Lewiston, Idaho doesn’t always make the top of relocation lists, but for many people searching for affordability, outdoor recreation, and a slower pace of life, it’s a hidden gem worth exploring. In this video-based guide, we follow a first impression tour of Lewiston, complete with drone views, river shots, downtown streets, and real-time observations from someone experiencing the city for the very first time.

If you’re comparing different North Idaho cities or planning a potential move, you can start exploring homes at North Idaho real estate.

First Impressions: A Valley City at the Meeting of Two Rivers

The visit to Lewiston starts with a surprise — this is the host’s first time ever setting foot in the city. After an early-morning drive for a vet appointment across the river, the opportunity to finally explore Lewiston presented itself.

Lewiston sits in a dramatic geographic bowl where the Clearwater River and the Snake River converge. While Coeur d’Alene is only two hours north, Lewiston’s landscape is strikingly different. Instead of lush pine forests, you’ll find rolling, brown, high-desert hills formed by ancient erosion. It’s a look that some find rugged and beautiful; others may prefer the forested mountains farther north.

Regardless of preference, Lewiston’s river valley and rugged terrain give it a very distinct identity in the Gem State.

Industry & The Famous (or Infamous) Paper Mill

Lewiston is known for a smell — something many newcomers hear about long before visiting. That scent comes from the Clearwater Paper mill, one of the major employers in the region. The lumber and paper industry is a defining part of Lewiston’s economy, along with Idaho Forest Group and multiple mills along the river.

These major businesses provide substantial employment opportunities for residents, and while the scent may be noticeable at times, locals often report that they eventually don’t notice it at all.

For those researching jobs before relocating, explore Lewiston job opportunities with our team if you need insight into the region.

Schools: What Parents Should Know

School ratings can be hard to interpret, especially without firsthand experience or local connections. For this reason, the video references third-party review websites like niche.com, which aggregate parent and student reviews.

Lewiston’s public schools hold a B to A- rating, which is considered strong compared to many Idaho districts. The city is also home to Lewis-Clark State College, bringing higher education, jobs, and a “college-town feel” to parts of the community.

If education quality is a top priority in your relocation search, view our guide to North Idaho schools.

Fast Facts About Living in Lewiston, Idaho

A few key stats help paint the picture:

• Population: ~35,000 residents
  
• County: Nez Perce County
  
• Median Household Income: $71,000
  
• Distance to Spokane: 104 miles (approx. 2 hours)
  
• Distance to Coeur d’Alene: 115 miles (2 hours, 20 minutes)
  
• Nearest Major Airport: Spokane International, though Lewiston has a small local airport
  
  

This makes Lewiston somewhat remote — far less connected than Coeur d’Alene or Post Falls — but many residents value that separation.

Crime & Safety: Surprisingly Low Numbers

Despite niche.com giving Lewiston a C+ for crime, the raw data tells another story. Violent and property crime rates are a fraction of the national averages. The presence of Lewiston PD, the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office, and Idaho State Police provides strong coverage.

College towns sometimes experience alcohol-related incidents or property crimes, but overall, Lewiston is considered safe — especially compared to cities outside Idaho.

If safety is a deciding factor for your move, check our breakdown of safe neighborhoods in North Idaho.

Housing Costs: A Major Advantage Over Coeur d’Alene

One of Lewiston’s biggest selling points is affordability. While Coeur d’Alene’s median home price hovers in the mid-$500s, Lewiston sits around $378,000. That’s a significant difference for buyers fleeing high-priced states or markets.

Rental costs are also far more budget-friendly:

• Studios: ~$500
  
  
• 1-bedrooms: ~$750
  
  
• 2-bedrooms: ~$1,500
  
  

This affordability does come with some trade-offs. While Lewiston has charming areas and historic homes, the host also observed pockets that appeared more economically depressed. These areas may reflect typical college-town housing or simply older sections of the city.

Browse current listings through our curated Lewiston home search.

Jobs & Employers: Industry, Education, and Firearms Manufacturing

Beyond the mills and lumber facilities, Lewiston has several major employers:

• Lewis-Clark State College
  
• Local hospitals and clinics
  
• Public schools
  
• Ammo and firearms manufacturers like CCI and Seekins Precision
  
  

For those who appreciate North Idaho’s strong 2A culture, this blend of industry and outdoor lifestyle feels like home.

Outdoor Recreation: The Heart of Lewiston’s Identity

If you love being outside — truly outside — Lewiston may be your ideal city.

Some of the options highlighted in the video include:

• Hells Gate State Park
  
• Jet-boat tours on the Snake River
  
• Miles of riverside trails along the Lewiston Levee Parkway
  
• Fishing (especially sturgeon, salmon, and steelhead)
  
• Hunting in the surrounding high-desert terrain
  
• Boating and water recreation in multiple directions
  
  

The city offers a completely different outdoor experience than Coeur d’Alene, driven more by river recreation and open hills rather than lakes and pine forests.

See more on North Idaho outdoor life.

Weather & Climate: Semi-Arid, Sunny, and Dry

Lewiston sits in its own climate zone — semi-arid, with:

• Less rainfall than North Idaho
  
• Less snow than Coeur d’Alene
  
• Hotter summers
  
• Similar winter lows
  
  

If you’re looking for a drier climate with more sun but still want four distinct seasons, Lewiston offers a nice balance.

Final Thoughts: Who Is Lewiston the Right Fit For?

Lewiston is not Coeur d’Alene — and that’s the point. It has its own character, economy, and feel. For some, it may feel too remote or too brown compared to the pine-covered mountains up north. For others, it may be exactly what they’re looking for: affordable, outdoorsy, small-town Idaho with water access everywhere you look.

If you’re considering Lewiston or anywhere in the surrounding region, reach out to our team at North Idaho Experience. We’ll help you compare cities, understand neighborhoods, and connect with the right agent for your move.