Idaho Falls versus Boise? (Rexburg, St. Anthony: house, travel, resort)

[LiveinPA]

Can anyone give some insight into the differences between Idaho Falls and Boise?

Of course, Boise is a larger city and I'm looking at Idaho Falls and two things concern me.

First off, isolation- Idaho Falls and for that matter pretty much the entire eastern half of the state is all by itself really so that means anything you need has to be in the immediate area.

And second, the weather. I hear Idaho Falls has brutal winters. I'm from the northeast so I'm used to some terrible weather but I really hate the lack of sun...

Any other input?

[cleosmom]

Wow! You describe Idaho Falls like it's a desolate island? The city of IF it's self has surpassed 50,000 and so most of what you'll need is in IF. Mostly it's the hub for communities north (St. Anthony, Rigby, Rexburg, Salmon, Roberts, Ririe etc. etc.) and for the outlaying in all directions. There's a mall here, along with national box stores and local retailers, fun places to eat that you'll recognise and some you won't; Wingers, TGIFridays, Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse amongst others and locally owned ones as well.

There's an airport with more than just crop dusting Delta, Alaska Airlines and Allegiantaire fly out of here. I believe another was added, just not popping into my head right now.

For those that like to "go to the city" for more fun, it's only a 3.5 hour drive to Salt Lake City, UT about the same to Jackpot, NV of you like to hit the casinos.

Brutal winters? That's all up to each own's opinion I think. Yesterday we got seven inches of snow and yes the temps later dropped to subfreezing, that however ins't what gets under your skin, it's the accompanying winds!

Boise's temps is more like the banana belt, while they get snow it doesn't seem to stick around as much.

Hope I've helped you out regarding the Idaho Falls area

[khurley]

Don't forget that Salt Lake City is only a couple hours drive (like 2 1/2) from Idaho Falls, too. We go down for the weekend all the time. Boise is definitely a bigger city and warmer. I actually love Idaho Falls because of it's location. It's in close vicintity to Yellowstone National Park, Island Park, Jackson, Wyoming, Grand Targhee (ski resort) and still so close to Salt Lake. The winters have been quite mild for the last several years, at least compared to what we had when I was growing up.

[Syringaloid]

If you lived in Boise you would already be living in a larger city and not have to travel to another city such as Salt Lake on the weekends. Boise is a great location with Sun Valley nearby, then there is McCall, Tamarack, and wilderness, and lakes all very close to the city. All are very pretty and great resort areas in the mountains and are beautiful drives from Boise through forest and along rivers. And one of the closest ski resorts to a metro area sits right above Boise on top of the mountains, so if you want a quick ski or snowboarding fix you don't have to travel far at all. Boise is also in proximity to Portland, Seattle, and the Pacific Coast, so the places you can visit living in Boise are pretty endless. You mentioned you are from the Northeast, so I would think Boise would be a good fit for you. But, visit both cities and decide. Some people who move to Idaho don't want to live in the big city of Boise but would rather experience a smaller Idaho town.