 and a kg of tomatoes priced at $3.74.
Personal care items and services, such as a short visit to a private doctor, can be higher, costing around $194 for a 15-minute consultation. Regarding transportation, a monthly public transport ticket is priced at $39, and gasoline costs about $1.06 per liter. These figures help paint a picture of the day-to-day expenses one might expect while living in Boise.
Housing
As of January 2024, Boise, Idaho, presents a diverse and relatively affordable cost-of-living landscape, making it an attractive option for many. Regarding housing, the costs vary depending on the location and type of accommodation.
For example, a furnished 85 m2 (approximately 900 sqft) accommodation in an expensive area of Boise averages around $2,018 per month. In contrast, the same size in a more average area costs about $1,676. Smaller furnished studios (45 m2 or 480 sqft) are also available, ranging from $1,028 in an ordinary area to $1,407 in a more expensive district. Monthly utilities for a two-person household in an 85 m2 flat are estimated at around $140.
Crime Rate
As of 2024, Boise, Idaho, presents an encouraging picture of crime rates, especially compared to previous years and other cities. Recent statistics indicate that Boise’s overall crime rate has significantly decreased. Compared to last year, there’s been an 8.8% reduction in overall crime, with violent crimes witnessing a 14.2% decrease and property crimes reducing by 7.6%. This trend suggests an improvement in the city’s safety and security.
Boise’s crime rates stand out more positively when compared to national averages. The city’s violent crime rate is registered at 16.3, while the property crime rate is 34.2. These figures are notably lower than the American averages of about 22.7 percent for violent crime and 35.4 percent for property crime. Boise’s low crime rates highlight its relative safety.
2. Coeur d’Alene: A Nature Lover’s Dream
Coeur d’Alene, affectionately known as CDA, is a paradise for those who love the great outdoors. The city is famous for its stunning lake, Coeur d’Alene Lake, which offers endless water sports opportunities. The surrounding area, with its lush forests and trails, is perfect for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching.
The Cost of Living
The cost of living in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, as of January 2024, presents a mixed picture of affordability and rising expenses, especially in the housing market. The overall cost of living in Coeur d’Alene is 15.9% higher than the U.S. average and 9.9% higher than the average in Idaho. Specifically, housing costs are a significant factor, with a typical home in Coeur d’Alene priced at $508,200, substantially higher than the national and state averages.
For those considering renting, a two-bedroom unit costs around $1,290 per month, somewhat cheaper than the national average but more expensive than the state average.
Housing
The housing market in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is mildly competitive as of early 2024. The average home sells for about 2% below the listing price and takes around 41 days to go pending. However, highly sought-after homes can sell for about 2% above the listing price and go pending in merely 12 days. The sale-to-list price ratio in Coeur d’Alene is currently at 96.5%, which has slightly increased from the previous year.
This market behavior indicates a balanced dynamic where buyers and sellers can find opportunities. Nevertheless, desirable properties may attract multiple offers and sell quickly. This scenario suggests that Coeur d’Alene is experiencing a steady housing market, with moderate competition among homebuyers.
Crime Rate
The crime rate in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, as of 2024, presents a somewhat complex picture. Compared to the national average, Coeur d’Alene has higher property and violent crime rates. Coeur d’Alene’s violent crime is at 24.8, which is higher than the American average of 22.7.
Similarly, the property crime rate in the city stands at 44.7, compared to the national average of 35.4. This indicates that the city experiences a higher incidence of crime than many other U.S. cities and towns, both in terms of violent acts like assault and robbery, as well as property crimes like burglary and theft.
3. Sun Valley: A Luxurious Mountain Getaway
Sun Valley, a resort city in central Idaho, is synonymous with luxury and outdoor recreation. Known for its world-class ski resorts, Sun Valley is a winter sports enthusiast’s dream. But the city’s charm extends beyond the snowy season, with summer activities like hiking, mountain biking, and golfing set against the backdrop of the stunning Sawtooth Range.
The Cost of Living
As of 2024, living in Sun Valley, Idaho, is significantly more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living index in Sun Valley is 134.2, compared to the U.S. average of 100. This high index is primarily driven by housing costs, which are remarkably high in Sun Valley. The median home cost is around $1,182,600, substantially higher than the national and Idaho averages. This makes housing in Sun Valley 298% more expensive than the national average.
Apart from housing, other aspects of living in Sun Valley also contribute to its high cost of living. For instance, the index for health care is 108.8, slightly above the national average. However, the cost of groceries is almost on par with the national average, with an index of 100.3.
Housing
High property values and a focus on premium real estate characterize the Sun Valley, Idaho, housing market in 2024. The region, known for its appeal as a resort and vacation destination, reflects this in its property market. Sun Valley’s median real estate sale price is significantly higher than the national average. This increase indicates a market geared towards luxury properties and affluent buyers. The nature of the market also suggests a strong demand for short-term rentals, given Sun Valley’s popularity as a holiday location.
Therefore, real estate investments in Sun Valley tend to focus on high-end properties and potentially lucrative short-term rental opportunities. However, investors need to consider factors like property taxes, median gross rents, and the diversity of the employment base in the area, which can impact the long-term viability of their investments.
Crime Rate
Sun Valley, Idaho, in 2024, is recognized for its low crime rates, making it one of the safer places to live in the United States. The violent crime rate in Sun Valley is notably lower than the national average, recorded at only 55 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This low violent crime rate is a significant aspect of Sun Valley’s appeal as a safe destination for locals and visitors.
Regarding property crimes, Sun Valley also fares well, with a rate of 219 incidents per 100,000 people, substantially lower than the national average of 1,954. This demonstrates Sun Valley’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment.
The general safety in Sun Valley is further evidenced by the fact that there were no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report, a rarity among cities. The overall crime rate in Sun Valley is 88% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 85% lower than the national average.
4. Meridian – A Rapidly Growing City
Beautifully positioned in the heart of Idaho’s Treasure Valley, Meridian stands out as one of the state’s most rapidly expanding cities. This growth is attributed to its economic opportunities and the city’s strong commitment to fostering a family-friendly environment. With an array of excellent educational institutions, Meridian places a high value on academic excellence, ensuring residents have access to top-tier schools.
For those considering making Meridian their new home, the relocation process is incredibly smooth, thanks to the professional services offered by Movers Meridian, ID. These moving experts are well-versed in the nuances of the city. In addition, they are equipped to handle all aspects of your move, ensuring a seamless transition to your new home in Meridian.
The Cost of Living
The cost of living in Meridian, Idaho, as of 2024, presents a mixed picture compared to the national and state averages. Meridian’s overall cost of living is approximately 19.6% higher than the national average. Yet, it remains 13.4% lower than the average for Idaho. Housing costs primarily drive this disparity.
The median home value in Meridian is around $486,400, significantly higher than the national average of $338,100 and slightly above the average Idaho home value of $445,000. Renting a two-bedroom unit in the city averages about $1,520 monthly, exceeding national and state averages.
When it comes to other expenses, the picture varies. Groceries in Meridian are almost on par with the national levels, partly due to local taxes and regulations. Healthcare costs are close to the national average, while utilities and transportation expenses are slightly higher. The sales tax rate in Meridian is about 6%, below the U.S. average, and the state income tax ranges from 1.1 percent to 7 percent, slightly lower than the national average.
Housing
The housing market in Meridian, Idaho, as of early 2024, reflects a dynamic mix of inflow and outflow of residents, with notable migration patterns from larger cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, and Los Angeles.
Home prices in Meridian have shown varied trends, with recent sales indicating a range of prices from the mid-$400,000s to over $750,000, demonstrating the market’s adaptability and the diverse housing options available to potential buyers or those looking to sell. This fluctuation in market activity underscores the city’s growing appeal and the competitive nature of its real estate landscape.
Crime Rate
Meridian, Idaho, exhibits a relatively low crime rate, especially compared to national averages and other cities of similar size. The overall crime rate in Meridian is much lower than the average U.S. city, with Meridian being safer than 94% of cities in the United States, according to CrimeGrade.org.
This puts Meridian in the 94th percentile for safety, highlighting its status as one of the safest communities. The crime rate in Meridian is reportedly 13.34 per 1,000 residents during a standard year, with the south part of the city being considered the safest. Conversely, the chance of being a victim of crime may increase in the northeast neighborhoods. However, it still remains low compared to national levels.
5. Idaho Falls: A Gateway to Natural Wonders
Rounding out our list is Idaho Falls. This fantastic city has gained its reputation for being the gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Moreover, it’s a treasure trove of history and natural beauty, with the picturesque Idaho Falls River Walk and the Museum of Idaho as must-visit spots.
The Cost of Living
As of 2024, Idaho Falls, Idaho, presents a cost of living lower than the national average. The overall cost of living index for Idaho Falls is 94.3, which is about 5.7% lower than the U.S. average. This makes it a more affordable option compared to many other American cities.
The housing costs in Idaho Falls contribute significantly to this affordability. The median home cost in the city is approximately $344,700, slightly higher than the national median but lower than the average for Idaho. For those looking to rent, a two-bedroom unit in Idaho Falls costs around $960 per month, considerably less expensive than the national average.
Housing
The housing market in Idaho Falls, Idaho, displayed a drop in home prices compared to the previous year, with the median sale price settling around $330,000. This trend represented a 2.9% drop from the preceding year. Homes in Idaho Falls generally sold after about 43 days on the market, a slight decrease from the prior year’s average of 53 days.
Despite this downturn in median sale price, the city’s housing market remains active, with 59 homes sold in December 2023, only slightly lower than the 61 homes sold in the same month the previous year. This data suggests a dynamic market in Idaho Falls, where property values are adjusting but continue attracting buyer interest.
Crime Rate
The crime rate in Idaho Falls, Idaho, as of 2024, shows some interesting trends. The city’s crime rate is 26% lower than the national average. This lower crime rate reflects positively on the city’s safety compared to the national landscape. However, it’s important to note that this lower crime rate includes violent and property crimes.
When broken down, the rate of violent crime in Idaho Falls stands at 2.712 incidents per 1,000 residents during a typical year. Compared to other cities of similar size across the United States, Idaho Falls has a noticeably lower crime rate, suggesting that it is safer than most cities of comparable population size.
Idaho’s Diverse Appeal
Idaho is home to diverse cities catering to various lifestyles, interests, and needs. From the bustling streets of Boise to the family-friendly atmosphere of Meridian, the scenic beauty of Coeur d’Alene, the adventurous spirit of Idaho Falls, and the agricultural and scenic allure of Twin Falls, Idaho’s top cities in 2024 demonstrate the state’s superb growth. Additionally, they showcase “Little Ida’s” commitment to quality of life and the preservation of natural beauty.
Each city brings unique charm and advantages, making Idaho a state with rich choices for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re drawn to urban living, seeking a family-oriented community, or craving outdoor adventures, Idaho’s top cities offer economic opportunities, cultural activities, and natural wonders. As Idaho continues to grow and evolve, these cities are poised to offer even more opportunities and experiences to those who call them home or choose to visit.
