Pocatello or Idaho Falls (Blackfoot, Ammon: rental, home, to buy)

[breer23]

Hi,

For many of you reading this thread, you've seen me making posts over the past few months trying to get info about Pocatello, and thanks to all of those who have donated so far. Well, while we were on our trip to Pocatello, we were also informed that we have the option to live in Idaho Falls, and that there are certain advantages in doing so.

What I'd like is to gather as much info from those of you who do or have lived in one (or even better, both) of the cities.

To give you some background, I will be getting a PhD through ISU in nuclear engineering. ISU has campuses in both Pocatello & IF, and I will need to travel to INL to do some research, although it's not been determined how often I'll need to travel (weekly, monthly, etc.); I do know (and will be able to use) the yellow buses that go back and forth between either city and the Site. Apparently, the rest of the grad students in the dept. are split (almost 50/50) between Pocatello & IF, so that's not a factor; classes are taught live at both campuses via video conferencing.

My wife is a nurse who has recently worked in high-care cardiology, though she is not necessarily sold on either the speciality or the hospital setting, but we know that she'll have plenty of opportunities in both cities.

My program is expected to be for 3 years, so at this time, we're not planning to buy a house, though we may change our mind about that after our first year in Idaho. Actually, we'd LIKE to buy a house, but fear that we won't get anything back on it (or lose money) after keeping it for such a short period of time.

Here are a few things that we noted, both good & bad, in our brief travels through both cities. please realize that we did not spend much time to really get a "feel" for both cities, so I hope not to offend anyone because we didn't have the chance to find the hidden gems that so many towns have.

Pocatello:
- pros: mountain views, ski hill, closer to the main campus, GREAT brewery
- cons: few rental properties, town is very spread out, and seems a little run-down, further from INL

Idaho Falls:
- pros: much more commerce, love what they've done with the Landing, closer to INL & CAES
- cons: in the flats, some cookie-cutter areas, a bit more expensive, sort of plain-Jane

Also, consider that weather is not an issue; we've both lived in higher elevation environments in the western U.S. before (Flagstaff) and pretty much know what to expect: wind, snow, wind, sun...repeat.

Okay, guys & gals, hit me with all that you've got...and thanks!

[cleosmom]

Considering IF has much more to offer, I'd got for that. If your wife stays in nursing and/or cardio hospital, from those folks I know that have worked in both cities, they give IF the thumbs up over Pokey's hospitals any day.

You'd mentioned before that you might be spending more time in IF than Pokey, why bother with a commute? Granted there are Site buses, which suck your time up. Most that I know prefer their own wheels in the dry road season and bus it during the icy season. Of course that might be changing with the co$t of ga$ these days

You're correct when you mentioned that you weren't able to see much of either city and you've got my respect for throwing that out there. Yes, IF is spreading out and the east side of town is growing in leaps and bounds that sometime frighten me... 'cause I live out here and it seems no one knows how to use a four way stop

If you pick IF, you're a tad over an hour to Yellowstone and Jackson Hole for those day trip getaways.

Pokey is closer to Lava, which can be relaxing, however it's not a far drive from IF either.

When we moved here nearly 20 years ago, we too had a choice and for us, IF just felt a tad more small townish then Pokey.

It's truly too bad that you didn't have more time to explore both areas.

With whichever you choose, welcome to SE Idaho Oops! Almost forgot, while Pokey might have a decent brewery, IF has the annual BeerFest at Sandy Downs

[newtoidaho]

My Husband and I moved to Pocatello last July. I did everything you have written about including the pro's and con's. I picked Pocatello. I didn't know that Pocatello was like living in the early 90's. You can pump your gas at the gas station and then go in and pay cash.... or write a check. I thought we only used visa/debit cards anymore. When you go to the DMV it's not behind bullet proof glass and you never have to wait in line. When you go to the grocery store people stand around talking because they all know each other. The difference that I found is that IF is a faster paced city with more to do. If you are used to living in a larger city then I would go with IF. If you want the small home town living then I would go with Pocatello. Good Luck!!

[twinprism]

Breer23,

You pretty much nailed it and i'd agree with the pros and cons in your post, except I'm a little confused about your comment about Pocatello seeming more "spread out" part. I find Idaho Falls a lot more spread out, but perhaps because of the traffic and how long it takes to get out to Ammon from the freeway. Maybe it's just what I'm used to. Perhaps because the business districts seems more consolidated in Idaho Falls. I live pretty near the center of Pocatello near the freeway and I can be in any part of town in about 10 minutes by car or bike. I've also lived on the West side and it did seem to take a while to get anywhere.

There are a million things to consider, but to simplify I'd say if shopping and retail selection is important to you (especially high end) you'd be happier in Idaho Falls.

If activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and hunting are important to you, you'd be happier in Pocatello.

I can easily drive to Idaho Falls to go shopping if I want to (but I rarely do) so for me I'd rather have closer access to hiking, biking, and skiing. I do that a lot more frequently. Those opportunities exist in Idaho Falls as well, you just have to drive a little farther.

There are great people in both cities, but I find the people in Pocatello to be a little more diverse and more down to earth and it has a little more of that small town feel.

I have friends in the medical community in Orthopedics, Cardiology, and Oncology in Pocatello, and they are good people who are fun to hang out with and care for their patients and the community. We have received excellent care here.

Best of luck with your decision and whatever you choose, I think you'll be happy either way.

[breer23]

Just giving this thread a bump so that I can get some more info...thanks!

[Mtn. States Resident]

breer23,

I've tried to post twice, but for some reason neither could post.

Send me a PM with your email address. I can't write much here.

Your wife may want to check Eastern Idaho Medical Center, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center - Home Page, whose cardiac program started about 25-30 years ago. Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello: Portneuf Medical Center, started their cardio program about 5-7 years ago.

EIRMC, in Idaho Falls, is a Trauma II Hospital. The ONLY trauma hospital in Idaho. Helos from both Poky and I.F. land at EIRMC, not PRMC. Neurosurgery is a 24/7 specialty, including emergencies, in Idaho Falls. Not so in Pocatello. Also, EIRMC spent about $2 Million in 2007 to upgrade the NICU to a Level III.

Maybe most importantly to your wife, is EIRMC is a Critical Care I whose nursing staff won the Beacon Hill award in 2005. One of 10 awards in the entire U.S. that year.

Let me know if either of you want more info.

MSR

[breer23]

Thanks, MSR...

One more bump to get some last minute info!

[cleosmom]

If I were you today needing to make the decision, I'd still go with IF. There are many areas that still give you the small town charm. Even though I'm one that hates shopping I enjoy IF's downtown more than I do Pokey's.

Plus IF is much closer to a wonderful pizza joint up at Heise

Yes, eateries are somewhat minor in the big picture, however you might as well enjoy it right?

Again, I wish you and your wife the best of luck with your choice.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by cleosmom

If I were you today needing to make the decision, I'd still go with IF. There are many areas that still give you the small town charm. Even though I'm one that hates shopping I enjoy IF's downtown more than I do Pokey's.

Plus IF is much closer to a wonderful pizza joint up at Heise

Yes, eateries are somewhat minor in the big picture, however you might as well enjoy it right?

Again, I wish you and your wife the best of luck with your choice.

Cleosmom makes a good point, from my perspective. (No, not just about pizza). I know you said your wife liked the Mtns. in Pocatello. Do you mean the hills that are on either side of I-15, or the National Forests etc. farther away?

Breer23, I know you had very limited time in Idaho Falls. By any chance did anyone talk to or show you east of Idaho Falls and the hills of Ammon, Iona and maybe even on the way to Heise?

Also, south of Idaho Falls in Bonneville County are the hills of Taylor. I don't see how they are at all different than Pocatello, except I-15 doesn't run through them, and they are primarily farmed rather than residential. They are right by the Idaho Falls Country Club. (See the pics)[//www.ifcountryclub.com]Idaho Falls Country Club - Home.

I know you didn't get to drive to Jackson Hole or YNP. The Tetons, while not only world famous, are real mountains. If either of you like to do mountain climbing, there are plenty of businesses to accomodates any possible needs. The Tetons and on somedays, the Sawtooth Mountains can be seen from Idaho Falls. The Sawtooths: Sawtooth Camera: Live webcam from Stanley, Idaho. Views of the Sawtooth Mountain Range.

You might want to check out some of the webcams for the Tetons (Teton Cam (http://www.srv.net/~jpat/teton.html - broken link)), Sawtooths etc. Plus, I believe KIFI LocalNews8.com Idaho Falls, Pocatello - Weather, News, Sports - Sky Cams )both have webcams for both Idaho Falls and Pocatello. Also, KPVI use to have webcams of both. Not sure if the KPVI site is working or not.

Here may be the real info you need to know where to move. There will be a new Casino- Satellite and Casino built on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. The "Casino-Satellite" (whatever that means), is suppose to be near Blackfoot. This news may change ALL of your plans.

I hope that info helps.

MSR

[kimc53ssz28]

Idaho Falls FTW, Yeah it's flatter but I wouldn't live in Pocatello if someone paid me to. Idaho Falls is growing faster and more businesses are moving there (last time I checked)