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katherine_native
best-worst
What surprised you most about Idaho Falls?
Longtime lurker here, Military spouse here.
1 upvotes
8 Replies
Amy R.
been saying this for years
39 upvotes
Stella Thompson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Dallas about 10 years ago. The main reasons were weather and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Dallas about 10 years ago. The main reasons were weather and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Adrian Myers
noted, appreciate it
34 upvotes
Kenneth R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Westside. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Westside. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Bella Johnson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Chicago about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Chicago about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
vegas_elizabeth
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 54, moved here 4 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Eastside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 San Diego, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
Background: I'm a electrician, 54, moved here 4 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Eastside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 San Diego, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
14 upvotes
Noah E.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 14 years. Moved from Minneapolis for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is decent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are pretty good. 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. Rising rent and home prices. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Greenfield for 14 years. Moved from Minneapolis for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is decent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are pretty good. 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. Rising rent and home prices. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Julian
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Old Town area are average. Kids love it here.
0 upvotes