idaho falls or boise suburbs (Pocatello: movies, good schools, university)

[deem]

GOod Morning
we are heading up in May or June from Az - and will be looking at both areas - any suggestions for relocating - to either place
we are looking for some culture in the arts, boutique shopping, small town atmosphere, friendly people, good schools for we have a son that is entering jr high this yr.
we like to fish, camp, movies, and a downtown core that is alive and tourist come to
any help out there appreciated
thank you

[cleosmom]

You might more to your liking in the "arts" over Boise way, Idaho Falls is more likely to give you the small town atmosphere you're looking for. Of course, it all depends on your idea of small town

[deem]

Hello cleosmom
I looked at the pop in Boise and it says proper is 190,000 - that's ok to be near Boise maybe in the suburbs - if the arts and sports are there
where do you live and what do you prefer if you had to compare
under 50,000 would be too small for us
thanks again

[cleosmom]

I'm near Idaho Falls and the population is just a hair over 50,000. I prefer it as it is smaller. Are you talking sports as a venue or to participate in? I'm getting the vibe you might be more inclined to to western Idaho.

[Hammatime]

Don't rule out Pocatello either. It has all of the above, but more affordable. And a D1A College. (Idaho State University...around 12k students). Its about 45 miles south of Idaho Falls.