If You’ve Experienced These 10 Things, You’ve Lived in Idaho for Far Too Long

If you’ve experienced these 10 things, chances are you’ve lived in Idaho for far too long:

1. You Always Have a Winter Survival Kit in Your Car
   From snowbrushes to emergency blankets, you’re prepared for sudden Idaho winter storms.
2. Camouflage Is More Than Just Clothing — It’s a Lifestyle
   Whether hunting or casual wear, camo gear is a wardrobe staple.
3. You Know How to Navigate a Roundabout… Even If It’s With Reluctance
   Idaho has been adding more roundabouts, but many locals still joke about avoiding or bungling them.
4. You Own at Least One Pair of Cowboy Boots
   Even in cities, boots are common footwear, reflecting Idaho’s Western roots.
5. You’ve Got a Strong Opinion About Potatoes — And It’s Not Just About Eating Them
   Potatoes are both a staple crop and a point of pride, and everyone has a favorite way to prepare them.
6. You Can Spot a Wild Animal in Your Backyard — From Deer to Moose
   Wildlife sightings are common in residential areas, especially near forests.
7. You’re Familiar With Every Exit on I-84
   Road trips and daily commutes revolve heavily around this major interstate.
8. You’ve Had a Good Debate About Whether Idaho Is Racist or Not
   Discussions about diversity and inclusiveness come up often due to the state’s demographic makeup.
9. You’ve Watched “Napoleon Dynamite” More Than Once
   This cult classic Idaho-centric film feels like a local anthem.
10. You’re Proud of Idaho’s Natural Beauty, Even When Complaining About the Weather
    From stunning mountains to wide open plains, Idahoans love their state’s landscapes, rain or shine.

These experiences and cultural traits are so ingrained for longtime residents, they become amusing badges of honor — a true sign you’ve lived in Idaho enough to know its quirks inside out.

SOURCES

[1](https://mix106radio.com/myths-about-idaho/)
[2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peAKOnjkfd0)
[3](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskAnAmerican/comments/4rsjji/what_stereotypes_do_other_americans_have_about/)
[4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxU92qYnN8E)
[5](https://liteonline.com/idaho-stereotype-maps/)