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Moving
to Idaho brings a quality of life far superior as compared to other states. Living
in a quality community (from Boise to Sun Valley) is just as important as finding
a quality home builder.
Quality
of Life in Idaho
Quality
of life can be generally divided into 9 groups: water and air quality, health
care, housing, taxes, transportation, jobs and the economy, crime rate, cultural
and outdoor activities. If you are planning to move to one of the many small communities
in Idaho, the state of Idaho and its small towns rate high in all the categories.
Listed below is brief synopsis of each individual category Taxes
In
the fiscal year 2002, 72% (36 out of 50) of the states had higher taxes per $1,000
of total personal income  than
Idaho - Personal
Income Tax - The state personal income tax ranges from 1.6 percent to 7.8
percent in 8 income brackets. Idaho residents may apply for state tax credits
for taxes paid to other states.
- Sales
Tax - The state sales tax is 5 percent. Sales tax applies to the sale, rental
or lease of tangible personal property and some services (hotel, motel, and campground
accommodations) are taxed at a higher rate (7 to 11 percent). Some local communities
impose a local option sales tax.
Hospitals
and Health Care
Availability
of quality health care is an important aspect of Idaho life. The state has 48
licensed hospitals and all Idaho communities with 2,500 residents or over have
a hospital within 16 miles. Crime
Rate
With
the help of a small town atmosphere and a vibrant economy Idaho's crime rate is
the lowest in the West. According to FBI statistics, the serious crime rate in
Idaho is 21.3% less than the national average. Cultural
Activities
The
cultural activities in Idaho are as diverse as the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth
Mountains (near Ketchum and Sun Valley) to the green valleys that hug the Snake
River (Twin Falls). No matter where you live in Idaho, cultural activities abound.
Some of the activities include jazz and blue grass festivals, theater, the symphony
orchestra, the ballet, the summer Shakespearean festival, professional rodeo and
the memorable county fairs. For more information contact Idaho Tourism Development
Division, 700 W. State Street, P.O.Box 83720, Boise, Idaho 83720-0093, (800)714-3246
or visit the website visitidaho.org. 
Outdoor
Activities
The
plentiful rivers and tall mountains (with many peaks over 10,000 feet) provides
a natures' paradise. Skiing, horseback riding, fly fishing, rafting and hiking
are just some of the many activities that await you and your family,. Housing
The
housing market is within your reach, as compared to other housing.. A large custom
built luxury home generally
start less than the small homes in Southern or Northern California. See "Pricing"
section for more information. Jobs
and Employment
Idaho
has a strong and diversified economy. Manufacturing and agriculture remain top
industries while high-tech, tourism, retail, healthcare, business and information
services are top growth sectors. For job listings in Idaho, you can start with
Idaho Commerce and Labor, which has
24 offices scattered throughout the state. Transportation
The
availability  of
good transportation system is important, especially good quality roads and availability
of airports for long distance travel. There are two major interstate highways
(I-84 in the southern part of the state and I-90 in the north) and numerous state
highways that run throughout the state. Scheduled airline services are located
in the following communities, Boise, Idaho Falls, Ketchum/Sun Valley , Lewiston,
McCall, Moscow/Pullman, located in eastern Washington), Pocatello, Salmon and
Twin Falls. Train Service also runs through northern Idaho with a stopping point
in Sandpoint. Air
and Water Quality
Much
of Idaho's surface water flows out of the high mountains and is generally of high
quality. Air quality is good throughout the year with the exception of winter
temperature inversions and the effects of pollen in a few locations. Building
Your Home and Living in Idaho
If
you plan to build your new home and this is your first time living in Idaho you
will be greeted with a small-town, friendly nature of its' people. The small town
atmosphere and the large array of outdoor activities extends a quality of life
far beyond your expectations. The largest community, Boise
(the state capital), remains under 200,000 people with the next largest, Nampa,
has just over 64,000 people. The small town communities are positively influenced
by nature and the outdoors with tourism, agriculture, ranching and timber as the
main economic growth sectors. | More
Information
If
you need more information about moving to Idaho, the "Idaho
Blue Book" (printed by the state of Idaho) can be a helpful guide. This
book has plenty of information on education, history, government, economy and
outdoor activities. It can be purchased for $10 from the Secretary of State, Room
203, Statehouse, Boise, ID 83720-0080. For information on building a custom home
in Idaho please contact us at 208.280.3333 or you can email Corey Schoenauer at
corey@idaho-home.com. |
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Boise
