Idaho was my full-time home for the first 18 years of my life. I loved growing up here and appreciate how it shaped me as a person. That being said, I took the opportunity to go to school in California, rather than stay in state, and I know I will never live here by my own choice in the future. I have a love-hate relationship with this place I call my home. However, there are many great things about Idaho that are vastly under appreciated or completely overlooked.

1. Gorgeous Lakes

Whether it's one of these smaller lakes hidden away in the sawtooth mountain range, or Payette Lake in McCall where summer brings in huge crowds of boaters and jet-skiers, there's no denying how beautiful the view is.

2. Friendly People

People here will hold doors open for you, say excuse me every time, and make polite conversation at the grocery store. People in Idaho, a good majority of the time, are just friendlier than so many other places.

3. Low Cost Of Living

Moving from Idaho to Los Angeles, this is especially apparent to me. Dining out in Idaho usually costs significantly less, groceries are often slightly cheaper and property values are ridiculously low compared to so many other places.

4. River Rafting

Whether you prefer the relaxing vibe of rafting the Boise or the thrill of the Payette, Idaho has some pretty amazing rivers.

5. The Quail And Deer Are Everywhere

Depending on the season you can see 30 quail a day running through the streets, and personally, I saw two deer running across the freeway a few weeks ago. (Clearly the deer are some what dangerous, but under other circumstances it's pretty cool to see them so often).

6. Four Seasons

Idaho is great in that we have a summer, a spring, a fall, and a winter, none of which are usually too extreme, but all of them are true to their names and beautiful.

7. "Napoleon Dynamite" Was Filmed Here

I'm somewhat embarrassed by this one, but as stupid as much of this movie is, nobody can deny the fact that they've laughed at it's ironic humor.

8. No Traffic

Okay, not none, but very little. Boise rush hour is a typical Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles.

9. Amazing, Endless Mountains

Lots of states have mountains. I'm biased towards mine.

10. Flying M Coffee House

Home to the best latte I've ever had, showing local artists' work and a hilarious gift shop, Flying M is a place I am always happy to come home to.

11. Free Parking after five o'clock and on weekends

This speaks for itself. It's extremely convenient.

12. The Stars

Even in the city, you can always see them. This is something I miss even more than I thought I would while in Los Angeles.

I talk down on Idaho a lot; I've grown tired of it in many ways as the years have gone by, but I will still always be happy to return from time to time. It's been a good place to call home.