Tennessee to Idaho (Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls: 2010, school, living in)

[ptin2010]

Is there anyone on this forum who has moved from TN to ID? If so, where did you move from and where did you move to? I am planning on relocating in less than one year and ID is on my short list of possible locations. I currently live in northeast Pennsylvania (north of Scranton, PA). I have lived here for almost two years and will be completing my degree in physical therapy in May of 2010. I am married and I have a daughter. Finding a job should not be a problem for me. I am already being recruited by quite a few employers. I was wondering if any Tennesseans could give me some input. Of course this thread is open to anybody willing to offer some helpful advice. Thank you for your time.

[mistyriverranch]

We spent a year in TN (Tullahoma) and I am from Clarks Summit, PA which must be near you somewhere...and we moved to north Idaho 7 years ago. It wasn't a move directly from TN or PA...we spent 10 years in Phoenix before we made it here.
I can tell you this: I don't miss the humidity! Anyone who thinks it's EVER humid here has not experienced breathing the swamp gas that passes for air in the east during the summer. North Idaho is the most beautiful place on earth IMO, but it can be a little backward...much like parts of Appalachia. But I wouldn't go back east for anything. I love it here.

[Toyman at Jewel Lake]

Originally Posted by mistyriverranch

...I can tell you this: I don't miss the humidity! Anyone who thinks it's EVER humid here has not experienced breathing the swamp gas that passes for air in the east during the summer. North Idaho is the most beautiful place on earth IMO, but it can be a little backward...much like parts of Appalachia. But I wouldn't go back east for anything. I love it here.

What Misty said I forgot what the humidity was like in the east until I went back to visit. Getting out of the shower and never drying off, always feeling "slimy"-icky. If I never go east of Montana again in my life I'll be happy.

Having said that, TN is IMO one of the prettiest states in the east, it was my second or third choice, after ID. Lots of mountains in the eastern part of the state, somewhat like NID.

[ptin2010]

I actually live in Clarks Summit, PA. I lived in east TN for three years. Middle TN is definitely humid. I do not miss the summers in the south one bit. Here is a list of my top 5 towns: Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Coeur d' Alene, Lewiston, and Twin Falls. No specific order. I realize that I have pretty much covered the state from top to bottom. I am in the process of reviewing old city-data posts and Idaho government sponsored websites. I will ask some specific questions after completing my research if I can't find what I am looking for. Thank you.

[ptin2010]

I have narrowed it down to 3 cities that I am interested in for possible relocation. Pocatello, Twin Falls and Idaho Falls. Still researching.

[skinem]

Pacific Northwest boy here who is currently living in Middle Tennessee--have bounced back and forth between Tennessee and the PNW several times.
Once you live in a dry climate, you'll never want to move back east or south again. I've been here for years and still hate the summers.
I don't know if you are an outdoorsy type, but, for what it's worth, Outdoor Life magazine just picked Lewiston and the #1 town in America to live for outdoorsmen. I've spent a lot of time there and in the CDA area--winters are considerably milder in Lewiston and CDA is growing so much--I don't care for large towns.
My sister's a PT in Lewiston, I know their company has changed hands a couple of times. She's never been without work, but perhaps the job situation is better in the 3 towns you've mentioned.

[ptin2010]

Hello Skinem,

I am originally from Cookeville, TN (about an hour east of Nashville, TN). I do enjoy the outdoors. I looked into Lewiston as a possible place to relocate. However, I was turned off by a large number of complaints about the smell of the town. CDA has too much snow for my wife. Thank you for your response.

[skinem]

Originally Posted by ptin2010

Hello Skinem,

I am originally from Cookeville, TN (about an hour east of Nashville, TN). I do enjoy the outdoors. I looked into Lewiston as a possible place to relocate. However, I was turned off by a large number of complaints about the smell of the town. CDA has too much snow for my wife. Thank you for your response.

I have friends in and from Cookeville. I'm currently outside of Fayetteville, TN--straight south of Nashville bordering Alabama.

You know what the locals in Lewiston say about the smell? It smells like money.

Seriously, the smell is from a pulp mill. There are areas of Lewiston and Clarkston, WA (just next door across the river) that don't get the smell bad or often...the higher on the hills, the better it is.

...and seriously, you get so that you don't smell it. It smells better than most eastern cities!

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by ptin2010

I have narrowed it down to 3 cities that I am interested in for possible relocation. Pocatello, Twin Falls and Idaho Falls. Still researching.

ptin2010,

Not sure what type of practice experience you are looking for in Idaho. It will be very different in the three cities you listed.

If you have a specific clinical interest, not all services are available in each town.

Send me a DM if you want more info. I don't and won't post info more specific in the open format.

Good luck with your choice and your last year of school.

MSR

[ptin2010]

I have narrowed my search down to two locations: Idaho Falls and Twin Falls. Still researching.