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Charlotte Cook living

Life in Idaho Falls as a young professional

My partner and I are The median home value here is around $298,600, which seems about average. Crime rate is something to consider -Idaho Falls sits at 277.0 per 100K. Median household income is $69,630, which feels about average for the area. You can expect to pay around $992 for rent here. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up.
15 upvotes

4 Replies

Emma L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a software engineer, 48, moved here 2 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Lakewood and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The weather situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Charlotte, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.

**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
23 upvotes
William Peterson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Midtown for 6 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.

**Employment:**
education is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are underrated. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And safety can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
kai_girl
Moved here last year, no regrets.
12 upvotes
Evelyn
following this thread
11 upvotes
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