Boise, Twin Falls, Pocatello, Idaho Falls (Eagle, Weiser: crime, how much, house)

[thanderson]

Hi All,

I am retiring immediately and plan to take a fact-finding, house-hunting trip along the loop described above. I will be moving from the SF Bay Area.

Ideally, I would find a good house (not necessarily great) with ~5 acres of land in a secluded spot with great access to outdoors activities. I also hope to have a shop for hand-loading and other activities. Am I ingesting some illegal substance if I expect to find that for under $250,000, or is that a real possibility? I plan to spend about a week going along this semi-circle.

Any feedback and suggestions as to where to look would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to avoid the really heavy snow areas and really enjoy time outdoors fishing, hunting, camping, etc.

Thank you all very much for this great website.

[cleosmom]

If you're trying to avoid the heavy snow areas then I don't think you'll be at all interested in the Idaho Falls area. Our "average" is 30 inches of snow a year. In fact, you might just want to stick with western Idaho, only not sure if you'll find the acreage you want.... head a tad further out towards maybe Eagle, Weiser and possible Fruitland?

[thanderson]

Originally Posted by cleosmom

If you're trying to avoid the heavy snow areas then I don't think you'll be at all interested in the Idaho Falls area. Our "average" is 30 inches of snow a year. In fact, you might just want to stick with western Idaho, only not sure if you'll find the acreage you want.... head a tad further out towards maybe Eagle, Weiser and possible Fruitland?

Thank you so much for this info. This is what I am trying to find out. I'm trying to leave the Land of Fruits and Nuts, but I guess you have a different meaning. I am totally flexible as to where I live, if I can just avoid the really heavy snow. However, 30 inches a year does not sound too bad.


Thanks again.

[Anchorless]

There are places in Idaho where you can find land and a home for under 250k, but you have to ask yourself how much weather you're willing to deal with.

Each area has its own identity in terms of the recreational access it has (within 2 hours or so), and each area certainly has an incredible amount of recreational opportunities.

Pocatello and Idaho Falls definitely receive the most snow and colder weather, but probably have a bit more access than TF and Boise. TF tends to be windier, and is really high desert, though right on the Snake River and close to the South Hills and the Sawtooth Mountains. It also receives a fair amount of snow.

Boise will be the most expensive and most difficult to find something in your price range, though not impossible. It will have the mildest winters, but still gets some snow and cold temps. More people in Ada/Canyon County, so not as isolated or removed as you'd like.

[thanderson]

Originally Posted by Anchorless

There are places in Idaho where you can find land and a home for under 250k, but you have to ask yourself how much weather you're willing to deal with.

Each area has its own identity in terms of the recreational access it has (within 2 hours or so), and each area certainly has an incredible amount of recreational opportunities.

Pocatello and Idaho Falls definitely receive the most snow and colder weather, but probably have a bit more access than TF and Boise. TF tends to be windier, and is really high desert, though right on the Snake River and close to the South Hills and the Sawtooth Mountains. It also receives a fair amount of snow.

Boise will be the most expensive and most difficult to find something in your price range, though not impossible. It will have the mildest winters, but still gets some snow and cold temps. More people in Ada/Canyon County, so not as isolated or removed as you'd like.

Thank you very much!

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by thanderson

Hi All,

I am retiring immediately and plan to take a fact-finding, house-hunting trip along the loop described above. I will be moving from the SF Bay Area.

Ideally, I would find a good house (not necessarily great) with ~5 acres of land in a secluded spot with great access to outdoors activities. I also hope to have a shop for hand-loading and other activities. Am I ingesting some illegal substance if I expect to find that for under $250,000, or is that a real possibility? I plan to spend about a week going along this semi-circle.

Any feedback and suggestions as to where to look would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to avoid the really heavy snow areas and really enjoy time outdoors fishing, hunting, camping, etc.

Thank you all very much for this great website.

thanderson,

It seems you've gotten some good, honest tips. I'm just wondering, given your subsequent posts, if you have additional criteria you would like to have so life is more enjoyable? That may help some of us give you better tips of where to look.

When retiring, for example, many want to ensure the appropriate medical care is available, airport access etc. Those may not be factors for you. Nevertheless, I hope you understand what I'm asking.

I hope this is a great adventure for you.

MSR

[evsmom]

I am relocating to Twin Falls, ID within the next month, I am trying to see if there is a city within a 30 mile radius from Twin Falls that gets snow? I love the snow, and a white Christmas, does anyone know of such a city close to where I am going? I like the mild weather that Twin Falls sounds like it has, but in the winter, I like to feel like its winter. Also, does anyone know about the crime in Twin Falls? Moving from CA, I am always worried about crime, especially after our home was burglarized by 3 idiots. Do I have to worry about that out in Idaho? Any strong gang activity, bad areas? Thank you so much for any info!

[cleosmom]

You will have snow in Twin. You'll have crime as well, most likely nothing to be worried about. Crime sadly is wherever people are.