When you start hunting for an apartment around here, it’s easy to get buried in listings for two-bedrooms and sprawling townhomes. But there’s a quieter side of the market-one that doesn’t get much attention. I’m talking about the true “1 room” apartment: no separate bedroom, just a single open space where you live, sleep, and cook. Some call it a studio, others an efficiency. Whatever the name, it’s a hidden gem in Eastern Idaho renting.
And here’s the thing: it’s not for everyone, but for the right person, it’s downright perfect. The catch is that very few people even know these units exist.
Why Studios Are So Hard to Find
Over the last few years, developers around Ammon and Idaho Fallseanors-and-rentals-in-ammon-and-idaho-fallswhat-actually-works" class="blog-internal-link">Ammon and Idaho Falls have focused on luxury one- and two-bedroom builds. Places like The Madison, The Reserve at Ammon, and The Falls at Snake River dominate the landscape. They make sense for families and roommates, but they leave a gap for anyone wanting something smaller.
Real studios-the kind with no wall between your bed and your kitchen-are mostly tucked away in:
- Older complexes built in the ’70s through ’90s, like Southtowne or Windsor Pointe
- Converted basements in Ammon’s older neighborhoods (often unpermitted, but very common)
- Downtown Idaho Falls walk-ups above Main Street shops (think 300-500 square feet)
- A handful of new micro-apartments near the airport, built for short-term INL workers
All told, there are probably fewer than 150 legally permitted studios in the whole area. Demand, meanwhile, is much higher. That’s why you have to know where to look.
Who Actually Rents These Tiny Spaces?
You might picture a college student, but that’s not who’s filling these units. Rexburg handles that crowd. Instead, three distinct groups quietly dominate the studio market here.
1. The INL Rotational Worker
Contractors and engineers at Idaho National Laboratory often need a place for three to six months. They don’t want a two-bedroom with a yard-they want a cheap, furnished crash pad near I-15 or the airport. Studios at places like Spruce Street Suites or Woodland Park fit the bill: $750 to $900 a month, all utilities included, no fuss.
2. The Remote-Work Minimalist
Young professionals moving up from Salt Lake or Boise who work from home and care more about walkability than square footage. They’ll happily pay $850 for a 400-square-foot downtown studio if it comes with fast internet and a coffee shop downstairs. The Broadway Lofts, one of the rare new-construction studio buildings, was leasing for $950 in 2024.
3. The Downsizing Empty Nester
Retirees moving in from smaller towns like Rigby or Shelley. They don’t want stairs, yard work, or extra rooms they’ll never use. Ammon’s Aspen Village has a few efficiency units that cater to this group-quiet, ground-floor, and close to Broulim’s grocery store.
What You Can Expect to Pay
Rents for a true one-room apartment in Ammon and Idaho Falls range from $700 to $950 per month, depending on location and whether utilities are included. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Budget end ($700-$800): Older complexes on the west side of Idaho Falls, like Mountain View Apartments. Think electric baseboard heat, window AC, coin laundry, and on-street parking. Usually 300-400 square feet. Livable but dated.
- Mid-range ($800-$900): The sweet spot. Converted downtown storefronts or basement studios in Ammon’s older subdivisions. Water and trash are often included. Expect 400-500 square feet, sometimes with a tiny alcove for your bed. Great for INL temp workers.
- Top end ($900-$950): Newer micro-apartments near Snake River Landing. Full kitchen, in-unit washer and dryer, gym access. Closer to 500-600 square feet. Basically a one-bedroom without the wall-you pay a premium for scarcity.
The Legal Side You Need to Know
Here’s something most blogs skip: many of the “1 room” rentals in Ammon and Idaho Falls are actually bedrooms inside single-family homes, not legal apartments. Ammon’s city code (Title 7, Section 7-3C) restricts accessory dwelling units to owner-occupied properties. Idaho Falls is a bit looser but still caps short-term rentals.
Before you sign anything, ask for a rental license number or proof of occupancy permit. Unpermitted basement studios can be shut down with just 30 days’ notice. Legitimate studios are rare, but they’re out there-and they’re worth hunting for.
Tips for Finding Your Own Studio
Ready to start digging? Here’s what works:
- Use the right keywords. Don’t just search “studio.” Try “efficiency,” “single,” or “1 room.” On Facebook Marketplace, filter by “1 bedroom” and then flip through photos looking for open floor plans.
- Target specific complexes. Windsor Pointe Apartments in Idaho Falls has a few true studios behind the pool. The Haven at Ammon (built in 2023) includes micro-units in their townhome-style layout. Hillcrest Manor on 17th Street is older but has some of the cheapest efficiencies-expect waitlists.
- Negotiate if you’re an INL worker. Many complexes will knock $50 to $100 off the monthly rent if you sign for exactly three months. They hate vacancy, so use that leverage.
Is a 1-Room Apartment Right for You?
Honestly, it depends. If you’re single, work-focused, and want to spend less than 30% of your income on housing, then yes. If you need a guest room, a separate sleeping space for a partner, or a dedicated home office, then probably not.
You’ll pay more per square foot-around $2.50 to $3.00 versus $1.80 for a one-bedroom-but your total monthly cost stays low. For the INL contractor, the remote minimalist, or the empty nester, a true “1 room” apartment isn’t a compromise. It’s a deliberate choice. And until more landlords figure out how to market these spaces, you’ll have to do a little extra digging to find one.
Trust me, it’s worth the effort.