Living in Idaho Falls
Your guide to life in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Trusted family dental care up the road in Rexburg. Thinking about living in Idaho Falls, Idaho? Here is the local picture. Idaho Falls is the seat of Bonneville County. It is the largest city in eastern Idaho. The city sits on the Snake River, about 30 minutes south of Rexburg. It serves the region as a hub for jobs, shopping, and health care. Strobel Family Dental sits up the road in Rexburg. We welcome Idaho Falls families who prefer the drive north for care. This guide covers daily life in Idaho Falls, and where we fit in.
Idaho Falls at a glance
Idaho Falls holds about 65,000 residents, and the metro tops 150,000. It is the fourth-largest city in Idaho. The city anchors the Upper Snake River Valley region. It draws shoppers and workers from across eastern Idaho.
The Snake River runs right through the middle of town. The city is named for the falls that line its banks. A scenic greenbelt follows the water on both sides. The riverfront gives Idaho Falls its signature view.
Growth here has been steady for years. New housing, retail, and dining keep arriving. The city stays busy yet keeps an open, western feel.
A brief look at Idaho Falls history
Idaho Falls began in 1864 as a river crossing. Matt Taylor built a toll bridge over the Snake River in 1865. The bridge carried miners and freighters along the Montana Trail. The settlement first went by the name Eagle Rock.
The railroad reached Eagle Rock in 1879 and fueled growth. Leaders renamed the town Idaho Falls in 1891. The name honored the falls built along the river. One of the nation’s first city power plants soon followed. The Idaho Falls Temple opened in 1945 as the state’s first.
The Idaho Falls economy and jobs
One employer shaped modern Idaho Falls more than any other. The Idaho National Laboratory opened west of town in 1949. Locals simply call it the Site. It brought high-paying science and engineering jobs to the valley.
Health care and retail now round out the economy. Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center anchors regional health care. Melaleuca runs its headquarters and a large workforce here. Shops, restaurants, and call centers fill out the rest. Snake River Landing has added riverfront offices and dining.
Agriculture still matters across the wider county. Potatoes, grain, and cattle anchor the rural economy. The mix keeps Idaho Falls steady through national swings.
Major landmarks and places in Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls holds landmarks that draw visitors from across the region. These spots anchor local life and weekend outings:
- The Idaho Falls and the Snake River Greenbelt, the city’s signature riverwalk
- The Idaho Falls Idaho Temple, a hilltop landmark above the river
- The Museum of Idaho, with traveling and regional history exhibits
- Tautphaus Park and the Idaho Falls Zoo, a longtime family favorite
- Melaleuca Field, home of the Idaho Falls Chukars baseball team
- Snake River Landing, a riverside hub for events and dining
Each spot adds to the city’s mix of nature, history, and family fun. The greenbelt alone draws walkers and cyclists all year.