Lincoln offers quiet streets and proximity to schools and jobs
Lincoln is a suburban community just northeast of Idaho Falls, a few short miles from the sprawling farmland and prairies of eastern Idaho. Rows of single-family homes and landscaped yards line the streets, most of which were built over the last 25 years. Until around 2000, the community was home to only around 500 residents, but it has since ballooned to around 4,500 as Idaho Falls has attracted more residents and jobs. “It’s a quiet little suburb. I think the appeal is that you're close to some really good schools, you’re close to the hospital, but it’s a little slower paced than if you’re living in the city,” says Aaron Rupp, a real estate agent at Keller Williams Realty East Idaho’s Anderson Hicks Group, who has lived in Idaho Falls since 2007. Lincoln is only 5 miles from Idaho Falls’ busy downtown district and outdoor recreation along the scenic Snake River.
Residential streets offer a mix of ranch and contemporary homes
The community offers a mix of ranch-style homes and contemporary homes built since 2000, although there are a handful of homes that date back to the early 20th century. Lots are typically around a quarter-acre, offering plenty of privacy and room for gardens and outdoor gatherings. The streets are quiet and lined with well-maintained sidewalks, making it safe for biking and walking around the neighborhood. Prices range from around $250,000 to $600,000, with older, smaller homes selling at the low end, and spacious new builds taking top dollar. More than 80% of residents own their homes.
Public schools earn solid B ratings across the board
Students living on the west side of Lincoln start their education at Summit Hills Elementary School, which earns a B rating from Niche. Rocky Mountain Middle School is next, rated B-plus, followed by Bonneville High School, rated B-minus. Those on the east side start at Discovery Elementary School, which gets a B-plus grade, followed by B-minus-rated Black Canyon Middle School and B-rated Thunder Ridge High School. “Both high schools are a major draw for the area. Everyone and their dog wants to go to Thunder Ridge High because it’s brand new. It was built about 5 years ago,” Rupp says. Thunder Ridge High’s graduation rate in 2024 was 93%, more than 10% higher than the statewide average.
Shopping plazas and Costco are just minutes from Lincoln
Several shopping and dining destinations are found within a mile of Lincoln. A brand new shopping plaza just south of Lincoln began construction in 2025 and will feature fast- and fast-casual options like Marco’s Pizza, McDonald’s and The Soda Barn. There’s a Costco less than a mile away for groceries and essentials. For everything else, it’s less than 5 miles to Idaho Falls shopping centers, malls and its walkable downtown district. “Idaho Falls has some incredible restaurants, and some really nice dining spots along the river,” Rupp says. Several industrial and warehouse facilities are situated around Lincoln’s western edge, including a gravel supplier, a construction company and a garage door supplier.
Nearby parks have ball fields, playgrounds and picnic areas
There are no parks within Lincoln, but several small community parks are accessible to residents a few blocks outside the community. Nearby Lincoln Park features ball fields, tennis courts and grassy open space, while Green Valley Park offers a playground and picnic area. Residents can head into the city for river recreation, trails and riverside parks. The River Walk Greenbelt Trail traces the Snake River for 5 miles, offering spectacular views and wildlife watching along the river’s edge. Among the most popular spots is the city’s Japanese Friendship Garden, a landscaped, Japanese-style garden on an island in the river that draws crowds during the warmer months.
Car-dependent but close to Idaho Falls and medical center
Lincoln is car-dependent because of its suburban location, although sidewalks make it easy to stroll around residential streets. For those commuting, the community is conveniently located 5 miles from Idaho Falls and 5 miles from Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, the city’s largest hospital. The nearest major airport, Idaho Falls Regional Airport, offers regional and national flights.
