Housing market and best cities to live in Idaho: Boise: Fast-growing vibrant city. Median home price: Increasing steadily. Idaho Falls: Family-friendly, affordable. Low property taxes statewide. Twin Falls: Outdoor activities hub. Nampa: Suburb with urban amenities. Diverse home styles available. Coeur d'Alene: Scenic lake views. Limited housing inventory. Pocatello: College-town charm.
Boise: Fast-growing vibrant city
Boise, Idaho, is a fast-growing and vibrant city, having been the fastest-growing city in the US in 2018 with an 18.2% population jump from 2010 to 2018. The city boasts a thriving downtown area with microbreweries, luxury condos, and a burgeoning tech scene, making it an attractive place to live, especially for millennials and those escaping high costs in larger cities like San Francisco and Seattle. For more detailed information, you can explore this article from Business Insider, which dives deep into Boise's transformation and its appeal as a growing hub.
Median home price: Increasing steadily
The median home price in Idaho has increased steadily, reaching approximately $481,500 as of August 2024, with a year-over-year increase of about 2.0%. Cities like Coeur d'Alene and Pocatello are expected to see further price increases, while Boise and Moscow may experience stagnant or slightly decreasing prices initially. For more detailed insights into the dynamics of the housing market, visit the Idaho Housing Market blog.
Idaho Falls: Family-friendly, affordable
Idaho Falls is considered one of the more affordable cities in Idaho, with a median home price of $335,000, making it a family-friendly option that offers amenities like the Idaho Falls Zoo, the Museum of Idaho, and the Idaho Falls Riverwalk. For more insights on housing and affordability, check out the comprehensive analysis on affordable places to live in Idaho at Redfin. Despite not being the most affordable town overall, Idaho Falls remains an attractive destination for families and individuals alike.
Low property taxes statewide
Idaho, particularly cities like Boise, Meridian, and Nampa, is attractive for living due to its overall livability, which offers a compelling mix of urban and outdoor lifestyles. Although the discussion does not specifically highlight low property taxes, it is noteworthy that Idaho is generally recognized for its relatively low property taxes statewide. This can be a significant factor for homeowners looking to settle in these vibrant communities. For more detailed insights into the aspects that make Idaho such an appealing place to live, you can read the full article on the Idaho Statesman website.
Twin Falls: Outdoor activities hub
Twin Falls, Idaho, is an outdoor activities hub, offering a wide range of adventures such as hiking trails along the Snake River Canyon, paddling under the Perrine Bridge, walking behind Perrine Coulee Falls, and various water activities at Dierkes Lake and Shoshone Falls, making it a vibrant and nature-rich city to live in. For more details on the range of adventures available in this beautiful region, visit the Roads and Destinations website.
Nampa: Suburb with urban amenities
Nampa, Idaho, is a rapidly growing suburb with urban amenities, offering a mix of cultural attractions, employment opportunities, and residential developments. It features several family-friendly neighborhoods like Copper River Basin, Brookdale Estates, and Southern Ridge, with homes ranging from moderately priced options to more upscale properties. With its low unemployment rate, Nampa is an attractive destination for families and professionals alike. If you're considering making a move to this vibrant area, explore more about neighborhood living in Nampa by visiting the Nampa Idaho Living Neighborhoods guide.
Diverse home styles available
Idaho offers a diverse range of home styles, particularly in cities like Boise, where you can find traditional ranch-style homes, contemporary designs with open floor plans and natural materials, and historic neighborhoods with Victorian and Queen Anne homes. Coeur d'Alene also features a mix of luxury properties and vacation homes, reflecting the state's varied architectural landscape. For more detailed insights, you can explore the Idaho Housing Market Trends & Forecast website, which provides comprehensive information on the housing market in this region.
Coeur d'Alene: Scenic lake views
In Coeur d'Alene, the housing market saw an impressive average sales price per square foot of $343 in August 2024, reflecting a 7% increase from August 2023. Homes in this picturesque area, known for its scenic lake views and a vibrant local community, were selling for 95% of the original listed price, with an average time on the market of 74 days. For a deeper dive into the dynamics of this captivating area, visit this informative analysis of the Coeur d'Alene Housing Market Trends. This growth underscores the enduring appeal of Coeur d'Alene as a prime real estate destination.
Limited housing inventory
Despite Idaho's housing inventory returning to pre-pandemic levels, with 7,557 homes for sale as of June 2024, the market still faces a mild shortage, particularly in competitive areas like Boise and Nampa, where buyers may struggle to find affordable homes. The Idaho Housing Market has shown resilience, yet the demand in urban regions continues to outpace availability, making it challenging for potential homeowners to find viable options within their budget.
Pocatello: College-town charm
Pocatello, with its college-town charm, offers a desirable quality of life, a median home price of $334,900, and a cost of living 17% lower than the national average. It is home to Idaho State University, providing over 280 programs, and is a hotspot for outdoor recreation with activities like biking, trekking, and hiking. For more detailed information on Pocatello and other great locations, visit the Best Places to Live in Idaho guide.