Pocatello or Bust (Idaho Falls, Chubbuck: sale, real estate, apartment complexes)

[IndigoMoose]

Hi, all. We joined the forums earlier this year with the hopes of finding out more about SE Idaho and so many of you have been incredibly generous, kind, and thorough with your suggestions and comments... thank you! The info has been very insightful and helpful.

My husband and I have been looking for employment before committing to the move from Nebraska and I (finally!) received a job offer today! I am excited to say that we'll be moving to Pocatello in mid-December! Yay! I'll be working at ISU and have a few more additional questions about the area that I'm hoping the Pocatello experts can help with.

Rental properties - does Pocatello offer any type of apartment guide/magazine that advertises its rental properties or apartment complexes? I've scoured the Internet, but the best thing I can find is the classifieds in the Pocatello paper.

Realtors - can anyone recommend a good agent that they enjoyed working with in the past? We're hoping to find someone that can help us secure a rental for a short time before buying a house.

Elementary Schools - one website I found indicated that Lincoln, Greenacres, Washington, Wilcox, and Bonneville were the top five schools in Pocatello (based on teacher to student ratios I believe.) Anyone have any experience with any of these schools? Would you agree with the ratings? Any other good recommendations?

Areas of Town - I've been told that there are not really any "bad" parts of town in Pocatello. Would you agree? We're a middle class family of 5 that eventually wants to purchase a house with 4+ bedrooms/2+ baths for around $150-$175K. We've spent countless hours scouring real estate websites and have found a lot of nice homes in various areas of the city, but it's hard to get a feel for the communities. Any insight?

More questions will surely pop up as the move gets closer. The folks at ISU have been very helpful as well, but I really enjoy hearing the thoughts and opinions of everyone on here. As always, thanks so much for the help.

Pocatello... here we come!

[mortgageboss]

When my family and I moved to Pocatello in 1996, one of the first people we met was Dean Funk, a landlord and realtor. He owns several rental properties, and we used him for the purchase and later sale of our home in Pocatello. We found him to be patient, informative, and most importantly caring. I consider him to be a freind and advisor. I believe he now works for Premier Properties, 208-232-5025.

We've been away from the area for several years now, so I dont know what is considered the best area or bad area. I found the west bench to be very inconvenient for shopping, schools, or more importantly snow free roads in the winter. Chubbuck and the highlands are where the newer homes were.
If you want wildlife in your back yard, then the Mink creek, Portnuf Gap, or Johnny Creek areas are the ticket. There are some older, but very nice homes around ISU, but also the usual student rental neighborhoods

I never saw any rental magazines, but try the american classifieds online.

Give Dean a call, I think you'll be very happy with him.

Good Luck with your move.

PS, eat at Wingers if you love ribs and wings. Nathan runs a tight ship and is very guest focused.

[twinprism]

Have you found a rental? Do you still need info? December is coming fast.

[IndigoMoose]

Thanks for the info and referral. We haven't yet found a rental... it is so nerve-wracking to think of trying to find something without having actually seen the place in person. We've contacted Premier Properties, but are not working with anyone directly yet. Any tips, suggestions, referrals would be appreciated.

Are most rentals in Pocatello apartment complexes or houses? Or is it about evenly split? Here in Omaha there is an abundance of apartments and various rent levels, but I know Pocatello is a much smaller city (thank goodness!). Just curious.

Thanks again!

[Mtn. States Resident]

Hi Indigo Moose,

Congrats on the job. I hope it is one you like.

I don't know specific neighborhoods in Pocatello, but general areas. There are some very bad areas and very bad landlords. Some will say you will find that in any city and that may be true. However, my personal sources who have attended/attends ISU and told their horror stories, compared to other cities where they lived, would NEVER rent in Pocatello again.

Unfortunately, between students with families renting, who didn't take care of things, and other landlord issues, rentals in Pocatello are not ideal (at least those of which I'm aware).

Have you thought about living outside of Pocatello and commuting? Will all of your work be at ISU in Pocatello, or will you be in ISU-Idaho Falls at all? And have you checked out the MLS listings on your own?

If you need more detailed info it is probably best to send me a PM with your needs and I may be able to give you some ideas. I don't know any realtors in Pocatello. I potentially can find out more about some areas to avoid.

I know of a family that rented in Pocatello for a while. The family is black and heard racial slurs they never encountered while in Idaho Falls. But, we all know jerks will be jerks regardless of location. However, I do have the contact info for that family and THEY may know of rentals or good realtors having just been in the same position. I'd need to send that to you in a PM - so let me know if you would like it.

One thing you might want to do is start looking at the Classifieds in the Idaho State Journal. I think the url is: www.IdahoStateJoural.Net (broken link).

Winter is a tough time to move. I hope things go as smoothly as possible for you!

[Mtn. States Resident]

Hi Indigo Moose,

Congrats on the job. I hope it is one you like.

I don't know specific neighborhoods in Pocatello, but general areas. There are some very bad areas and very bad landlords. Some will say you will find that in any city and that may be true. However, my personal sources who have attended/attends ISU and told their horror stories, compared to other cities where they lived, would NEVER rent in Pocatello again.

Unfortunately, between students with families renting, who didn't take care of things, and other landlord issues, rentals in Pocatello are not ideal (at least those of which I'm aware).

Have you thought about living outside of Pocatello and commuting? Will all of your work be at ISU in Pocatello, or will you be in ISU-Idaho Falls at all? And have you checked out the MLS listings on your own?

If you need more detailed info it is probably best to send me a PM with your needs and I may be able to give you some ideas. I don't know any realtors in Pocatello. I potentially can find out more about some areas to avoid.

I know of a family that rented in Pocatello for a while. The family is black and heard racial slurs they never encountered while in Idaho Falls. But, we all know jerks will be jerks regardless of location. However, I do have the contact info for that family and THEY may know of rentals or good realtors having just been in the same position. I'd need to send that to you in a PM - so let me know if you would like it.

One thing you might want to do is start looking at the Classifieds in the Idaho State Journal. I think the url is: www.IdahoStateJoural.Net.

Winter is a tough time to move. I hope things go as smoothly as possible for you!

[BannockCounty]

Hi, Indigo--

Your post inspired me to register and leave you a message. I am a licensed-but-inactive Realtor (I'm inactive because I recently had 3 children in 30 months and I'm not even LDS :-)!).

Anyway, I happen to know of a stand alone house coming up for rent (right near the University) that is currently getting all new carpet and paint. It is 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths with a double garage and deck. I was chatting with its owner who has owned many rentals for years, and he said to me he really hoped the next tenants were great because it was going to be so nice and fresh, etc.

Anyway--I have lots of knowledge and opinions about the elementary schools here in town, as well as neighborhoods. I'm eager to "talk shop" with you if you want to send me a private message .

Best-
BC

[twinprism]

I'd be glad to try to help as well.

Areas of town: I've lived in most parts of Poky and can give you some advice, but it all depends on what you are looking for. West side "old town" can has more older, smaller homes, can have higher crime depending on where you are, but has good access to recreation, but poor access to the freeway if you commute. Chubbuck has a lot of younger families, close to shopping but a 10-20 minute drive from ISU, There are several areas with newer and larger homes, Highland/Satterfield and Johnny Creek primarily. Many neighborhoods are in between. Can Feel free to PM or email me or ask about specific areas.

Elementary schools. Ellis, Gate City, and Indian Hills have good reputation. My kids go to the Pocatello Community Charter School and I love it.

Realtors: Christina Foulkrod at the Home Specialists will be really straight up with you and will give you good info on neighborhoods, etc. . Cell: (208) 317-3503
The Home Specialists Real Estate Company

Rental lists: The Idaho State Journal does a renter's guide every so often. There are a few listings here.. Pocatello Real Estate

[kkharm0]

I'm moving to Pocatello in 2008. Do you know whether the place is still for near the university with the new carpet is still for rent? Thanks in advance for your reply.

[southerngrits]

Hi...I know this post was a while back..but I was wondering if you were back to work and actively working in real estate. My family might be moving to Pocatello area this summer (2009)...and I am not having much luck finding info about the area.

Please let me know if you are back at it! We would be looking for a home to rent for about 2 years...we have a 3 year old and I would love to find a great place for her to go to preschool..

Thanks,
MA

Originally Posted by BannockCounty

Hi, Indigo--

Your post inspired me to register and leave you a message. I am a licensed-but-inactive Realtor (I'm inactive because I recently had 3 children in 30 months and I'm not even LDS :-)!).

Anyway, I happen to know of a stand alone house coming up for rent (right near the University) that is currently getting all new carpet and paint. It is 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths with a double garage and deck. I was chatting with its owner who has owned many rentals for years, and he said to me he really hoped the next tenants were great because it was going to be so nice and fresh, etc.

Anyway--I have lots of knowledge and opinions about the elementary schools here in town, as well as neighborhoods. I'm eager to "talk shop" with you if you want to send me a private message .

Best-
BC