Consistently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S., the job market in the Gem State is growing. And not just in the potato business. Idaho is home to semiconductor manufacturer Micron Technologies, a Hewlett-Packard plant, and two offices for SUN Microsystems. With so much growth, companies will be looking for qualified, driven degree-holders.
Idaho is a state of astounding beauty. The small population that inhabits this expansive state loves the magnificent wilderness that surrounds them and takes every opportunity to enjoy it. Idaho has four many education institutions including public universities like Boise State. It is also home to four public colleges and six private universities. If you love the outdoors, come to Idaho to study and live like nowhere else.
Living in Idaho
The population of Idaho consists of only 1.5 million people, and yet the state is nearly 84,000 square miles in size. That’s a lot of wide open space. Almost 85% of the people here have their high school diploma or equivalent, and the median household income is almost $48,000. This is a bit under the national median, but housing costs are quite low here. The median cost of a home is just $106,000-the national median is $119,000.
Working in Idaho
Idaho boasts excellent work opportunities for young professionals. The Idaho Business Review ranked the best places to work in Idaho for 2010. Among the top large companies to work for (over 100 employees) were Edward Jones, T-Mobile, Moneytree Inc., and West Valley Medical Center. Smaller companies on the list included local engineering firms and home builders.
If you love the outdoors, Idaho is the perfect place for you. Idaho’s vast wilderness includes pristine lakes, beautiful forests, majestic mountains, and rolling fields. Favorite pastimes in Idaho include hiking, canoeing, hot-air ballooning, boating, camping, and fishing. Extreme sports available in Idaho include sky diving, bungee jumping, and base jumping. For a slightly less extreme time, Idaho is also well known for its golf courses. Try the Avondale Golf Club for eighteen beautiful holes followed by a gourmet lunch with cocktails.
Many people love Idaho for long spa weekends, trips to the hot springs, and stays at world-class resorts. Idaho also has a number of casinos great for nights out with friends as well as theme parks that are great for the whole family. Head to Silverwood Theme Park to enjoy over 65 rides, shows, and other attractions. The park even includes its own water park with 12 acres-worth of water slides. You can also see masterpieces from around the world at the Boise Art Museum.
If you are a resident of Idaho interested in earning a college diploma, find a college degree or certificate from an accredited Idaho college or university near you.