Moving to Idaho Falls/Blackfoot/Pocatello area (Boise, Meridian: sales, real estate market)

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by Richabo

Just read your comments on moving to Idaho Falls. I am going to be retiring in about 18 months and we are searching for a good place to live. Idaho has come up on our radar and we are looking into areas there. First we looked at Couer D'Alene area as it looked quite nice and was close to Spokane. But just found this info on Idaho Falls and was curious how it was as a retirement area. So I guess my question is - how do these 2 cities stack up as a good retirement place to live.

Thanks
Bob in AZ

Richabo,

It depends a lot on what you are looking for in retirement. There is NO DOUBT that after Boise, both CDA and Idaho Falls are the areas to watch. Idaho Falls has a larger population and serves as a regional hub for medical, many retail outlets, airport and other. Having INL close, the area has a greater % of Ph.D's than most any other city.

Interestingly enough, I saw someone who travels the State of ID weekly, compared Idaho Falls to the next Spokane. CDA relies on Spokane for bigger city services. Airlines fly into Spokane, not CDA. So in many ways, CDA serves as a "resort extension" of Spokane. That isn't to say CDA doesn't have its own identity as it does. But, you need to ask yourself what you want to do and what your priorities are first.

I was just looking at the Idaho Falls Country Club and didn't realize for some reason the length of the waiting list to that private golf/clubhouse/practice facility 5 miles south of town.

If you want to travel and see famous sites, YNP, the Tetons and Jackson Hole, as well as Craters of the Moon are all day trips within 100 miles of Idaho Falls. CDA, obviously, is much closer to the Canadian Border.

So I think you have to decide what factors will be most important in your retirement. Please ask more questions or give us more info so we might be able to give you better information. As usual, I recommend you contact Idaho Falls Magazine, at Idaho Falls Magazine - The Magazine for Eastern Idaho's Way of Living and request your complimentary copy. It will give you a feel for eastern ID.

Both CDA and I.F. are progressive. Idaho Falls is undergoing about 700 acres of redevelopment near the snake river. One development, the first, is called, Taylor's Crossing on the River: Taylor Crossing on the River. The other, is Snake River Landing - no good website is up for it yet. It is only developing Phase I at this point, but it wil add a community performance center, community gymansium, and total urban living, given the businesses they hope to attrack. I hope they get a website up soon, as the bike paths and walking paths around the lakes etc. are really nice - from what I've seen. Two hotels near the performance center, and so I don't even know what we'll see in Phases II-IV.

Also, check out not just housing prices but taxes on property. I'm not sure what they are, depending on what you might want for a house. CDA is in Kootenair County, Idaho Falls is in Bonneville.

I hope that gets you thinking about some of the needs/wants you'll have in retirement.

[Mtn. States Resident]

This probably belongs somewhere else, or a new thread, but I just can't help but comment about how wrong the population estimates of Idaho Falls are.

Since it is now July, the 2006 data has been posted. The info for some cities is accurate, but I posted the info in another thread of what the Census bureau released (which the states of ID thinks is low) and what is posted on City-Data just isn't correct for Idaho Falls. I won't comment about other cities, although I did compare them.

I'm not trying to bash City-Data, just simply encouraging everyone thinking of visiting an area or relocating to PLEASE contact local sources for the most accurate information.

City-Data has an overwhelming task to collect all this information and I appreciate what they do. Just get more current info.

For the record, Idaho Falls in 2006 was NOT estimated to be 52,786 (although interestingly, the rate of growth was reported accurately). It makes me wonder if someone just forgot to apply the rate of growth, given the increased census in Idaho Falls from 2001-2005 to the 2005 population estimate. Oh well, here is the correction information:


Idaho Falls (City Limits): 56,338

Idaho Falls Metro: 116,980

Idaho Falls Bingham CSA: 161,031

Bonneville County - 103,000K

Some, in local Bonneville County/Idaho State/ or City of Idaho Falls Gov't are already say Idaho Falls is 58K with Ammon at 20K.

I do think more and more people are starting to look at Idaho Falls as a retirement location. That is rather new idea, for current residents as usually those with family members in the area retire here, but not often do many move in from out-of-state except from WY, MT etc.

However, with the WEIRD weather, so many seniors from ID and UT migrate to St. George or certain areas of AZ or NV for the winter, and vice versa, AZ, NV, St. George etc. migrate north to Idaho Falls during now what are becoming 3-4 months, instead of 1-2.

I don't think this week any place in the west seems ideal to live, given the unseasonably high weather (15 F above normal).

I can't even imagine being in Phoenix or farther south right now.

[pw72]

Well, I live in Pocatello, work in Blackfoot, and my marketing area includes IF.

These issues will not be a problem in either Pocatello, home of Idaho State University, or Idaho Falls, a somewhat larger metro. There is a heavy mormon influence here, but nothing that would create ANY problem for a non-mormon.

Pocatello is prettier and somewhat more liberal (due to the colllege), but IF is the better economic center.

[Hammatime]

Incidentially, Portneuf Regional Medical Center is still trying to figure out who or what will own the completed entity...they hired an outside consulting company to help guide them on the best course for the future. In addition, the construction, which was initially started using public bond money, was completely legal. The issue of using public bond money for projects such as the new medical center came into question as a legal one only after a Boise resident brought a lawsuit to light earlier this year. He questioned how public bond money could be used to build a new parking garage at the Boise Airport when the public never voted on how or where to spend the money. His point...public bond money should be used where the public votes it should be used.

In addition, ISU President Arthur Valias just received Butch Otter's approval (Idaho Governor) to move forward with a plan for a medical shool at ISU. He will prepare a presentation for the upcoming state legislature.

Medical update: Cardiovascular sugeons conducted the first ever quadruple valve replacement surgery at Portneuf Valley Medical center a few weeks ago.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by Hammatime

Incidentially, Portneuf Regional Medical Center is still trying to figure out who or what will own the completed entity...they hired an outside consulting company to help guide them on the best course for the future. In addition, the construction, which was initially started using public bond money, was completely legal. The issue of using public bond money for projects such as the new medical center came into question as a legal one only after a Boise resident brought a lawsuit to light earlier this year. He questioned how public bond money could be used to build a new parking garage at the Boise Airport when the public never voted on how or where to spend the money. His point...public bond money should be used where the public votes it should be used.

In addition, ISU President Arthur Valias just received Butch Otter's approval (Idaho Governor) to move forward with a plan for a medical shool at ISU. He will prepare a presentation for the upcoming state legislature.

Medical update: Cardiovascular sugeons conducted the first ever quadruple valve replacement surgery at Portneuf Valley Medical center a few weeks ago.

It sounds like things legally are getting better for Portneuf. That is good.
Yes, that Boise resident created quite the stir for many.

I'm wondering if you and I are reading the same Idaho State Journal. Or, maybe the news was just announced today about all money for Portneuf being ok'd. It is good news.

Heart is coming along at Portneuf. Everyone knows, well maybe not, so I probably should say how programs are developed. Is the primary heart surgeon going to stay now, or is he still looking to relocate? I sure got a laugh the first time I read one of that particular surgeon's ads stating he could been trained to do a certain procedure. That's great he learned to do it - it had been perfected and printed in a major medical journal at least 6-7 years prior, by the work of Drs. Hodson and Denyer, in Idaho Falls.

What else is new at Portneuf that will add totally new services to the area? How many O.R.'s in the new, smaller hospital? That is one that seems strange to me, less hospital rooms, than exist now. But, the stats don't show Bannock County growing very fast compared to other counties in Idaho, and I know national designers used all their tools to calculated anticipated needed beds.

Actually, Hammatime, this might be an excellent time for you to introduce some links about the fighting that has occured about Portneuf Hospital concerning the funding, the employees meeting with county comissioners, as they feared their supervisors (or so they said - I don't know - I don't work at Portneuf) and they want some issues addressed, as well as the recent arguments with the person brought in to broker the deal between the Portneuf Hospital Board and Bannock County and somewhere in there, the residents of Bannock County. I'll post a good one I have. I might even have two. I mean non-Portneuf paid for sites or non-Capella sites. Sites where information was given and voices were suppose to be heard.

However, I know many are very suspicious of the Idaho State Journal's relationship with Portneuf Medical Center, as certain posts of readers somehow "disappeared" if they objected to certain policies and procedures occurring.

Has the alleged issue, regarding the surgeon who had to be escorted from the east campus been resolved? I know lots of the nursing staff were really upset about that incident and allegedly the same surgeon "firing them," which he doesn't have the power to do.

Sure, discussing healthcare as it exists now in Pocatello would be informative to those looking at Pocatello. I find the fact that few practitioners were take insurance patients over the age of 50, along with the 19% uninsured population interesting.

Medical School in Idaho - don't buy into that one too fast. Certainly, Gov. Otter can ask for a draft, a proposal, etc. as he stalls for time. I read his press release - quite a lot to it, especially between the lines. ISU at Boise State? Maybe. BSU is NOT giving this one up - Other Idaho Web sites that have been fighting about this issue for months, as they knew what Otter was going to say, and said he was just posturing. Anything more located at ISU while Gov. Otter is in office - dream on. How many state legislatures represent all of Idaho, excluding Ada and Canyon Counties? And how many represent those two counties. How do you think a vote would turn out with the legislature?

Don't get me wrong, I never said I liked those facts. But, I have read them elsewhere and while you can be happy Gov. Otter has asked for what he's requested, in reality it means nothing. Has he even given ISU $1.0 to explore this further? Gov. Otter is very loyal to his Treasure Valley roots - if you remember, in last year's election, he didn't think he could carry any county in eastern ID.

I'm not trying to be sarcastic or argumentive, I couldn't be more serious. I've read the remarks elsewhere and what residents of Treasure Valley are prepared to do if any politician thinks they will place any additional medical training in Pocatello. Is it fair? I don't think so, but then I'm also not the one writing the articles about why ONLY IN THE TREASURE VALLEY.

After all, how much did Gov. Otter grant ISU this last year compared to his beloved Blue Grass BSU? And where was the party held for him, after he was inagurated? BSU - the man loves BSU! I mean seriously, did ISU overall get as much as the sports programs at BSU?

I'm just saying read what the majority of the state has been saying and is saying in response to Otter's statement. Pocatello lacks many facilities, yet ISU trains excellent Pharm.D's, PA's, and NP's. Most do clinical rotations in Idaho Falls, and some in Twin Falls or Boise and a few other locations. Will all mid-levels lose their placement and training sites do to 10-20 medical students being trained in Pocatello? I would really hate to see that happen, as ISU NP/PA grads practice in many states and specialties.

I know what Gov. Otter wrote. I also know the U. of I, along with WSU already hosts 80 medical students yearly, 40 of whom are Idaho residents. That program has been in place many years.

Thanks for the discussion. Glad to learn the problems just got resolved at Portneuf, as they weren't within the past week when I last looked. Would you give me a link to that announcement, other than any Portneuf sponsored-site? Thanks in advance to the link - I'm looking forward to reading those legal arguments, given the last set I read.

[Mtn. States Resident]

As I promised Hammatime yesterday, I am posting a link so anyone who wants to read this very, very long article and more than 100 posts from local citizens that follow may do so.

Here is the URL, as it is far too long to paste here:

Idaho State Journal :: General :: PMC decision needed now (http://www.pocatelloshops.com/blogs/Journal_Opinion.php?id=3399 - broken link)

The article was written on Aug. 10, 2007 and is entitled, "PMC Decision Needed Now."

This article/opinion was printed in Pocatello's Idaho State Journal. You'll see after the article finally ends, there are dozens of posts. Those are from real people who do and don't see things the same way Mr. Hermanson does, the Bannock County Commissioners do/don't etc.

Warning - following the blogs, while I believe not only worthwhile reading, but critical for anyone seriously thinking about living in Pocatello, the display can be confusing. At times it looks like something didn't post well. That's not it, rather, there has been editing on the BlogSpot by Idaho State Journal Editors. And, the posts are added in an odd way almost like a pyramid more than by the date and time.

Some say the editing happened only when Portneuf MC requested certain information be removed. (you can go back into the archives and I believe it was around May 27th when the posts really started to take off). I don't know what the truth is, but I do know many posters had to start a site on Yahoo so all of their words could be printed and read by others.

A few terms to help you, if you are not familiar with the area. Bingham is Bingham Memorial Hospital in Blackfoot, 25 miles away, a 40 bed hospital where many Pocatello surgeons are now opting to perform their surgeries.

There is a reference written about Rocky Mountain Surgical Center, an Ambulatory Surgery Center in Pocatello. I can't remember how that was abbreviated, probably RMSC.

The subtle and not so subtle references to "outsiders" or "outside influences" running a community hospital reference Capella the Hospital Chain who has offered to come in and manage Portneuf (see the May and June articles for that). The more subtle concern, but written by Dr. Craig Bosley perhaps in late July: Capella was formed by some who use to work at HCA.

Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) in Idaho Falls, is the largest medical facility in eastern ID EIRMC is owned by HCA. So when you read things such as "do you want Idaho Falls dictating what happens to our community," etc., that is the connection (as I understand it). Capella has a history, as I understand it, of taking poorly performing hospitals or hospitals in trouble for other reasons, and adding service lines and increasing the hospital value. Capella has sold hospitals, they originally stepped in to rescue for a profit down the road.

ONE FACT: PORTNEUF MEDICAL CENTER LOST JACHO CERTIFICATION FOR A PERIOD OF TIME in the last 3 years. MY UNDERSTANDING A CONDITIONAL CERTIFICATE WAS ISSUED AFTER MANY MONTHS OF CHANGES. PROBABLY BY NOW, THE USUAL CERTIFICATION HAS BEEN REINSTATED. You may want to check on that because I haven't for a while - I don't know if Portneuf is still on a temporary, conditional permit or the regular that almost all hospitals receive during JACHO re-certification.

The implied meaning that most won't say, is they don't want Capella involved with Portneuf, but Portneuf is not doing well currently. However, if Capella is involved, they may sell Portneuf. And maybe the purchasee would be HCA, who already made a direct offer on Portneuf and was told point blank Portneuf would NEVER be sold to HCA (thus some of the comments about HCA).

Some people appear never to have seen the benefits and economies of scale of having more than one hospital owned by the same chain, given their comments. Also, a very real fear that difficulties with certain medical specialties in Pocatello, may cease to exist, or at least change drastically, given what EIRMC currently offers or is or will soon be building.

Those are the facts as I understand them. While I most certainly am entitled to my POV, I'll be happy if someone corrects any factual information (with the appropriate documentation) of what I unintentional mis-stated.

I would be interested in what others think of this article and all the blogs.

Somehow, I got the impression from Hammatime s/he thought all was well at Portneuf. I don't share that view and have provided one source of NON-PORTNEUF information for those who want to read about it to do so.

Hopefully, Hammatime will also post a NON-PORTNEUF website (there are more than one -a special one was constructed around this issue alone), to support his/her views.

[westerntot]

PRMC was owned by IHC and is now owned by Bannock County...and is quite frankly very, very scary. I wouldn't want my cat to be treated there.

[westerntot]

All is not well. It is really awful and I am very sad that my family lives in the area and has to deal with such poor quality care.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by westerntot

All is not well. It is really awful and I am very sad that my family lives in the area and has to deal with such poor quality care.

westerntot,

Thank you for sharing your opinions with us. Many people, when looking to relocate, do look at healthcare. So your views are very important to many.

Yes, you are right the Pocatello Regional Medical Center use to be owned by Intermountain Healthcare (IHC) based out of Salt Lake City. Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong, but my understanding is neither the former Bannock Regional Medical Center (now Portneuf West) nor PRMC - now Portneuf East had all the services they needed at either location.

I know when PRMC opened, they did NO deliveries, then later they recruited some OBs and started to delivery babies at PRMC. The original decision to not provide OB services posed a major problem for families who had IHC insurance and were having babies. Likewise, I know the BRMC always had their MRI scanner in an attached trailer to the hospital. Anyone who knows much about MRI's knows why that is not ideal.

So for many people who had IHC insurance, they couldn't access services at the former BRMC. And PRMC closed their E.R. to downgrade just to an Urgent Care. It was far from ideal at that point, yet many people seemed happier as they could chose whether they wanted to seek care at a county-owned hospital or one owned by IHC. The merge was complicated enough, but now with the Frazier v. Idaho 2006 decision - wow, it's almost like one has to be a lawyer to understand it all. Well maybe not, I think far more people really understand what is going on than ANYONE "official" will acknowledge.

The sad thing to me is the citizens lose. I don't know how anyone without some type of medical/nursing or healthcare background (or relatives with the same) is suppose to figure it all out, right now at Portneuf. I'm sure some do and I know the nursing staff in particular - those who have chosen to stay, deliver the best nursing care they possibly can.

I hope for your sake, westerntot, no one in your family gets seriously ill or in an accident. Remember, you can always drive 50 miles north and get all the services offered at PMC plus many more. It has been surprising to see how many couples in Pocatello have opted to have their babies in Idaho Falls the last two years.

Hang in there.

[pepsidietisgood]

[SIZE=3]1. Though job opportunities are growing they are still slim and greatly depend upon your qualifications and job field. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]2. no I wouldn’t suggest coming to this area for treatment our medical facilities are not the best by any means. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]3. I believe ISU is wheelchair accessible and it is located in Pocatello.[/SIZE]

I have lived in this area for 13 years.