Idaho , one of the Rocky Mt. states in the NW United States. It is bordered by Montana and Wyoming (E), Utah and Nevada (S), Oregon and Washington (W), and the Canadian province of British Columbia (N). Manufacturing has recently supplanted agriculture as the most important sector of Idaho's economy. Cattle and dairy goods are among the leading agricultural products. Idaho's chief crops are potatoes (for which the state, easily the nation's largest producer, is famous), hay, wheat, peas, beans, and sugar beets. Electronic and computer equipment, processed foods, lumber, and chemicals are the major manufactured items. Probably the first nonnatives to enter the area that is now Idaho were members of the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805. They were not far ahead of the fur traders who came to the region shortly thereafter. A Canadian, David Thompson of the North West Company, established the first trading post in Idaho in 1809. The next year traders from St. Louis penetrated the mountains, and Andrew Henry of the Missouri Fur Company established a post near present-day Rexburg, the first American trading post established in the area. In this period the fortunes of the Idaho region were wrapped up with those of the Columbia River region, and the area encompassed by what is now the state of Idaho was part of Oregon country, held jointly by the United States and Great Britain from 1818 to 1846. Fur traders in an expedition sent out by John Jacob Astor came to the Snake River region to trap for furs after having established (1811) a trading post at Astoria on the Columbia River. In 1821 two British trading companies operating in the Idaho region, the North West Company and the Hudson's Bay Company, were joined together as the Hudson's Bay Company which, after 1824, came into competition with American mountain men also trapping in the area. By the 1840s the two groups had severely depleted the region's fur supply.

Cost of living is below the national average which makes Idaho apartment rentals very affordable. The economy consists of mining, lumbering, and agriculture. Tourism brings in more revenue than the other industries. There are skill shortages in parts of the state and job training efforts are underway with new emphasis on higher paying employment.

Sun Valley is one of the most famous vacation resorts in the nation. The natural beauty of Idaho consists of breathtaking mountains, rivers and lakes. Idaho is also known for its russet potatoes and provides one fourth of the potato crop for the nation. Apartment renters and home owners can enjoy long and mild summers, and winter time brings plenty of snow for those enjoying outdoor activities.

Idaho has some of the best snow conditions in the Northwest providing superb skiing and snowboarding. Many recreational activities abound including swimming, hiking, fishing, hunting, boating and river rafting. Living in Idaho is an advantage for home buyers and apartment renters because of the cost of living.

Idaho State offers 219 degree programs and certifications. Boise State University is the largest university. Idaho provides apartment rentals lower than the national average which is very attractive to students needing housing.