Idaho named #1 state to live in

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho has been ranked the number one state to live in, according to a new study by WalletHub.

“People love being here for number one, the community, the affordability, the environment. But also I think it also is just an entrepreneurial state,” said Jessica Cardon, known as the "Knowsy Neighbor." She is also an Associate Broker wth Manwaring Murdock Cardon's real estate team.

Greater Idaho Falls Chamber Interim CEO Steve Hunter also said that people are attracted to Idaho's spectacular access to the great outdoors.

"We have a lot of open area. There's a lot of open space, and places to go, things to do. and, and the fact that our people that live here are very friendly," Hunter said.

The study ranked Idaho 10th in the nation for affordability.

“It's actually one of the most affordable states in the Pacific Northwest," Cardon said. "if you lived here a long time, it may feel like Idaho has gotten very expensive, but we're still very affordable. From the real estate perspective, you've got, home prices. Our average home price is about $425,000, which is far below anything you can get if you're looking even in Boise or Salt Lake or again, [in the] Pacific Northwest.”

The Gem State ranked dead-last in property crime rates and 14th-lowest for violent crime.

“The fact that we're ranked number three in safety, I think that's important because you go to some of these big cities and you're not safe or you don't feel safe there," Hunter said. "People feel safe. I've talked to people that they feel so safe, they still don't lock their doors.”

Idaho placed 7th for its economy and boasts the eighth highest homeownership rate in the nation.  

“We also have really low property taxes. That makes a real big difference on affordability to keep those property taxes low," Cardon said. "We also have really inexpensive utilities, some of the cheapest in nation. We're one of the only carbon-free cities in the United States, which is really neat. So that keeps our just cost of owning a home and living down.”

The WalletHub study said Idaho has some of the lowest commute times in America, especially compared to other urban areas.

"I think we're still very homey, very easy to to get around. you can drive just about anywhere you want," Hunter said.

The study placed Idaho in the middle of the pack at 22nd for education and health.

“if you ask anybody, everyone loves the schools here. The teachers are wonderful," Cardon said. "The students are wonderful. They care. So education's a big deal."

Hunter agreed.

“I think we have great teachers here," he said. "I don't think they get paid what they what they ought to.”

In spite of the ranking, affordability remains a top concern for many Idahoans. 

"In Idaho, our prices are way high. But I don't think we're the only state that has that problem. I think everyone has that problem right now," Hunter said. "I think the economy has driven those prices up and the affordability. It's really hard for younger people especially."

But overall, Idaho offers America’s “highest median household income growth” and fourth-lowest tax rates in the U.S., according to Wallet Hub.

“Being number one in the nation is well-deserved.," Cardon said. "There's nobody that comes in southeast Idaho that doesn't go, ‘This is an amazing place to live.' We have visitors that come and say, 'How do I move here?’ And they can't wait.”