It seems that the secret is out. Idaho is a great place to live. That’s why it was recently just named the fastest growing state in the nation. Most Idahoans you talk to will be pretty grumpy about this fact, but it’s something we need to accept. So if you’re thinking about making the move to Idaho soon, you might want to read these 9 bits of advice longtime Idahoans wish they could tell newcomers.

1. First off, we enjoy our space.
Mark Revers/Flickr
Idaho is a huge state. It's said that if you flattened out all of the mountains, Idaho would be as big as Texas. With a population of just 1.7 million, that makes us one of the least densely populated places in the country. That means we all have plenty of space to stretch out, and that's the way we like it.
2. On that note, Idaho's all full up and you probably should just stay where you're at.
NikonFDSLR/Flickr
Just kidding. Idahoans are pretty adamant about refusing newcomers, but if you come with a genuine appreciation of our state and what we stand for then you'll be just fine.
3. Please, for the love of all things that are good...respect our wilderness areas.
Vlad Karpinskiy/Flickr
You'll undoubtedly notice how pristine our wilderness areas are. It looks like they have never been touched by human hands. That's because a lot of them haven't. So please, leave every natural area the way it looked before you got there.
4. You're bound to be surprised at how beautiful Idaho is.
junaidrao/Flickr
It's not news to us, but you'll definitely be in awe at the immense beauty that is our state. Now you can understand why we love this place so much.
5. The whole state isn't just endless farmland.
Jonni Armani/Flickr
There's a lot more to Idaho than farms and potatoes. However, we appreciate our farmlands just as much as any other area of our state, if not more.
6. We have immense respect for the rural lifestyle.
Stewart Baird/Flickr
Agriculture is a huge way of life for most Idahoans. In fact, 20% of Idaho's annual sales are generated by agriculture and food processing. If you come to Idaho, you better have respect for the people that make it possible to have fresh, local food on your table.
7. Be prepared for any type of weather, at any time.
The National Guard/Flickr
It's best if you just don't get used to any type of weather we're having. If you don't like a certain type of weather, just wait. It's bound to change throughout the day. Oh, and keep in mind that winter never actually ends.
8. Don't scare the wildlife.
USFWS/Flickr
It doesn't matter if you're in an urban or rural area. Deer, mountain lions, snakes, and more are abundant here in Idaho. Part of being an Idahoan is learning how to live with the animals, not against them.
9. Be sure to stock up on lotion. Lots of it.
Clean Wal-Mart/Flickr
It's arid here. Like, really arid. Lotion is your new best friend if you don't want to suffer from dry and cracked skin.

What other pieces of advice do you have for newcomers? While you’re at it, check out these 12 Things No Self-Respecting Idahoan Would Ever Do.

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