What to Expect When Moving to Idaho

Idaho has been a popular option for relocation for years, and the pandemic ignited even more interest in this hidden gem state. With an abundance of open space, outdoor recreation, and a family-oriented lifestyle– Idaho is a top choice for seeking a better quality of life. But before you jump in the car, here are a few things to expect when looking to call Idaho home.   1. Population and Demographics (Photo: Daniel Olson) Idaho led the nation in population growth for the 5th year in a row in 2021. The population stands around 1.939 million as of January 2023, up 5.4% from April 2020 to July 2022. 16.6% of the population is over 65 years old, 24.7% is under 18 years old, 6% is under 5 years old, and the remainder between 18 and 65 years old. Population per square mile is 22 people, one of the most sparsely populated states. Idaho as a whole is considered conservative in voting, with the Boise metro area voting 57% republican, 39.4% democratic, and 3.6% independent in the last presidential election. Demographics White: 92.8% Hispanic/Latino: 13.3% Asian: 1.6% American Indian or Alaska Native: 1.7% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.2% Black or African American: 0.9% Mixed Race/Other: 2.7% 91.2% hold a high school diploma 29.1% hold a college degree or higher   2. Geography (Photo: Jenn Jackson) Idaho is the 11th largest state by land area in the United States, measuring 82,643 square miles. It is completely landlocked surrounded by 6 states (Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Montana) and Canada. It is part of the Pacific Northwest. The topography of Idaho is majority mountainous, with expansive desert in the southwest portion of the state. There are over 4.7 million acres of wilderness, marking Idaho as the 3rd largest wilderness in the country (behind Alaska and California). Idaho has one of the most diverse landscape profiles, with large regions of dense forest, vast desert, deep canyons, rocky craters, and towering mountain ranges.   3. Weather (Photo by Click Suice, Unsplash) The climate in Idaho is generally mild, with average temperatures between 24 and 93 degrees fahrenheit. The state's western region is milder than the eastern region, where winters are more arduous and longer. There are 4 distinct seasons, where residents enjoy crisp spring temps, warm and sunny summers, cool and color-filled autumn, and snowy winters. Idaho is one of the drier states in the nation. Average rainfall varies throughout the state, with Boise seeing around 12” per year and the higher-elevation mountain town of McCall seeing 25”. Average snowfall in Boise is 18”, below the national average. However, the town of Stanley (located just 3 hours away) is one of the most heavily snowed and coldest locations in the nation, with an average of 75.9” of snow per year and 270 days of below-freezing temperatures. Idaho is one of the sunniest states with 206 days of sun, but be warned, southwestern Idaho (particularly the Boise area) experiences an annual inversion season in January with consistent cloud cover. The remedy is to head 35 minutes north to Bogus Basin Ski Resort, where sunshine and surreal views above the clouds await.    4. Economy (Photo: BluFish Photography) Idaho’s beginnings in fur-trading and mining have given way to surprising industries. Its $3 Billion tourism industry plays a large role in the $78.9 Billion economy, and other major industries include advanced manufacturing, aerospace, computer technology and innovation, energy, food production and recreation technology. 62.8% of Idaho's population is employed, and has one of the lowest unemployment rates at 2.9% as of 2023. Idaho is great for business, with higher-than-average statewide growth, low taxes, and low cost of living/operation. Idaho ranks #3 for the economy in the nation by U.S. News. The largest employers of the state include Micron Technology, Albertsons, St. Luke’s Health System, J.R. Simplot, WinCo Foods, Lamb Weston, Melaleuca, and Boise Cascade.   5. Outdoor Lifestyle (Photo: Daniel Olson) The great outdoors is the top reason that draws people to Idaho. Over 4.7 million acres of wilderness blanket the state, offering a vast playground for outdoor recreation. Idaho has 30 state-owned parks, hundreds of established free and fee campgrounds, and 7 national forests to explore. Nearly every outdoor activity can be done in Idaho; from hunting, hiking, boating, fishing, skiing, camping, paragliding, and even surfing. Residents can enjoy all of these activities within an hour or less of Boise. The close access to outdoor recreation is the main attraction to Idaho’s capital city, Boise, where picturesque rolling foothills are the backdrop to the downtown skyline. The Ridge to Rivers trail system is a network of over 190 trails and roads connecting residential areas to public land. Residents take advantage of access to hiking and biking trails directly from their neighborhoods, or within a short 20-minute or less drive from a majority of the city to a number of trailheads. The Boise River runs through the city, and is a beacon of activity for humans and wildlife alike. The 25-mile paved Boise River Greenbelt runs along the north and south sides of the river, where cyclists and pedestrians can enjoy exercise with serene riverfront views. Anglers are commonly seen wading through shallow portions of the river, which at its deepest is 15’. Bass and trout are common species of fish caught in this river. Sturgeon and salmon fishing, along with river boating, are highlights of the Snake River in the Hells Canyon area, where a record 117” white sturgeon was caught in 2016. Skiing is one of Idaho’s favorite pastimes, as the state boasts the first-ever ski destination resort with a chairlift in Sun Valley. The resort has come a long way since opening in 1936, and is now a world-class getaway for locals and tourists alike. Located 2.5 hours from Boise, Sun Valley is home to the state’s wealthiest residents and celebrities, but retains its small mountain town charm and rustic heritage.   6. Cost of Living (Photo: Abby Blossom Idaho is a relatively affordable place to live with lower costs of groceries, utilities, and taxes compared to massive metropolitan areas. During the pandemic, Idaho became a popular choice for relocation, due to its affordability and access to the outdoors. Housing costs in Idaho have jumped higher than the national average, as demand surpassed anyone’s expectations. The current median price for a home in the state is $487,495. Still, Idaho is affordable compared to other metropolitan areas like Seattle, Denver, and Salt Lake City. Transportation costs are lower than average, with an average commute time of 20.6 minutes, the national average is 26.4 minutes. Power bills are typically lower in the state, as multiple sources of energy are tapped, including hydroelectric power. The sales tax is 6% as of 2023. State income taxes are based on a graduate system, and range from 1-6.5%. Idaho does not tax Social Security and has relatively low property taxes, making it a great option for retirees.   7. Real Estate (Photo by BluFish Photography) It’s no question that Idaho’s real estate market has been explosive over the past few years. Historical trends show Idaho is a good place to invest in real estate. During the pandemic, Idaho’s real estate market took off far beyond expectations and national averages. The median home value soared 70.19% from 2019 to 2023 for single-family homes in Ada County alone (from $286,450 to $487,495). The fastest-growing cities in the state are primarily in the Treasure Valley (Boise, Eagle, Nampa, Meridian, Caldwell) and a couple of honorable mentions (Post Falls and Rexburg). Resort towns like Coeur d’Alene, Sun Valley, and McCall experienced a rush of new residents in the wake of the pandemic, when remote work opportunities and lifestyle priorities shifted. Investors were particularly interested in these towns as short-term rentals became a hot commodity. Concerns about affordability have emerged as growth has surged beyond local means. Lower-income and first-time homebuyers may find the Boise core to be a difficult market to buy into, and may look to satellite cities like Nampa and Caldwell for more affordable housing. Meridian, Caldwell, and Nampa were the fastest-growing cities in Idaho in 2022. The median sales price for an existing home in Canyon County, where these cities are located, was $395,445 at the beginning of 2023. City leaders throughout the state are considering innovative methods to provide affordable housing, but the high demand and extremely low levels of inventory continue to put pressure on Idaho’s steaming hot market. Demand for Idaho does not appear to be going anywhere for at least a little while. In 2020, about 70% of moves in Idaho were inbound and 30% outbound. California, Washington, and Oregon were the largest contributors to new residents.   Hiring a knowledgeable Realtor is key to finding success in Idaho’s in-demand market. Reach out to us for your buying and selling needs by phone (208) 870-8292 or on the web www.lysibishop.com   Sources:  https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/ID/PST045222#PST045222 https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/economy https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/state/idaho https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/nation-world/national/article26

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Design Trends in 2023

Interior design in 2023 is less about trends, and more about creating spaces that feel and look good, not just today… but for years and years to come. With that in mind, here are a few “trends” that are timeless enough to invest in, that we think you’ll start to see more of this year.  IN: Wood/Warm Tones OUT: Monochromatic/minimalist  For the past several years, we have seen white everywhere. And for good reason… white is classic, clean, timeless, and inoffensive to pretty much everyone. However, too much white can often feel devoid of any personality or warmth, which is why the “all white” look is losing momentum going into 2023.  A seamless alternative that adds warmth leans into colors and textures found in nature. An organic material palette is arguably more everlasting than “all white” if done well. Think brown, beige, green, black, wood, stone, brick, etc. This year is all about resisting the urge to paint all natural materials white, and taking advantage of textures that add depth to your home. Think of it like this… there is nothing more beautiful than going on a hike and being surrounded by trees, rocks, grass, dirt, flowers, etc… now imagine looking around and seeing everything covered in a thick layer of white paint… IN: Curated Interiors OUT: Themed Interiors   When selecting finishes and furnishings, elevate your home by mixing styles, eras, and textures. Focus on filling your home with details that you truly love vs following a specific trend. Going all in on the farmhouse, ultra-Modern, boho, or vintage aesthetic will not only date everything in your home as soon as that trend cycle is over but can make your home feel mass-produced and cold.  An effective way to create a timeless space is to focus on opposites and contrast. Mix light and dark, old and new, feminine and masculine, patterned and neutral, and most importantly… displaying things that mean something to you. This curated approach will look fresh for much longer.  IN: Molding OUT: Accent Walls  Accent walls have been everywhere for the past few years, creating an easy, cost-effective way to add personality to your home in just a short weekend. However, the splash of color can sometimes make a room feel unfinished and arbitrary.  Wall molding is a tried and true way to bring your walls to life, adding texture, depth, and a subtle piece of historical charm. There are countless styles of wall molding but think of it as anything that adds visual interest to your wall... This can be done with heavy trim work, wainscoting, wall paneling, box beam ceilings, chair rail, etc.  IN: Space to spread out OUT: Open Floorplans The open floor plan concept was introduced in the 70’s, an idea that allowed homes with smaller footprints to have an open space to host and entertain guests without owning the largest house in the neighborhood.  Since the 70’s this open concept has become standard for building today. You would be hard pressed to find a home built within the past 15+  years that doesn’t contribute to some kind of open floorplan, however covid changed the way we live in our homes and highlighted some discrepancies in this ever so popular layout.  Humans have always needed the sense of comfort and privacy that defined rooms provide, but with the increase in remote work and school, it has become even more necessary. The combination of living quarters makes working, studying, reading, talking on the phone, or entertaining much more difficult with the backdrop of pots and pans banging…. The need for privacy may explain the rise of man caves and she-sheds that have been built in the past few years. Additionally, large continuous spaces are much harder to keep clean. Messes and smells are no longer isolated, but can be easily tracked throughout the entire living quarters… keeping a tidy home is more difficult, or I guess harder to hide!  Lastly, open living spaces hinder the ability to cultivate different feelings throughout your home. Say you want a white open kitchen, but would prefer a dark and moody living space, and found the perfect wallpaper for your dining room… The idea of giving off a different feel in each space can be challenging. 

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The Signature Collection: Top 10 Listings of 2022

Last year brought about many changes to Boise's real estate market. With the ups and downs of available inventory, mortgage rate spikes, and cooling demand one thing remained consistent: we had the privilege to reprensent many of Boise's best properties. Lysi Bishop Real Estate assisted 345 clients purchase or sell a property in 2022, of those 174 were listing clients. It was hard to pair down last year's listings to a list of just 10, and we couldn't be more excited to share the newest additions to our "Signature Collection." As specialists in luxury, unique, and inspired properties, we understand the specific needs to artfully market and represent these properties for sale. Our "Signature Collection" is a curated portfolio of residences that embody the qualities, amenities, and locations that we specialize in.  We'd like to give a special thank you to our clients who put their trust in us in a changing market, and who took the care and time to work with us in presenting such beautiful homes to Boise's housing market. We look forward to many more in the upcoming year.   - The Signature Collection - 1) 349 E River Quarry Drive - Riversend, Eagle Life slows down at this riverfront retreat located in the premier Riverside community. Set on the Boise River, this exquisite residence embraces stillness and the tranquil spirit of a resort-town hideaway. It's hard not to fall in love with the harmonious blend of rustic stone and timber with a fresh and modern palette. Not to mention, the garage set up is any car collector or hobbyists dream.   2) 1811 W Resseguie Street - North End, Boise This centenarian Craftsman exudes the charm of the building era, paired with a complete restoration-rebuild (in 2015-2016) which sparked a rejuvenation and crafted a residence without peer. As if pulled from the pages of Architectural Digest, the interior is perfectly curated and complementary to the historic character of the preceding design while adding desired convenience for today's lifestyle.   3) 1592 W Hampton Bay Drive - Banbury, Eagle A luxurious fusion of bold artistic expression and the tranquility of an evergreen golf course setting within Banbury Meadows. This striking single level Contemporary design is a signature piece for Zach Evans Construction, and was awarded multiple titles in the Parade of Homes, including: Best Overall, Best Exterior Design, Best Kitchen, Best Interior Design and Finish, and Best Master Suite.      4) 2197 E Solitude Court - Morningside Heights, Northeast Boise Unlike anything else in Boise, this exquisite Pueblo Revival manor evokes a sense of calm and desirable seclusion on the premier ridge of Morningside Heights. Inspiring architectural design with box geometric forms, organic building materials, and thoughtful integration to the land. Soft-hued plaster walls enclose the light-filled interior, while strategically placed windows and glass doors open the home to nature.   5) 2424 N Spring Mountain Drive - Foothills, North Boise An architectural treasure, poised above the North End offering a premier bird's eye view of Boise! Artfully crafted by Hummel Architects, this phenomenal residence is thoughtfully integrated into the hillside, using the natural landscape as a privacy barrier and maximizing the spectacular sights.   6) 145 W Horizon Drive - North End, Boise The best seat in the house, this front row placement to downtown Boise provides views so close, you could almost reach out and grab them. Originally built in 1952, this stunning home evolved into a contemporary masterpiece showcasing unobstructed sight lines ranging from the airport, over the downtown skyline, and beyond to the Owyhees.      7) 1511 W Hays Street - North End, Boise Boise’s history and the urban eclectic converge in this beautifully unique property. Built in 1900 as one of the city’s original ‘ice houses,’ the sturdy double-walled brick building was revitalized into a contemporary single-family residence through a total renovation-rebuild.    8) 2309 N 18th Street - North End, Boise An extraordinary North End remodel, offering a captivating one-of-a-kind residence that harmoniously unifies form and function. Signature traits of the home are revealed by the exceptionally detailed construction, carefully considered design to refine yet maximize the space, and by the relentless application of “green building” principles to operate the home at a high level of efficiency.    9) 2207 E Roanoake Drive - Foothills, Northeast Boise A magical treehouse setting in Foothills East, where nature abounds and this remarkable setting highlights Idaho's rustic beauty. This striking architectural design is perched above the neighborhood and nestled into the adjacent foothill, creating a place of peace and solitude. Spanning nearly half an acre, the homesite is distinguished by the land around it and the botanical wonderland it holds including abundant native/drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly plantings.   10) 206 E Parkway Drive - Southeast Boise A distinguished ~0.74-acre homesite backing up to a forested creek in SE Boise! Loggers Creek flows peacefully through the property, crafting a storybook setting that radiates absolute tranquility just moments from the city. A glorious heritage surrounds this 1960's Mid Century home, having been lovingly maintained by the same family for decades.     

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