When you think about cities in Idaho, Boise is usually the first thing that comes to your mind. And while this city certainly deserves the attention it receives (it is a pretty incredible place to live and visit!), there are towns around the Gem State that don’t get the credit they deserve. In fact, many of these cities provide a happy medium – they aren’t too big or too small. The following nine cities in Idaho are just the right size (and each is pretty incredible too!).
- Lewiston
Dave Brenner/Moment Via Getty Images Lewiston is one Idaho city that is unique no matter how you look at it. This place is an outdoor lover’s paradise with countless hiking, camping, and water recreation opportunities. History buffs will be fascinated with the story of how Idaho’s capital city moved from Lewiston, and even those who love all things spooky will want to hunt for paranormal activities as Lewiston is allegedly one of Idaho’s most haunted towns. Lewiston, ID 83501, USA
- Twin Falls
Twin Falls City Hall/Facebook Twin Falls is known for its waterfalls and rightly so — they are some of the most magnificent in the entire state! But, Twin Falls offers even more than that for its 50,000 residents. This town is full of excellent parks, shopping, dining, and more. Whether you want to head outdoors or stay inside, there are plenty of things to do and see. Twin Falls, ID, USA
- Ammon
Scoletti1/Wikipedia Ammon is actually a suburb of Idaho Falls and more than 16,000 people call it home. This city is growing drastically each year and with its growth, numerous new businesses and things to do are coming into town. In Ammon, you’ll find excellent shopping and fabulous restaurants. You can also head to McCowin Park, where you’ll find a swimming pool, splash pad, pickleball courts, lots of green space, a walking path, and so much more. Ammon, ID, USA
- Moscow
knowlesgallery/iStock Via Getty Images Plus Located in the panhandle and near the Washington and Idaho state line is Moscow. This town revolves around the University of Idaho and offers plenty to keep residents, college students, and visitors busy. However, this city also has a small-town charm to it and it’s located in the heart of the Palouse, one of the most picturesque and unique landscapes in Idaho. Moscow, ID, USA
- Post Falls
Visit Post Falls/Facebook Post Falls is located in Kootenai County, near Coeur d’Alene and Spokane, Washington. While it is home to all types of shopping, dining, and cozy accommodations, we suggest spending lots of time outdoors. Head to Q’emiln Park and the beautiful Post Falls Community Forest where you will find hikes, rock climbing opportunities, and river views. You can also take a short hike to Treaty Rock, an important piece of history in the area. Post Falls, ID 83854, USA
- Pocatello
Charles (Chuck) Peterson/Flickr With a population of just over 56,000 people, Pocatello is the largest city on our list. However, it still has a small-town charm to it. Due to the college in town, you’ll find many places to eat, unique attractions, and charming accommodations. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities including one of our favorites – Cherry Springs Nature Area. Pocatello, ID, USA
- Burley
City of Burley, Est. 1905/Facebook Burley is one of the smaller cities on our list but it still seems to be just the right size. In Burley, the Snake River becomes wide and quite calm, making it a popular place for spending time in the water. Boat, water ski, kayak, canoe — this is a great place to do it all! Burley is also home to the Cassia County Historical Museum, where you can learn all about this area and the people who have called it home for the past decades. Burley, ID, USA
- Rexburg
Ken Lund/Flickr Rexburg is located in southeastern Idaho and it’s another city that revolves around a university — Brigham Young University – Idaho. This town is also one of the best for young families and there are all types of regular events and things to do where families of all sizes can be involved. The winters can become very cold here but during the summer, you can spend time at Rexburg Rapids, Porter Park, or Yellowstone Bear World. Rexburg, ID, USA
- Sandpoint
Steve Walser/Flickr Sandpoint is another city in Idaho that is not only the right size but it is home to so many fun things to do – especially with an entire family in tow. Spend the day at Pend Oreille, the deepest lake in Idaho. Head to Schweitzer Mountain Resort where you can ski and snowboard in the winter or mountain bike and pick huckleberries in the summer. Cedar Street Bridge Public Market is a unique shopping center on a bridge over Sand Creek and you’ll want to check it out for yourself. Sandpoint, ID 83864, USA
What do you think of this list? Are there any other cities in Idaho you would add? Let us know in the comments!
Dave Brenner/Moment Via Getty Images
Lewiston is one Idaho city that is unique no matter how you look at it. This place is an outdoor lover’s paradise with countless hiking, camping, and water recreation opportunities. History buffs will be fascinated with the story of how Idaho’s capital city moved from Lewiston, and even those who love all things spooky will want to hunt for paranormal activities as Lewiston is allegedly one of Idaho’s most haunted towns.
Lewiston, ID 83501, USA
Twin Falls City Hall/Facebook
Twin Falls is known for its waterfalls and rightly so — they are some of the most magnificent in the entire state! But, Twin Falls offers even more than that for its 50,000 residents. This town is full of excellent parks, shopping, dining, and more. Whether you want to head outdoors or stay inside, there are plenty of things to do and see.
Twin Falls, ID, USA
Scoletti1/Wikipedia
Ammon is actually a suburb of Idaho Falls and more than 16,000 people call it home. This city is growing drastically each year and with its growth, numerous new businesses and things to do are coming into town. In Ammon, you’ll find excellent shopping and fabulous restaurants. You can also head to McCowin Park, where you’ll find a swimming pool, splash pad, pickleball courts, lots of green space, a walking path, and so much more.
Ammon, ID, USA
knowlesgallery/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Located in the panhandle and near the Washington and Idaho state line is Moscow. This town revolves around the University of Idaho and offers plenty to keep residents, college students, and visitors busy. However, this city also has a small-town charm to it and it’s located in the heart of the Palouse, one of the most picturesque and unique landscapes in Idaho.
Moscow, ID, USA
Visit Post Falls/Facebook
Post Falls is located in Kootenai County, near Coeur d’Alene and Spokane, Washington. While it is home to all types of shopping, dining, and cozy accommodations, we suggest spending lots of time outdoors. Head to Q’emiln Park and the beautiful Post Falls Community Forest where you will find hikes, rock climbing opportunities, and river views. You can also take a short hike to Treaty Rock, an important piece of history in the area.
Post Falls, ID 83854, USA
Charles (Chuck) Peterson/Flickr
With a population of just over 56,000 people, Pocatello is the largest city on our list. However, it still has a small-town charm to it. Due to the college in town, you’ll find many places to eat, unique attractions, and charming accommodations. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities including one of our favorites – Cherry Springs Nature Area.
Pocatello, ID, USA
City of Burley, Est. 1905/Facebook
Burley is one of the smaller cities on our list but it still seems to be just the right size. In Burley, the Snake River becomes wide and quite calm, making it a popular place for spending time in the water. Boat, water ski, kayak, canoe — this is a great place to do it all! Burley is also home to the Cassia County Historical Museum, where you can learn all about this area and the people who have called it home for the past decades.
Burley, ID, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
Rexburg is located in southeastern Idaho and it’s another city that revolves around a university — Brigham Young University – Idaho. This town is also one of the best for young families and there are all types of regular events and things to do where families of all sizes can be involved. The winters can become very cold here but during the summer, you can spend time at Rexburg Rapids, Porter Park, or Yellowstone Bear World.
Rexburg, ID, USA
Steve Walser/Flickr
Sandpoint is another city in Idaho that is not only the right size but it is home to so many fun things to do – especially with an entire family in tow. Spend the day at Pend Oreille, the deepest lake in Idaho. Head to Schweitzer Mountain Resort where you can ski and snowboard in the winter or mountain bike and pick huckleberries in the summer. Cedar Street Bridge Public Market is a unique shopping center on a bridge over Sand Creek and you’ll want to check it out for yourself.
Sandpoint, ID 83864, USA
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