We love living in our little slice of panhandled paradise, but you have to admit–it’s a bit different from the rest of the country. Some of it’s awesome stuff, like gorgeous rivers and mountains, but some of it is a little harder to love…like rattlesnakes and the dry climate. If you’re not a native Idahoan and you’re thinking of moving to the Gem State, there are a few things you’ll soon realize about our state, starting with these:

1. Sometimes you'll be late to work... and not because of bumper-to-bumper traffic.
white Bird, Idaho/Facebook
Cows, sheep, tractors, geese... fortunately, Idahoans are patient folk.
2. You'll need to learn how to navigate winding mountain roads and bumpy switchbacks.
Donnie Kolb/Flickr
Take a deep breath. They're not as scary as they look.
3. Whatever the season, if you want a change of scenery, you'll be able to find it.
Lee Stone/Flickr
Not a fan of hot summer days? Hit up the beach! In the mood for green trees and isolation? Head to the mountains--we have plenty!
4. Real Idaho is found well outside tourist destinations.
Ashley Maurelius/Idaho Only/Facebook
There's a reason tourists flock to certain places in Idaho, but the road less traveled is really the best place to be.
5. It's pretty darn dry here.
Dark_muse/Flickr
Yep, Idaho is one of the 10 driest states in the country as a whole, and in the top 5 during the summer. Our heat is dry, our cold winters are dry... you'll get used to it. Maybe.
6. You'll fall in love with the fresh food and abundance of farmers' markets.
Thomas Gamstaetter
You'll never look at fast food the same. That's why Idaho is one of healthiest states in the nation!
7. We have truly some remarkable natural wonders here.
Adam Sorenson/Flickr
It's okay to be jealous.
8. You'll actually want to get to know your neighbors.
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9. Small town football is a BIG deal.
Kiwanis Club/Flickr
Seriously.
10. Be prepared to always discover new landscapes.
Charles Knowles/Flickr
(Hopefully we help a little in that area!)
11. You'll learn how to relax.
Alan Levine/Flickr
Idahoans know how to work harder than anyone, but we also know how to play just as hard and take it easy when it matters most.

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12. Every out-of-stater will complain about our lack of In-N-Out restaurants.
Jeremy Hall/Flickr
We get that you're upset... but seriously. It's not our fault.
13. No two Idahoans are alike.
David Wright/Flickr
From North Idaho lake-loungers to BoDo hipsters, Idaho has a unique blend of personalities that are just as diverse as our landscape.
14. We prefer swimming holes to swimming pools…
Erin Johnson/Flickr
This is where it's at.
15. And fishing holes to country clubs.
Echo Valley Ranch/Flickr
Dream vacay right here!
16. We're always adding to our bucket lists.
projectpeel.ca/Flickr
Don't know what to add? That's where yours truly comes in. We've got you covered.
17. Seasons don't come one at a time, here.
Karen Blaha/Flickr
Nope... they tend to overlap, jump backwards, skip around, and confuse themselves--usually all in one day.
18. While our gorgeous Sawtooths get a lot of attention, all of our mountains are spectacular.
BLMIdaho/Flickr
Hello, Lost River Range--just one of 80 ranges that crisscross through the state.
19. Boise is pretty great as far as big cities go, but there's so much more to Idaho than our capital!
Gary O. Grimm/Flickr
20. You'll learn that there's always a back road.
Trevor Wilson
And it's probably prettier!
21. And where the best huckleberry ice cream is.
m01229/Flickr
Of course, everyone has their favorite... what's yours?
22. If the great outdoors isn't your happy place, this probably isn't the right state for you.
Rand Lemley/Flickr
While Idaho is diverse in a lot of ways, this is one thing we all can agree on.
23. Most importantly: you'll quickly learn that you're not going to want to leave any time soon.
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
Idahome for life.

What else will newbies learn when they move to the Gem State?

Want more? Check out out the 12 reasons other states think we’re crazy! Or, to learn more about one of our favorite landscapes, read about this colorful prairie getaway.

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