This blog series is sponsored by BOSS Real Estate. We work hard to educate our buyers and sellers on the different aspects of real estate in East Idaho. Check back each week to see new posts and videos!
Have you been thinking about moving to the Greater Idaho Falls area? Here are some reasons that many of our buyers have chosen to relocate here, and maybe some downsides to consider.-
Cost of Living
First of all, many transplants are attracted to the Greater Idaho Falls area due to the low cost of living. Although housing prices have risen our cost of living is still considered low comparatively speaking with other markets in the Western United States. East Idaho has a lower than national average cost of groceries, utilities, housing, and fuel. Median home prices hover around $350,000 to $380,000 which is below the national average. That being said, inventory can be tight due to the rising housing demand from new buyers.
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Employment
Eastern Idaho has a solid job market. With big employers at the INL (Idaho National Laboratory), we always seem to have lots of options, especially for those with higher education degrees. We also have a fairly robust job market around healthcare, agriculture and tourism. Unemployment is only around 3% consistently in the Greater Idaho Falls area. Our job market is one of the top reasons that homebuyers are flocking to Eastern Idaho.
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Outdoor Activities
Eastern Idaho is conveniently situated between several recreation areas. Yellowstone National Park draws visitors from around the world year-round and is a quick day trip from most parts of Idaho Falls. A short 20 minute drive will bring you to Kelly Canyon Ski Resort, just east of Ririe. After you ski / snowboard for the day you can visit Heise Hot Springs to ease your aching muscles. Grand Teton National Park boasts hundreds of miles hiking and biking trails and specatular views of the Tetons. Big Game hunting in Idaho is plentiful with areas like the Pahsimeroi Range, Birch Creek, Three Mile.. and fly fisherman from around the world flock to our world famous waters to reel in Rainbow Trout, cutthroat trout and Kokanee. 4 seasons of weather in East Idaho guarantee fun things to do outdoors year round.
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Community vibe
Our small community with only 65,000 population has its perks.. We have a small-town feel but also have most of the conveniences you’d expect from a larger city.. From great shopping with convenient big box stores to smaller privately owned boutiques, we have a little bit of everything. A vibrant downtown scene with lots of bars, events, restaurants creates something for everyone. We often are told how unbelievable it is how nice everyone is here. Strangers are known to smile and even stop to offer help if needed. That’s what we love about our community.
Note from the Agent: Some find it hard to integrate socially to new areas, especially smaller towns. Some advice: put yourself out there and be social. Don’t be afraid to just go to a paint & wine night at a local bar and sit by a stranger, you’ll be besties by the time the night is over. Try out one of the many churches we have in town. There are fun events all year long. Don’t be shy.
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Healthcare and other services
Idaho Falls boasts some top-tier health services, such as EIRMC (Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center) which is one of the top rated NICU in the entire nation. From Proctologists to Encologists we have nearly any medical service necessary.
Some important things to consider:
Moving to East Idaho might be a whole new adventure for buyers moving to our area. You might be coming from warmer weather, (likely lol). Don’t let that scare you. Speaking from someone who grew up in the humid and hot southern states, you get used to it. Give it some time, you’ll start finding peace in the serenity of the quiet snow-filled mornings by your fireplace. The summers in East Idaho are AMAZING. The perfect temperature and abundance of outdoor activities make up for the cold winter. Grab a tube and head to Island park to float down the scenic rivers and wave at some moose and deer on your way down!
This blog post was written by Andrea Jardine. Andrea is a Realtor at BOSS Real Estate in the Greater Idaho Falls area. She and her husband have been building homes in Eastern Idaho for 20 years. With special skills in Data Analysis, Andrea has a keen understanding of the Idaho Falls Real Estate Market and its history and inner-workings. Call her today for a free consultation about your real estate needs in East Idaho.