Idaho is well-known for its stunning scenery, affordable cost of living, and hospitable population. But not every community in Idaho is as alluring to locals as it is to visitors. The population of several towns has decreased recently for a variety of reasons, including low economic opportunity, environmental difficulties, or social unrest. Based on Google search results, here are seven towns in Idaho that people want to get out of as quickly as possible.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen, a tiny town in Bingham County, had 1,797 residents. The community is among the fastest declining in Idaho, with a population decline of almost 11% between 2013 and 2023. Aberdeen is primarily an agricultural town that produces a lot of potatoes. Nonetheless, the community deals with issues including scarce water supplies, low pay, and inadequate facilities. The town has a cold, dry environment and is located at an elevation of nearly four thousand feet.
Boise
As of 2020, Boise, the capital and largest city of Idaho, had 234,576 residents. The population of the city has, however, been growing much more slowly recently. In fact, from 2021 and 2022, it decreased by 0.6%. Boise is a dynamic, multifaceted city with a wealth of leisure and cultural offerings. But the city also faces issues including air pollution, rising housing costs, and traffic congestion. In quest of a higher standard of living, some locals have made the decision to relocate to smaller communities or nearby states.
Drysville
Drysville is a made-up town that was made for a lighthearted post on the Hill Country Weekly website. According to the story, the only profitable enterprise in Drysville is a sunscreen shop, and the area is so dry that even the cacti are parched. The essay is supposed to make light of the misconceptions and difficulties associated with living in Idaho, particularly in the state’s arid areas. The piece does, however, also highlight some of the actual problems that many Idaho towns deal with, such as a lack of economic diversification, harsh weather, and water shortages.
Boredomville
Another made-up town for the same Hill Country Weekly article is called Boredomville. According to the story, the world’s most thrilling tumbleweed race takes place in Boredomville, a town so calm that even crickets lament the lack of activity. The purpose of the essay is to make fun of the loneliness and boredom that some people could experience in rural Idaho, where there aren’t many social and entertainment opportunities. The article, however, also fails to mention how many Idaho communities offer a wealth of indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities to both locals and tourists, in addition to their rich cultural and historical past.
Chillington
Another made-up town, Chillington, was made for the same item that appeared in Hill Country Weekly. According to the article, Chillington is a town whose attractiveness has faded faster than an Idaho potato chip, with buildings that seem to belong in a history book and a town locked in time. The post aims to make fun of the traditional and conservative aspects of certain Idaho communities that lack creativity and diversity. The article, however, also fails to mention how many communities in Idaho have maintained their strong feeling of community and tradition, as well as their historical and architectural heritage.
Mosquito Meadows
Another made-up town, Mosquito Meadows, was made for the same Hill Country Weekly piece. According to the story, Mosquito Meadows is overrun with mosquitoes so large they have mailing addresses, and the locals attempted but were unable, to put together a “swat team.” The purpose of the post is to exaggerate how uncomfortable and bothersome it is to live in Idaho, where there are a lot of pests and insects. The article fails to include the numerous advantages of residing in a natural and biodiverse setting, as well as the fact that many Idaho communities have implemented steps to regulate and restrict the spread of mosquitoes and other vectors.
Foggy Falls
Another made-up town, Foggy Falls, was made for the same piece published in Hill Country Weekly. According to the story, residents of Foggy Falls have never seen their own shadows and the area is so misty that sunshine is a fantasy. The purpose of the post is to convey the melancholy and depression that come with residing in Idaho, a state with an abundance of overcast and wet days. The article, however, also ignores the reality that many places in Idaho have a beautiful, temperate climate, with plenty of bright, clear days all year long.
In summary
Both locals and visitors can benefit greatly from Idaho’s abundant options. That being said, not every town in Idaho is as charming and successful as others. The population of several towns has decreased recently for a variety of reasons, including low economic opportunity, environmental difficulties, or social unrest. Nevertheless, a few of these cities are made up and were intended for a funny essay that glorifies and misrepresents the difficulties of being an Idaho resident. Therefore, before deciding whether to relocate into or out of Idaho, it is crucial to conduct additional research and pay the towns a visit. If one is willing to look past the obvious and recognize the diversity and beauty of the state, Idaho has something for everyone.