After having grown up in Idaho from 11 years of age through College, moving away for 19 years to chase a career in high tech and then coming back to Idaho a little over 10 years ago I have a unique perspective. We know that Idaho is growing in population. According to the United States Census Bureau The percentage change since April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2016, is estimated to be around 7.4%. To put it into perspective, Washington who is considered one of the top growing states in population for that same time period grew 8.4% and Oregon which is also considered desirable is at 6.8% for the same timeframe.
Atlas Van Lines responsible for moving people keeps statistics and here is what they recorded for states with the highest moves-in and states with the highest moves-out showing Idaho is second in the country as far as Moves in.
The report showed that the following five states boasted the highest percentage of inbound moves in 2015:
Oregon: 64%
Idaho: 63%
North Carolina: 61%
Alaska: 60%
North Dakota: 59%
Meanwhile, these five states had the highest percentage of outbound moves in 2015:
Hawaii: 62%
New York: 61.8%
Illinois: 61.7%
South Dakota: 60%
Wyoming: 59.5%
I know that I have a soft spot for Idaho and why I live here. The people are nicer, it is a slower pace, yet most of the things that I like to do are still here. I consider myself a city girl drawn to the redneck lifestyle of sometimes roughing it but yet not being able to go truly off the grid nor wanting to. The outdoor recreation is truly superb, allowing excellent camping spots with very low competition, outdoors recreation like snow skiing, camping, fishing, white water rafting, Tubing, biking and generally getting out to have some fun. We were a well kept secret but with Every year Boise ranks on a slew of top 10 lists. The city has been placed among the best U.S. downtowns, the best city to raise a family, the healthiest, best place to retire, best place to be a doctor, a good spot for asthmatics, and yes -- Boise was even ranked among the top sexually active cities.
Boise is a great middle ground. It is more exciting without having to compete with others too much for the same activities, the weather is more tolerable (with the exception of this year), and it has a great small town feel like home without being as hectic and expensive as Portland or Seattle.
Are we concerned that with the increase in population that the small town atmosphere might disappear? Actually, I'm not so concerned. There is still a huge amount of empty land so although Boise grows in population, there is still a lot of mountains to enjoy, a lot of streams and canyons to explore and yet things to do in town. We are thriving which makes for a really great economy!