Freedom in Idaho
If Thomas Jefferson were still alive, I am sure he would live in Idaho. Freedom means a lot of different things to different people—in Idaho, it means a common-sense government run by people who still have some sense.
Yes, freedom in Idaho can look a bit cliché. If you would like, you can ride your motorcycle without a helmet, sling a suppressed SBR rifle across your back, all while carrying your favorite concealed sidearm without generating a single pearl clutch or frightened gasp. (Obviously, a big part of this freedom example assumes you are not a felon.)
Clichés aside, most folks in Idaho use their God-given and state-protected freedoms the way the founders of our nation intended—to live a polite, responsible, enjoyable, and fruitful life.
Education Freedom
Freedom also permeates education. While most residents choose to educate their children through public, charter, or private schools—nearly 10% of parents in Idaho choose to homeschool. Families homeschool for a multitude of reasons—based on their reasons, they embrace diverse educational models that fit their family priorities and philosophical predilections. The expanding resurgence of homeschooling also means that finding support is easy, and it is common for many organizations to offer various discounts and unique access opportunities to homeschooling families.
Business Freedom
As you ought to expect, freedom in Idaho, also means that Idaho is business-friendly—a pleasant way of saying the state doesn’t dream up ridiculous regulations (along with the added expenditures) trying to solve problems that don’t exist outside of ivory-tower case studies. So, if you’re looking to open a new business or move/expand a present business, you’ll find Idaho quite welcoming.
Medical Freedom
Idaho’s laws for childhood immunizations are among the laxest in the country. It is one of 15 states that allow vaccine exemptions based on a personal belief — not just for medical or religious reasons.
Neighborly Freedom
Perhaps the best example of freedom in Idaho is in the friendly neighborliness demonstrated throughout our many communities. Whether in my neighborhood or on weekend exploration trips—a culture of neighbors helping neighbors epitomizes the Idaho lifestyle. It makes sense if you think about it. In the not too distant past, many of those clichés one thinks about of Idaho were a common sight. Yet as farm fields have yielded to semiconductor manufacturing, SaaS organizations, educational institutions, and housing developments, you’ll appreciate the fact that most who seek to call Idaho home do not want all the clichés to pass away. They love the friendliness, the adventures, along with freedom and all the nuances that it encompasses.
Opportunities Abound Everywhere
Boise and the surrounding area deliver an unparalleled quality of life not found anywhere else in the nation. It’s the reason Idaho is the fastest-growing state in the country. The Treasure Valley has so much going for it—a vibrant urban/metropolitan economic and educational base, an affordable cost-of-living, an extraordinary business-friendly environment, four mild and distinct seasons, and plenty of public wilderness that allows a lifetime of weekend adventures.
The Boise-Nampa metropolitan area is known as the Treasure Valley. In addition to Boise and Nampa, the area includes the cities of Meridian, Eagle, Caldwell, Star, Middleton, and Kuna. Situated between the Boise Mountains (or foothills) to the north and the Owyhee Mountain Range to the southwest, the valley provides abundant recreational activities within minutes from your home. In wintertime, these snow-covered ranges are simply breathtaking.
Recognizing the abundance of resources and opportunities back in 1959, the area was coined the “Treasure Valley” by the Chamber of Commerce, and it stuck. Keep reading to discover why it is such a true treasure today. Surrounded by beauty, a thriving economy, reduced commutes, and a wide variety of recreational options, you’ll find living in the Treasure Valley an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
Opportunities For A Better Life
More Family Time
Living in the Treasure Valley provides more family time and adventure opportunities. One of the first things people notice, especially if they’re from California or Washington, is that their commute time is significantly reduced. This means less time on the road and more time enjoying life.
You will quickly discover an abundance of outdoor activities for people of all ages and interests, with easy access to open spaces such as rivers, lakes, and trails. Plenty of family-friendly indoor activities are also available year-round, including indoor rock climbing, ice skating, trampoline parks and more. Whatever your passions, you’ll find them in the valley. And you won’t have to navigate through hours of bumper-to-bumper traffic to arrive at your destination!
Drive Your Career
Boise and the Treasure Valley boast a diverse and evolving economic landscape, providing opportunities for everyone. The region is becoming a popular destination for start-up companies thanks to a growing pool of young talent and experienced entrepreneurs. The area is also becoming well-known for its health and science industries. The Treasure Valley offers low business taxes, a lack of stifling regulations, and inexpensive commercial real estate. Of course, high-tech and innovative businesses coming to the region isn’t a new development. They’re simply building on a well-laid foundation paved by companies such as Micron, HP, Simplot, IBM, St. Luke’s Hospital, Albertsons, and several other well-recognized corporate brands.
Heighten Your Education
There is simply no denying that Boise State University is the most visible higher-education institution in the valley. With 26,000+ students and more than 200 fields of study, ranging from undergraduate programs to post-graduate studies, it’s easy to see why. But Boise State isn’t the only institution carving out an amazing reputation for itself. Throughout the Treasure Valley, you’ll find colleges and universities setting themselves apart. For example, The College of Idaho, located in Caldwell, is rated as one of the top 50 Small Colleges in the United States. Situated in Nampa, Northwest Nazarene University is one of the top Christian universities in the Northwest. Idaho State University is renowned for its Meridian Health Science Center. Meridian is also home to Idaho’s first medical college—the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, or ICOM. These are just a few of the most recognizable institutions found throughout the valley.