Moving from Washington to Idaho

Idaho is one of the best kept secrets in the Northwest. Offering a scenic mix of rivers, mountain peaks, and farmland, it won’t take long to discover why it earned the nickname the ‘Gem State.’ In addition to the state’s natural beauty, Idaho offers plenty of outdoor activities, job opportunities, great schools, and an affordable cost of living. As you prepare to relocate from Washington, you might be interested to know just a little bit more about life in Idaho.

Benefits of Moving from Washington to Idaho

Outdoor Recreation

Idaho has one of the highest percentages of people participating in outdoor recreation each year. The state is especially popular among kayakers and whitewater rafters, with the middle fork of the Salmon River regarded as one of the nation’s premier wilderness rivers. In winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to the state’s well-known resorts. In fact, the world-renowned Sun Valley is the official training site for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Nordic ski teams. During the warmer months, people enjoy mountain biking through the challenging terrain as well as camping in the 217,000 acre Sawtooth Wilderness. Whether you prefer paragliding, skiing, rafting, hiking, or off-road riding, you will find plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Idaho.

Employment Opportunities

Boise has been praised for having one of the fastest growing and most competitive job markets in the country. With a low unemployment rate of just 2.9%, finding a job in this city is quite promising. Much of this is due to the state’s growing technology presence with employers like Micron Technology, Inc. and HP Inc. Other significant job sectors in the state include agriculture, healthcare, and government positions. Because much of the state is ranches, farmland, and meadows, a good portion of the population are employed in some type of agricultural work.

It’s Very Safe

Idaho is filled with open spaces which means more than just scenic views. It also means lower crime rates. Both the violent crime rate and property crime rate are below the national average, which make Idaho a very safe place to live. In fact, Idaho is one of the safest states in the country with Utah as the only state in the West to rank safer. Boise is also ranked among the top 10 safest cities in the world, meaning kids can play outside without parents having to worry and many people feel comfortable leaving their doors unlocked.

Beautiful Change of Season

If you love the change of season, you will find that here in Idaho. While the winters can be quite cold and snowy, the summers are usually hot and humid. Of course you also get to enjoy the beautiful flowers in bloom and leaves changing color during the spring and summer months. This beautiful change of season not only makes for some beautiful scenery, but it also lends itself to numerous activities from skiing and snowboarding to boating and swimming in the lake.

Excellent Education

It’s always important to live in a state with an emphasis on education, especially if you are moving with children. Idaho boasts some of the best public and private schools in the Northwest, with a graduation rate of nearly 85%. This makes it third in the country! Idaho is also home to a number of colleges and universities including the University of Idaho, Idaho State University, and Boise State University.

Affordability

Not only can Idaho residents enjoy the incredible beauty of the outdoors, but they can do so at a reasonable price. Despite being the 11th largest state in the country, Idaho has the lowest cost of living of the 11 western states. In fact, the cost of living in Boise is about 31% cheaper than Seattle. According to Census data, Idaho’s homeownership rate is also the 12th highest in the nation, at almost 70%. With affordable housing prices, this is the perfect place to be if you are looking to own your own home.

Most Popular City to Live in Idaho

Boise

If you want the amenities of a big city with the wide-open spaces of nature, Boise is the perfect place for you. This city of almost 223,000 people boasts almost non-existent crime, excellent schools, friendly people, and easy access to the great outdoors. Boise is located west of the Rocky Mountains and just north of the Great Basin deserts which means it has a landscape perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents and visitors alike enjoy year-round outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, cycling, and whitewater rafting. Several of its schools are ranked among the best in the country and the crime rate is extremely low, making it a perfect destination for families. The city also has a thriving job market and a very affordable cost of living. Packed with festivals, arts, culture, and so much more, Boise is a fantastic place to call home.

Cost of Moving from Washington to Idaho

Moving from one state to another can be a stressful time and it can also put a strain on your finances. That’s why North American strives to provide exceptional moving services at a price that won’t hurt your budget. Though moving costs will vary slightly, the average cost to move from Washington to Idaho with North American is $2,468.54. Of course, there are many factors that go into determining the exact cost of a move such as distance, amount of items being moved, and additional services such as packing, unpacking, and providing packing supplies. The best way to get an accurate quote for your move is to use our Quote on Demand tool listed above.

How to Move from Washington to Idaho

Moving from Washington to Idaho requires a great deal of organization. It can be difficult to handle all of the logistics of moving from one state to another and that’s why it’s best to leave it to the professionals. North American has been moving customers for more than 85 years and understands exactly what it takes to handle a long distance move. From professional packing to worry-free transport, North American has you covered every step of the way. Relocating to a new city can be stressful and overwhelming and that’s why North American works hard so you can kick back, relax, and just focus on enjoying your new life in Idaho.

Call today to find out how North American can customize a moving plan just for you or start by filling out our Quote on Demand tool listed above!