It seems like no matter where you travel in Idaho, you’ll find a close-knit, small-town community. Of course, all of Idaho is renowned for its friendliness – but you know the kind of community we’re talking about! The kind of town with so much easy familiarity that if you mention your Uncle Hank back home, odds are the person you’re talking to went to high school with him, dated his next-door neighbor, or went on a fishing trip with him at some point. In no particular order, here are 12 cozy, welcoming small towns in Idaho that have that friendly, congenial vibe down solid.
- Weiser
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Photo Kent/Flickr Weiser is a small, rural community just an hour or so outside Boise. It’s known for a lot of things: the annual National Oldtime Fiddler’s Contest and Festival, excellent schools, and a prime spot at the confluence of the Weiser and Snake Rivers. But its cozy 5,000-resident population also makes for the perfect balance of diversity and welcoming community. Weiser, ID 83672, USA
- Mullan
John Russell/Flickr Nestled deep within Idaho’s panhandle, Mullan is a snowy mining community that gets its name from Army Captain John Mullan, who was tasked with building the Mullan Road in the mid-1800s. With a population of around 700 and a historic Silver Valley setting, this tiny town is a beautiful and friendly place to be. Mullan, ID 83846, USA
- Paris
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr The seat of Bear Lake County in Idaho’s eastern corner is a peaceful, lovely town to visit or settle down in. With Bear Lake just a short drive away and the beautiful and historic Paris Tabernacle as an architectural gem in the heart of the town, this gateway town into Utah is pretty perfect. And who wouldn’t want to say that they live in Paris? Paris, ID, USA
- Kamiah
Kamiah Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Kamiah Chamber of Commerce/Facebook Kamiah is yet another breathtaking northern gem that is impossible not to fall in love with. An idyllic setting near the Clearwater River makes this community a recreational haven, while the scenic foothills and lush green landscape offer idyllic beauty. Kamiah, ID 83536, USA
- Oakley
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Oakley is a tiny town in southern Idaho that most people don’t hear about often, but it’s a charming one worth the mention! Surrounded on three sides by mountains. you’ll find nothing but pleasant people and beautiful countryside here, with a colorful history of pioneering and settlement mixed in. Oakley, ID 83346, USA
- Montpelier
Stefan Gurtner/Flickr Perhaps most often remembered for the infamous bank heist that took place here at the hands of the notorious Butch Cassidy, Montpelier, Idaho, is also a pleasant Bear Valley community that delights in entertaining visitors with its Oregon Trail history and unique personality. Montpelier, ID 83254, USA
- Melba
roadsidepictures/Flickr Rural Melba is one of those relaxing, lovely small towns that is perfectly nestled within its own rolling valley, but also within easy distance to a major city. But you wouldn’t know it just by standing on Main Street! Boise feels worlds away (because it is) and the opportunities for fishing in the Snake River, chatting with locals, and learning about the history of the valley make this an inviting place to visit or relocate to. Melba, ID 83641, USA
- Kimberly
Facebook/City of Kimberly This welcoming, well-rounded community embodies everything that a small town in Idaho should be. Families love the good schools and winning football team, while the charming Magic Valley town itself is picture perfect in every way. Kimberly, ID 83341, USA
- Idaho City
Ka!zen/Flickr When it comes to small towns, Idaho City is often seen as a getaway town and overlooked as a wonderful place to live - but it shouldn’t be! Delightfully rugged, western, and full of character – not to mention wonderful winter yurts, hot springs, and more – the supportive and close-knit residents are just one more special thing to love about this historic town. Multiple fires have destroyed this area over the years and the community continues to band together in the devastation in a way that truly showcases Idaho hospitality and determination. Idaho City, ID 83631, USA
- Cottonwood
By Alan Levine from Strawberry, United States - Big BeaglesUploaded by PDTillman, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15834945 Widely known for its unexpected beagle-shaped B&B, there’s a lot more to love about Cottonwood than its hospitality. Expansive green prairies and wildflower meadows characterize the view every way you turn in a scene straight out of a movie. Cottonwood, ID 83522, USA
- Cascade
Jeremy Erickson/Flickr One of Idaho’s favorite camping and recreation getaways is also a delightfully scenic and cozy place to live year-round. Simple mountain architecture makes the community of Cascade a beautiful one, while the pleasant and welcoming residents embrace newbies with a host of recreation opportunities, community activities, and beautiful scenery to kick back and relax in front of; namely, Cascade Lake. Cascade, ID 83611, USA
- Wallace
Wallace Idaho Chamber of Commerce
Wallace Idaho Chamber of Commerce This quirky little panhandle town has such a bold personality it can be easy to forget how cozy it really is! Historic, beautiful, and made famous for its bounty of unique festivals, natural scenery, and mining history, this picturesque Silver Valley community is all about celebrating the little things. We simply adore Wallace, Idaho! Wallace, ID 83873, USA
Truth is, you’d be hard-pressed to find a place in Idaho where folks won’t remember you by name and welcome you into their world with open arms. It’s a great state! For more wonderful places to visit, check out this picture-perfect autumn town or these peaceful, quiet rural towns.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Photo Kent/Flickr
Weiser is a small, rural community just an hour or so outside Boise. It’s known for a lot of things: the annual National Oldtime Fiddler’s Contest and Festival, excellent schools, and a prime spot at the confluence of the Weiser and Snake Rivers. But its cozy 5,000-resident population also makes for the perfect balance of diversity and welcoming community.
Weiser, ID 83672, USA
John Russell/Flickr
Nestled deep within Idaho’s panhandle, Mullan is a snowy mining community that gets its name from Army Captain John Mullan, who was tasked with building the Mullan Road in the mid-1800s. With a population of around 700 and a historic Silver Valley setting, this tiny town is a beautiful and friendly place to be.
Mullan, ID 83846, USA
The seat of Bear Lake County in Idaho’s eastern corner is a peaceful, lovely town to visit or settle down in. With Bear Lake just a short drive away and the beautiful and historic Paris Tabernacle as an architectural gem in the heart of the town, this gateway town into Utah is pretty perfect. And who wouldn’t want to say that they live in Paris?
Paris, ID, USA
Kamiah Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Kamiah is yet another breathtaking northern gem that is impossible not to fall in love with. An idyllic setting near the Clearwater River makes this community a recreational haven, while the scenic foothills and lush green landscape offer idyllic beauty.
Kamiah, ID 83536, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Oakley is a tiny town in southern Idaho that most people don’t hear about often, but it’s a charming one worth the mention! Surrounded on three sides by mountains. you’ll find nothing but pleasant people and beautiful countryside here, with a colorful history of pioneering and settlement mixed in.
Oakley, ID 83346, USA
Stefan Gurtner/Flickr
Perhaps most often remembered for the infamous bank heist that took place here at the hands of the notorious Butch Cassidy, Montpelier, Idaho, is also a pleasant Bear Valley community that delights in entertaining visitors with its Oregon Trail history and unique personality.
Montpelier, ID 83254, USA
roadsidepictures/Flickr
Rural Melba is one of those relaxing, lovely small towns that is perfectly nestled within its own rolling valley, but also within easy distance to a major city. But you wouldn’t know it just by standing on Main Street! Boise feels worlds away (because it is) and the opportunities for fishing in the Snake River, chatting with locals, and learning about the history of the valley make this an inviting place to visit or relocate to.
Melba, ID 83641, USA
Facebook/City of Kimberly
This welcoming, well-rounded community embodies everything that a small town in Idaho should be. Families love the good schools and winning football team, while the charming Magic Valley town itself is picture perfect in every way.
Kimberly, ID 83341, USA
Ka!zen/Flickr
When it comes to small towns, Idaho City is often seen as a getaway town and overlooked as a wonderful place to live - but it shouldn’t be! Delightfully rugged, western, and full of character – not to mention wonderful winter yurts, hot springs, and more – the supportive and close-knit residents are just one more special thing to love about this historic town. Multiple fires have destroyed this area over the years and the community continues to band together in the devastation in a way that truly showcases Idaho hospitality and determination.
Idaho City, ID 83631, USA
By Alan Levine from Strawberry, United States - Big BeaglesUploaded by PDTillman, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15834945
Widely known for its unexpected beagle-shaped B&B, there’s a lot more to love about Cottonwood than its hospitality. Expansive green prairies and wildflower meadows characterize the view every way you turn in a scene straight out of a movie.
Cottonwood, ID 83522, USA
Jeremy Erickson/Flickr
One of Idaho’s favorite camping and recreation getaways is also a delightfully scenic and cozy place to live year-round. Simple mountain architecture makes the community of Cascade a beautiful one, while the pleasant and welcoming residents embrace newbies with a host of recreation opportunities, community activities, and beautiful scenery to kick back and relax in front of; namely, Cascade Lake.
Cascade, ID 83611, USA
Wallace Idaho Chamber of Commerce
This quirky little panhandle town has such a bold personality it can be easy to forget how cozy it really is! Historic, beautiful, and made famous for its bounty of unique festivals, natural scenery, and mining history, this picturesque Silver Valley community is all about celebrating the little things. We simply adore Wallace, Idaho!
Wallace, ID 83873, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Small towns in Idaho September 26, 2022 Sarah M. What are the most peaceful small towns in Idaho? As Idahoans, we’re incredibly fortunate to have access to some of the loveliest small towns in the country with some of the best scenery on earth. You don’t have to look too hard to discover your perfect small town, especially if it’s a slice of rural life you’re seeking! Some of our favorite peaceful small towns in Idaho include places like Cambridge, Melba, St. Maries, Carey, Clark Fork, and Georgetown. In terms of favorites, Weiser, Idaho, ranks high on the list! This Gem State standout is home to a population of approximately 5,500 residents, the annual Oldtime Fiddlers Contest and Festival, a standout school system, the start of the scenic Weiser River Trail, and more than a few historic gems. This homey little town offers unique shops, local eateries, and small-town life at its finest – but rural beauty thrives here too. Quaintly surrounded by rolling foothills and farmland, this picture-perfect rural gem feels miles away from the big city, while still being just over an hour outside of Boise. In other words, Weiser really is the best of both worlds! What are the best small-town downtowns in Idaho? For those looking to support Idaho’s friendly small businesses and family-run establishments, there are several downtown areas in small town Idaho that are walkable and just plain delightful to visit. One of our favorites is Paris, which you might recognize from the above list of Idaho’s small-town all-stars! Paris is one of the smallest towns in the Gem State, with a population of just over 500. However, that doesn’t mean Paris’s downtown area isn’t worth the visit. Paris, Idaho, has quite the pioneer-feel and many historic buildings line its streets. The Paris Tabernacle is one historic building that is a beautiful city landmark and well worth a visit to its grounds. You may also want to spend an afternoon walking the shops that line this small town’s Main Street.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Small towns in Idaho
September 26, 2022
Sarah M.
What are the most peaceful small towns in Idaho? As Idahoans, we’re incredibly fortunate to have access to some of the loveliest small towns in the country with some of the best scenery on earth. You don’t have to look too hard to discover your perfect small town, especially if it’s a slice of rural life you’re seeking! Some of our favorite peaceful small towns in Idaho include places like Cambridge, Melba, St. Maries, Carey, Clark Fork, and Georgetown. In terms of favorites, Weiser, Idaho, ranks high on the list! This Gem State standout is home to a population of approximately 5,500 residents, the annual Oldtime Fiddlers Contest and Festival, a standout school system, the start of the scenic Weiser River Trail, and more than a few historic gems. This homey little town offers unique shops, local eateries, and small-town life at its finest – but rural beauty thrives here too. Quaintly surrounded by rolling foothills and farmland, this picture-perfect rural gem feels miles away from the big city, while still being just over an hour outside of Boise. In other words, Weiser really is the best of both worlds! What are the best small-town downtowns in Idaho? For those looking to support Idaho’s friendly small businesses and family-run establishments, there are several downtown areas in small town Idaho that are walkable and just plain delightful to visit. One of our favorites is Paris, which you might recognize from the above list of Idaho’s small-town all-stars! Paris is one of the smallest towns in the Gem State, with a population of just over 500. However, that doesn’t mean Paris’s downtown area isn’t worth the visit. Paris, Idaho, has quite the pioneer-feel and many historic buildings line its streets. The Paris Tabernacle is one historic building that is a beautiful city landmark and well worth a visit to its grounds. You may also want to spend an afternoon walking the shops that line this small town’s Main Street.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
As Idahoans, we’re incredibly fortunate to have access to some of the loveliest small towns in the country with some of the best scenery on earth. You don’t have to look too hard to discover your perfect small town, especially if it’s a slice of rural life you’re seeking! Some of our favorite peaceful small towns in Idaho include places like Cambridge, Melba, St. Maries, Carey, Clark Fork, and Georgetown. In terms of favorites, Weiser, Idaho, ranks high on the list! This Gem State standout is home to a population of approximately 5,500 residents, the annual Oldtime Fiddlers Contest and Festival, a standout school system, the start of the scenic Weiser River Trail, and more than a few historic gems. This homey little town offers unique shops, local eateries, and small-town life at its finest – but rural beauty thrives here too. Quaintly surrounded by rolling foothills and farmland, this picture-perfect rural gem feels miles away from the big city, while still being just over an hour outside of Boise. In other words, Weiser really is the best of both worlds!
What are the best small-town downtowns in Idaho?
For those looking to support Idaho’s friendly small businesses and family-run establishments, there are several downtown areas in small town Idaho that are walkable and just plain delightful to visit. One of our favorites is Paris, which you might recognize from the above list of Idaho’s small-town all-stars! Paris is one of the smallest towns in the Gem State, with a population of just over 500. However, that doesn’t mean Paris’s downtown area isn’t worth the visit. Paris, Idaho, has quite the pioneer-feel and many historic buildings line its streets. The Paris Tabernacle is one historic building that is a beautiful city landmark and well worth a visit to its grounds. You may also want to spend an afternoon walking the shops that line this small town’s Main Street.
