Possible transfer to Idaho Falls (Ammon, Teton: apartments, how much, neighborhood)

[Trailhiker]

Hello,
Several months from now, I will have the opportunity to transfer with my job to various cities throughout the Northwest. Idaho Falls is one of them. I live in South Dakota now.

I like the things I have read and seen already. I have been there a few times at different times of the year. The city is just big enough for what I need. I just had a few quick questions:

1...On average, how much snow do you get? I have seen statistics that say about 30 inches on average. Does that sound about right?

2...I am aware that the LDS church has a lot of members there. I respect them a lot, but I am not a member myself. I am fairly conservative though. Will this create a problem? Do they ever discriminate in the workplace or when applying for apartments because of this? I have always been treated well as a visitor.

3...Overall, is there a lot of resentment toward anyone who moves there from another state? Some areas of the West seem to not even give you a chance when they learn you are not a native.

Any information would be most appreciated!

[twinprism]

Originally Posted by Trailhiker

1...On average, how much snow do you get? I have seen statistics that say about 30 inches on average. Does that sound about right?

2...I am aware that the LDS church has a lot of members there. I respect them a lot, but I am not a member myself. I am fairly conservative though. Will this create a problem? Do they ever discriminate in the workplace or when applying for apartments because of this? I have always been treated well as a visitor.

3...Overall, is there a lot of resentment toward anyone who moves there from another state? Some areas of the West seem to not even give you a chance when they learn you are not a native.

Any information would be most appreciated!

Snow: 35 about inches annually was the average from 1948-2005, according to this site (broken down by month.) IDAHO FALLS FAA ARPT, IDAHO - Climate Summary

LDS influence: There is a whole huge thread on this, but I doubt you'll have any problem. There are some people out there living in the past, and you might run into them, but I doubt it. Most are friendly. There may be slightly more social and opportunities for networking for LDS people.

Acceptance of outsiders: In IF, not a problem. In a more rural town you may see more of that but the overwhelming majority are accepting and friendly in my experience, plus more than half the town is from somewhere else.

Good luck in making a decision. I hope this helps.

[cleosmom]

Have to pretty much ditto what twinprism said.

I've lived here since '91 myself and can vouch for what twinprism said

[Trailhiker]

I really appreciate your quick and sincere replies, and for putting any hesitation I had to rest.

I guess I was expecting more in terms o snowfall. I'm sure some years there is, 35 inches is just the average. Where I live now averages over 50 inches, and it can stay below zero, even for highs, for weeks at a time.

Idaho Falls definitely seems like a good fit.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by Trailhiker

I really appreciate your quick and sincere replies, and for putting any hesitation I had to rest.

I guess I was expecting more in terms o snowfall. I'm sure some years there is, 35 inches is just the average. Where I live now averages over 50 inches, and it can stay below zero, even for highs, for weeks at a time.

Idaho Falls definitely seems like a good fit.

Trailhiker,

I would absolutely agree with Twinprism and Cleosmom. They have given you solid feedback, IMHO, as they typically do in their remarks.

I suspect you may find the winters a bit more mild in Idaho than South Dakota.

Anyway, you will have a lot of new trails to explore, let alone Mtn. Ranges and National Parks when you move to the Idaho Falls area.

Keep in touch if you have other questions.

And good luck in your move. I hope it is easy for you. (I don't like moving - I like new adventures and locations, but packing everything - )!

MSR

[Trailhiker]

Thanks again for another friendly reply.

"I suspect you may find the winters a bit more mild in Idaho" is probably not something you get to say every day!

I agree, packing is the worst part of moving. Thankfully, I don't have a ton compared to some, just an apartment's worth. I have learned it pays to start early.

I have another quick question; more of a curiosity.

I would be working/living in the vicinity of the Grand Teton Mall, and as I look at different apartment and business addresses around there, some seem to alter between Idaho Falls and Ammon for the same address depending on which website you're on. I know the boundary line is near there, but are the two interchangable in addresses? Just wondering if this ever causes confusion with mail, deliveries, etc... Has anything recently changed that is causing the overlap? Where is the official boundary?

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by Trailhiker

I would be working/living in the vicinity of the Grand Teton Mall, and as I look at different apartment and business addresses around there, some seem to alter between Idaho Falls and Ammon for the same address depending on which website you're on. I know the boundary line is near there, but are the two interchangable in addresses? Just wondering if this ever causes confusion with mail, deliveries, etc... Has anything recently changed that is causing the overlap? Where is the official boundary?

Boy that's a huge question. I don't live in Ammon, however where I do live had a slight arguement with the cable company as according to the county assesor's office and all of our closing papers and the post office the street I live on has a "north" in it. Cable company said there was no such thing and in the confusion turned my service off Got that all straightened out; told them they could have my address as whatever they felt, so long as that mistake never happened again!

Hopefully someone who does/has lived in Ammon can help out on this one.

[khurley]

Originally Posted by Trailhiker

I have another quick question; more of a curiosity.

I would be working/living in the vicinity of the Grand Teton Mall, and as I look at different apartment and business addresses around there, some seem to alter between Idaho Falls and Ammon for the same address depending on which website you're on. I know the boundary line is near there, but are the two interchangable in addresses? Just wondering if this ever causes confusion with mail, deliveries, etc... Has anything recently changed that is causing the overlap? Where is the official boundary?

The addresses are interchangeable. Although I live in Ammon, most of my mail comes addressed to Idaho Falls, ID.

East of Hitt Rd., which runs just east of the Grand Teton Mall (and I believe South of 17th) is Ammon.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Hitt Road (25th East) is the physical boundary between the two cities.

Idaho Falls is on the west side of the road and Ammon is on the right.

I'm no expert about this, but I believe the 83404 zip code ends at Hitt Road for Idaho Falls. And I believe the 83406 Ammon zip code begins there as well for the Ammon side.

In general, with commercial development, schools in the area, let alone being the hub of medical services in Idaho Falls, I've not heard of mail getting lost. The names of the streets are different. For example, Ammon has a subdivision where each street appears to be named after birds not far into the Ammon City Limits. Conversely, I can't really think of any neighborhood in Idaho Falls that has a similarly named subdivision (but, I may be very wrong).

Ammon is formally annexing now, so I'm not positive of all the boundaries except Hitt Road. However, Trailhiker, it appears that is where your questions seem to be centered (no pun intended). I know for example Teton Apts. are in Ammon; however, given the market of potential renters, I believe the complex is most often listed as Idaho Falls.

In general, the business nature of dividing line between the two cities seems to make sure deliveries etc. arrive where they are suppose to, or at least I haven't heard any horror stories.

I think individual websites alter the name between Idaho Falls and Ammon depending on who their target market is. It would be interesting to get the views of others.

I hope this helps.

[Trailhiker]

Thanks for all the great info on the IF/Ammon border question.

Is the area near the Grand Teton Mall considered pretty safe?