East Idaho
Moving to Idaho Falls & Pocatello
Thinking about a move to East Idaho? Idaho Falls and Pocatello both sit along I-15, and many East Idaho home searches start with one of them. Each city has its own county, its own roads, and its own questions to work through before you buy.
Talk it through first: Talk to a local expert about timing, neighborhoods, and what to look for. No obligation.
Browse homes: Idaho Falls · Pocatello
Open a city, set your price and beds, then Save this search so new matches come to you while you plan the move.
Where East Idaho fits in the state
Idaho Falls and Pocatello sit in two different East Idaho counties:
- Bonneville County, which takes in Idaho Falls. The county offices are in Idaho Falls.
- Bannock County, which takes in Pocatello, its county seat.
A county matters to you as a buyer because it handles property records, assessments, and tax bills for the home you buy.
Idaho Falls at a glance
Idaho Falls sits along the banks of the Snake River. It's the home of the Bonneville County offices, and US-20 and I-15 both serve the city.
County: Bonneville County.
Pocatello at a glance
Pocatello is the Bannock County seat and the home of Idaho State University. I-15 runs through the city, and I-86 reaches its northwest side.
County: Bannock County.
Getting around and winter driving
A few main roads tie East Idaho together.
- I-15 runs through Pocatello and Idaho Falls.
- US-20 runs through Idaho Falls.
- I-86 comes in on Pocatello's northwest side.
Winter changes the drive. Check Idaho 511 for current road conditions, cameras, and construction before you tour. If you're house hunting in winter, try the drive you'd make most often, like work, groceries, or the doctor.
Questions to answer before you choose
There's no right city here, just the one that fits your week. A few honest questions help.
- Where will you work or study? Start your search from there.
- Which county will you deal with? Bonneville for Idaho Falls, Bannock for Pocatello. Confirm the county on any listing you like.
- City water and sewer, or well and septic? Ask before you fall for a house.
- How will winter driving fit your routine? Picture your regular trips in January.
- Do you need to sell a home somewhere else first? Buying and selling a home at the same time walks through your options.
Buying from out of state
Buying from a distance works in a few steps. Pick a city, save a search, then talk with a local expert and a lender. From there it's video tours, a visit if you can make one, and then the offer, inspection, and closing.
- Buy an Idaho home from out of state covers each step.
- Idaho closing costs shows what to budget for.
- Home inspections and appraisals in Idaho explains what happens after you offer.
- First-time home buyer in Idaho covers statewide programs and the timeline if this is your first home.
County offices and homeowner basics
- Property taxes: your county assessor handles assessments. That's Bonneville County for Idaho Falls and Bannock County for Pocatello.
- Homeowner's exemption: if the home will be your primary residence, Idaho's homeowner's exemption is statewide. Idaho's homeowner's exemption covers how and when to apply.
- Wells and septic: homes outside town services may have a private well or septic system. Idaho wells, septic, and irrigation water covers what to ask. For questions about a specific property, Eastern Idaho Public Health serves Bonneville County, and Southeastern Idaho Public Health serves Bannock County.
Related guides
| Guide | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Moving to Idaho | Get the big picture of moving to Idaho |
| Buy an Idaho home from out of state | Shop, tour, and close when you can't be here in person |
| Idaho cost of living by city | Research housing and everyday costs for the cities on your list |
| Moving from California to Idaho | Know what to expect if you're coming from California |
| Moving to Twin Falls | Another southern Idaho city if the Magic Valley is also on your list |
| First-time home buyer in Idaho | Timeline and checklist for first-time buyers |
| Idaho's homeowner's exemption | How and when to apply after you buy |
| Idaho closing costs | What to budget for at closing |
| Home inspections and appraisals in Idaho | Line up the inspection and know what the appraisal does |
| Idaho wells, septic, and irrigation water | Know what to ask about a home on a private well or septic |
| All guides | Find every BrowseIdaho guide in one place |
| All markets | Browse every Idaho area on BrowseIdaho |
Also weighing the Magic Valley? Browse Twin Falls or the Magic Valley.
FAQ
- Where are Idaho Falls and Pocatello in Idaho?
- Both are in East Idaho along I-15. Idaho Falls sits along the banks of the Snake River, and Pocatello is the Bannock County seat.
- What counties are Idaho Falls and Pocatello in?
- Idaho Falls is in Bonneville County, and Pocatello is the county seat of Bannock County.
- How do I search homes for sale in Idaho Falls or Pocatello on BrowseIdaho?
- Open the Idaho Falls or Pocatello search, then save it to get updates when new listings appear. When you're ready, talk to a local expert.
- Does Idaho's homeowner's exemption apply in East Idaho?
- Yes. The homeowner's exemption is a statewide program. Apply with the assessor in the county where your home is.
- Who can answer well or septic questions about a home outside town in East Idaho?
- It depends on the county. Eastern Idaho Public Health serves Bonneville County, and Southeastern Idaho Public Health serves Bannock County.
- How can I buy a home in East Idaho from out of state?
- Pick a city, save a search, and talk with a local expert and a lender. Then tour by video, visit if you can, and make your offer. Buy an Idaho home from out of state covers each step.