Looking to move to Idaho from Texas. Have questions about the IF area. (Pocatello: how much)

[miniwishes]

We live in Central Texas now and are looking to move to the IF area. We tried to buy up there about 3 years ago but the contract on our home fell thru and we lost the home we wanted to buy up there to another buyer. We are now thinking about relocating again and would like some information since the economy has changed. Any information would be greatly appreciated. My husband is a truck driver and would be looking for a job driving preferably local and home nightly. Are there jobs up there like this and what do they pay? How are the schools? I have a 10 and 11 yr old and the school they are in now is horrible! I work at the school in the lunchroom..are the schools there ever looking for help? I like to work in a job where I can have the same days off as my kids because I have always been a stay at home mom and really believe in being there for our kids. We would be looking for a 4 bd/2 bth home with at least 2 acres because we have horses. We would like to find something for under $200K Is this possible? We show horses...does anyone know if there are open horse shows up there or miniature horse shows? I have read the pros and cons with ID/Pocatello and I guess it all depends on what kind of house we can find and the jobs. Thanks in advance for any information

[cleosmom]

My husband drives over the road for a locally owned company. I know they have local drivers, however I have no idea on the pay as it's done different than the OTR drivers. He is usually home every weekend though.

Horses, yepperz we've got barn that do all three major disciplines; English Dressage and western. There is a mini barn somewhere near, can't recall where though.

Not sure if the schools are hiring in the lunchrooms or not, I know there have been budget cuts everywhere.

I do not have kids, however my friends that have them swear by District 93.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Miniwishes,

Have you been in touch with the realtor you almost used 3 years ago, or someone about the housing market? Certainly houses are available, but to have everything you want with the land too, I don't know.

I'd check the education or school section of the Idaho Falls Magazine website: Idaho Falls Magazine

Click on "Area Guide," then click on "Education/Schools." There should be links to District #91, #93 as well as private and charter schools etc. Also, many people don't realize that Shelley School District is closer to Idaho Falls than some areas of District #93. I think Shelley is District #60, but I might be wrong. Also, Rigby is north of Idaho Falls, but again, not too far away. I believe that would be Jefferson County Schools and you should be able to find the school district #. I'm not certain of it.

It really depends on what you think is important in education where I'd want to put my kids in a public system. Idaho Falls High School has strong national test scores in Science and Math and has for years. (District #91). Hillcrest (#93) is coming into their own now with much stronger athletic and diversied education.

Honestly, I'd be surprised if you could find the land you want, with the house you want, and be in District #91. It is basicaly the city of Idaho Falls. District #93 essentially goes from 25th East to the WY border. That being said, every single student I've personally known who has commuted daily from Swan Valley to Idaho Falls for High School has gone to a District #91 School, not #93. Perhaps it is where they thought they could get the best college preparation and/or the size of District #93 classes. Growth is absolutely explosive in District #93.

Cleosmom has given you some good advice IMHO about the job scene. I'd make a list of those who list themselves as Trucking Companies (from any phonebook, like Dex Yellow Pages: Online Phone Book Directory for Local Business Listings) and list Idaho Falls, ID (Metro). Then I'd be in touch with them directly. I have no idea how much a driver makes doing what your husband does.

I hope this helps.

MSR

[miniwishes]

Thank you both so much for all of your information! You have given me lots to go on and lots to explore. We don't "have" to move right now but would like to so I guess we have time to do some research and wait for our "perfect" home to come available
Thanks again!

[redheadedsister]

200K to spend? Very "doable". 200K would buy you a mini mansion in Twin Falls, ID