Top The Fun Stuff

With nearly 1.5 million people, and spanning more than 83,000 square miles and two time zones, Idaho is best known as the number one producer of potatoes in the United States. But as a new resident, it won't take you long to discover that Idaho has a lot more to offer than spuds. And we aren't just talking about the plethora of trout, Austrian winter peas, and lentils that we boast. That's right. Lentils.

Top The Nuts and Bolts

As you are preparing for the big move, you should tie up any loose ends regarding your current state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Once you are an Idaho resident, your time to get all details such as driver's license and vehicle registration is limited.

Often, relocating is an exciting but stressful endeavor. The state offers a variety of Web sites to get you on the right track, making your move a smooth transition. Within the aforementioned site, there are also a number of online services listed for your use.

Whether you are military or civilian, you will find the state Web site is a valuable resource if you are job hunting. The major industries, listed in order by ranking, are manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, food processing, timber, and mining. Once you're settled in, you'll be able to fully soak up all the beauty the state has to offer.

Top An Outdoorsman's Oasis

To really capture the essence of the state, you must venture outside the city. While the sights may not be as flashy, they are perhaps more awesome. Many regions of Idaho boast breathtaking attractions. You'll find rivers, mountains, and farmland. In fact, many consider the state an outdoorsman's oasis, with 83,574 square miles of beautiful bliss.

Think snow-capped mountains, including the Continental Divide of the Rockies, alpine lakes, dense open space, whitewater rivers (3100 river miles total; the most of any other state), and desert sand dunes. Even if you are not the outdoorsy type, it won't be long before you get hooked on all the natural beauty that is Idaho.

The state boasts a rich history that includes Native Americans, Lewis and Clark, and movers and shakers pushing the boundaries on the Oregon Trail. Boise, the most populated town (200,000 people), is the state capital and is often called "The City of Trees." It got its start near Fort Boise on the Oregon Trail and has grown into a hotspot for more than 20 million tourists a year. In addition to tourism, the major industries of the capital also include agriculture and manufacturing.

Top Weather Conditions Watch

If you have never been to the area, one thing you may not consider as you pack your bags is the weather conditions. While we have an epic ski season (which also allows for killer snowmobiling in our black forests), the ice and snow can pose some pretty big headaches if you don't plan for it. Use the state 511 system to check for weather and road conditions while penciling in your move on your calendar.

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