Moving to or from Pocatello?
Southeast Idaho's largest city — home to Idaho State University, historically a Union Pacific Railroad division point, with Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks each about 2 hours away and a smaller, less expensive alternative to Boise's Treasure Valley.
- 58,000 City population
- 90,000 Metro area
- 1889 Founded
- Southeast Idaho / Portneuf Valley Region
Why people move to Pocatello.
- Being officially designated the 'Smile High City' by Congress (1948)
- Idaho State University — Idaho's primary health sciences university
- Being a historic Union Pacific Railroad division point
- Being about 2 hours from both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
- Fort Hall Indian Reservation (Shoshone-Bannock Tribes) immediately north
- Museum of Clean — a quirky collection of cleaning implements
Pocatello was officially designated the 'Smile High City' by a 1948 act of the US Congress — making it the only US city with an officially designated smile-themed nickname. The reason: city boosters mandated through a tongue-in-cheek ordinance in 1948 that it was illegal not to smile in Pocatello. The 'law' was never actually enforced but has been reaffirmed periodically as a civic tradition. The city still prides itself on the distinction.
Where people live in Pocatello.
A quick guide to Pocatello's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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Old Town
Historic downtown with restored brick buildings
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ISU / Highland
Near Idaho State University with mix of student and faculty housing
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West Pocatello
Newer subdivisions with family orientation
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Chubbuck (adjacent)
Separate small city blending with Pocatello
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Bannock Highway
Corridor residential
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American Falls (nearby)
Small town with massive reservoir recreation
Where people spend their time in Pocatello.
- Idaho State University Central Pocatello
- Museum of Clean Central Pocatello
- Pocatello Zoo East Pocatello
- Fort Hall Replica Ross Park
- Lava Hot Springs (nearby) Lava Hot Springs
- Ross Park Central Pocatello
Planning a Pocatello move.
- Pocatello sits at 4,450 feet elevation; mild altitude adjustment required
- Winters are severe; sub-zero cold and snow from November-March require weather buffer
- Idaho has state income tax but cost of living is well below national averages
- ISU's academic calendar drives rental spikes in August and May
Moving in Pocatello: FAQ.
Is Pocatello really the 'Smile High City'?
Yes, officially. The 1948 designation was whimsical but Congress did acknowledge it. The city embraces the nickname in civic branding. You won't actually be ticketed for not smiling, but the friendly small-city culture often lives up to the nickname.
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