Idaho Falls is situated on the northeast portion of the Snake River Plain, at the edge of a large agricultural area. It is mainly an agricultural center but also serves as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons to the northeast and east, respectively. It is a center for the Idaho branch of the Mormon culture, clear from the enormous temple visible for miles around.

The town itself is nondescript and doesn’t have much to do, but the setting is attractive and the summer climate is pleasant. There is a small historic district with some arts venues along an attractive Snake River waterfront and most residential areas are quiet and concentrated to the south and east. Educational attainment is fairly high while cost of living is moderately low. The area is attractive for outdoors-oriented residents and is gaining interest among retirees especially in Rexburg and areas northeast towards Yellowstone.

The broad, flat, treeless Snake River Plain surrounds Idaho Falls; the larger Rockies and Grand Tetons to the east and the foothills of the Sawtooth Mountains to the west can be seen at a distance. The climate is semi-arid, variable and invigorating. The high elevation usually moderates summer temperatures giving warm but not hot, dry days and cool evenings, some requiring a jacket.

Late summer high pressure and valley heating can drive temperatures well into the 90’s. Precipitation mainly occurs as occasional thundershowers. Winter moves back and forth between mild, wet, Pacific-influenced periods and colder, harsher periods influenced by northerly air flows, sometimes driving temperatures below zero. Spring is wet; fall is most pleasant. First freeze is late September, last is late May.