Gooding is rooted in agriculture and located in Idaho's Magic Valley
Gooding is a small town in the heart of Idaho’s Magic Valley, named in the 19th century after manufactured canals diverted water from a large river, transforming barren soil into fertile farmland. The city took shape soon after and continues to embrace its agricultural roots. “We have a lot of dairies around here,” says Realtor Tonya Burg, a longtime resident who works for Keller Williams Sun Valley Southern Idaho. “One of the draws for employment is Glanbia Cheese, an international company.” While Gooding is over 100 years old, it’s managed to circumvent commercialization, taking pride in its family-owned businesses. The Big Wood and Little Wood Rivers pass through town, and Gooding's small parks are stocked with recreation. Southern Idaho’s dramatic landscape, sculpted by volcanic eruptions and flooding, is filled with trails and waterfalls, all within reach.
Homes closer to town or within the rural outskirts
Minimal traditional cottages, ranch styles and custom builds mix with older homes showcasing Tudor Revival, American Foursquare and bungalow designs. “We have homes that are just about 100 years old, and then we have some new homes currently under construction,” Burg says. She adds that new homes are rare, and many older homes have been lived in by the same owners for years and may require a little love and care. Streets follow a grid layout with modest yards and mature trees throughout town. However, homebuyers can find properties on an acre or many more within Gooding’s outskirts.
The median sale price is around $285,000, with prices typically ranging from $185,000 to $600,000 depending on size, condition and age. A small fixer-upper could be as low as $100,000, while a newer home with ample acreage can sell for $800,000.
Education in Gooding
Students attend Gooding Joint School District 231, which participates in school choice. They may begin at Gooding Elementary School, rated B minus on Niche, before filtering into the B-rated Gooding Middle School and, ultimately, the B-plus-rated Gooding High School. Gooding High School gained national attention as one of its students, Colston Loveland, became a top pick for the 2025 NFL draft. The Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind is also located in Gooding.
Family-owned restaurants and a small selection of retailers
Restaurants in town cluster around Main Street, offering a range of options, including Mexican, Italian, Chinese and classic Americana. Zeppes Pizza & Subs, open for 20 years, serves pies made from family recipes. Another family-owned spot, Stampede Burger, is a go-to for breakfast and burgers, using ingredients sourced from local farmers. Locals can start their mornings at Chimney Creek Coffee Co. and grab groceries from Ridley’s Family Markets and M&W Markets. Gooding’s retailers include auto parts stores, a hardware store and Bath N Body Boutique, which sells homemade bath bombs, fragrances and other body products. The city of Twin Falls is around 35 miles away with Target and Costco.
Small parks near homes and varied landscapes within Southern Idaho
Gooding’s small recreational parks settle beside residential areas. Between Lion’s Park, East Park and West Park, locals enjoy basketball and volleyball courts, a newer fitness court that debuted in 2023, and sheltered picnic areas and playgrounds. The Little Wood River cuts through West Park, creating a scenic backdrop, while East Park features a public swimming pool. Gooding is currently constructing a BMX park adjacent to its existing skate park, and golfers will find a public 18-hole golf course just outside town. Thousand Springs State Park lies about 12 miles away, offering hiking, kayaking and horseback riding. Named for its spring-fed waterfalls, the park is centered around an immense gorge enclosed by towering canyon walls. Roughly 30 miles away, Gooding City of Rocks covers more than 14,000 acres of county land. People head here to camp, hike and tour rock formations shaped by ancient volcanic eruptions.
Events locals look forward to
The Gooding Pro Rodeo, held in August, celebrated its 100th year in 2025. It has been continuously held on the same grounds for its entire lifespan. The Basque Festival has been around for over 30 years, celebrating families who immigrated to Southern Idaho from the 19th to 20th centuries. Held in July, the festival features a mix of food, games and competitions rooted in Basque culture. History is also celebrated at the Gooding County Museum, run by the Gooding County Historical Society out of a historic one-room schoolhouse that served the community from the early to mid-1900s.
A small town, but well connected to highways
Main Street is the main route through Gooding and intersects Highway 26 to the south.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
