If you were born and raised in the great state of Idaho, chances are you’re already well-aware of the unique privileges that come with living in the Gem State. There are some things that we experience here that the rest of the country just doesn’t get. That’s what makes living in Idaho such a treat! We compiled a list of 10 perks of living in Idaho but the list is truly endless. Take a look:
- We experience all four seasons…sometimes in the same day.
Charles Knowles/Flickr Idaho weather is known for being relatively mild and we even get to experience four distinct seasons. Unlike some places where summer turns into winter and turns back into summer, Idaho actually experiences lovely spring and fall seasons as well. Okay, so sometimes Idaho can be confused about what season it currently is (like snowing during summer, for example), but that’s okay. It keeps things interesting.
- Forests and mountains are always a short drive away.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr Along with lakes, prairies, desert, rivers, and so much more. You name it and we got it. It’s no wonder so many of us are outdoor lovers.
- The low cost of living.
Jasperdo/Flickr Although some bigger cities are experiencing a swell in living costs right now, our state as a whole still boasts a lower cost of living than average. On top of that, jobs are booming right now in Idaho and our state was even named one of the “Top States To Find A Job In America” by CNBC.
- We’ve got some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
Baker County Tourism/Flickr Here in Idaho, we believe in being nice. If you ever find yourself stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, you can bet somebody is going to stop and help you out. That’s just the type of people we are.
- Easy access to the best national park.
rbergman33/Flickr One of our country’s greatest wonders, Yellowstone National Park, is tucked discretely in the eastern corner of the state. That means it’s just a short drive away for many Idahoans and we count ourselves lucky because of it. Along with Yellowstone, Idaho is also home to dozens of pristine, wonderfully unknown state parks that are just as worthy of exploring.
- We never get bored.
MotoWebMistress/Flickr Bored? In Idaho? Not possible. Pick your poison. We have: snowboarding, skiing, hiking, jet skiing, white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, snoweshoeing, and so much more. It’s hard to get bored when you live in a giant playground of natural splendor.
- Our state has the best music festivals.
Treefort Music Fest/Flickr Not the outdoorsy type? No worries. Our state still has plenty to offer no matter who you are. Treefort Music Festival is a haven for hipster types while Mountain Home Country Music Festival is highly anticipated by country folks.
- Quiet and safe communities.
Laura Gilmore/Flickr It may sound crazy but plenty of Idahoans feel perfectly safe going to bed at night without locking their front door. That’s just what happens when you have one of the lowest crime rates in the nation. With a crime rate of just 204 incidents per 100,000 people (compared to the national average of 370 per 100,000), we have good reason to take it easy and relax ‘round these parts.
- Fry sauce EVERYWHERE.
Jack Black’s Stunt Double/Flickr It doesn’t matter what restaurant or region of the state you’re in, fry sauce will be served with your French fries. This glorious condiment is an Idaho specialty and honestly, we can’t believe the rest of the country hasn’t caught on yet. I mean, Heinz JUST released some sort of condiment called “Mayochup”. Excuse us, Heinz, but we think you mean “fry sauce”.
- Waking up to a view like THIS every morning.
Matt/Flickr Last but certainly not least; waking up to our beautiful landscapes is a privilege we’ll never not be grateful for. We have it pretty good here in Idaho and we’re thankful every day for the privileges we experience.
What other privileges come with living in Idaho? Leave your thoughts in the article below! If you enjoyed this list, be sure to check out 16 Things Every True Idahoan Has Done At Least Once.
Charles Knowles/Flickr
Idaho weather is known for being relatively mild and we even get to experience four distinct seasons. Unlike some places where summer turns into winter and turns back into summer, Idaho actually experiences lovely spring and fall seasons as well. Okay, so sometimes Idaho can be confused about what season it currently is (like snowing during summer, for example), but that’s okay. It keeps things interesting.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
Along with lakes, prairies, desert, rivers, and so much more. You name it and we got it. It’s no wonder so many of us are outdoor lovers.
Jasperdo/Flickr
Although some bigger cities are experiencing a swell in living costs right now, our state as a whole still boasts a lower cost of living than average. On top of that, jobs are booming right now in Idaho and our state was even named one of the “Top States To Find A Job In America” by CNBC.
Baker County Tourism/Flickr
Here in Idaho, we believe in being nice. If you ever find yourself stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, you can bet somebody is going to stop and help you out. That’s just the type of people we are.
rbergman33/Flickr
One of our country’s greatest wonders, Yellowstone National Park, is tucked discretely in the eastern corner of the state. That means it’s just a short drive away for many Idahoans and we count ourselves lucky because of it. Along with Yellowstone, Idaho is also home to dozens of pristine, wonderfully unknown state parks that are just as worthy of exploring.
MotoWebMistress/Flickr
Bored? In Idaho? Not possible. Pick your poison. We have: snowboarding, skiing, hiking, jet skiing, white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, snoweshoeing, and so much more. It’s hard to get bored when you live in a giant playground of natural splendor.
Treefort Music Fest/Flickr
Not the outdoorsy type? No worries. Our state still has plenty to offer no matter who you are. Treefort Music Festival is a haven for hipster types while Mountain Home Country Music Festival is highly anticipated by country folks.
Laura Gilmore/Flickr
It may sound crazy but plenty of Idahoans feel perfectly safe going to bed at night without locking their front door. That’s just what happens when you have one of the lowest crime rates in the nation. With a crime rate of just 204 incidents per 100,000 people (compared to the national average of 370 per 100,000), we have good reason to take it easy and relax ‘round these parts.
Jack Black’s Stunt Double/Flickr
It doesn’t matter what restaurant or region of the state you’re in, fry sauce will be served with your French fries. This glorious condiment is an Idaho specialty and honestly, we can’t believe the rest of the country hasn’t caught on yet. I mean, Heinz JUST released some sort of condiment called “Mayochup”. Excuse us, Heinz, but we think you mean “fry sauce”.
Matt/Flickr
Last but certainly not least; waking up to our beautiful landscapes is a privilege we’ll never not be grateful for. We have it pretty good here in Idaho and we’re thankful every day for the privileges we experience.
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