Top Reasons to Move to Idaho Falls

Are you considering moving to Idaho Falls? Or are you thinking of relocating to Idaho, but not sure what city might be the best fit for you? We’re here to help explain why Idaho Falls is full of opportunities for those looking to move.

Idaho Falls is able to maintain that small town feel, while still offering the opportunities and amenities of a big city. The city is able to maintain a lower cost of living while bigger employers like Melaleuca, the Idaho National Lab, and the towns’ three hospitals provide job opportunities and a stable economy. Many locals will tell you that outdoor recreation is one of the best things about living in Idaho Falls, and there are also many family-friendly things to do for people who prefer staying close to home.

Recreation Opportunities

The great outdoors

Idaho Falls is less than two hours away from two National Parks, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National park, and the state has approximately 12 million acres of public land managed by the BLM that gives plenty of access to fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, boating, or off-roading. Additionally, state parks like Craters of the Moon, Harriman, and Bear Lake provide a variety of breathtaking views and adventurous excursions for fans of the outdoors.

If you want to stay closer to home while still getting some fresh mountain air, you could attend the weekly farmers market during the spring and summer months, the indoor ice rink during the winter months, or the Idaho Falls Zoo throughout spring, summer, or fall.

Idaho Falls also hosts the Annual Freedom Celebration each year on the Fourth of July. Boasted as the largest firework show west of the Mississippi, this dazzling display over the falls brings in tens of thousands of people from out of town, and serves as an annual local festivity for Idaho Falls and its surrounding cities.

Indoor entertainment

If staying indoors is more appealing to you (especially during those colder winter months), Idaho Falls offers countless opportunities for indoor entertainment. Downtown Idaho Falls is thriving with a combination of local retail shops, restaurants, bars, and apartments for those who enjoy the downtown scene. There are also multiple options for escape rooms, movie theaters, stage theaters, an indoor roller rink, climbing gyms, and the Grand Teton Mall. And if you’re a fan of live entertainment, you’ll be excited to hear that the Idaho Falls Event Center is currently under construction, which will bring more concerts, athletic events, and local conventions to our area.

Booming Economy and Educational Opportunities

All of the thriving local retail shops and restaurants, in addition to the many chain franchises that are an attestation to the booming economy Idaho Falls has to offer. One factor that may contribute to that is the variety of educational opportunities Idaho Falls has to offer. Both Idaho State University and the University of Idaho offer a selection of college courses at a satellite campus branch commonly referred to as “University Place.” Additionally, the College of Eastern Idaho is a local community college that allows students to earn their associates degrees as well as a variety of technical programs and certifications.

The unemployment rate in Idaho Falls is only 3.4% compared to the national average of 6%, and the job growth is positive at 0.2% while the national trend is negative at -6.2%. Idaho Falls was even recognized nationally by the Milken Institute when they ranked the city as the top performing “Small City,” taking into account job creation, wage gains, and GDP growth. The strong economy of Idaho Falls and its vast opportunities will only help it grow, making it a great option to consider when relocating.

Affordable Place to Live

Low cost of living

Idaho Falls is rated to have a cost of living index of 93.1, compared to the national average of 100. The state sales tax is only 6% compared to the national average of 7.3%, and the state of Idaho is also ranked the third cheapest state when it comes to average cost of groceries, and the cheapest state when it comes to average cost of utilities, making the cost of living exceptionally affordable.

In Idaho Falls specifically, we are lucky to have electricity that comes from hydropower from the Snake River and the falls that give Idaho Falls its name. The average cost of electricity in Idaho Falls is $0.0625 per kWh making it more than $0.03 cheaper than the state average of $0.0951 per kWn, and half the cost of the national average of $0.13 per kWh.

Cost of rent

Cheaper utilities, taxes, and groceries all contribute to a lower cost of living, but one of the biggest factors is the cost of rent. While the national average for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,751, Idaho Falls is almost 55% cheaper with a one-bedroom apartment costing an average of $795. Not only can you find cheaper rental options, but you can also find a wider variety of housing options than most cities have to offer.

If the previously mentioned downtown scene isn’t for you, there are rural options for those that prefer the country, suburban options if you prefer neighborhoods, apartments, townhomes, and all of these options within the city of Idaho Falls. If you’re interested in taking a look at what is currently available, you can search for options here.

Big City Benefits, Small Town Feel

Idaho Falls was ranked as one of the top 5 safest cities in Idaho, which is pretty impressive considering it is also the fourth-largest city in Idaho. Idaho Falls is also the home to three separate hospitals, Mountain View Hospital, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC), and Idaho Falls Community Hospital, giving residents easy access to top-quality medical services.

With everything Idaho Falls has to offer, the city is still able to maintain that small-town feel. It’s possible to get from one side of Idaho Falls to the other in 20 minutes, keeping commutes to work, restaurants, or shopping to a minimum. There are craft fairs, fundraisers, or local events on a weekly, if not daily, basis that bring the community together and help keep the small town culture alive.

If big city benefits in a thriving city with a small town vibe sounds appealing to you, all the while being affordable and giving you access to the great outdoors, restaurants, shopping, and job opportunities, highly consider Idaho Falls as your relocation destination.

If you’re in need of questions about the city, or looking to speak with a rental property management company, call Rooftop Rentals to see available rentals, management options, and more.