Owning Land In Idaho: Pros & Cons

Do you wish to live in a big metropolis in close proximity to an amazing outdoor life? Can owning land in Idaho make you realize your dream? Find out below.

You may have grown tired of the hustle and bustle of city life. Noises incessant, traffic horns, crowds, smoke everywhere, and so much more. Do you think you'd like to get away from this kind of life?

If you are searching for a good escape from the mundane life of a busy city in the US, there's no better state than Idaho. It's not like Idaho has not kept pace with the rest of the United States. It is home to some of the largest metropolitan cities, including Boise and Idaho Falls.

But, what's the reason for your Idaho real estate search? Is it because you want to turn your property into a comfortable home for you and your family to live in? Do you want to use it for farming or something else? What if you want a beautiful spot with plenty of modern amenities? Your decision will be based on the intent of your search.

Yes, indeed! If you're looking for a place to relax and grow while being surrounded by nature, Idaho is the best place to go. But wait, there's more! Every land has benefits and drawbacks. To assist you in making your decision, we've talked to realtors in various Idaho communities and compiled a summary of the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing property in this state.

‍Owning Land In Idaho: Pros & Cons

Idaho is called the State of Gems because of its scenic features. It is the dream of every nature lover out there. Sometimes, people call it The Potato State since it is famous for potatoes. In terms of geographical area, Idaho is the fourteenth largest state in the US. The largest city of Idaho is Boise which is also the capital of the state.

As compared to any other state of the US, Idaho has the longest of the rivers about 3100 miles. Shoshone Falls on the Snake River is called the Niagara of the West which is actually higher than the Niagara Falls. Forest Service contains 38% of the total land base of Idaho which is the maximum in any other state.

Idaho is called the Gem State for another reason as well, it is the site of 72 different types of precious gemstones found in the US. Some important industries which determine Idaho’s economy include manufacturing, food industry, tourism, agriculture, electronics, paper, and chemical industry.

With a population of 1.9 million, Idaho is the 12th least populous state in the US. But, the population is estimated to grow in the next few years due to the increasing inclination of people toward Nature. The people of Idaho are very friendly and cool in nature just like its environment.

Pros

You might consider the advantages of moving to Idaho. There are a variety of reasons to consider purchasing land property in Idaho, including the following.

Outdoor Recreation

If you are an outdoor recreation enthusiast, there is no better place in the whole United States for you to move. This State of Gems is a masterpiece of nature. Everything from lush green forests to high mountains, waterfalls, and plains can be found here.

It is Nature’s gateway to your biggest dreams of adventure and thrill. High mountains, large plains, rivers, and waterfalls, everything can be seen here. This state sees all the four seasons of the year. The natural beauty of Idaho will literally make you want to quit your job and just explore the wilderness. Some places that are worth visiting include:

• The Salmon River
• City of Rocks
• Shoshone Falls
• Craters of the Moon
• Owyhee Canyonlands
• Bruneau Sand Dunes
• Lake Coeur d'Alene
• Mesa Falls
• Redfish Lake
• Alice Lake

Affordable Property

Housing costs in most of the Idaho communities are lower than those of its neighboring states. It is because due to the lesser population, there is an absence of competition when it comes to selling property in Idaho. This lower competition is a major factor that generates a low cost of the property making it affordable for a citizen with an average income. If you have a sufficient budget, you may be able to purchase multiple homes or acres of land within the given budget. According to Forbes, the median property price in Idaho is $283,000, however, it is increasing year after year.

Safe for Residents

Idaho is one of the states in the US where there are the lowest crime rates. This state has the highest police to citizen ratio due to which the rate of crimes is continuing to decline. There are very few cases of theft recorded in the state, especially rare are the cases of property theft. Cases of violent crime are also incredibly low in some locations, and there are even areas where there is no record of such cases. 74% of the total residents in the state feel safe and secure, which makes Idaho the safest among the most of other states.

Fewer Taxes and Restrictions

In Idaho, the property tax rate is lower than most of the other states but higher than the national average. It is 0.63%. Although the rate is considerably low, you can compare the tax rate of the state in which you are currently living to that of Idaho to decide whether you buy land here or not.

As compared to the larger and more developed states, like New York and California, there are relatively fewer restrictions on the property in Idaho. You don’t need to deal with a large number of house listing regulations and therefore have more options for your land when talking about development in the future.

Cons

Apart from all the benefits mentioned above, there are certainly some drawbacks as well which you must consider before giving your decision the final thought.

Increasing Demand

With each passing year, people are beginning to prefer natural settings over artificial ones. This is the reason why people are often immigrating to Idaho. This state is becoming increasingly populated over time. The more is the demand, the more is the price, and the lesser is the supply. With the increase in demand for housing, there is a boom in the housing market in Idaho. The price of land property is going upward day by day. If you are thinking of owning land in Idaho, you must proceed quickly.

Reclusive Populations

Although Idaho is one of the largest states in the US, it comes on number 12 in the list of least populated states in the country. The infrastructure of the whole state is also not designed to accommodate a large population. There is no such thing as a heavily populated neighborhood. Communities live far apart from each other. People prefer a reclusive style of living. Most of the land is clear with miles of wilderness around. If you are someone who prefers to live in some downtown with a lot of families living around, Idaho may not be the place for you.

Fewer Resources For Public

Unlike large metropolitan states, the residents of Idaho enjoy fewer amenities and services. This is the reason why most people only think of Boise when someone says Idaho is a highly developed state. Yes! Apart from larger communities like Boise and Idaho Falls, there is a lack of resources for the general public. One of the major reasons for it may be the concentration of politics in the state. The government is trying to compensate for this gap though. There is also no proper system of public transportation. If you move to Idaho, you’ll need to have your own private vehicle.

Insufficient Cash-flow

If the intent of your property purchase in Idaho is to buy now and sell later, it may not be a good option here. Since Idaho is a sparsely populated country with a lack of resources in the majority of cities, buying a piece of land for future profit is equal to making your money bound. Your investment will get locked. The land you own will not be available for immediate sale. In case you find some emergency to sell your land in near future, it will be of no use. So, it’s better to reconsider now than regretting later.

Limited Shopping Opportunities

If you are a street-style enthusiast or a social media influencer, Idaho may not be the spot for your living. This is because there are a few shopping opportunities in most cities of Idaho. I am not talking about Boise here, which has, no doubt, kept pace with the most advanced cities in the United States. I am talking about other communities which are lacking in resources. If you’ll want to find some luxury shopping options here in these cities, you won’t be able to.

By now, you are aware of both the pros and cons of owning land in Idaho. You must consider these before making the final decision.