Moving to Idaho Falls (Boise, Hope: rent, insurance, chapel)

[GreaterGood]

Hello City-Data, I found this site while trying to find some more information about Idaho Falls. I am going to be 20 in october this year, And have been offered a chance to live in a second home my family owns in Idaho Falls. I am just wondering if there is any advice someone who lives in the area could offer up to someone who has not lived on his own yet, Let alone been in Snow weather. I am currently located in a small city called Lakewood in Southern California. But I never really liked the pace of life here. And with the economy the way it is. I have not been able to find work here in southern California since 2006.

Anyway, Any helpful and constructive advice as to what I might expect when living in Idaho. Would be greatly Appreciated.

I have already made the decision to go. And will be moving most likely in march 2010 so I am not rushing. My family is great and I know I always have a place here in california with them if I can't make it on my own in Idaho. But I will be living rent free and utility free until I get work.

Well I'll stop ranting now and see what people can come up with. Thanks to anyone who is willing to help.

[Western gal]

I guess the first thing I would look at with your family is WHAT and HOW MUCH your rent, utilities (get from the city), property taxes, etc. they plan to assign to you once you have a job. Are they going to expect you to pay $500 a month? $1000? Will you pay all utilities, like phone, cable, water, sewer, garbage, electricity or gas, and yearly taxes? It sounds like you have a generous family but at some point will they expect you to take over 100%?

So, add up what you are expected to pay, factor in groceries, gas, insurance for your car, entertainment, etc., then you can see what kind of a paycheck you need after taxes to afford it. Unless you have highly specialized training or degrees, a lot of jobs in this area only start for someone your age around $8 an hour.

I'm confused, you've not been able to find a job for 3 years? How will it be different here? Idaho has been hit by the recession too, albeit not as bad as California.

Good luck, Idaho Falls is a nice area but not many 20 year olds are ready to make it on their own unless they are totally responsible and bringing in a good paycheck.

I wonder if your family should consider renting or selling the home instead?

[GreaterGood]

Well they have stated that they will pay the utilities for a few months, And I will never have to pay rent. so overall it doesn't seem that bad to me. Its fully furnished. And they pay property taxes when it comes time. They just want to help me get a head start on living alone and getting on with life. And at 20 I haven't done much except work some small seasonal jobs in my local area.

Im still not discouraged. Idaho looks very nice. So im looking forward to atleast giving it a try, If I fail then I fail. No harm done.

[Western gal]

I wonder if you ought to look into college while you are here and train in some specific job skills?

Here's one link: Welcome to Eastern Idaho Technical College

[GreaterGood]

Most likely I will be working on training in Web Design and Web Application Development while there, It will give me time alone and keep me away from the distractions of living in a 5 person home.

Plus its rent free! How could you go wrong? haha

From what I can gather, It's the perfect Bachelor pad. Built in grill, Fully furnished with flat screen TV. Its even got a full workshop with all the tools I could need. I am very stoked about this, Most likely we will be heading up sometime before the end of October to check on the house and to go visit my grandfathers grave site which is in Boise.

Anyway thanks for your advice so far Western gal.

[cleosmom]

If you're looking to become educated in Web Design and Web App Dev, what will you be doing for a job in the mean time?

Snow: what type of vehicle do you currently drive? Hopefully it's something with at minimal front wheel drive, however with the past few winters we've had I would shoot for 4 wheel drive and the best way to learn is with a set of good tires (Norcalmom101 chime in any time now ya hear? ) and the school of hard knocks in an isolated parking lot. Snow isn't the only weather issue you'll need to be concerned with when driving in winter; there's also freezing rain, black ice and freezing fog which can and does freeze the roads.

Are you certain you're ready for this much of a slower pace? Not saying it's dullsville here, but you're not going to find the same entertainment you are currently used to where you're at.

[GreaterGood]

Im fine with a very slow pace, I hardly go out anyway, See im not your ordinary Teen. I mostly stay at home with my family and am on the PC teaching myself to do many different things (I was homeschooled so I know how to figure things out on my own) I do have some family in Idaho. And they are willing to help keep me company when needed and help teach me things like driving in snow and putting storm windows up and the like. For me I find my inspiration for my designs from quiet and slower paced living, When im busy and doing a million things in my life (Like how its gotten lately around here with family matters) I tend to put out rushed work. But if im alone and can isolate myself I can concentrate much easier

As for work, One of my family members in Idaho works for a company that deals with Computers a lot and he has offered to try and help me get an entry level Job at his workplace. So I wouldn't worry to much. If I can't get one at his Job, I have expeirence with Retail so if all else fails, I can try and find work at a store.

Thanks for your advice, I will take it into consideration in my preparations to move

[Mtn. States Resident]

Greater Good,

It does sound like you are in a unique position. Being able to move to an actual home your family owns and not have to worry about rent etc. are a dream to most people.

I'm glad to hear you have family in the Idaho Falls area. My #1 question for you, is what plan do you have to meet new people and develop a support network besides family?

To be clear, I don't think people have to be the same age to be friends. I find it more interesting sometimes to know people of various ages. I just don't want to see you move in, work on your PC developing your computer skills etc. and have little interaction with real people.

There are many activities and groups in Idaho Falls. Perhaps one way to meet others with common interests is by looking to join a group with common interests, or volunteer time to help others with a community project. Often, that is where people make the closest friends.

I wish you well in your transition in 2010. One link to start helping you get connected with more people bysides your family is: Idaho Falls Magazine (also on Facebook). Check the "Marketplace" link and you will get a list of everything from Clubs/Organizations, Golf Courses, WebSites/Blogs in the area.

The fun thing about Idaho Falls Magazine and Facebook is you can participate in surveys, see what is planned, learn about restaurants and write comments even before you are in the community. Not saying you shouldn't use CDF, far from it. I'm just saying if you want to start to interact with others in real time, sites like Idaho Falls Magazine and their announcements of contests etc. allow you to do that currently.

Let me welcome you to the area prior to your arrival. I think you may be very inspired in a more tranquil setting. Wilson Rawls wrote, "Where the Red Fern Grows," while he was living in Idaho Falls. In front of the public library are statues of Rawls and Big Dan and Little Ann. It just takes a little bit of digging and meeting the right people to understand many opportunities you can have in Idaho Falls.

Looking forward to your reply.

MSR

[GreaterGood]

Mtn. States Resident,

I can see where your coming from, And I personally am not to worried, I've been told by many people that I'm quite likable (Gloat Gloat) and I am usually very active in Calvary Chapel here in California. And I have volunteered in the past for my little sisters pop warner cheer team. I like the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping someone somewhere.

Like I said, I'm not your ordinary So-Cal Teenager.

I will certainly look into those links you provided me and see if I can start gathering some contacts and making some friends so I will be set when I get there.

What part of Idaho do you live in by the way? So far everyone in here has been very helpful with good advice. And I was very happy to see some very positive things said about Idaho Falls in other threads I have read.

-GreaterGood
(A.K.A Jordan)

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by GreaterGood

Mtn. States Resident,

I can see where your coming from, And I personally am not to worried, I've been told by many people that I'm quite likable (Gloat Gloat) and I am usually very active in Calvary Chapel here in California. And I have volunteered in the past for my little sisters pop warner cheer team. I like the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping someone somewhere.


-GreaterGood
(A.K.A Jordan)

You'll be happy to learn that there is a very active Calvary Chapel here in IF. It's on south 25th East (Hitt Rd), just south of Sunnyside road. Then again, you might already know this.