Idaho Falls vs. Pocatello (renting, house, buying)

[Mtn. States Resident]

Just wanted to cross reference these two threads for those who may not have read the other:

//www.city-data.com/forum/newre...te=1&p=1267293

Idaho Falls (crime, fit in, communities)

I hope this works.

[Mtn. States Resident]

I'm adding this here so anyone who hasn't read about the Equal Access Playground in Idaho Falls may do so. Information has been posted on the //www.city-data.com/forum/idaho...ings-do-6.html and //www.city-data.com/forum/idaho...o-falls-5.html.


The link to the Equal Access Playground Organization, here is the link:

Equal Access Playground

I know the name of this thread is "Idaho Falls vs. Pocatello." However, I hope by posting this here that those who live in Pocatello and have disabled children will know there will soon be a place those children to play in Idaho Falls. Also, some in Pocatello may want to be involved with this project to show one way how many people in Pocatello and Idaho Falls are similar.

Finally, for those thinking about relocating somewhere in southeastern Idaho, you may want to know about this tremendous resource. As my posts say, the closest similar playgrounds where children can play safely and without hurting themselves, are either in Logan, UT or the Metro Boise area, in Canyon County.

[rigbymomof3]

I would go Idaho Falls for sure. You not from here, but the nickname for Pocatello is "the armpit of Idaho". I've never lived there, but that's what I hear.

[pw72]

Originally Posted by rigbymomof3

I would go Idaho Falls for sure. You not from here, but the nickname for Pocatello is "the armpit of Idaho". I've never lived there, but that's what I hear.

Nope. Pocatello doesn't smell. Retail is growing rapidly. New homes are being built to the N.E. and North. You may be remembering a bygone era. Come back and see how Pocatello has become a very livable, affordable, area with dozens of new retail choices.

[Sage of Sagle]

Always seemed like a nice place when stopping during drives through the area...I can think of a lot worse places to live around the Northwest than Pocatello....

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by pw72

Nope. Pocatello doesn't smell. Retail is growing rapidly. New homes are being built to the N.E. and North. You may be remembering a bygone era. Come back and see how Pocatello has become a very livable, affordable, area with dozens of new retail choices.

Howdy pw72, how are you?

Pocatello is cheaper than Idaho Falls, the City-Data shows the decreased incomes and cheaper homes. And as you mention, there are now more retail choices. I agree with all of that.

It's a little hard for me to understand, pw72, why anyone from Rexburg, Rigby or Idaho Falls would want to drive to Pocatello to shop. There may be new retail of which I'm not aware. But, say Staples or Ross Dress for Less, Petco, Petsmart etc. - have all been open from 2-6 years in Idaho Falls. I'm not sure why consumers would want to pass up more options for shopping to what Pocatello is building that is the same. Maybe you can help me on that one.

One of the funniest headlines in the Post Register, at least to me as I doubt few knew who she was, was when the new Barnes and Noble opened in Idaho Falls. It outgrew it's original location. One person a reporter in the Post Register interviewed to see what brought her to Barnes and Nobles was a Pocatello physician. One would have to be familiar with the professionals in the area to have picked that one up; nonetheless, it does say something about what many professionals are use to in other cities before they move to Idaho.

Maybe you can tell us what we're missing - I'm open to new ideas. But, I do understand why, for people relatively new to eastern Idaho - say having lived in the area 1-4 years, some previous perceptions remain. Pocatello residents should be happy with the developments Ball Ventures and others are developing in Pocatello. There are still things that are just different. Pocatello caters to ISU, as one would expect.

Idaho Falls, on the other hand, works with many INL contractors and is becoming the dominant airport for eastern ID. It may not matter for some people in many circumstances, but it matters for business reason and people trying to fly to Pocatello. And there are still businesses, Target, Johnny Carinos, TGI Friday's, Kohls and the Olive Garden being two businesses, among many others, that haven't located in Pocatello despite being in Idaho Falls.

Additionally, Marriott just opened their first property in Pocatello, but has been open in Idaho Falls for at least 4 years building more properties. And after a second negotiationg deal, Pocatello will get a Chili's now, but the Idaho Falls location has been open about 5 years.

So I think there are indeed patterns of knowing may goods and services being available in Idaho Falls that aren't necessarily yet available in Pocatello.
I think part still has to do with selection and why Bannock County residents shop in Bonneville County. I'm not saying all do. For many who have limited time to shop or want more variety, they find it in Idaho Falls.

If a weekend "bring your own keg," like I recently saw in a Pocatello C Store showed on a display, is what people want, then it is indeed the better location for that activity .

Currently, Pocatello has air service to Salt Lake City, on Sky West, the Delta Connection. Conversely, Idaho Falls has 5 carriers with either more on the way, or at least more flights from those currently in Idaho Falls/day, per Ty Perry.

The KPVI article I quoted in a different thread. Reporter Ty Perry submitted the following report:

NewsChannel6 - New Idaho Falls Airport Director

If the video doesn't work, here is the transcription of the report.

Reporter: Ty Perry
New Idaho Falls Airport Director


"In April, Lenard Nelson took over as the Director of Aviation for the Idaho Falls Regional Airport, he says this airport is different from those in other smaller communities.

"Lenard Nelson, Directof of Aviation, I.F.R.A.:"Flights are just running full, most of the other communities of this size have kind of seen a decrease in air travel where Idaho Falls has seen some real pressure to add flights."

"Nelson says the demand for growth comes from the community growing, the vacation destinations nearby and the booming business around the area.

"Lenard Nelson, Directo of Aviation, I.F.R.A.:"Businesses are doing well with the INL and that's a big part of the air traffic here in Idaho Falls."

"Nelson has plans to upgrade and improve the airport, beginning about a year from now with a multi-million dollar runway project.

"Lenard Nelson, Directo of Aviation, I.F.R.A.: "Next summer we're going to overlay the main runway... along with that the lights will be changed out, the taxiway will be resurfaced... and then from there we're going to look at some terminal things because were crowded in the terminal."

"Nelson also wants to add more concession stands to the terminal in an effort to make the Idaho Falls Regional Airport a more comfortable way to fly.

"Lenard Nelson, Directo of Aviation, I.F.R.A.: "That's really my overall goal is to make the passenger feel like it's an easy transition to come to Idaho Falls get on an airplane and get out of here as opposed to choosing a bigger airport."

"Nelson says the airport is looking to add several new flights including possible direct flights to California and Chicago."


Just to clarify for those who don't know, when the director of the IFRA left in the Spring of 2007, Mr. Nelson who USE to be the Director of the Pocatello Airport applied for and received the job at IFRA. IMHO, he would have a fairly good perspective about each respective airport does and does not offer.

One thing I admire about you pw72, is your politeness and as I was remarked, usually your humor when answering questions. I think this thread was hotter a few weeks ago, as I believe the person who started it has already decided where to live.

Just my $.02, with a very recent newscast, and knowing some facts of how many years ago businesses were built in Idaho Falls, that are now just expanding to Pocatello.

[pw72]

Mtn States, howdy back to you. I guess I didn't get the poster's point. She said it was the armpit of Idaho, I just don't agree. No, there is no reason for Idaho Falls residents to drive to Pocatello for the new retail. My point is the retail climate has dramatically improved, and will continue to in the coming years, and is no reason to not move into the area. No Target? No lost sleep. However, I do wish Macy's (the old Bon Marche) had stuck around.

[IndigoMoose]

Mtn. States - you continue to amaze me with all that you know about the area! Wow! What do you do to stay on top of all this information?! Whatever it is, keep it up... your posts are extremely helpful and informative. Thanks so much!

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by pw72

Mtn States, howdy back to you. I guess I didn't get the poster's point. She said it was the armpit of Idaho, I just don't agree. No, there is no reason for Idaho Falls residents to drive to Pocatello for the new retail. My point is the retail climate has dramatically improved, and will continue to in the coming years, and is no reason to not move into the area. No Target? No lost sleep. However, I do wish Macy's (the old Bon Marche) had stuck around.

PW72,

I have to support what you wrote. Agreed, Macy's is a big deal, but lucky you, pw72, you get to travel to Idaho Falls sometimes for work so you can shop at Macy's in Grand Teton Mall, if you wish.

I was confused a bit about the "armpit" comment myself. I probably should have asked a question instead of just posting, although it's my nature to post facts and the history of how things evolved, especially to newer residents.

I believe rigbymomof3 has stated elsewhere she has been living in the area for about 3 years (I can't remember what thread, sorry and if I'm wrong, rigbymomof3, please correct me). And I am aware of how long you've been in Pocatello, PW72. I honestly didn't think either of you really knew how business decisions to place national chains in Idaho Falls and not Pocatello were made years before either of you lived in the area. But, I may be wrong. At least I left out the "political" incentives and what mayors and others have done to influence decisions. I was just trying to give anyone who didn't know more info.

Plus, the economic facts are the economic facts. Target, is a perfect example. Pocatello held a meeting with Target 2- 3 years ago to ask why they didn't have a store. Target had to be point blank and say the socioeconomic environment of southeastern ID (of which Pocatello is the hub) compared to eastern Idaho (where Idaho Falls) is the hub were different. Target, like any other national franchise has their "entrance criteria," if you will for them to place another store. Income is more in Idaho Falls than Pocatello. No store wants to fail.

When Idaho Falls leads the nation for the lowest employment in the U.S., such as it did one week in May, plus the hundreds of millions of dollars currently in development in Idaho Falls, it just seems and looks different.

Also, the chaos at Portneuf, which is becoming much more widely known, doesn't help the city compared to what is being developed and already in place at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, a hospital with much more advanced sub-specialists, equipment and services currently drawing Pocatello patients. It's easy for me to see where the shifts started with businesses selecting Idaho Falls instead of Pocatello.

Seeing the doctors in Pocatello leave by the dozens, either physically moving, or checking out in other ways, such as changing their practices to limit their time in Pocatello, or working L.T. so they could be there when they wanted and elsewhere when they didn't want to deal with politics at Portneuf has been hard for me to see. The Portneuf staff jokes, about how Portneuf brags regarding how many physicians have been recruited, are funny. It's easy to recruit, but to have the physician remain even one year is a different statistic.

I'd give you all the 3 categories the staff divides the "recruitment" of physicians at Portneuf; however, that might be betraying someone who told me something that may have been confidential. Just to protect that person, I don't think it prudent to share further information - I can't put that person at that much risk with his/her job. I hope you understand.

PW72, I already think more of Pocatello because you are there. It's not the right fit for me, but works well for some. That is good, IMO. Hang in there - I enjoy your comments that make me think and re-think about some things. I still laugh about your reasons of why Idaho Falls has so many kids right now - although, as you know I find your major point flawed. But, we've already had that discussion. I just want you to know it brings a smile to my face, or a laugh out of me, exchanging the info we did about that topic.

Oh, I also wanted to tell you that you won't have to settle for Chuckies, one of the cool new restaurants to be opened in Snake River Landing is Iggy's. It's more of a Sports Bar and it started in Salt Lake City, if you haven't been in one previously. They will be opening their first Idaho location at SRL. Don't know if you like sports, but if you do, when it's built, check it out (and if you want to PM me your favorite teams, especially if you are into the NBA and the Sonics will soon be Sooners or K.C.???, plus the Donahey scandal, we could have a lot to talk about. Cougs at UW - I know some, but not a lot. Have been to a couple of Mariners games, but not up on that. I know the most about the NBA. - so don't hesitate to PM if you want to discuss that!) Anywa, while Iggy's clearly separates part of their dining area from more of the bar, kind of like Outback, Chili's and other places do, I don't think you'll find the same crowd that goes to Chuckie's . Sports stations are everywhere.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by IndigoMoose

Mtn. States - you continue to amaze me with all that you know about the area! Wow! What do you do to stay on top of all this information?! Whatever it is, keep it up... your posts are extremely helpful and informative. Thanks so much!

Thanks, IndigoMoose. Your words mean a lot to me!

It's kind of interesting when I get PMs with people suggesting what I do that I have so much knowledge about certain subjects about eastern and southeastern ID. I really like what some suggest I do..... IF I were to get another degree, plus the two I already have, I'd absolutely do what one person suggested I did.

Unfortunately, I do something totally different. I know where accurate information is, I have lived in eastern ID as well as other states and had to make decisions based on where I wanted to spend my life. Plus, I have family in eastern ID, although I doubt I learn even .5% of what I know from them.

I read a lot, and I have made some wonderful friends who share information with me, as they know it won't go further unless I'm told it can be shared. That's about it for me, kind of boring, I know.