OT - Best places to live in Idaho

[TrumpCoug]

I am kicking around the idea of moving to Idaho in the next 5-6 years. I miss attending games in Pullman and want to be closer to daughter who lives in Oregon. Been checking out Post Falls, Coeur d'alene, Boise area. Any suggestions/recommendations from those living in around the Idaho region?

I am NOT much a city dweller (25 years in Seattle and SF pushed me over the edge).

 

[COUGinNCW]

Sandpoint

 

[79COUG]

I am kicking around the idea of moving to Idaho in the next 5-6 years. I miss attending games in Pullman and want to be closer to daughter who lives in Oregon. Been checking out Post Falls, Coeur d'alene, Boise area. Any suggestions/recommendations from those living in around the Idaho region?

I am NOT much a city dweller (25 years in Seattle and SF pushed me over the edge).

Couple of the towns outside of Boise are nice. Middleton area, Star, etc. Stay away from Nampa and Caldwell though.
Lived in Boise for 7 years...loved it there but it's growth is insane right now. Still a great place and so much fun to razz the donkey bandwagon fans!

 

[BleedCrimsonandGray]

Anywhere in ID is going to conform to your political leanings, and as far as "cities" go, Boise is about it. You can still see farmland from pretty much any stretch along I84 as you drive through, so no matter where you go you won't be far from not being somewhere.

 

[chipdouglas]

Couple of the towns outside of Boise are nice. Middleton area, Star, etc. Stay away from Nampa and Caldwell though.
Lived in Boise for 7 years...loved it there but it's growth is insane right now. Still a great place and so much fun to razz the donkey bandwagon fans!

I go to Boise a lot for work.

I wanted to get into rental properties a few years back and started saving aggressively for a down payment. At the time, you could get well-kept ranch SFHs near BSU (great location) for ~$300k. 3 years later, those houses are $550k.

Another issue with Boise's explosion is that the road infrastructure is way insufficient now IMO. Some will suggest others, but you've got I-84 for freeways, and into/out of downtown is the redlight hellscape that is Broadway.

Also, right now, flights in/out of Boise are undersized vs its growth. Unless you're going to Denver, Seattle, Portland, SF or LA, you won't have tons of nonstop options, and the ones you do have - and can afford - might be pretty inconvenient. Something to think about if you fly a lot. If I have a connection, I intuitively understand there's a 50% chance of there being a snafu somewhere on my trip.

When TC says he's not into city living, Boise isn't much of a city, and there are lots of outdoor oppos without having to leave. A lot of residential housing, with yards, is in the city too. If that's still too "city," there's tons of rural options as well.

 

[WillieThePimp]

I hear Wallace is a good time

 

[702coug]

Same here, been eyeballing St. Maries. Love the fact its not too far from Pullman and Spokane, and has a river running through it. Also prices aren't insane.

 

[Observer11]

Look at Kellogg - lots to do with two ski areas (Silver and Lookout). Housing still relatively affordable.

30 minutes to CDA.

Sandpoint/CDA are fine but too much of a Cali vibe lately.

 

[CougInSpain]

Post Falls? Never been but I have heard many good things about the area.

 

[moxeecoug]

Post Falls? Never been but I have heard many good things about the area.

Problem with Post Falls is Spokane to CDA is pretty much one big city so prices have been going up. I have always been partial to Salmon, Grangeville, Lewiston and a couple of the southern cities such as Twin Falls, Idaho Falls and Pocatello.

 

[Observer11]

Moscow is worth a look too. Just depends on what you're into - but with the two universities there's always something going on in the area.

 

[How_did_this_happen?]

Moscow is worth a look too. Just depends on what you're into - but with the two universities there's always something going on in the area.

I really like Moscow. They know how to do a downtown and it has that hippy vibe to it...but with more conservative elements from the surrounding countryside also present.

It is a bit small, but I'd give it a strong look. Like you said...so much going on between Moscow and Pullman, especially given their relatively small size.

 

[anon_1nb5kgc7kwlls]

Can't go wrong with anywhere in the square which is Rathdrum, Hayden, Post Falls, C'da

Sandpoint is great as well. The silver valley is growing and isn't too shabby anymore.

Lewiston is the sphincter of North Idaho

 

[Coug90]

I am kicking around the idea of moving to Idaho in the next 5-6 years. I miss attending games in Pullman and want to be closer to daughter who lives in Oregon. Been checking out Post Falls, Coeur d'alene, Boise area. Any suggestions/recommendations from those living in around the Idaho region?

I am NOT much a city dweller (25 years in Seattle and SF pushed me over the edge).

Liberty Lake…Take advantage of no state income tax, and be on Idaho’s back porch.

 

[TrumpCoug]

Thanks for the suggestions. The wife likes her horses so we would need 10 acres or so. I do like having a city within driving distance for restaurants, sports, airport etc but want to be far enough out that I don't have to deal with the noise/congestion.

 

[Cougini5591]

Always tough to call it "perfect", but being close to WSU has a lot more to love than to hate.

Potlatch has a couple of back routes to Pullman that make it really easy.

Idaho has some "functionality problems" if you want to be too isolated. There are a zillion gorgeous spots between Craigmont and Fruitland, but you cut yourself off from making a quick run anywhere.

Sandpoint to me is a visit, but don't live. It's a battle to get to Spokane and Couer De Alane when it shouldn't be.

Twin Falls has been booming, but I personally think Eastern Idaho is ugly.

South of Nampa has a few towns on the river... Marsing & Homedale.

You probably ought to look at Genesee. It's like a middle point for Moscow-Pullman-Lewiston-Clarkston without the pain of being overpriced for 10 acres.

 

[Observer11]

Thanks for the suggestions. The wife likes her horses so we would need 10 acres or so. I do like having a city within driving distance for restaurants, sports, airport etc but want to be far enough out that I don't have to deal with the noise/congestion.

Also look somewhere between CDA and Plummer - there's a couple back routes to Spokane via Elder Road and Highway 278/27 that put you on the South Hill in about 35 minutes. Easy 4 lane highway into CDA in 20 minutes, too.

Lots of farms are going up for sale with 10+ acre plots.

You couldn't pay me to live north of Appleway in CDA. Traffic on 95 is Seattle-like at times.

 

[Observer11]

Always tough to call it "perfect", but being close to WSU has a lot more to love than to hate.

Potlatch has a couple of back routes to Pullman that make it really easy.

Idaho has some "functionality problems" if you want to be too isolated. There are a zillion gorgeous spots between Craigmont and Fruitland, but you cut yourself off from making a quick run anywhere.

Sandpoint to me is a visit, but don't live. It's a battle to get to Spokane and Couer De Alane when it shouldn't be.

Twin Falls has been booming, but I personally think Eastern Idaho is ugly.

South of Nampa has a few towns on the river... Marsing & Homedale.

You probably ought to look at Genesee. It's like a middle point for Moscow-Pullman-Lewiston-Clarkston without the pain of being overpriced for 10 acres.

Eastern Idaho is ugly - and unless you're in the LDS tribe, it's going to be culture shock.

 

[spongeandshoot]

Same here, been eyeballing St. Maries. Love the fact its not too far from Pullman and Spokane, and has a river running through it. Also prices aren't insane.

I second St Marie's. I met a girl from St Marie's when visitng for a football game and she took me through there. It was during the winter and very scenic.

 

[NMBRCRNCHR]

North Idaho has REAL winters, just keep that in mind

 

[TrumpCoug]

North Idaho has REAL winters, just keep that in mind

In 6 years I hope to be spending our Winters in Greece. Don't mind the cold but prefer to be hanging out in Corfu after our Bowl win.

 

[TrumpCoug]

I go to Boise a lot for work.

I wanted to get into rental properties a few years back and started saving aggressively for a down payment. At the time, you could get well-kept ranch SFHs near BSU (great location) for ~$300k. 3 years later, those houses are $550k.

Another issue with Boise's explosion is that the road infrastructure is way insufficient now IMO. Some will suggest others, but you've got I-84 for freeways, and into/out of downtown is the redlight hellscape that is Broadway.

Also, right now, flights in/out of Boise are undersized vs its growth. Unless you're going to Denver, Seattle, Portland, SF or LA, you won't have tons of nonstop options, and the ones you do have - and can afford - might be pretty inconvenient. Something to think about if you fly a lot. If I have a connection, I intuitively understand there's a 50% chance of there being a snafu somewhere on my trip.

When TC says he's not into city living, Boise isn't much of a city, and there are lots of outdoor oppos without having to leave. A lot of residential housing, with yards, is in the city too. If that's still too "city," there's tons of rural options as well.

How is the drive from Boise to Pullman? It looks like 55 and 95 gets you there approx 300 miles. Have never traveled that stretch of Freeway, can you do 70mph, is it an easy drive?

 

[TrumpCoug]

Always tough to call it "perfect", but being close to WSU has a lot more to love than to hate.

Potlatch has a couple of back routes to Pullman that make it really easy.

Idaho has some "functionality problems" if you want to be too isolated. There are a zillion gorgeous spots between Craigmont and Fruitland, but you cut yourself off from making a quick run anywhere.

Sandpoint to me is a visit, but don't live. It's a battle to get to Spokane and Couer De Alane when it shouldn't be.

Twin Falls has been booming, but I personally think Eastern Idaho is ugly.

South of Nampa has a few towns on the river... Marsing & Homedale.

You probably ought to look at Genesee. It's like a middle point for Moscow-Pullman-Lewiston-Clarkston without the pain of being overpriced for 10 acres.

Any feedback on Eagle Idaho? Looks like a pretty area.

 

[cr8zyncalif]

Rent somewhere for 6-12 months and spend your time looking before you leap. If you will have kids/grandkids living with you, look hard at the school systems, because they vary significantly.

I've never lived in Idaho (grew up right on the WA/ID border), but have hundreds (literally) of relatives there, including a couple nieces and a nephew. If you can completely sift out the evangelical angle (which is a big thing in some of the N Idaho towns), then Post Falls is for people who really like Spokane/Spokane Valley. Moscow is a really nice college town that is a bit less expensive than Pullman, but close. Bonners Ferry is as close to Appalachia as you can get in the area. Sandpoint has changed the most, IMHO, of the N Idaho communities. 30 years ago it looked like a more upscale version of Bonners, but today it has somewhat yuppified. Certainly worth a look, and when I spent some time there last summer I liked it. CdA is its own thing and always has been...spend some time there (at least a few weeks) to get the vibe before buying, because it will either appeal to you or it won't. Very little middle ground. St. Maries is also its own thing; smaller and more rural than CdA, but it has some appeal and none of these towns is better as a jumping off point for outdoor activities.

Good luck!

 

[PeteTheChop]

Anywhere in ID is going to conform to your political leanings, and as far as "cities" go, Boise is about it. You can still see farmland from pretty much any stretch along I84 as you drive through, so no matter where you go you won't be far from not being somewhere.

How do you feel about Pocatello?

Good-sized college town and only a couple-hour drive from Salt Lake City. Not too far from Grand Teton or Yellowstone, either, if you enjoy the great outdoors

 

[cr8zyncalif]

The southern Idaho talk should also factor in how you might feel about living in Utah, since much of S Idaho is culturally a Utah suburb.

 

[chugspig]

I like Twin Falls quite a bit. Pullmanish feel, close to sun valley. Growing. Lots of land and the snake runs right through.

 

[TrumpCoug]

How do you feel about Pocatello?

Good-sized college town and only a couple-hour drive from Salt Lake City. Not too far from Grand Teton or Yellowstone, either, if you enjoy the great outdoors

At first glance I don't' think Pocatello is what I am looking for. Would like to be within a 4-5 hour drive of Pullman. Love the outdoors, but Pocatello might be to far East for me.

 

[TrumpCoug]

Rent somewhere for 6-12 months and spend your time looking before you leap. If you will have kids/grandkids living with you, look hard at the school systems, because they vary significantly.

I've never lived in Idaho (grew up right on the WA/ID border), but have hundreds (literally) of relatives there, including a couple nieces and a nephew. If you can completely sift out the evangelical angle (which is a big thing in some of the N Idaho towns), then Post Falls is for people who really like Spokane/Spokane Valley. Moscow is a really nice college town that is a bit less expensive than Pullman, but close. Bonners Ferry is as close to Appalachia as you can get in the area. Sandpoint has changed the most, IMHO, of the N Idaho communities. 30 years ago it looked like a more upscale version of Bonners, but today it has somewhat yuppified. Certainly worth a look, and when I spent some time there last summer I liked it. CdA is its own thing and always has been...spend some time there (at least a few weeks) to get the vibe before buying, because it will either appeal to you or it won't. Very little middle ground. St. Maries is also its own thing; smaller and more rural than CdA, but it has some appeal and none of these towns is better as a jumping off point for outdoor activities.

Good luck!

Good advice on renting, that's what we did when we first moved to NC 8 years ago. No kids or grandkids will be living with us, just me the wife, the horses and dogs.

 

[Observer11]

How is the drive from Boise to Pullman? It looks like 55 and 95 gets you there approx 300 miles. Have never traveled that stretch of Freeway, can you do 70mph, is it an easy drive?

Any feedback on Eagle Idaho? Looks like a pretty area.

Used to do it all the time. The drive is not for the faint of heart. Can get pretty nasty during the winter. It's not freeway - mostly two lane highway.

Eagle is the Sammamish of Boise. Upper income area. Lots of developments. You're not going to find 10 acres a a decent price. Don't plan on getting anywhere fast from there - the traffic is horrific. Lived there for 9 years before it became overpopulated

 

[TrumpCoug]

Used to do it all the time. The drive is not for the faint of heart. Can get pretty nasty during the winter. It's not freeway - mostly two lane highway.

Eagle is the Sammamish of Boise. Upper income area. Lots of developments. You're not going to find 10 acres a a decent price. Don't plan on getting anywhere fast from there - the traffic is horrific. Lived there for 9 years before it became overpopulated

Thanks for the heads up. I HATE TRAFFIC!

 

[TrumpCoug]

I really like Moscow. They know how to do a downtown and it has that hippy vibe to it...but with more conservative elements from the surrounding countryside also present.

It is a bit small, but I'd give it a strong look. Like you said...so much going on between Moscow and Pullman, especially given their relatively small size.

I like smaller towns, always enjoyed my time in Moscow (that was 30 years ago). Will definitely keep it on the radar.

 

[Observer11]

Thanks for the heads up. I HATE TRAFFIC!

Eagle Road and State Street would destroy your faith in mankind.

 

[TrumpCoug]

Eagle Road and State Street would destroy your faith in mankind.

My commute while living in SF was 5 miles and it took me an hour to 90 minutes, cherry on top was I had to pay 30/day to park. My current commute is 22 miles, can do it in 27 minutes and pay nothing to park. I want no part of cities that have traffic issues. I can handle Pullman game day traffic, that is about it.

 

[95coug]

Rent somewhere for 6-12 months and spend your time looking before you leap. If you will have kids/grandkids living with you, look hard at the school systems, because they vary significantly.

I've never lived in Idaho (grew up right on the WA/ID border), but have hundreds (literally) of relatives there, including a couple nieces and a nephew. If you can completely sift out the evangelical angle (which is a big thing in some of the N Idaho towns), then Post Falls is for people who really like Spokane/Spokane Valley. Moscow is a really nice college town that is a bit less expensive than Pullman, but close. Bonners Ferry is as close to Appalachia as you can get in the area. Sandpoint has changed the most, IMHO, of the N Idaho communities. 30 years ago it looked like a more upscale version of Bonners, but today it has somewhat yuppified. Certainly worth a look, and when I spent some time there last summer I liked it. CdA is its own thing and always has been...spend some time there (at least a few weeks) to get the vibe before buying, because it will either appeal to you or it won't. Very little middle ground. St. Maries is also its own thing; smaller and more rural than CdA, but it has some appeal and none of these towns is better as a jumping off point for outdoor activities.

Good luck!

There are people who really like Spokane/Spokane Valley?

Dear god, why?

 

[cr8zyncalif]

There are people who really like Spokane/Spokane Valley?

Dear god, why?

95, I won't rise to the bait, but I did laugh.

Most of the people I know who grew up in greater Spokane but moved away miss aspects of living there. Not all of it, mind you...drifts, driving on compact snow & ice, and the really crappy February/early March weather were not high points. But if your idea of outdoor activities includes the sorts of things that the Rockies offer, plus abundant huckleberries for several weeks, then it is a good place to be. Add in lots of good school systems, rural acreage with good schools that are commutable to metro Spokane/S Valley...a good place to be...

 

[79COUG]

Any feedback on Eagle Idaho? Looks like a pretty area.

$$$$$ Eagle is to Boise what Mercer Island is to Seattle

 

[TrumpCoug]

$$$$$ Eagle is to Boise what Mercer Island is to Seattle

It is firmly crossed off my list.

 

[Loyal Coug1]

It is firmly crossed off my list.

Based upon your handle, I suggest Athol. Real close to Hayden Lake.

 

[FnuLnu]

How is the drive from Boise to Pullman? It looks like 55 and 95 gets you there approx 300 miles. Have never traveled that stretch of Freeway, can you do 70mph, is it an easy drive?

It's awful, IMO.

If Seattle to Pullman roads were this bad, WSU would be with Idaho in the Big Sky.