Idaho is pretty lucky to boast so many small towns that consistently rank as safe and cheap places to live. For this reason, most Idahoans could be classified as a happy sort of people. Our communities are quiet, clean, and affordable. Life is pretty great here. However, there is one town that deserves to be acknowledged as one of the best places to live in Idaho yet few people have actually been there — Rupert. This charming community could be considered one of the happiest places in America! After reading about it below, you might find yourself packing your bags to move in.

Rupert is a historic little town that's home to approximately 5,500 residents. It's the largest town in Minidoka County, but this place is bursting with a unique small town charm that you just can't help but fall in love with.
Jim Metzger/GoogleMaps
The town has been recognized as one of the best places to live in Idaho. According to this study, Rupert ranked as the second happiest city in the state. The study took into account factors like low crime rate, restaurants per capita, commute time, and median household income.
Allen/Flickr
Just like the rest of Idaho, Rupert is growing. The unemployment rate is low and jobs are continuing to become more abundant.
paul treadwell/Google
Rupert may be slowly growing, but it still retains its cozy small town atmosphere. The downtown plaza is considered to be the town's pride and joy. The area is home to many historic buildings such as the famous Wilson Theater which was built in 1920.
Allen/Flickr

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Nothing makes an Idahoan happier than being outdoors, and Rupert is the perfect place to escape and explore. It's completely surrounded by beautiful natural areas that are perfect for endless amounts of recreation.
Steve Cox/GoogleMaps
The town acts as a gateway to the absolutely breathtaking Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge. Located on the Snake River Plain, the refuge is home to countless wildlife species in an utterly beautiful wetlands landscape.
George Pilley/GoogleMaps
The incredible Lake Walcott is also nearby. Walcott is by far one of the most underrated water destinations in Idaho. It provides all sorts of recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, camping, and swimming in a blissful setting.
Lake Walcott State Park/Facebook
Rupert is one of those small towns that flies under the radar. It doesn't get a ton of attention from the outside world, but it should. Actually, it's the quiet nature of this tight-knit community that makes it such a heavenly place to live.
Ken Lund/Flickr

Rupert looks absolutely charming. No wonder its citizens are so happy! Our state is full of satisfied residents. You can learn more about this small town on its official city website.

Were you surprised that Rupert is considered one of the happiest places to live in Idaho? Have you spent time in this charming small town? Let us know in the comments!

The nearby Lake Walcott definitely deserves a spot on your bucket list if you have never been to this small town before. Check out our feature article to learn more about this state park in Idaho and what makes it an incredible place that is worthy of a visit.

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Small towns in idaho

Courtnie Erickson | December 23, 2022

What are some of the best small towns in Idaho that I should visit?

The Gem State is home to some of the most charming and delightful small towns. From the panhandle to the Utah and Idaho state line, there are dozens of charming small towns that deserve your attention. To help you determine the next small town you need to visit, here are a few worth considering:

 

What are some of America’s best small towns?

With hundreds of quaint and charming small towns across America, it is impossible for us to list some of the best. However, we try our hardest. Check out this list we created featuring some of the tiniest towns in all 50 states. These are tiny towns with small populations but they are each big on charm, heart, and friendly faces.

If you are searching for even more of America’s best small towns, we created a list of 16 delightful places around the country that are all worthy of a visit. Check out our list and let us know if you would add any other towns to it.

What are some hidden gems in Idaho worth checking out?

Yes, Idaho’s small towns are worth a visit but they are not the only destinations in the Gem State that you should add to your bucket list. The following are several hidden gems in Idaho that you need to visit at least once.

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