Are you considering a move to a rural Idaho property? It’s an appealing option, especially for many currently living in California and Washington, experiencing the effects of lockdowns, and economic and political instability.
There are numerous advantages that make Idaho an attractive destination:
- Distance from big cities. At 831,000 residents, the Boise-Mountain Home combined statistical area ranks #67 in the United States, right between Toledo, Ohio and South Bend, Indiana. There’s little “big city” atmophere or mindset present in Idaho, and even its largest cities maintain a moderate pace of life.
- Plentiful natural resources. With active forestry, mining, agriculture, and tourism industries, Idaho is blessed with a diverse and productive landscape.
- Varied economy with growing tech/business hubs. Boise is home to Micron Technology and HP’s imaging and printing division, while a number of smaller Idaho cities are seeing a flush of startups and companies moving into the state.
- A conservative, small-government mindset. Idaho’s state government is traditionally restrained, with a strong emphasis on protecting the liberty of its citizens. The legislature genrally convenes for only 3 months of the year.
- 4 season climate and recreational opportunities. With a vaired climate and tremendous outdoor, water, and winter sports oppotunities, Idaho is attractive for its lifestyle offerings.
It’s not all sunshine and blue skies. Recognize that Idaho is not a perfect destination in any sense, and that it’s not the right option for everyone.
- Rising cost of land and homes. Many areas of the state have seen multiple years of double digit growth in home prices, leading to decreasing affordability, and many new buyers being priced out of the market.
- Low availability of property. Property inventory on Idaho MLS services is the lowest that it has been for years, and absorbtion rates are close to 1 month, with few properties remaining on the market.
- Growing population and congestion. Many of the small cities around the state are surrounded by rapidly-growing suburbs, adding to infrastructure challenges.
- The same political battles playing out at smaller scale. For those seking refuge from national political drama, recognize that Idaho is home to a diverse range of policital beliefs, and that these differneces play out vividly in local and state politics.
- Lack of economic opportunity. Despite the varied economy statewide, many smaller Idaho communities have limited job opportunities, and relatively low wages.
- Challenging climate and terrain. Idaho’s weather can include cold, snowy winters and wet muddy springs.
While subdivisions and suburbs are rapidly springing up all across the state, there are still many opportunities to find a rural property for sale in Idaho. You won’t find many homes from before the 1950s, simply because Idaho’s population was so low before then. But there are small farms and country homes dotted across the state, from the heavily wooded northern valleys, to the central river canyons, to the southern plains. There’s also an increasing number of newly-built custom rural homes and exurb subdivisions on 5+ acre lots available.
When it comes to looking for a rural property in Idaho, you might consider contacting our team at SurvivalRealty.com. We have a extensive network of agents with years of experience in helping people find their ideal Idaho property. Learn more here.
