Let’s face it – Idaho is probably the most underrated state in the country. As Idahoans, we are well aware of all the reasons why our state is so great. However, it’s undeniable that Idaho has a reputation in the rest of the world that simply doesn’t reflect the wonderful Gem State. If there’s one characteristic that is most common among Idahoans, it’s pride for our state. So next time somebody hates on Idaho, go ahead and direct them to this list.

  1. Haters would like to believe Idaho is a vast, barren desert with nothing to see.

BLM/Flickr Little do they know that we get to witness incredible views like this one.

And this…

BLM/Flickr Stunning views like this are just a short drive away! Haters clearly have never experienced the true beauty that Idaho is comprised of.

Oh, and this…

Jonni Armani/Flickr That’s right. Incredible scenery like this is only found right here in Idaho.

  1. Sorry, we’re too busy relaxing to acknowledge the haters.

Amy Ross/Flickr There’s no other place in the world that has such a high concentration of natural hot springs like Idaho does. We’re too preoccupied with soaking in these amazing hot springs to care about Idaho hate!

  1. Idaho has the darkest and the most beautiful skies.

Brandon Swanson/Flickr Idaho is home to a number of dark sky preserves because the level of light pollution is so low here. You haven’t really experienced the true beauty of a midnight sky unless you’ve lived in Idaho.

  1. You can never get bored here.

Jocelyn Catterson/Flickr Haters will say that there’s nothing to do in Idaho and that we probably all just sit on our thumbs to pass the time. They couldn’t be more wrong. With so much beauty around us, there are always new adventures to be had!

  1. Idaho is humongous.

R Brown/Flickr We’re the 14th largest state out of 50. The Gem State is huge and our recreational areas reflect that. In fact, the largest recreation in the country is located right here in Idaho. You better have some respect for these enormous, unspoiled areas of natural beauty!

  1. The world has television because of this little town.

Jimmy Emerson/Flickr Philo T. Farnsworth was the inventor of television and he grew up in the small town of Rigby, Idaho. Without Idaho, the world would be deprived of the joys provided by modern amenities like Netflix and Hulu. You can thank us later…or now.

  1. This is one of the most affordable places to live in the country.

Jeffrey W. Spencer/Flickr The low cost of living makes Idaho a great place to grow up and raise a family. We can do better things with our money since we’re not giving an arm and a leg for things like housing.

  1. Food tastes better here.

Jonni Armani/Flickr Idaho restaurants are big on the “farm to table” philosophy. Our meals are made from local ingredients which make them taste better, obviously. You can’t get freshness like this anywhere else!

  1. And our drinks taste pretty dang good, too.

Amy Ross/Flickr Nobody makes beer and wine like Idaho does! The rest of the world is truly missing out.

  1. We have a good sense of humor.

Saya Muncil/Flickr Idahoans (thankfully) are good about laughing at themselves. We’ve heard every dumb potato joke known to man and will happily laugh along. Yes, we love potatoes a ridiculous amount and we aren’t ashamed of that fact. In fact we have a museum dedicated to potatoes and we ring in every New Year by watching the Potato Drop.

  1. The rest of the country can thank Idaho for a lot of things, not just potatoes.

Andrew Newill/Flickr Agriculture is kind of our thing here. Not only are we the #1 producer of potatoes but of trout, as well. We’re the #2 producer of hops, barley, and peas. And we’re the #3 producer of cheese and milk products. Next time you enjoy a meal including any of these things, you can think of Idaho!

  1. The weather is always perfect.

junaidrao/Flickr Idaho is known for having four distinct seasons and it’s true. Our weather is always pretty great here. Even during winter, many of our days are sunny and refreshing. Summers aren’t too hot, and the middle seasons of Spring and Fall are absolutely divine.

  1. You can easily find your own private slice of Idaho.

Ken Lane/Flickr Idaho has a relatively small population in comparison to how vast it is. This ensures that everybody has enough room to themselves and we’re never crowding each other. Living in Idaho is like living in sweet, sweet paradise! Go ahead and keep hating on Idaho if you must. But you truly have no idea how good we have it here.

What do you think? What’s your favorite thing about living in Idaho? Be sure to check out these 10 Reasons Why Small Town Idaho Is Actually The Best Place To Grow Up!

BLM/Flickr

Little do they know that we get to witness incredible views like this one.

Stunning views like this are just a short drive away! Haters clearly have never experienced the true beauty that Idaho is comprised of.

Jonni Armani/Flickr

That’s right. Incredible scenery like this is only found right here in Idaho.

Amy Ross/Flickr

There’s no other place in the world that has such a high concentration of natural hot springs like Idaho does. We’re too preoccupied with soaking in these amazing hot springs to care about Idaho hate!

Brandon Swanson/Flickr

Idaho is home to a number of dark sky preserves because the level of light pollution is so low here. You haven’t really experienced the true beauty of a midnight sky unless you’ve lived in Idaho.

Jocelyn Catterson/Flickr

Haters will say that there’s nothing to do in Idaho and that we probably all just sit on our thumbs to pass the time. They couldn’t be more wrong. With so much beauty around us, there are always new adventures to be had!

R Brown/Flickr

We’re the 14th largest state out of 50. The Gem State is huge and our recreational areas reflect that. In fact, the largest recreation in the country is located right here in Idaho. You better have some respect for these enormous, unspoiled areas of natural beauty!

Jimmy Emerson/Flickr

Philo T. Farnsworth was the inventor of television and he grew up in the small town of Rigby, Idaho. Without Idaho, the world would be deprived of the joys provided by modern amenities like Netflix and Hulu. You can thank us later…or now.

Jeffrey W. Spencer/Flickr

The low cost of living makes Idaho a great place to grow up and raise a family. We can do better things with our money since we’re not giving an arm and a leg for things like housing.

Idaho restaurants are big on the “farm to table” philosophy. Our meals are made from local ingredients which make them taste better, obviously. You can’t get freshness like this anywhere else!

Nobody makes beer and wine like Idaho does! The rest of the world is truly missing out.

Saya Muncil/Flickr

Idahoans (thankfully) are good about laughing at themselves. We’ve heard every dumb potato joke known to man and will happily laugh along. Yes, we love potatoes a ridiculous amount and we aren’t ashamed of that fact. In fact we have a museum dedicated to potatoes and we ring in every New Year by watching the Potato Drop.

Andrew Newill/Flickr

Agriculture is kind of our thing here. Not only are we the #1 producer of potatoes but of trout, as well. We’re the #2 producer of hops, barley, and peas. And we’re the #3 producer of cheese and milk products. Next time you enjoy a meal including any of these things, you can think of Idaho!

junaidrao/Flickr

Idaho is known for having four distinct seasons and it’s true. Our weather is always pretty great here. Even during winter, many of our days are sunny and refreshing. Summers aren’t too hot, and the middle seasons of Spring and Fall are absolutely divine.

Ken Lane/Flickr

Idaho has a relatively small population in comparison to how vast it is. This ensures that everybody has enough room to themselves and we’re never crowding each other. Living in Idaho is like living in sweet, sweet paradise! Go ahead and keep hating on Idaho if you must. But you truly have no idea how good we have it here.

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