First-Time Buyers
Where to Buy Your First Home Near Idaho Falls
First-time buyers in Southeast Idaho usually weigh six towns: Idaho Falls, Ammon, Rigby, Shelley, Blackfoot, and Rexburg. The right one depends on your budget, your commute, and the kind of home you want.
Thomas Roberts is a licensed Idaho real estate agent with Silvercreek Realty Group, serving Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Rigby, Ammon, Shelley, Blackfoot, and surrounding areas. This page does not quote prices, because they change too fast. Ask Thomas Roberts for recent sales in the towns you are considering.
The Six Towns Compared
| Town | Where it is | Often fits | Check before you buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho FallsBonneville County | The largest city in the area, along the Snake River. | Buyers who want city amenities, a wide mix of older and newer neighborhoods, and the shortest trips to jobs and shopping. | Neighborhood by neighborhood, since age, lot size, and price vary a lot across the city. |
| AmmonBonneville County | Directly east of Idaho Falls. | Buyers who want a suburb close to Idaho Falls, often with newer homes and larger lots. | New-construction pricing, school boundaries, and commute times at your usual hours. |
| RigbyJefferson County | Northeast of Idaho Falls. | Buyers who want a smaller community and more land for the money, and can handle a longer drive. | Commute time, and whether the specific address is on city services or a well and septic. |
| ShelleyBingham County | A small town south of Idaho Falls. | Buyers who want a slower pace and a small-town feel within driving distance of Idaho Falls. | Commute, and what the limited number of homes for sale looks like at your price. |
| BlackfootBingham County | South of Idaho Falls along I-15. | Buyers watching their budget, or looking for acreage, who can commute to Idaho Falls. | The daily drive, and whether a USDA loan is available for the specific property. |
| RexburgMadison County | North of Idaho Falls, home to BYU-Idaho. | Buyers who want to be near the university, or who plan to rent part of the home to students. | How the student rental market affects prices, and the rules on renting if you plan to. |
These descriptions reflect local knowledge, not statistics. For property taxes and school boundaries, check the county and the school district for the specific address.
What to Compare Between Towns
- Commute: drive the route at the hours you would really drive it before you decide.
- Home age and lot size: newer homes and bigger lots usually mean a different price and a different drive.
- Property taxes and insurance: these vary by county and by property, so ask your lender to include them in your monthly payment estimate.
- City services: some properties outside city limits use a well and septic system instead.
- Schools: if they matter to you, check the district’s own boundary maps for the address, since boundaries do not always match town lines.
- Resale: think about who would buy the home from you in five to ten years.
Your loan can also narrow the choice. For example, USDA loans only work for homes in eligible rural areas, checked address by address. See how the loan types compare in thefirst-time buyer loans guide.
Sources: USDA: Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program overview (PDF); USDA: Income and Property Eligibility Site
Choosing a Town: Common Questions
Which town is best for a first-time buyer near Idaho Falls?
There is no single best town, because it depends on your budget, commute, and what you want from a home. Idaho Falls and Ammon offer the shortest trips to jobs and shopping, Rigby, Shelley, and Blackfoot can offer more land or a lower price for a longer drive, and Rexburg suits buyers tied to BYU-Idaho. Thomas Roberts helps first-time buyers compare these towns for their own situation.
Is it cheaper to buy in Blackfoot or Shelley than in Idaho Falls?
Often, buyers look to Blackfoot and Shelley for a lower price or more land than they would get in Idaho Falls, in exchange for a longer commute. Prices change month to month and vary by neighborhood, so ask for recent sales of similar homes in each town before you decide.
Are Ammon and Idaho Falls different places?
Yes. Ammon is its own city directly east of Idaho Falls, and both are in Bonneville County. That means a similar commute for many buyers but different city rules and services.
Compare Towns With Thomas Roberts
In a free 20 to 30 minute video call, Thomas Roberts can walk through which towns fit your budget and commute. There is no obligation.