Idaho Falls vs. Lewiston (Pocatello, Blackfoot: house, neighborhood, to buy)

[StampinTami]

We are looking to move to Idaho. We have been looking in the Idaho Falls and Blackfoot area. We are looking to buy some acreage and we need good schools as well. We have just started to look in the Lewiston area again because of a possible job. Which area would be better for school, land prices and for families? We have been to Idaho Falls and absolutely love it there. The people are so friendly and it is beautiful. We have not been to Lewiston yet but are planning a trip to check out the area possibly later this month or early March. Any help would be much appreciated.

[shades_of_idaho]

We have never lived in Idaho Falls but used to shop there when we lived in Challis. WE really liked Pocatello over IF. If you think IF is beautiful then you really should check out Lewiston if you have a job possibality. Not so much to live in Lewiston. Juliaetta and Orfino, Clarkia and areas around are so much prettier than IF. As far as schools and Jobs I can not help you there. Not having children I know nothing about the schools.

I used to live in California,Sacramento area. We left CA to move to Idaho almost 20 years ago and it was the best move we ever made. Most people all over Idaho are friendly.

Sorry I can not be of much help on jobs and schools. Just be sure to look around all over Idaho before settling down in IF.

I just happened to this forum looking for information about Elk River.

Hope you find what you are looking for.

Chris

[catlady]

Chris......Looking for info on Elk River? It is a very small, small town in northern ID. east of Troy which is north of Lewiston. I have family in ER and Lewiston. ER gets lots of snow and it stays. The summer time is nice there.

[shades_of_idaho]

Catlady, Thank you for the information on ER.Do your relatives like living there??? Cambridge is small pop 357 or so and gets lots of snow too.
LOL This was a couple of weeks ago. It has settled down some now. We had zero degrees this morning. I think we are a little warmer here on our hill.My neighbor said she had 8 below.

I guess we will have to take a trip up there to look around. I am NOT wanting to move but my husband is a drifter. Sigh

Well off to finigh painting the guest room.

Thanks again Chris

[shades_of_idaho]

finigh=finish. Coffee is strong here too. I really have not been drinking. Just a case of dumb fingers. I am out of here. Chris

[manybees]

Originally Posted by StampinTami

We are looking to move to Idaho. We have been looking in the Idaho Falls and Blackfoot area. We are looking to buy some acreage and we need good schools as well. We have just started to look in the Lewiston area again because of a possible job. Which area would be better for school, land prices and for families? We have been to Idaho Falls and absolutely love it there. The people are so friendly and it is beautiful. We have not been to Lewiston yet but are planning a trip to check out the area possibly later this month or early March. Any help would be much appreciated.

You started looking in the right area to begin with. You will probably agree after your visit to Lewiston.

[mejaka]

::waves to shades of idaho:: Thanks for the pics. Husband spent first 15 years or so in Cambridge--he'll like seeing these!

Lewiston itself--not too pretty, and the paper plant reeks on hot days. Some pretty areas around if you don't mind living out a bit in a rural area. Again--Chris--Pocatello over Idaho Falls? Really? Wow...I am SO the opposite. Lived in Pocy for 15 years and would take IF any day. But much happier up here in the north...

[ghostman]

I lived in Lewiston for 15 years and absolutely love it there. I can't compare it to Idaho Falls, as I've never spent any real amount of time there, but I think Lewiston is just beautiful. Lots of trees, lots of water, and lots to do for a town of its size. I'm glad you have decided to visit.

With regards to the schools, my friends and I were all products of the Lewiston public school system, and we all ended up at nice universities across the country. I know that's anecdotal, but it seemed to me like we were all thoroughly prepared for higher education. I went to Whitman Elementary, Jenifer Junior High, and then Lewiston High School, and thought they were all top-notch schools with excellent teachers.

As for prices, I remember it as being very affordable. When I was in high school in the late 90s, my family lived in a two-story, five-bedroom house in the Normal Hill area (near the college). It was a nice neighborhood and we lived comfortably, even though my parents only made about $60,000 combined and had four kids. I don't know what the prices have done since then, but I don't think they've gone up too much.

I hope you enjoy your visit.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by StampinTami

We are looking to move to Idaho. We have been looking in the Idaho Falls and Blackfoot area. We are looking to buy some acreage and we need good schools as well. We have just started to look in the Lewiston area again because of a possible job. Which area would be better for school, land prices and for families? We have been to Idaho Falls and absolutely love it there. The people are so friendly and it is beautiful. We have not been to Lewiston yet but are planning a trip to check out the area possibly later this month or early March. Any help would be much appreciated.

StampinTami,

Only you know what the most important factors are for your family. All cities have positives and negatives. You know how you felt when you were in Idaho Falls. While you can ask for opinions and read facts, ultimately, I believe that you (like all of us) know home when you find it. It just feels different than others places, IMO.

I'm afraid what information I know about Lewiston is far too out-dated to be useful with two exceptions: Lewiston has the only seaport in the state of ID. The altitutde is lower - might want to check the temps out, I don't the difference, humidity etc. Secondly, most often Lewiston is referred to as "Lewiston-Clarkston" given how close Clarkston, WA is. Probably in the Lewiston area, Clarkston accounts for some of the amenities or services available.

Idaho Falls has the second largest airport in Idaho, which will have more direct flights to major metro markets perhaps as early as summer 2008, and maybe another airline. Lewiston has a airport with much less service that Idaho Falls. Whether people or goods only travel via the seaport, I don't know.

Maybe someone from the Lewiston area can tell you about the seaport and whether it's used for industrial purposes only or passengers as well.

I'm sure you'll find what is right for you and your family! Good luck.

Let us know what you find out between the two Idaho cities.