The 10 Best Places to Retire in Idaho

If you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful, and picturesque place to retire, Idaho might offer everything you need! The Gem State sits along the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It features mountains, rivers, and a slice of Yellowstone National Park, making it the ideal destination for active retirees.

The state also offers quaint towns packed with amenities, a cost of living below the national average, and zero taxes for those collecting Social Security Benefits.

Today, I will show you the best places to retire in Idaho. I’ll tell you what each location offers and why you should consider retiring there.

10 Best Places to Retire in Idaho

Let’s dive in!

1. Burley

Burley is a strong contender if you love to be by the water. Split by the Snake River, there are plenty of watersports, boating, and riverside walks to enjoy. It number one on our list of best places to retire in Idaho.

To top things off, active retirees can participate in the annual Spudman Triathlon. Burley also has many engaging indoor activities, including the King Fine Arts Center and the Cassia County Historical Museum.

Regarding housing, options include retirement communities, assisted living, independent living, and affordable housing. Burley is also home to multiple medical centers and has been voted the most fun place to retire in Idaho.

What’s not to like?

2. Idaho Falls

Idaho Falls is the biggest city in the eastern region of Idaho. As such, it’s the area’s leading business and cultural hub. In Idaho Falls, retirees can expect abundant amenities, excellent healthcare, a lower cost of living, and a wide array of indoor and outdoor activities.

Lovers of the great outdoors will enjoy Old Butte Park, Central Park, and the Idaho Falls River Walk. Meanwhile, history buffs will want to take in the cultural and artistic offerings at the Museum of Idaho, the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, and the Collector Corner Museum.

In terms of living, Idaho Falls comes with an abundance of retirement communities, a thriving 65+ community, and a growing healthcare industry. 

3. Sandpoint

Sandpoint is your place if you’ve always dreamt of a lakeside retirement! This relaxing lakeside retirement destination offers excellent access to the Pend Oreille River and Lake Oreille and a city center jam-packed with things to do.

Lake Oreille offers active retirees plenty of biking, hiking, boating, and even skiing opportunities. Popular attractions to explore in and around the city include the farmer’s markets, the Bonner County History Museum, and the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society’s arboretum.

Sandpoint is near the top of the list when it comes to medical care facilities, retirement options, and senior population size. Things like housing, groceries, and utilities all cost less!

4. Meridian

Next up on our list of best places to retire in Idaho is Meridian, an idyllic city surrounded by dense forests, pristine lakes, secluded rivers, and staggering mountain views. Despite the hidden nature of Meridian, the town still manages to offer a good vibrance and buzz, offering retirees the best of both worlds!

Some of the most popular attractions in the city include the local parks and historical sites, the Village Cinema, downtown Meridian, and the Village at Meridian.

Aside from the incredible natural attractions and range of things to do in Meridian, the city also has a lot to offer in the way of living standards. Retirees can expect inexpensive housing, retirement communities, a low cost of living, and all their essential amenities.

5. Twin Falls 

Twin Falls is the largest city in Idaho’s Magic Valley region, an area famous for its impressive natural landscape, rich history, and charming towns. The city’s population is less than 50,000, making it a big hit with retirees seeking peace and quiet.

This city scores high on affordability, health care, and retirement communities. Grocery, utility, medical care, and house prices fall below the national average, and there are multiple retirement communities to choose from.

You’ll find independent, assisted living, apartments, and family-size houses. Popular things to do in Twin Falls include hiking, golfing, shopping, and overindulging in the city’s restaurants and brewery.

6. Jerome

Jerome is ideal if you’re searching for a thriving community, scenic landscapes, and somewhere safe to retire. This small city has a beautiful local community that comes together at the Jerome County Fair and the local farmer’s markets.

When you’re not out exploring Shoshone Falls Park or Minidoka National Historic Site, you’ll wander the lively streets searching for something nice to eat or a fresh cup of coffee in your favorite coffee shop.

The cost of living in Jerome is relatively affordable, as are house prices and local amenities. The city also has an excellent medical center and multiple retirement communities.

7. Hayden

Admittedly, Hayden offers fewer retirement communities, which is strange considering retirees comprise almost 25% of the city’s total population. However, the city more than makes up for that with its stunning lake, Coeur d’Alene National Forest, and accessibility to medical care.

You should consider moving to Hayden if you seek peace, quiet, safety, affordable living, and the great outdoors. 

Your days will be filled with hiking, boating, and coffee drinking, which sounds pretty great!

Things like groceries, health care, and utilities in Hayden are affordable, but housing will cost you more than the national average.

8. Garden City

Garden City is located on the East Bank of the Boise River, making it an excellent option for people who want to escape the hustle and bustle. Despite being a much smaller town with a population of approximately 11,000, retirees moving to Garden City won’t have to sacrifice any modern amenities.

You will have to spend more on housing, but utilities, groceries, and transportation are cheaper. Besides, there are multiple assisted, independent, and community retirement options and plenty of retirement properties!

If you love the outdoors, you’ll enjoy the city’s several parks, half a dozen golf courses, and Boise Zoo.

9. Pocatello

If affordable living and a high standard of living are your main priorities, Pocatello could be perfect. Found in southeastern Idaho, this lively city offers a low cost of living, affordable housing, an array of retirement communities, excellent health care, and low crime rates.

Pocatello also has plenty to offer when it comes to things to do. The city is close to the historic Fort Hall Indian Reservation and American Falls Reservoir, and you can find Ross Park in the city center.

If you prefer to take in shows and museums, you’ll enjoy the Stephens Performing Arts Center and the World Famous Museum of Clean.

10. Caldwell

The final Idaho retirement destination on this list is Caldwell, a charming and scenic city with a lively atmosphere, many things to do, and breathtaking surroundings. With Lake Lowell just outside the city and the Boise River to the north, you can fill your days with epic hikes and reclining sessions by the water.

If you want to try new things in retirement, Caldwell is also a popular destination for activities such as skydiving. Less adventurous retirees might prefer to spend their day shopping and drinking coffee in downtown Caldwell.

Budget, housing, retirement communities, cost of living, utilities, and health care are all above the national average, but the extra costs are arguably worth it.

Final Thoughts About the Best Places to Retire in Idaho

In this article, I’ve shown you the ten best places to retire in Idaho. Idaho offers retirees everything from beautiful natural attractions and outdoor activities to lively cities and things to do.

To top things off, the Gem State also offers a high standard of living and a low cost. 

Now, why don’t you narrow the list down and decide where you would want to retire in Idaho?

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