There are plenty of reasons people end up in Idaho. Some for work while others have called our state ‘home’ for generations or have moved here to retire in our magnificent and lovely state. Making the decision to move to (or stay in) Idaho may have been an easy one, but there are definitely some things about the Gem State that you’ll have to get used to. Here are a few things many people don’t expect when moving to Idaho:

What is something else unexpected about our great state – good or bad?

  1. Idaho is surprisingly full of celebrities.

Amber :)/Flickr Idaho has more than a few scenic areas where celebrities, world-class athletes, and famous people like to flock - you never know who you’ll run into at a cafe!

  1. And so much bigger than you expect.

**/Flickr Since the vast majority of Idaho is still rural, long drives are the norm in between towns and it seems like this state will simply go on forever. Of course, the beautiful scenery makes the time pass quickly!

  1. Colorful springs.

Nicholas D./Flickr Idaho’s mountains are always covered in vibrant wildflowers after the last rain, and our meadows are are stunning expanses that are straight out of a postcard.

  1. Perfect autumn weather.

Allen/Flickr It’s absolutely magical. Plus, there aren’t any skyscrapers to ruin the effect!

  1. Just the right amount of snow.

D. Taylor in Idaho/Flickr You don’t really have to be worried about having your house buried in white powder, but you’ll have plenty of winter recreation opportunities in the mountains and snowy hills to sled down. Plus, beautiful photo ops - it’s perfect!

  1. Our landscape is incredibly diverse as well.

D. Teylor in Idaho/Flickr Prairies, mountains, lakes, volcanic wonders - Idaho has it all!

  1. But you’ll fall in love with it.

Bill Williams/Flickr

  1. Award-winning wines.

Laura Gilmore/Flickr Welcome to your new home! We also have an epic craft beer scene if that’s more your thing.

  1. Our state is full of history.

John Fowler/Flickr While Idaho wasn’t pivotal in the founding of our country, the history of our state is uniquely tied to the land itself. Idaho has hundreds of museums, which are a fantastic place to start. But just exploring the landscape will allow you to stumble upon hidden ruins, ghost towns, old wagon ruts, and more.

  1. Boise isn’t completely perfect.

Bev Sykes/Flickr But it’s not all fun and games. Yes, the City of Trees is convenient and beautiful, but there’s SO much more to Idaho that is worthy of attention. Plus, our capital is getting more and more crowded by the day.

  1. But travel outside the capital and yu’ll fall in love with our pristine beaches.

NikonFDSLR/Flickr Sandy, picturesque, and oh-so relaxing, you’ll never even dream of going to the crowded coast again.

  1. Plus, we have all the adventure you could possibly ask for.

iheartpandas/Flickr What do you like to do? Skiing? Boating? Hiking? River surfing? You may not think of Idaho as the place for EVERY outdoor activity, but… well, it is.

What should someone expect (or not) when moving to Idaho? If we’ve left anything off the list, please let us know!

Amber :)/Flickr

Idaho has more than a few scenic areas where celebrities, world-class athletes, and famous people like to flock - you never know who you’ll run into at a cafe!

**/Flickr

Since the vast majority of Idaho is still rural, long drives are the norm in between towns and it seems like this state will simply go on forever. Of course, the beautiful scenery makes the time pass quickly!

Nicholas D./Flickr

Idaho’s mountains are always covered in vibrant wildflowers after the last rain, and our meadows are are stunning expanses that are straight out of a postcard.

Allen/Flickr

It’s absolutely magical. Plus, there aren’t any skyscrapers to ruin the effect!

D. Taylor in Idaho/Flickr

You don’t really have to be worried about having your house buried in white powder, but you’ll have plenty of winter recreation opportunities in the mountains and snowy hills to sled down. Plus, beautiful photo ops - it’s perfect!

D. Teylor in Idaho/Flickr

Prairies, mountains, lakes, volcanic wonders - Idaho has it all!

Bill Williams/Flickr

Laura Gilmore/Flickr

Welcome to your new home! We also have an epic craft beer scene if that’s more your thing.

John Fowler/Flickr

While Idaho wasn’t pivotal in the founding of our country, the history of our state is uniquely tied to the land itself. Idaho has hundreds of museums, which are a fantastic place to start. But just exploring the landscape will allow you to stumble upon hidden ruins, ghost towns, old wagon ruts, and more.

Bev Sykes/Flickr

But it’s not all fun and games. Yes, the City of Trees is convenient and beautiful, but there’s SO much more to Idaho that is worthy of attention. Plus, our capital is getting more and more crowded by the day.

NikonFDSLR/Flickr

Sandy, picturesque, and oh-so relaxing, you’ll never even dream of going to the crowded coast again.

iheartpandas/Flickr

What do you like to do? Skiing? Boating? Hiking? River surfing? You may not think of Idaho as the place for EVERY outdoor activity, but… well, it is.

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