Smile—it’s the law…. literally. Pocatello, home of Idaho State University, is considered the “U.S. Smile Capital” because a tongue-in-cheek ordinance passed in 1948 made it illegal not to smile. The law, passed after a particularly long and cold winter, unintentionally remained on the books and is now a point of pride for the city of about 58,000. “Pocatello is a small enough community where I can run into someone and have a chat, and it’s a big enough community where we can attract those major retailers and restaurants,” says Greg Johnston, realtor at Premier Properties Real Estate Company. Pocatello started as a railroad town along the Oregon Trail, earning the nickname “Gateway to the Northwest.” Today, locals enjoy a slow-paced lifestyle with easy access to cultural activities like museums and sporting events.
Pocatello has been steadily growing for the past few years. The current population is around 58,000, 3% higher than 2020. The city makes up more than half of the Bannock County population. “Many people are moving out here because of the good quality of life and the lower real estate costs compared to Boise or Salt Lake City. It's a good balance of a small town feel and plenty of entertainment,” Johnston adds. White-collar jobs dominate the employment market; major industries include administrative support, sales and management. Large employers include Idaho State University, Pocatello/Chubback School District and the City of Pocatello.
Kids will enjoy the quirky and fun exhibits at the Museum of Clean in downtown Pocatello.
Classic mid century architecture paired with colorful murals will bring joy to your day and a smile to your face.
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Over 30 parks and trails
The Pocatello Parks and Recreation Department manages over 30 parks, multiple recreation facilities and trails. Upper Ross Park, home to Zoo Idaho, is popular because of its disc golf course, skate park and dog parks; in 2024, the city opened a pickleball complex with five courts. The Portneuf Greenway is a collection of trails totaling 13 miles for hiking, biking, rollerblading and jogging, and the Community Recreation Center has a fitness center with aerobics classes. For winter activities, Pebble Creek Ski Area is a family-friendly resort with trails for all levels, and the city also runs a ski area, the East Fork Mink Creek Nordic Center.
Sacajawea Park in Pocatello offers miles of paved trails in the heart of the city.
With miles of paved trails throughout the Pocatello area you wont be short of choices for your next run or walk.
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Variety of homes at lower prices than Boise
Pocatello’s median home price is $330,000, $185,000 less than Boise's. Johnston noted that the busiest time in the market is during summer, usually when students return to school. The oldest properties are concentrated in Historic Downtown and near the ISU campus, including bungalows and fixer-uppers predating the 1950s. Scattered throughout the city’s north side and east of campus are manufactured homes, ramblers, and 21st-century craftsman houses.
Colorful murals adorn the sides of buildings throughout the charming town of Pocatello.
Cottages and bungalows in Pocatello offer affordable space for smaller families and empty nesters.
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Architecturally diverse structures in Downtown Pocatello
Historic Downtown Pocatello has a country feel across its 18 blocks. It contains various architectural styles, such as Romanesque Revival, Art Deco and Gothic Revival properties; folks may also spot dates and builder’s initials on rooftops. Restaurants, service businesses and antique sellers operate from the first floor of the historic buildings, and when nighttime strikes, people flock to Main Street’s breweries and taprooms. Chain restaurants, mom-and-pop restaurants and national retailers sit along Highway 91, and grocery shopping can be done at Fred Meyer and WinCo Foods. The Pine Ridge Mall has a handful of stores, including JCPenney and Bath & Body Works.
Downtown Pocatello offers a rich and unique blend of old and new architecture from the 1930s to modern day.
Hotel Yellowstone in downtown Pocatello is one of the cities best known landmarks.
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Home to the World's Largest Janitor
Pocatello appears in many media depictions of Western and pop culture. It is mentioned in Judy Garland’s song “Born in a Trunk” from 1954’s “A Star is Born,” and its Western side comes through in the 1934 film “The Pocatello Kid.” Today, folks can see shows at the Rocky Mountain Ministries, a performing arts theatre, or watch the latest films at AMC Theatre. Holt Arena, or the ICCU Dome, is an enclosed stadium home to the Idaho State Bengals football team. “Saturdays in the fall, people are out tailgating then go to the football game,” Johnston says. Folks can meet the World’s Largest Janitor, Big Don, who stands over 20 feet tall at the Museum of Clean. The 75,000-square-foot museum goes through the history of cleaning, including over 100 years of vacuums and various collections of toilets.
Claimed as the Worlds Largest Janitor Big Don towers over visitors at the Museum of Clean in downtown Pocatello.
The Museum of Clean in Pocatello offers hours of good clean fun for kids of all ages.
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Pocatello/Chubback Schools is Idaho's fifth largest district
Pocatello/Chubback School District teaches over 12,000 students and is the fifth-largest district in the state. Rated B-plus by Niche, the district has 23 schools and an 89% graduation rate. Pocatello is also home to Idaho State University’s main campus; the college has approximately 13,000 students across 250 programs.
The Bowen Rendevous Center at Idaho State University is the central hub for student life on campus.
Students in Pocatello attend schools in the Pocatello Chubbock school district 25.
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Easy access to two major interstates
Pocatello has two major interstates. Interstate 15 runs north to south through the city, reaching Blackfoot and Downey, while Interstate 86 runs east to west, connecting the city to Twin Falls. The Pocatello Regional Transit is the city’s busing system; its seven routes have drop-off spots around the city, Idaho State University and Chubbuck. The Pocatello Regional Airport has two daily flights to Salt Lake City via Delta Airlines. Portneuf Medical Center offers medical care. Pocatello has four seasons, including snowy winters and hot summers where temperatures reach the 90s.
6% uptick in crime
According to the Idaho State Police 2023 Crime Report, Pocatello had a 6% increase in crime from 2022 to 2023. While it is an increase, the city has been on a downward trend in crime for the last five years. The most common offenses are assault and larceny. The city’s crime rate is reported to be 41% higher than the state’s crime rate.
Written By
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Pocatello, ID sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Pocatello, ID over the last 12 months is $315,500, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to a cottage that feels like it stepped from the pages of a storybook—where color is celebrated, character is cherished, and every corner invites you to smile. Nestled on one of Pocatello's most charming streets, 450 Crescent Drive offers a delightful blend of whimsy and warmth, creating a home that is both unforgettable and wonderfully livable. Inside, subtle surprises and playful
Welcome to your next home! This 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home with an attached 1 car garage and a durable metal roof is priced under $200,000! This affordable property offers a practical layout, great potential, and a hard to find price point. Whether you're a first time buyer, downsizing, or looking for an investment property, this home is a great opportunity to own instead of rent. Call today for
Competitive new pricing makes this home a must-see. This exceptional property blends comfort, functionality, and breathtaking scenery in a highly desirable location. The kitchen features stunning Brazilian granite countertops, solid dark cherry wood cabinetry, and a gas stove—perfect for everyday living and entertaining alike. Two natural gas furnaces, central air conditioning, and two natural
Welcome to this beautifully designed 2022 two-story home offering modern comfort, bright open living spaces, and thoughtful modern touches throughout. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a 2-car attached garage, this home combines style and functionality in a desirable Chubbuck location. Step inside to discover abundant natural light streaming through windows, enhanced by elegant shutters and
Check out this solid triplex investment right near Old Town! You’re just a quick trip away from the farmers market, local restaurants, parks, and the greenbelt. The units feature vinyl windows and some nice updates to the kitchen cabinets and bathrooms. Separate electric meters, separate water heaters and shared laundry area. Under FinCEN's new RRE Rule, transfers will be subject to reporting
Great Lot in the University area! Minutes from the Hospital, Great Restaurants, Freeway Access, and Walking/Hiking trails. This location checks all the boxes! NO through traffic and great views. Good Size with Privacy! Easy building guidelines & NO HOA!! Bring your own builder or use K5 Construction!
This home offers comfort and flexibility for a variety of needs. It features a newer heating system and air conditioning, along with updated flooring in the basement. The open living room and family room provide a great space for everyday living. With 2 bedrooms and a bathroom on the main level, plus 2 additional bedrooms and a bathroom in the basement, there’s plenty of room for family or
Great Lot in the University area! Minutes from the Hospital, Great Restaurants, Freeway Access, and Walking/Hiking trails. This location checks all the boxes! NO through traffic and great views. Good Size with Privacy! Easy building guidelines & NO HOA!! Bring your own builder or use K5 Construction!
NO HOA! This stunning new two-story home features a main house with 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a half bathroom. It offers an open floor plan connecting the living room to the kitchen, a family room, and a versatile office or den area. The primary suite includes two walk-in closets and a luxurious double shower. The kitchen is equipped with quartz countertops, undermount lighting, a gas
Beautifully remodeled home near Idaho State University! This adorable 4 bedroom, 1 bathroom home sits on a spacious lot and is move-in ready. Inside you'll find a fabulous updated kitchen, tasteful renovations throughout, and plenty of charm. The unfinished basement offers additional storage, expansion potential, and an opportunity to build future equity. It also features a fenced yard and
Located within a quarter mile of Portneuf Medical Center. This 1.25 Acres is ready for you to build your office space. Already zoned medical office. Give us a call today!
Skip the "to-do" list and move right into this comfortable 6 bed, 3 full bathroom home in one of Chubbuck’s most desirable neighborhoods! First you’ll notice the curb appeal from the low maintenance landscaping, a 2 car garage, and lots of concrete for off street parking, which includes a large area for your RV! When you enter the almost 2,700 sqft ranch-style home, you’re greeted by a tall
If you've been looking for an affordable and functional property, check out this solid ranch-style home with extra parking & powered workshop! This 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home sits on a generous .22 acre lot, offering a highly functional layout, featuring a main-floor living room, plus a cozy basement family room and a separate bonus room/office space. The roof was upgraded to a durable membrane
Brand new home under $390,000. This beautiful, approximately 1,700 sq ft, one-level home feature three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an office area, and a spacious primary suite with a walk-in closet and a walk-in shower. They include double sinks; the second full bathroom features a tub and shower. A stunning kitchen boasts a breakfast bar, ample counter space, and cupboards. Quartz countertops are
Location, Location, Location! This home sits in a highly desirable neighborhood with close proximity to parks, shopping, and everyday amenities. The sellers have loved this location and it show. The home has been tastefully updated over the past few years with a remodeled kitchen, new flooring, and fresh interior paint. The main level features three bedrooms, two bathrooms and main floor laundry.
Bengal Creek apartments, in Pocatello, Idaho offers shared STUDENT apartment homes for rent. Located only a mile from ISU. The ISU shuttle stops at Bengal Creek regularly throughout the day. These fabulous apartments for rent offer shared living space, with all utilities included in the rent and free cable TV and free broadband internet access. Bengal Creek has a spa, pool, laundry facility,
This brand new, stunning home includes 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and one-half bathroom. It offers an open living room connected to the kitchen, a family room and a versatile office or den area. The primary suite boasts two walk-in closets and a luxurious shower. Additionally, there are two other bedrooms and full bathroom.
Kirkwood Meadows Apartments offers more than just a place to live, it's a true community. Set on large green spaces with views of the surrounding hills, our one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes give you room to spread out, unwind, and enjoy the outdoors. Residents take advantage of amenities like our fenced dog park, walking paths, and spacious clubhouse, along with thoughtful extras like covered
Fargo Apartments are located in the historic district of old town Pocatello, ID and offers studio, 1 and 2 Bedroom apartment homes for rent. Claw foot tubs, fiber internet with individual access points in each apartments, fully-equipped kitchens, extra storage, laundry facilities and more! Fargo Apartments has been restored to include the original woodwork throughout the building. Fargo
Fully renovated historic property in the heart of Pocatello's historic district! Two story apartment building with 8 units total: 5 upstairs and 3 downstairs. All new! New windows, doors, roof, plumbing, electrical, appliances, flooring. All new! Super cute and cozy. Rent includes water/sewer/garbage, gas, and wifi. Resident pays for power.
The advertised rate of $5,092/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 11, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Property Id: 1702815Nice and clean two bedroom one bathroom house with laundry hookups and fenced in back yard. This house is located in a quiet neighborhood. Close to schools and parks.
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