Opinions and info about Pocatello needed by aspiring author (Chubbuck: crime rate, home)

[Diner Admirer]

I am preparing to write a fictitious book, and my two main characters are Pocatello High School students. Unfortunately, I currently have neither the time or money to travel to Pocatello and experience it firsthand. I would really appreciate any feedback from people who are familiar with Pocatello and/or Pocatello High School.
At the moment, I have just one specific question: Where is it likely that one student would wait for another to receive a ride home from school? i.e.--Parking lot, courtyard, nearby intersection...
Of course, I will gladly consider ANY information or opinions about Pocatello. I have just two requirements: If it's a statement of fact, please be accurate. If it's an opinion, please support it with fact.
I will sincerely appreciate all feedback. If my novel gets published, I'll acknowledge anyone who would like to be named. Thanks.

[mortgageboss]

I lived in Pocatello for 6 years and I found the cost of living to be very reasonable, the crime rate low, the social activities limited unless you're mormon or connected to Idaho State University. It also seemed, in my opinion, that the long time residents had a sort of resentment to newcommers if they didnt belong to their church.

Pocatello High School is in the older part of town, and it seemed that parking was limited. Pocatello is not that large so I guess you could always bike or walk. I had several employees who did just that.

Idaho State University provided a much needed influence on what would otherwise be a very closed minded place. It also provides many jobs that Pocatello needs. All told, it was a pretty good place to live.

Good luck with your book.

[Diner Admirer]

Thank you for your feedback, Mortgageboss. I sincerely appreciate it. I found your comments about the local Mormon culture especially interesting and valuable.

[pw72]

I've lived in Pocatello for over a year and have not found that "resentment" about being non-mormon.

Pocatello, while still a small town, is growing rapidly with much new development, especially along the North Yellowstone corridor into suburb Chubbuck.

[Diner Admirer]

Thanks for your perspective, pw72. I hope to hear from others on the Mormon "resentment" issue to get an idea on whether or not it's just an isolated situation. I'd also be interested to hear what the rapid growth of Pocatello is attributed to.

[pw72]

Idaho in general attracts many who move here from more expensive areas such as Southern California or the Seattle area. (Although I hear the migration is slowing somewhat as the housing markets in California continue to stagnate.)

I'm not an economics expert, but my guess is the university, the medical community, some new industrial jobs, and newcomers looking for a slower pace of life all contribute to the growth.

[BucFan]

I left Pocatello in 1990 to enter the Army as a Registered Nurse after graduating from ISU. I wasn't Mormon and never had a problem with that from other people (ie being ostracized). Used to drive past Poky High all the time. I remember a few rustic bars (hole in the wall type places) in the area - back then there was a big railroad influence - not sure which company.

To answer your question - the intersection of Arthur and Center (street) would likely be where two Poky High students would meet.

I liked Pocatello - especially from April to September. Beautiful blue skies during the Spring/Summer/Fall. I remember crisp Fall afternoons. As a college student on a tight budget, I hated the winters - tried to do whatever I could to save $$$ on the heating bill.

After living all over the world, I still have fond memories of the place. Doubt if I'd ever go back, even to visit anymore. I tried that (visiting) once in 1999, and it was kind of depressing to see.

Not much changes there. I couldn't see living there all my life as some friends have.

[Chinolala]

Watch the movie, "Napoleon Dynamite". I believe it was filmed there. Also, I think you'd be best served using a location in your book that you've actually been to.

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by lisak64

Watch the movie, "Napoleon Dynamite". I believe it was filmed there. Also, I think you'd be best served using a location in your book that you've actually been to.

Napoleon Dynamite was filmed further south in the small town of Preston, ID Have to agree with your suggestion that the writer try to visit the location.

[BucFan]

After reading this thread, I had to revisit the Idaho State Univ website for old-times sake. I was saddened to read that Ford Swetnam, one of my professors, had died of prostate cancer in 2002. Five years ago. Ford was one of the area's top poets/writers. His writings really reflected the Pocatello area (railroads, life in the Big Sky country) - I'd recommend anyone writing about S.E. Idaho review the works of Ford Swetnam.