Relocating to Eastern Idaho? Check Out This Newcomer’s Guide

Visit Idaho

Thinking about relocating to Eastern Idaho? Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about why this region might be a great fit for you: 

What quality of life assets does the region offer? 

Eastern Idaho offers so much to its residents, especially by way of the outdoors. There are adventures to be had year-round, from exploring the Snake River, enjoying waterfalls such as the Upper Mesa Falls, checking out the sand dunes, taking a dip in the hot springs, hiking across miles of trails and more. This region is also the gateway to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Beyond the scenery, there are plenty of cultural and culinary assets. For example, there’s the antique Idaho Centennial Carousel in Rexburg, which is still in operation. For art lovers, there are a plethora of museums, symphonies and zoos. Or if you’re looking for delicious eats, you can’t go wrong with huckleberry milkshakes in Victor or raspberry shakes in Bear Lake. 

What’s the housing market like? 

Many people are drawn to this part of the country for its natural resources, outdoor recreation and quality of life. There are plenty of great states to choose from – Utah, Colorado and Montana are all quite comparable to Idaho and have their own merits. However, when it comes to housing, Idaho definitely comes out on top. The average house price in Idaho Falls is $383,000, and in Pocatello, it’s $329,000. Compare that to Denver’s $576,000, Salt Lake City’s $500,000 and Bozeman’s $650,000, and it’s easy to see why folks choose Eastern Idaho. 

What are the key industries? 

Advanced manufacturing, health care, banking, finance, information technology (cybersecurity), outdoor recreation, energy and agriculture. Major employers include Idaho National Laboratory, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center and Melaleuca, which produces health, personal and cleaning products. 

Are there any colleges or universities nearby? 

Yes! In fact, there are colleges aplenty. Four, to be specific: Idaho State University (ISU), Brigham Young University–Idaho (BYU-I), University of Idaho (U of I) and College of Eastern Idaho (CEI). Each in their own rights is accredited, highly respected and offers rich educational opportunities. Located in Pocatello, ISU is the state’s top institution for health professionals, thanks to its robust programs in pharmacy, nursing and health sciences. Rexburg is home to BYU-I, which attracts primarily members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The university is also known for its varied tech-focused degrees. U of I, which has a campus in Idaho Falls, is a premier R1 research university, with special emphasis in agriculture, business and engineering. Finally, CEI is a comprehensive community college based in Idaho Falls. Students choose CEI for its amazing technical training, flexible learning and affordability.

What other advantages does Eastern Idaho offer businesses? 

Let’s talk tax incentives: According to research from the Mercatus Center, Idaho has the least number of state-level regulations in the U.S. The state’s conservative approach to governing means it’s incredibly business friendly. Idaho recently lowered corporate and personal income tax rates to just 5.695% – plus all businesses are eligible for a 3% investment tax credit on all new tangible personal property (machinery and equipment) and a 5% tax credit on qualified research expenses. Businesses that meet certain criteria also qualify for additional tax credits and rebates, especially for companies that are creating new jobs. That’s just the tip of the iceberg – if you’re looking to start or move your business to Idaho, it’s worth taking a deep dive into the many possible incentives that might be available to you.

Why is it a great place to live? 

This region’s 16 counties pack a serious punch, all in all. With one of the largest wilderness areas in the lower 48 states, 500 inches of fresh snow annually and two national parks – Yellowstone and Grand Teton – all easily accessible, Eastern Idaho is a dream for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. The region is also home to a world-class science, research and innovation corridor. Add that to the higher education and workforce opportunities, business incentives and affordability, moving to Eastern Idaho is a no-brainer.