Twin Falls is the largest city in Idaho’s Magic Valley, which gets its name from its breathtaking natural landscape. Volcanoes erupted on the land that’s now the Magic Valley millions of years ago, and today the Snake River and its fertile soil power the economy of this city of 55,000. “We have the great outdoors that’s untarnished,” says Dr. Ron Jones, realtor at Keller Williams Sun Valley Southern Idaho. “It’s like stepping back in time because it’s slower and outside the city lifestyle.” The Snake River Canyon is the city’s backdrop, as is the Perrine Bridge, a popular destination for tourists and BASE jumpers. “We’re the last few places in the country where you can buy a permit and jump off the bridge. That’s popular, and there’s a line there every day,” Dr. Jones says. Twin Falls is a major hub for food production; some of its products include Chobani Yogurt and CLIF Bars. There’s also a large health care industry with large employers, like Bridgeview Estates and St Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center. College of Southern Idaho is the city’s second largest employer.
Residents window shop dozens of local shops in downtown Twin Falls.
The Canyon Rim Trail in Twin Falls is a local favorite for walking and biking with breathtaking views of the Snalke River.
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Strong demand for hobby farms and new construction
Twin Falls is considered one of the more budget-friendly areas in Idaho. The median home price is $367,000, which is $148,000 lower than Boise. “There’s a lot of rapid growth in every direction,” Dr. Jones says. “Hobby farms are common, if they just want some chickens on a few acres. Then, the new construction in Twin Falls proper is close and within walking distance of everything.” Homes with views of the Snake River Canyon tend to be more expensive; some homes exceed $1 million. Two-story contemporary and traditional properties can be found in subdivisions, and homes toward downtown are generally from the 1900s. These are typically one-story cottages and bungalows on lots spanning less than an acre. Hobby farms are outside of city limits.
Small family Farms in Twin Falls offer local produce to families and regional areas such as Boise to the north and Salt Lake City to the south.
A population boom in Twin Falls has new housing in high demand.
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Home to 'Niagara of the West'
The Twin Falls Parks and Recreation Department manages over 30 parks and trails. Shoshone Falls is considered the Niagara of the West with its large 200-ft. waterfalls. Folks can take a stroll and view the falls along the Canyon Rim Trail; the 7-mile pathway goes all the way to Snake River Canyon. About 300,000 people visit the falls every year. Just above Shoshone Falls is Dierkes Lake Park, a popular spot for a swim. Auger Falls Heritage Park has more waterfalls; the 680-acre property allows residents to go mountain biking and fishing. The First Federal Bank Park has become popular for its playground and splash pad. The city pool is open year-round. Golfers have plenty of options to tee off for a round of 18; Idaho Pebbles Ponds and Canyon Springs Golf Club are public courses, while Blue Lake-Jerome Golf Club is a private golf club with five membership levels. Magic Mountain Ski Resort, 36 miles south, has 11 trails for tubing, skiing and sledding.
The snake river canyon in Twin Falls hosts two golf courses one public and one private.
Shoshone Falls is often referred to as the Niagara of the West.
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Over 80 programs at College of Southern Idaho
Students can study at Twin Falls School District, which earns a B grade from Niche. The district has over 9,300 students across 16 schools, a 70% graduation rate and a student-to-teacher ratio of 17 to 1. Another potential district is the Kimberly School District, which also earns a B grade from Niche. Twin Falls is home to the College of Southern Idaho; the main campus in the city has 12,000 students and over 80 programs.
Choose between dozens of premier programs at the College of Southern Idaho.
The College of Southern Idaho located in central Twin Falls is one of the cities largest employers.
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Downtown Commons serves as event space
On Saturdays from June to October, the Downtown Farmers Market hosts local vendors selling fresh produce and goods. Locals can enjoy weekly concerts from the municipal band or movies at the amphitheater in City Park. Downtown Commons hosts Twin Falls Tonight, the city’s summer concert series. The Festival of the Lights Parade, held in Downtown Commons, kicks off the holiday season.
The Commons in downtown Twin Falls hosts dozens of events each year.
Find vibrant murals created by local artists at the downtown commons of Twin Falls.
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Several major highways run through the city
Cars are the primary mode of transportation in Twin Falls. Highways 93 and 30 run through most of the city; Highway 93 is a north-south route leading to Nevada and Sun Valley, and Highway 30 is the east-west route that reaches Burley. Interstate 84 is also on the north end of the city. This main interstate goes east to west, reaching Boise in 129 miles and Salt Lake City in 220 miles. The city’s only public transportation option is the Ride TFT, which offers rides to anywhere in Twin Falls for under $3. The Maple Valley Regional Airport is the nearest airport; flights run to and from Salt Lake City every day.
Twin Falls is in a flat, high desert area of the state. The city gets all four seasons, but it’s different compared to the rest of the state. “We have mild winters, and our snow melts after a couple of days,” Dr. Jones says. “Often, these newer homes don’t carry gutters because we don’t get enough rainfall or snow for them.”
Trendy eateries in downtown Twin Falls
Locals can enjoy an afternoon or evening within downtown Twin Falls. The historic district around Main and Shoshone streets has buildings dating back to 1909; trendy coffee shops, restaurants and unique boutiques and service businesses operate from the ground floor. Restaurants vary from barbecue to sandwich shops to Italian and Mexican cuisines; many of the city’s breweries and distilleries offer bingo nights and live music. Rudy’s-A Cook’s Paradise has been around since the city’s incorporation. More shopping can be found north of Blue Lakes Boulevard, including Costco, Target and HomeGoods. The Magic Valley Mall has over 40 stores and restaurants; it also includes the Twin Falls Zoo, which has over 100 animals.
Stroll the tree line streets of downtown Twin Falls for local shops and eateries like family owned Cloverleaf Ice Cream.
Mi Tierra and Koto Brewing are two hotspots for family dining in downtown Twin Falls.
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Three-year downward trend in crime
Twin Falls has its own police department with over 100 employees. According to the Idaho State Police Annual Report, crime decreased by 1% in the city from 2022 to 2023, which is in line with the standard trend for the last three years. The most common offenses were assault and larceny, and the crime rate is 38% higher than the state’s average.
Written By
Courtney Murphy
Photography Contributed By
Chad Jackson
Video By
Mike Dunleavy
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Twin Falls Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Twin Falls, ID sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Twin Falls, ID over the last 12 months is $362,412, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Traci was born and raised in Glenns Ferry. Upon graduating from Glenns Ferry High School Traci attended Albertson College of Idaho where she received by Bachelor Liberal Arts Degree w/ a Major in Business and a Minor in Entrepreneurship. After graduating from college Traci moved to Boise and worked in the real estate/mortgage industry while working towards her Masters in Business Administration at Boise State University. She received her MBA in 2002.
In 2009 she was lucky enough to have the opportunity to move back to Glenns Ferry and have never looked back. Since returning home Traci enjoys volunteering with the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Committee, Disaster Fund/Food Baskets Program, Fall Fest, 4-H, her children’s sports teams, and many other activities.
Traci has held a real estate license since 2001 but you can say that she was raised in the business. She was lucky enough to have been taught the business from her grandmother and remembers showing houses with grandma since she was very young. Traci also has 8 years experience in the mortgage industry and this helps her be an all around agent that can help in all aspects of the buying or selling process.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
