random thoughts on idaho falls (Rexburg, Star: where to stay, for sale, houses)

[sav]

New to these forums, so please forgive if I break any rules...

Currently living in western oregon, which is the gloomiest place i have ever lived, although has amazing food, wine and other amenities. Moved here from Utah 3 years ago for a job and quite simply can't hack the 9 months of minimal sunshine, plus it is a LONG drive to the things we like to do, namely climbing, skiing, hiking, kayaking.

Have a great job opportunity in Idaho Falls and am coming out there in 2 weeks to look at it. Pros seem to be: good schools (we have a 2 yr old), low cost of living, closer access to the things we like to do (although sounds like still an hour or so drive). Potential cons seem to be: ID Falls itself is farmland I gather, is there any close mountain biking you can do there? What about the eastern foothills? We are also concerned about the LDS influence (I know there is a separate forum on this, so won't belabor the point, I lived in SLC for 4 years and it didn't bother me much, but concerns now are for my son). Also a little concerned about the weather, I LOVED the weather in Utah, I love the snow and cold winters, but I have learned that I need sun in order to thrive.

We have thought about looking for land over in Driggs/Victor to build a cabin for access to Targhee for weekends, but seems outrageously expensive. Guess we'll look more when we're out there.

Thanks in advance for any replies. Feels a bit random to turn to a forum of strangers for life advice, but why not????/

[cleosmom]

I can say that Idaho Falls does indeed get more sun than what you've been used to not having where you're at now. Granted, in winter the sun can be quite deceptive Bright sun and low temps can be considered normal.

Yes, there is still farmland although with more and more subdivisions being built the farmland is shrinking. Many folks head out just minutes east of town to ride bikes in the foothills.

I wouldn't be overly concerned abut the LDS influence. Does it exist? Yes. However if you've been following this forum you'll note that Idaho Falls is getting more and more diverse. I live in what's considered a conservative neighborhood, however between myself and some neighbors it takes me two hands to count who isn't LDS or at least practicing LDS.

You're correct about the price of land up in the Driggs/Victor area, many folks have "discovered" it which constitutes the price being driven up, that and the proximity to our huge "backyard".

If you have any questions that you're not wanting to make public that might help your visit, please feel free to drop me a 'Direct Message'. You can do so by clicking on my name and choosing that selection I can guide as to where to stay for your visit and some fun things to do about town. Otherwise, hope you enjoy your visit!

[Mtn. States Resident]

Hi SAV-

You wrote, "there any close mountain biking you can do there? What about the eastern foothills? We are also concerned about the LDS influence (I know there is a separate forum on this, so won't belabor the point, I lived in SLC for 4 years and it didn't bother me much, but concerns now are for my son). Also a little concerned about the weather, I LOVED the weather in Utah, I love the snow and cold winters, but I have learned that I need sun in order to thrive.

"We have thought about looking for land over in Driggs/Victor to build a cabin for access to Targhee for weekends, but seems outrageously expensive. Guess we'll look more when we're out there."

First, I believe cleosmom gave you excellent advice.

2. If you find land in Driggs/Victor that is reasonable, I think you'll have a lot of people contacting you. With the Huntsman Development plus the Development Greg Norman is involved with, the cost of land in the Teton Valley has escalated and keeps going higher. There are also issues like a temporary freeze on building permits etc. in Teton County, given the rapid growth and some things that have to be resolved.

I don't know what your definition of "reasonable" is, but let's just say most second homes/cabins being built in Driggs are not by locals. Many in Driggs, given the rising property taxes, cannot afford to stay there. I recall a Post Register article probably 8-10 months ago stating that many school teachers lived anywhere from Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Swan Valley etc. as they couldn't afford Driggs.

The Driggs/Victor area many of us knew from years in the past doesn't exist anymore. You may find a some lot or already-constructed home/cabin for sale. But, mostly they are few and far between.

3. I, too, have lived in UT and the Idaho Falls area, besides other areas. It's kind of strange, weather-wise, not only in Idaho Falls but Salt Lake City. I don't know where you lived in UT, but the lows and lower and the highs - well I believe SLC broke previous records this last summer for days over 100 degrees. The 90s started in May!

Business requires me to be in SLC and I.F. monthly. While ID always will be a little colder, I'll take the Idaho Falls wind any day to that in West Jordan and some other places in northern UT. It's actually interesting to see how many people work in both Idaho Falls and SLC. But, that's another topic.

Honestly, I don't see that big of weather difference between the two. When a Canadian pressure hits I.F., SLC is getting those abnormal lows too. Fortunately, Idaho Falls doesn't get the hot, hot temperatures like Salt Lake, Provo and St. George (112 this last year). But, best to rely upon weather charts, not me for factual infor.

I think cleosmom addressed the religion issue well here. I also believe another poster, CWallace, gave one of the best descriptions of LDS families that I've ever read. Since I don't know how long ago you lived in SLC, I can't say for sure how different Idaho Falls residents are/aren't compared to the UT-LDS residents. For that matter, I don't know how the Utah Catholics or Lutherans etc.With over 1,000,000 residents in Salt Lake County, just like Idaho Falls it is becoming more diverse daily.

IMHO, it depends on where you lived in SLC and where you are looking at in Idaho Falls. It also depends on work/job and what would bring you to Idaho Falls. Certain professions/careers recruit nationally. Having LDS employees may make up some of the workforce, but not the majority of the group. Others may be LDS-oriented businesses, so one would expect many LDS employees.

Check out the earlier discussions about diversity in Idaho Falls. I know a couple of non-LDS folks who posted her who now get together for coffee at Starbucks, or other local coffeeshop favorites. They want to add more people from the northwest who have relocated to Idaho Falls. If you do move to Idaho Falls and want connected with them, let me know and I'll make sure that happens.

I do appreciate the dynamics change when one has a child.

I don't find it that different when I work in UT vs. work in Idaho Falls. As I said earlier, IMHO, it depends on what one is ultimately looking for to find the right place for their family.

I appreciate knowing about the Oregon coast. I, too, have to have sun in my life. And even on the very coldest days, there is something very beautiful watching the sun reflect off of the snow in ID or UT.

Along with cleosmom, if I can help answer anything, please feel to PM me.

[yupinco]

SAV - did you wind up moving to Idaho Falls? If so, how do you like it?

[sav]

Yupinco-
We have been here since mid March and are just loving it. This is such a great place to live with access to so many things to do. Thought we would like it here but didn't imagine quite this much! Our only fear is that this area does seem to be growing fast and we like the smaller town feel that it has. Are you thinking of moving to Idaho?

[yupinco]

That is great to hear. We are considering Idaho Falls or Oregon.

[sav]

It is great there, lots of greenery and really beautiful. I found the weather got me down but it does not seem to bother a lot of people and it is a pretty progressive state. Idaho is more conservative but that doesn't bother me.

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by sav

It is great there, lots of greenery and really beautiful. I found the weather got me down but it does not seem to bother a lot of people and it is a pretty progressive state. Idaho is more conservative but that doesn't bother me.

You've been here since mid-March and the weather got you down??? I'm lost

[sav]

Sorry if that was confusing. I was telling the other poster that they might like Oregon but that the weather got me down IN OREGON. i love the weather here in IF. We got here mid-March and I have found it to be fabulous. I love the wind, spring arrived a little late but seems that it was that way everywhere in the west. Liked the snow in June! Summer has been great here but I am actually looking forward to fall and ski season just around the corner...

[Trace_Rinaldi]

A few years back we were in escrow to buy a house in IF.. At the last minute the job opportunity fell through, and we pulled out. I like IF alot, but Im glad we ended up waiting and buying in N. Idaho where we really wanted to go.
I really liked IF but it looks much like here in rural So. Cal. I love tree's and lots of water.. Its beautifull, and the city was very nice, people were great, houses were very reasonable etc.. If we had moved there Im sure we would have loved it.
From the several times we stayed there, it seemed like it would be a great place to live.