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October 29, 2021

Why is Everyone Moving to Idaho?

Reviewed By: Kelly Cruse, VP Human Resources & Chief Diversity Officer, Atlas World Group - 20+ Years in HR, Recruitment Trends, and DE&I

  • Long Distance Moves
  • Migration
  • Private Client Moves
mountain range behind a lake in Stanley, Idaho, a destination for long-distance movers

Relocating to Idaho

You may be wondering, “Why is everyone moving to Idaho?” especially if you live in a densely populated city like Los Angeles or New York. We typically think of the western United States as a rural area of vast land, national parks, and vacation destinations, but Idaho is actually one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States. At Atlas®, we’ve had our eyes on Idaho for a few years now as the state continues to lead the country’s inbound moving since 2016. According to our Migration Patterns study, Idaho led inbound moves with nearly 67% of movers entering the state. As a whole, the West holds four of the Top 10 inbound states, sparking a curiosity in many future movers as to what the appeal is when it comes to leaving large cities.

Why Are People Moving to Idaho?

Even amidst the pandemic, people sought opportunities to move across state lines. Populus states like New York, Illinois, and New Jersey saw the highest rates of outbound moving as people turned away from bustling cities to the quieter West. Interestingly, others studying migration patterns have noticed trends from Californians moving to Idaho, especially from population centers like Los Angeles. In 2020, Business Insider interviewed millennials who moved from California to Boise, ID and found that affordable cost-of-living, work-life balance, and nature served as some of the most notable pull factors in influencing their decision to hire professional movers and pack up their homes.

Idaho is responsible for one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, Boise, with a state population that has grown 17.3% over the past ten years, according to the AP. So, what makes the Gem State an attractive option for prospective interstate movers? If you’re moving from large cities like New York, Trenton, Chicago, or Los Angeles, you will likely find your money stretches further. The Midwest and West are known for a lower cost-of-living. While you might have been settling for a cramped apartment in LA, you can be well on your way to purchasing a home with a backyard in Idaho. The appeal of wide-open land over the hustle and bustle of city life is another attractive option for many Americans, and states like Idaho don’t disappoint. Idaho is full of attractions from mountains to waterfalls including Creates of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Shoshone Falls Park, City of Rocks National Reserve, Upper Mesa Falls, Pebble Creek Ski Area, and the Boise National Forest just to name a few of the numerous breathtaking sights.

How Are People Moving to Idaho?

Interstate movers specialize in making major transitions simple. Whether you’re completely sold on moving to Idaho, or want to learn more about the possibilities, national moving companies are equipped with networks of local agents that know and love the area you’re thinking about moving to. At Atlas®, we try to make long-distance moving an easy and exciting process with movers and packers trained to get your personal belongings to your brand-new home with care.

Get Started Planning Your Move to Idaho!

Ready to take advantage of gorgeous mountains and crystal-clear lakes with a home just outside of an accessible city? Let Atlas® help you get there! Find local movers, or get a free moving quote from us. We are a nationwide moving company made up of a network of local movers dedicated to helping you go new places® with the utmost attention to customer service. Have questions for us? Give us a call at 800-638-9797 and let’s work together.

References

AP News, Census: Meridian, Idaho, one of 10 fastest-growing US cities
Business Insider, I talked to 3 millennials who gave up big-city lives in California and moved to Boise. Here's how they feel about adjusting to small-town life in Idaho