Wendell is a historic dairy town close to the interstate
Known regionally as the Hub City of Magic Valley, Wendell is a small agricultural community located a little over 20 miles northwest of Twin Falls. The city got its start as a dairy hub — still a major local industry — following the irrigation of the valley with canals that still crisscross the community today. Wendell's train depot, now supplemented by Interstate 84, made it a transport hub for shipping local dairy and beef products all over the country. While Wendell is still a farm town at heart, it has also developed into a bedroom community for workers in nearby cities. "It's right on 84, so commuting is pretty quick," says Realtor and area native John Burg of Keller Williams-Sun Valley Southern Idaho. "It's got a nice small-town feel, and as far as housing goes, you get a little more bang for your buck compared to Twin Falls or Jerome."
A wide variety of single-family homes are available in the area
Wendell's housing stock is largely made up of 1920s-era bungalows and cottages and midcentury ranch-style homes. More recently built manufactured homes and contemporary single-family homes can also be found scattered around town. Unlike other parts of Magic Valley, larger rural lots around Wendell rarely hit the market, as most of the land outside of town is owned by working dairies and cattle farms. Environmental odors in parts of the community can be strong at times, particularly on properties next to dairies. Local farmers like to say it smells like money. Stick-built homes in Wendell usually sell for between $250,000 and $410,000, while manufactured properties go for $150,000 to $250,000.
Retail and restaurants line Idaho Street in Wendell
Most of Wendell's shops and restaurants are located along Idaho Street, which runs north-south through the center of town. Simerly's Groceries and Sporting Goods is the community's only supermarket. The store's selection can be limited, and some residents prefer to head to nearby Jerome or Gooding for groceries. There are a number of smaller local shops and service providers in town, selling everything from hardware supplies to dance lessons. The nearest Walmart is in Jerome, and the closest large shopping centers are in Twin Falls. Wendell is home to a variety of highly rated restaurants, including Chris's Bustin Burger and La Cierrita Mexican Restaurant. Local nightlife centers around the Silver Spur bar, which has been the go-to watering hole in town for decades.
Outdoor amenities are split among city parks, and there's offroading
There are three parks in town. Jim Prince Memorial Park has soccer fields, Wendell City Park is home to the town's playground and hosts community events and McGinnis Park is home to the town's Little League fields and swimming pool. "Offroading is pretty popular in the area," says Burg. "Once you get out of town and away from the farms, there are a lot of dirt tracks that just run through the countryside." The Snake River and Niagara Springs State Park are located about 10 miles south of town. The river is popular with anglers and kayakers.
Area schools are part of Wendell School District 232
Wendell School District 232 oversees the town's public schools. Wendell Elementary School has a C-minus rating from Niche, while Wendell Middle School has a C. Wendell High School has a B-minus rating and offers dual credit courses through the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls.
Dairy Days draws visitors every June
The city's signature event is Dairy Days, held each June. A parade marches along Idaho Street, followed by a classic car show and carnival games on Wendell City Park's lawn.
Interstate 84 makes for easy commuting
Interstate 84 passes just south of Wendell, connecting it to Jerome and Twin Falls, which are 10 and 20 miles away. There's no public transportation in the area, so most locals find car ownership a necessity. Wendell's location on I-84 also means it is closer to Boise and, importantly, Boise Airport than just about anywhere else in the Magic Valley area. It's a little over 100 miles to the airport and a few miles farther to the city center.
