Where should I look for housing? (Idaho Falls, Rexburg: appointed, 2014, apartment)

[CybrSlydr]

I've just been interviewed for a Federal Geologist position in the Salmon Challis National Forest. There is one opening with a possible posting at either Salmon or Challis.

From what I've read around here, Salmon is the larger of the two and the two are separated by about 60miles. Salmon is a bit of a hub town for the surrounding areas, so it would have a little more in the way of amenities and the like compared to Challis.

I understand this is a remote part of Idaho (heh) but I'm trying to narrow down where I should look for housing should I be offered the job. All of the online searching on the typical sites (apartment finder, zillow, etc) has offered practically nothing.

I'd be looking for a rental property. Probably in the $700ish range, maybe more. Apartment, house, doesn't matter to me.

Appreciate your help.

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by CybrSlydr

I've just been interviewed for a Federal Geologist position in the Salmon Challis National Forest. There is one opening with a possible posting at either Salmon or Challis.

From what I've read around here, Salmon is the larger of the two and the two are separated by about 60miles. Salmon is a bit of a hub town for the surrounding areas, so it would have a little more in the way of amenities and the like compared to Challis.

I understand this is a remote part of Idaho (heh) but I'm trying to narrow down where I should look for housing should I be offered the job. All of the online searching on the typical sites (apartment finder, zillow, etc) has offered practically nothing.

I'd be looking for a rental property. Probably in the $700ish range, maybe more. Apartment, house, doesn't matter to me.

Appreciate your help.

hoping banjomike has some ideas

[banjomike]

sorry, Cleo... It's been so long since I've spent time in either city I honestly don't know what the housing situation is like in either one now.

[CybrSlydr]

Thanks anyway banjo.

[mtngirlatheart]

The housing situation, especially for rentals, is hard to come by these days in those areas. It may be difficult to anything in either town looking on typical sites. Salmon has a local FB group where rentals are posted from time to time, but locals are very quick to snag them up before word gets out to 'outsiders.' You could try contacting local realtors for the rentals availability. Depending on your timeframe, you could get lucky. Also, you may want to look at upping your price range. Rental costs have risen significantly just in the past few years.

Compared to Challis, Salmon has more in the way of amenities, but not much, and the town isn't growing. In fact, it's been quite the opposite happening. Do your homework for sure, especially if you've never visited the area. Depending what you're looking for and what your future plans, are, it may be exactly what you want. Beautiful country! I lived there for four years. Good luck!

[CybrSlydr]

Sheesh, more than $700/mo for an apartment? That's quite disappointing.

Might be better off getting a VA home loan instead...

[nm9stheham]

Challis has a fair number of properties available. The molybdenum mine to the SW, ceased active operations in 2014 and that was the biggest nearby employer. So that has made a lot of property less expensive. Salmon is definitely bigger but not by any large margin. Neither is exactly prosperous, but that is less of a concern for you IMHO if you get that job.



Being in Salmon, you could drive to Idaho Falls for big shopping in just under 2.5 hours, or the Rexburg ; Challis to Idaho Falls is about the same time.So a wash there....


Time to engage a realtor as said.... and your prospective employer and fellow employees may be able to help too.


Be ready for very dry and very cold in winter; quite a change from Beverly.

[CybrSlydr]

Originally Posted by nm9stheham

Challis has a fair number of properties available. The molybdenum mine to the SW, ceased active operations in 2014 and that was the biggest nearby employer. So that has made a lot of property less expensive. Salmon is definitely bigger but not by any large margin. Neither is exactly prosperous, but that is less of a concern for you IMHO if you get that job.



Being in Salmon, you could drive to Idaho Falls for big shopping in just under 2.5 hours, or the Rexburg ; Challis to Idaho Falls is about the same time.So a wash there....


Time to engage a realtor as said.... and your prospective employer and fellow employees may be able to help too.


Be ready for very dry and very cold in winter; quite a change from Beverly.

Indeed, it was unseasonably warm here this year and wet. Tons of rain, but only 1 real snowfall so far - and it was gone the next day practically. I'm very disappointed.

It'll be two weeks since this Thursday since the interview. So, fingers crossed I hear something!

[nowhereman427]

Originally Posted by CybrSlydr

Indeed, it was unseasonably warm here this year and wet. Tons of rain, but only 1 real snowfall so far - and it was gone the next day practically. I'm very disappointed.

It'll be two weeks since this Thursday since the interview. So, fingers crossed I hear something!

[CybrSlydr]

Well, got the word today that I wasn't selected. So, guess all this was a bit moot.

Thanks for your help folks.