Twin Falls Real Estate
A Short History of Twin Falls, Idaho
Twin Falls Economic Information
Places of Interest In the Twin Falls Area
Twin Falls, Idaho Real Estate For Sale
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Twin Falls Real Estate
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Twin Falls real estate continues to grow in value but still remains a bargain when
compared to other parts of the United States. For example, the median value of single
family housing in Twin Falls county more than doubled between 1990 and 2006, going
from $50,700 to $128,650. This means a great return for the seller in the Twin Falls
real estate market. Yet when compared to the 2006 average for the state Idaho ($189,000)
and the United States ($246,000), the real estate in Twin Falls is bargain for the
buyer!
Not only is the real estate in Twin Falls affordable, it is also centrally located
to many nearby areas of interest. You can own a home right in the middle of Twin
Falls and still get to Dierkes Lake and Shoshone Falls in less than 30 minutes.
Boise is less than two hours away and Salt Lake City, Utah takes just a little over
three hours to get to.
If country living is more your style, there is plenty of real estate close to the
action in Twin Falls and yet far enough away to have few neighbors and lots of piece
and quiet. The nearby towns of Kimberly, Hansen, Filer, Buhl, Wendell, Murtaugh,
Eden and Hazelton are all within a 25 mile radius of Twin Falls. Many of these towns
have populations of less than a thousand people.
The real estate in Twin Falls is a perfect balance between a big city atmosphere
and small town rural America. Add that to the affordable housing and low cost of
living and it's easy to see why this area continues to grow.
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A Short History of Twin Falls, Idaho
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The city of Twin Falls (named after a waterfall located about seven miles northeast
of town) was founded in 1904 as a result of an influx of homesteaders taking advantage
of the Carey Act of 1894. It quickly became the center of agriculture for the Snake
River Plain and is now the hub of South Central Idaho for all kinds of industries.
The Carey Act of 1894 was the primary reason that the Twin Falls area sprang to
life. This act created a unique relationship between governments, private companies
and settlers. Under this act, a settler could apply for and receive up to 160 acres
of real estate at a very low cost by fulfilling some basic provisions to build a
simple irrigation system to their new land.
Three years after the Twin Falls Land and Water Company was formed in 1900, I. B.
Perrine was able to get private financing under the provisions of the Carey Act
to build Milner Dam on the Snake River. After it was completed in 1905, the Milner
Dam and its associated canals made commercial irrigation outside of the Snake River
Canyon a reality. Because of this, Perrine is considered by many to be the father
of Twin Falls. When this new life sprang out of once was a desert, the area became
known as the "Magic Valley."
Located at the northern entrance to Twin Falls, the original Perrine Bridge, which
was a toll bridge, was opened to traffic in September 1927. When it was built, it was the
highest cantilever bridge in the world at approximately 486 feet high. The Perrine Bridge is the only man-made
structure in the United States open to BASE jumping year round without a permit.
At 1,500 feet in length, it is the longest span bridge in the United States.
The College of Southern Idaho is located in Twin Falls. In 1965 they had their start
holding classes at the Twin Falls High School. Just three years later they were
able to move to their own campus. Today, CSI has grown from it's lowly origins to
have a substantial impact on the economy and real estate in the Twin Falls area.
The original Twin Falls townsite was laid out in a very peculiar way with streets
running northeast-to-southwest and avenues running northwest-to-southeast. This
confusing design made it possible for more than one person living in Twin Falls
to have a piece of real estate on the corner of "4th and 4th," for example. The
numbered northeast-to-southwest streets were finally renamed in 2003 to help eliminate
much of the confusion.
Although the population of the county now exceeds 70,000 and Twin Falls has a certain
"big city" feel to it, the area still has a rural appeal that is rooted in it's
early settlers.
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Twin Falls Economic Information
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After Milner Dam was built, agricultural production in the area increased substantially,
becoming a major economic hub serving the agriculture industry even to this day.
Twin Falls is a processing center for many agricultural commodities including beans
and sugar beets.
The estimated median household income in 2005 was about $36,600, up from $32,641
in 2000. While these wages are lower than the national average, the cost of living in
Twin Falls is also below the national average. Most people moving into the area
from other states generally find it much easier to make ends meet.
Twin Falls continues to experience strong growth in employment and industry as new
businesses start and existing businesses relocate because of the favorable economic
climate.
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Places of Interest in the Twin Falls Area
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If you live in Twin Falls the presence of the Snake River Canyon becomes something
that you almost take for granted. However, visitors to the area are usually struck
with awe when they see the beauty of the Snake River Canyon. The land has many distinct
and interesting features as well as a moderate climate that beckons visitors year
round.
Within a couple of miles of the city is Shoshone Falls, which is also called "The
Niagara of the West." This impressive waterfall drops 212 feet to the river below
and when viewed in the early spring is absolutely incredible!
Although Magic Mountain Resort is not the biggest resort in the world, it is only
about a 30 to 40 minute drive from Twin Falls. They generally have great snow, making
their 700 foot vertical drop fast and fun. If you're looking for more mountain,
the Sun Valley Ski Resort approximately 85 miles north of Twin Falls offers 3400
vertical feet!
From Rock Creek Canyon and the South Hills to the Sawtooths north of Twin Falls,
all kinds of outdoor recreation is available. Whether you like to hunt, fish, hike,
bike or ski, Twin Falls is centrally located to the great outdoors.
Sources:
Idaho State Senator Mike Crapo's Website
State of Idaho Department of Commerce
Wikipedia
Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization
City-Data.com
Federal Housing Finance Board
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What I Love About Twin Falls, Idaho
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I am proud to call Twin Falls my home. Being a Rupert native, I am also proud to
call the Mini-Cassia area my "home away from home". As an avid outdoorsman, Twin
Falls makes a great "base camp", offering excellent fishing opportunities for trout,
bass, bluegill, perch, walleye and even sturgeon, most of which can be found within
minutes of Twin Falls.
Great hunting is also a hop and a skip from town. Upland game and waterfowl are
plentiful and you don't have to drive far to find good numbers of big game including
elk, mule deer, antelope, black bear, mountain lion, and bobcat.
Twin Falls is also a great place for shopping, with a wide variety of stores and
shops offering everything from clothing to home improvement. The real estate market
in Twin Falls is still strong with an average of 45 homes being sold each month
at an average price of $159,000 so far for 2008.
This is a wonderful place to retire, raise a family, invest or even just visit.
My wife Jennifer, our 14 month old daughter Juniper and I thoroughly enjoy living
in Twin Falls. We love our community and take every opportunity to enjoy everything
the area has to offer.
---Bridger Smith, Twin Falls Real Estate Agent
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Twin Falls, Idaho Real Estate For Sale
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Smell the Peaches
This cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bath home is centrally located just minutes from schools, hospital, a recreational center and shopping! The fenced backyard features apple, peach and cherry trees....
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"Horsepitality Heaven"
Excitement! Enthusiasm! Education! All words that can be applied to the following equine property in American Falls Idaho. Located near the historic and majestic Snake River on Interstate 80, Mountain West Realty, Inc is proud to offer....
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A View of Heaven!
Perfect canyon rim building property! 4.61 acres along the south rim of the Snake River just east of Twin Falls Idaho! Private drive in and no immediate neighbors lends for quiet enjoyment with a view of the Snake River, Twin Falls and the....
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Highway 30 Frontage
Could serve as a venue for many different types of business opportunities. Highway 30 frontage, 3-phase power, rail spur... Kimberly $178,000 .64 Acres....
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Looking for the Best Burger?
Looking for the perfect business?? Look no further! This well established restaurant is ready for you to jump in and take off running. Great location in Hansen, ID on Rock Creek Road catching all the travelers going in and out of the....
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