Best Places to Live in Idaho For Families: From majestic mountains, abundant forests, sections of national parks, and beautiful rivers, Idaho features lush natural beauty and offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities for families who love an active lifestyle.
The state also has a thriving arts and culture scene with impressive museums, historic sites, art galleries, and cultural events. Whether you’re looking for picturesque small towns or bustling cities, you’ll find it here.
Known as the lentil capital of the world, the state also has a robust economy, excellent schools and universities, and offers an affordable cost of living. Wish to move to the Gem State with your family?
Let’s help you narrow down your choices with our list of the best places to live in Idaho State for families:
Moscow #1
Looking for a small-town vibe with access to the big city amenities? Head to Moscow. Home to the University of Idaho and New Saint Andrews College, it has a vibrant arts and culture scene. Various events such as Rendezvous in the Park, the Jazz Festival, the Renaissance Fair, and the Art Walk bring the community together.
Love an active lifestyle? The town offers a host of outdoor recreations like hiking, mountain biking, fishing, white-water rafting, and more. You’ll also find numerous excellent restaurants, local shops, and live music nights at the local cafes in this lively place. There are many excellent schools in the area and a host of job opportunities. Buying a house may be expensive here, but you can find affordable rental options here at prices well below the national average.
| Key Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Location | Moscow, Idaho |
| Population | Nearly 12,000 student population at the University of Idaho |
| Art Scene | Ranked as one of the Best Small Art Towns in America |
| Vibrant arts and culture scene contributed by the University of Idaho | |
| Several art galleries showcasing local and regional artists’ work | |
| Events | The Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival |
| Renaissance Fair | |
| Rendezvous in the Park | |
| Artwalk featuring visual, literary, performing, and culinary arts | |
| Outdoor Activities | Hiking, biking, camping, and golf |
| Industries | Education, agriculture, technology, retail, government, and health care |
| Community | Close-knit community known for being a wonderful place to raise a family |
Eagle #2
Looking for a tranquil suburban vibe? Eagle may be a perfect choice. Located on the outskirts of the capital Boise, Eagle is home to ample green spaces, creating beautiful scenery for all four seasons. Eagle Bike Park, Eagle Island State Park, and Payette River offer ample outdoor recreational opportunities for a fun family outing.
| Key Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Location | Eagle, Idaho |
| Median Home Value | $637,600 |
| Median Rent | $1,754 |
The town’s proximity to Boise ensures easy access to the city’s vibrant nightlife and impressive museums. Housing prices are almost double the national average but the high median household income makes up for some of it. With so much to offer, it is one of the best places to live in Idaho for families.
Meridian #3
Nestled in Idaho’s Treasure Valley, Meridian exudes a very family-friendly vibe. From indulging in a shopping spree in The Village, enjoying a delectable meal at one of its many excellent restaurants to ice skating with family, there is no dearth of activities to enjoy in this happening city.
| Key Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Location | Meridian, Idaho |
| Population | Nearly 130,000 people |
| Growth | Ranked as the fastest-growing city in Idaho and one of the fastest-growing in the country |
| Livability | Included in Livability’s Best Places To Live in the U.S. list |
| Outdoor Activities | Abundance of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, fishing, boating, and camping |
| Cost of Living | Lower cost of living compared to many other cities |
| Amenities | Great restaurants, live music, art galleries, and shopping opportunities |
| Education | Largest school district in the state, serving more than 35,000 students |
| Job Market | Thriving job market due to city’s growth |
| Employers | Large employers such as St. Lukes, Blue Cross of Idaho, Jacksons Food Stores, and Scentsy |
| Opportunities in healthcare, education, retail, manufacturing, and remote work |
Love to enjoy some waterpark family fun? Meridian is home to the Roaring Springs, the largest outdoor waterpark in the state. Couple that with numerous highly-rated schools, high median household income, and excellent healthcare facilities. Winters are harsh, but if that isn’t a major concern, this beautiful city won’t disappoint. Housing prices are higher than in most other places in the state but the offerings make it worth the splurge.
Post Falls #4
Looking for a tranquil, laid-back lifestyle? Head to Post Falls. In northern Idaho lies this picturesque town that offers the perfect combination of a serene rural vibe with all the amenities you need for living comfortably.
Owing to the city’s numerous parks, and golf clubs and with the Spokane river running through it, there are plenty of outdoor recreational activities to enjoy here including kayaking, fishing, hiking, and more. Although the downtown area is not as vibrant as in many other cities of the state, the place is great for those who wish to enjoy a slow-paced lifestyle.
What’s more? The place has many highly-rated schools and a low crime rate. You’ll also find a friendly community and housing options at par with the state average.
Sun Valley #5
Want to enjoy spectacular views with endless winter recreational activities? Head to Sun Valley. Located in Blaine County this charming small town offers an array of outdoor recreational opportunities with ice skating rinks, high-end winter ski resorts, and impressive skiing trails. You’ll also find plenty of great restaurants here.
Considering such great offerings, the housing market is competitive here with prices averaging over one and a half million. But if the budget isn’t a concern, go for this dreamy place.
Boise #6
Located in Ada County, Boise is the largest city in Idaho and comes with a host of unique offerings. From hiking at the Boise Greenbelt, skiing at the nearby Bogus Basin Ski resort, kayaking on the Boise River, to paddling at Quinn’s Pond, there are endless outdoor recreational activities to indulge in here.
| Key Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Location | Boise, Idaho |
| Population | Nearly 250,000 people |
| Recognition | Named one of the Best Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023 |
| Quality of Life | High quality of life with good schools, affordable housing, low crime rates, and community spirit |
| Economy | Growing tech hub with a diverse mix of agribusiness, government, and manufacturing companies |
| Significant contributor to Idaho’s potato production | |
| Outdoor Recreation | Access to hiking trails, biking, skiing, water sports, and scenic mountain views |
| Known as the “City of Trees” with tree-lined streets and the Boise River Greenbelt | |
| More than 90 parks and 200+ miles of trails maintained by the parks department | |
| Cultural Scene | Thriving cultural scene with music venues, theaters, and museums |
| Attraction | Attracts young professionals due to its outdoor recreation and cultural offerings |
Love birding?
The city is known to have the greatest concentration of birds of prey in the country.
You’ll also find many restaurants, breweries, and hotels in this lively place.
What’s more?
There are numerous great educational options here, from private, public, and charter schools to home schooling and more.
It is also home to Boise State University. Enjoying all these offerings doesn’t come cheap with housing prices significantly higher than the national average.
Ketchum #7
Nestled in central Idaho’s Wood River Valley, close to the renowned skiing areas of Sun Valley and Bald Mountain, this mountain town has plenty of unique offerings. There is a plethora of outdoor recreational activities here, from hiking to mountain biking, skiing, and snowboarding.
You’ll also find many art galleries, restaurants, and shops here and the town hosts various cultural events throughout the year. Couple it with many A-rated schools and a low crime rate. Housing options are expensive here but if the budget is not a constraint, go for it.
Idaho Falls #8
This beautiful city of Idaho Falls has the perfect combination of a small-town vibe with big-city amenities. Enjoy a baseball game at Melaleuca Field, spend an afternoon exploring its numerous impressive museums, enjoy a picnic at the Japanese Pavilion, or play disc golf at Freeman Park, there is an array of activities on offer here.
One of the significant landmarks of the city is Hell’s Half Acre, a historic site created due to lava flow thousands of years ago. The city is also a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park. There are numerous decent schools here along with affordable housing options.
Hailey #9
Love spending time amidst nature? Head to Hailey. Nestled in the scenic Wood River Valley amidst Central Idaho Rockies, this beautiful city exudes a tranquil suburban vibe. It is home to the Sawtooth National Forest, offering a host of outdoor recreational activities.
The city also has a thriving arts scene and features many museums, historic places, and art galleries as well as great restaurants. Couple that with a low crime rate, a diverse community, and impressive civic engagement. Numerous A-rated schools and affordable rental options draw many families to settle down here.
So, pick the one that ticks off all the boxes on your checklist and get ready to begin the next chapter of your life in this stunning state.
FAQs:
What is the best place to raise a family in Idaho?
Boise, Meridian, and Moscow are some of the best places to raise a family in Idaho.
Is Idaho a good state to raise a family?
With excellent schools and universities, plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, and a vibrant arts and culture scene, Idaho is a great place to raise a family.
What part of Idaho is best to live in?
A popular region for living in Idaho is the Snake River Plain, a valley that contains major cities such as Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, Caldwell, and Pocatello.