20 Tucked-Away Treasures to Retire in Idaho

Retirement is a life stage that many of us look forward to eagerly. When you retire, it often means freedom from the pressures of the workforce, freedom from the stresses of raising children, and freedom from so many time constraints. It can finally mean having time to do what you want to do. However, where you retire can have a huge impact on the quality of that free lifestyle, so it’s important to choose wisely.

Many retirees choose to live in Idaho when they retire. The low crime rate, affordable cost of living, and high quality of life are just some of the reasons for living in this state. Actually, a recent Forbes article ranked Idaho as the third-best state in the country in which to retire.

Key Benefits to Retiring in Idaho

• Exceptional healthcare — Idaho has a vital healthcare network of physicians, home healthcare providers, and specialists. The state also provides wellness programs and other initiatives that promote healthy aging.
• Friendly communities — Idaho is well-known for the welcoming atmosphere fostered by its residents. Seniors find that they feel a sense of belonging, thanks to the state’s numerous volunteer activities, senior learning programs, and other organizations that cater to seniors and retirees.
• Tax initiatives — Retirees enjoy the tax benefits that Idaho offers, such as not taxing Social Security benefits. Property taxes are reduced for qualified homeowners, and there are no estate or inheritance taxes in Idaho.
• Outdoor opportunities — The state has beautiful nature trails for walking or hiking, great fishing areas, beautiful byways for touring by car, and gorgeous scenery that enhances the quality of life.

With so many reasons to retire in this state, choosing the right town or city can be difficult. There are so many wonderful areas within the state, finding just the right one for you requires a little thought. If you’re looking for the perfect place to spend your golden years, read on to discover 20 tucked-away treasures to retire in Idaho.

1. Garden City

Situated on the Boise River floodplain, Garden City was once a city of gardens and gambling in its early years. Today, it is a highly walkable community with views of nature and wildlife mingling with cultural and arts opportunities. You can walk along one of the captivating nature trails, sip wine at a local winery, enjoy the colorful murals and art exhibits the city has to offer, or just relax with some of the other friendly locals. Though it may not be a gambling city, you can still find plenty of exciting things to do in Garden City.

Median Home Price: $410,225

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 26%

2. Pocatello

This truly is a tucked-away treasure to retire in Idaho since it’s tucked beneath the peaks of the Bannock Mountain Range. Pocatello is a lovely valley city with a vibrant historical downtown area. You will never run out of things to do here when you’re retired. There are museums, art walks, a zoo, hiking and walking trails, and many other indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities for your leisurely pleasure.

Median Home Price: $303,452

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 13%

3. Hayden

If you’re planning on retiring in Hayden, you have to be prepared for home prices to be a little higher than in other cities. However, the homes are opulent, and there are even gorgeous waterfront homes in which you can spend your retirement. There is a diversity of restaurants and plenty of outdoor activities for you to spend your leisure time. And if you’re a golfer, you’ll have four different golf courses to play 18 holes.

Median Home Price: $670,000

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 24%

4. Sun Valley

If you’re looking for a place that feels like a year-round vacation, then look no further than Sun Valley, ID. This tucked-away treasure is a spectacular mountain town with activities for each season. The skiing is world-class, but there are also fantastic places for mountain biking, rafting, swimming, and fly fishing.

If you’re more of an indoor person, Sun Valley has its share of incredible art galleries, fine dining venues, and other shopping, browsing, and cultural opportunities. The wellness-related businesses are manifold as well — from yoga studios to spas, you can certainly stay healthy and fit in retirement.

Median Home Price: $684,750

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 42%

5. Blackfoot

Blackfoot, ID, is often referred to as “The Potato Capital of the World” due to its unparalleled potato industry. Aside from its spate of spuds, it’s also known for its tight-knit community atmosphere. With its low cost of living and excellent healthcare and emergency providers, Blackfoot may be a great choice for you.

Median Home Price: $357,995

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 15%

6. Chubbuck

Living in Chubbuck has a lot of pros for seniors. The city is comprised of higher-educated people, the days are sunny with a comfortable level of humidity for much of the year, and there are plenty of green spaces in which to enjoy nature. Surprisingly, Chubbuck residents have reported lower cancer incidences and mortality rates than the national average. In addition to that bit of good news, U.S. News rated one of Chubbock’s seven senior communities as a best assisted living community.

Median Home Price: $308,900

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 13%

7. Orofino

Retirees who want to continue being active outdoors will love living in Orofino. This tucked-away Idaho treasure is nestled between Dworshak Lake and the Clearwater River — an angler’s dream in which to retire. Besides the world-class fishing, Orofino is filled with picturesque mountain trails, golfing, camping, and myriad outdoor activities. Though the city seems made for outdoor living, it also offers museums, fine dining, and shopping opportunities if you’re in the mood for something indoors.

Median Home Price: $237,000

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 18%

8. Sandpoint

Voted one of ten picture-perfect mountain towns by USA Today, Sandpoint truly is a stunning place to live. With an abundance of recreation and dining opportunities intermingled with exciting events and festivals, you’ll never be bored during your retirement here. There is a focus on health and wellness in both the fitness and healthcare arenas, which helps to make Sandpoint a tucked-away treasure to retire.

Median Home Price: $667,000

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 18%

9. Jerome

No matter what your penchants may be, Jerome has an opportunity for you. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, there are hiking areas like the Devil’s Corral and City of Rocks National Reserve. If retirement means relaxation to you, there are hot springs to soak away your worries. Jerome also has greenhouses for gardeners, a model railroad club for enthusiasts, museums, theaters, farmers markets, and plenty of other opportunities.

The natural beauty of this area along with its bounty of offerings make Jerome a prime retirement destination. With a friendly community and great healthcare, you may want to look into this hidden Idaho gem.

Median Home Price: $249,000

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 10%

10. Bonners Ferry

This picturesque Idaho town was named Idaho’s “Most Friendly Town.” The Kootenai River provides aesthetic value and water recreation to Bonner Ferry’s residents, while three mountain ranges ring the pastoral Kootenai Valley. If you’re looking for a welcoming and friendly community in which to spend your retirement, look no further than Bonners Ferry.

Median Home Price: $475,000

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 18%

11. Nampa

“The Heart of Treasure Valley” is Nampa’s nickname for a reason. The name was coined in 1959 in reference to the region’s bounty of resources and opportunities, and Nampa lies at the art of it all. In this amazing city, you’ll find affordable housing, have access to ample outdoor activities, and enjoy a multitude of arts and cultural opportunities. Along with all these treasures, you’ll experience the strong community and sense of belonging if you decide to move to Nampa.

Median Home Price: $299,997

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 14%

12. Burley

If you’re looking for a place to retire in Idaho without breaking the bank, Burley is very affordable. The cost of living is almost 19% lower than the average US city. The city provides natural beauty and outdoor attractions in all four seasons. Not to mention that the Snake River is an amazing spot for all things water recreation.

Median Home Price: $225,000

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 13%

13. St. Anthony

St. Anthony is a very friendly suburb in the Rexburg Metro Area of Idaho. The small-town feel in this community is palpable in the welcoming and warm attitude of its residents. For retirees who want a strong community feel along with plenty of opportunities for outdoor and indoor recreation, St. Anthony is a perfect choice for their retirement.

Median Home Price: $295,000

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 12%

14. Lewiston

Lewiston is also known as “the gateway to Hells Canyon,” one of the great marvels of the region. The mountainous environment provides scenic beauty and a multitude of outdoor opportunities. Along with the outdoor beauty, Lewiston also offers a rich historical and cultural background and opportunities for retirees seeking the arts and culture scene. The one thing that just may be the final draw for some retirees is that Lewiston’s fertile terrain makes it an amazing wine-growing area.

Median Home Price: $269,835

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 19%

15. Twin Falls

After living a hectic lifestyle filled with work commitments, child-rearing, and bill-paying, retirement is a time to take life easy for some retirees. If you’re one of these folks who have lived in a hurried and harried environment and can’t wait to have time for yourself, Twin Falls just may be your oasis.

Twin Falls residents understand the lure and importance of not rushing. They like to live mindfully, savoring each moment. However, don’t worry about being bored. There are clubs and fine dining venues, hiking, hunting, skiing, fishing, snowboarding, and all other manner of indoor and outdoor recreation available to keep you busy. If that sounds good, and you like a friendly vibe mixed in as well, you may want to look into retiring in Twin Falls.

Median Home Price: $259,912

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 15%

16. Emmett

Low crime and low cost of living intermingled with high livability and bountiful activities make Lewiston an idyllic place to retire. This pastoral community has all of the quiet and peacefulness of rural, small-town living blended with the benefits of nearby urban amenities. People who retire to Emmett have access to great healthcare, but they also have the benefit of the organic health and wellness provided by the natural beauty of this town.

Median Home Price: $270,729

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 19%

17. Eagle

With its close proximity to the big city of Boise, this smaller city is perfect if you want to live a small-town life but have urban amenities close at hand. Additionally, each season brings amazing outdoor opportunities, while fine dining and upscale shopping are still close enough to enjoy whenever you feel the pull. The best of both worlds is at your fingertips.

Eagle has four definite seasons, each one picturesque and comfortable. Winter activities, such as snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, and sleigh riding are popular in the snowy months, while tubing, fishing, hunting, camping, or merely walking along one of the wonderful trails are great in the spring, summer, and fall.

Median Home Price: $599,905

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 22%

18. Ketchum

If you enjoy stunning views of majestic mountains and glacial lakes, you’ll love Ketchum. Retirement may be an adventure waiting to happen if you retire in this impressive city. With plenty of trails for biking, walking, hiking, and skiing, you can have an adventure every day.

Ketchum has the gorgeous Salmon River nearby, so you can white-water raft, kayak, or fish. With Sun Valley Resort close by, you can ski or snowboard in the winter. There are plenty of indoor activities to do as well. Ketchum provides annual festivals and music entertainment, while the lively downtown district has art galleries, great dining, farmers markets, and quaint shops. You’ll never run out of things to do in your retirement here.

Median Home Price: $817,000

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 22%

19. Idaho Falls

Whether you prefer an active retirement filled with outdoor activities or a more culturally enhanced lifestyle with the arts and entertainment scene, you can find something to keep you occupied in retirement in Idaho Falls. The Snake River, which runs through the town’s center, is perfect for fishing or kayaking, while the fine restaurants and little shops are ideal for those who enjoy the finer things in life.

Idaho Falls is filled with natural beauty. If you want to retire to a place that provides picturesque views from all angles, this town has it. The local arts scene is another source of aesthetic fulfillment, and the warm and welcoming community makes it all the better.

Median Home Price: $320,000

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 13%

20. Coeur d’Alene

Just like the other towns and cities on this list, Coeur d’Alene, or CDA as some people call it, allows you to live close to nature year-round. Its very size makes it highly walkable, which lets you stay active simply by visiting local coffee shops or restaurants on your daily walks. The variety of nature trails is yet another way to keep fit and active after retirement.

The pleasant weather, clean, clear air, and surprisingly low number of insects and pests are just a few of the amazing perks of living in Coeur d’Alene. You might also be enticed by the exceptional culinary offerings, including craft brews and local wines. And if you’re a golf enthusiast, you’l love the world-class golfing at the Resort Golf Course. With 18% of the community comprised of fellow retirees, you can easily find people to share your interests.

Median Home Price: $621,161

Percentage of Population 65 Years or Older: 18%

Summary Table of 20 Tucked-Away Treasures to Retire in Idaho