8 Most Affordable Cities to Retire in Idaho

Idaho is one of the best states in the United States to retire. “The Gem State” is known for its affordable cost of living, taxes, great weather, recreational activities and abundance of amenities and communities for seniors. From Jerome to Burley, these places have many factors to consider when choosing where to spend the rest of your life. This article will show you some of the benefits of living in these small Idaho towns to help you make your choice.

Jerome

Jerome is an agricultural city and agriculture makes up a large part of the city’s economy, in addition to plastic and dairy production. The Purple Mountains and the Snake River Canyon lie to the north and south of the city. In summer the weather is clear and warm. In winter it is freezing and snowing. The residents of Jerome are friendly and welcoming to strangers and new residents. The city has approximately 1,090 seniors. To purchase a home in Jerome you will need an average price of approximately $302.5K.

Visit parks such as Gayle Forsyth Memorial Park, Camozzi Park and Thompson & Rotary Park on a cool day for a picnic or an opportunity to make new friends in the community. Get to know the city and its history at the Jerome County Historical Museum. Join us at the old Jerome Country Club for good food and networking. Take a 26-minute trip to Twin Falls to get to know your surroundings. You can also stretch your legs by hiking the 4-mile Auger Falls Trailhead. Get regular checkups to stay fit at St. Luke’s Jerome Medical Center or the DeSano Place Village and Lodge retirement home. You can explore the city by car, public bus, bicycle or Uber.

Blackfoot

Blackfoot, the ‘Potato Capital of the World’, is known for its renowned potato industry. It is home to the Idaho Potato Museum & Potato Station Cafe, which features exhibits and stories about the town’s potato history. There is also a cafe and gift shop in the museum. If you enjoy eating potatoes, this could be a sign that you’re retiring to Blackfoot. The city has hot summers and cold winters, with July being the warmest and January the coldest. The city has an upward trend of a median home price of $389,000.

With approximately 1,919 seniors living in this community, a retiree won’t feel out of place. A great place to meet them is The Gables Assisted Living of Blackfoot or The Willows Retirement & Assisted Living. Visit Allora Medical Spa for care and relaxation. Some afternoons you can take a stroll through Jensen Grove Park or learn about the city at the Bingham County Historical Museum or while dining at Tommy Vaughn’s Grill. Watch a movie at Blackfoot Movie Mill or play a round of golf with other residents at the Blackfoot Golf Course. If you feel unwell, seek treatment at Blackfoot Medical Center or Bingham Memorial Hospital.

Moscow

Moscow is one of the 25 safest cities in Idaho, with friendly residents and a cheerful environment. On the streets of Moscow you will usually find locals willing to talk to strangers, live music and good food. Of the 26,985 residents, approximately 2,423 seniors live in the city, and facilities and supported communities at Good Samaritan Society and Palouse Hills are available to them. Getting around Moscow is easy as most people travel by foot or bicycle.

Be captivated by the beauty of nature at the Arboretum and Botanical Garden. If you’re strong enough to ride a bike, get one from Paradise Creek Bicycles. Go for a picnic or some quiet time at Mountain View Park and East City Park. Enjoy fine art at Essential Art Gallery & Fine Gifts and view exhibitions at Printstop. If you need gifts for your children or grandchildren, you can shop at Palouse Mall. Visit Gritman Medical Center for your medical checkup.

Ammon

Ammon is located on Idaho Falls East. It’s called ‘The city where tomorrow begins’. People travel in this city by bicycle or public transport. The closest airport to the city is the Idaho Falls Regional Airport. The city has a median home price of $433.5K. With approximately 2,410 seniors living in Ammon, retirees will enjoy a sense of community and not feel left out in this city.

Many of the city’s attractions and health centers are located in Idaho Falls, a 12-minute commute via Sunnyside Rd and S Blvd. Fill your sunny mornings, cool afternoons and evenings with a trip to the various parks in the city, such as McCowin Park, Tautphaus Park, Ryder Park and the Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park. Visit the Museum of Idaho, home to the Collectors Corner Museum, to learn about valuable collections and shop. Get treated at Mountain View Hospital or Idaho Falls Community Hospital.

salmon

Salmon is a quaint town hidden in Lemhi County, Idaho. It’s called the little town in the middle of nowhere because of its distance from other parts of the state and its proximity to national forests like the Salmon-Challis National Forest and rivers like the Salmon River, one of Idaho’s longest rivers.

Salmon is an affordable Idaho city to retire to, with a median home price of $285,000. Summers in Salmon are usually short, warm and clear, while winters are long and frigid, probably due to the surrounding forests.

There are approximately 703 seniors living in this city, and there are numerous retirement homes and communities set up for them. One of those is the Salmon Valley Senior Citizens Center on Main Street, where seniors and retirees can get all the help and community they need. You can also visit Steele Memorial Medical Center for medical checkups. Get to know your future new city at the Lemhi County Historical Museum. Go hunting or take a scenic lake tour at Rawhide Outfitters. Visit the historical landmark Sacajawea Statue. Watch the latest movie at River Cinemas with family and friends. Visit the Goldbug Hot Springs for a relaxing time while you stretch your legs and stay fit on the 2-mile trek to the springs.

Payette

Payette is a suburban city where almost all residents own their homes. It has an affordable median home price of $396.3K. Of the 8,974 residents, 1,640 seniors live in the city with access to retirement homes and supportive services such as Payette Healthcare of Cascadia and The Cottages Assisted Living and Memory Care. Residents can also receive medical care at Southwest District Health or Healthcare With Heart.

The beautiful views, friendly neighbors and easy transportation by bus or car are another reason why this city is a great retirement option. Stay fit by taking walks around Kiwanis Park, Centennial Park or hiking the Payette River Greenbelt trail for its breathtaking views. Learn some of the city’s history at the Stone House Museum and the Payette County Museum. Get to know the locals over a gourmet dinner at Erika’s Kitchen or Salsa Grill.

Headbuck

Chubbuck has a total of 16,666 residents and approximately 2,203 seniors. This city provides a haven for retirees, offering retirement benefits and communities such as the Brookdale Chubbuck and Cottonwood Cove Retirement Community. Retiring in Chubbuck is affordable, as the average home price is $414.9K.

Chubbuck has medical centers and tents that cater to residents’ medical needs, such as Sterling Urgent Care and the Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheater. There is a children’s museum in town, My World Discovery Museum, where you can take your grandchildren when they come to visit or take them to the Jump In amusement center. Shop fresh farm produce at the Portneuf Valley Farmers Market in Pocatello, 12 minutes from town if you go via Pole Line Rd. In Pocatello you can also visit Simplot Square Park and the Standrod Castle monument.

Burley

Burley originated in the Oregon and California Trails. In the 19th century these trails passed through a particular location, now known as the Burley of today. It is also the trading center for Minidoka and Cassia County. Burley is considered a safe place for retirees and anyone who wants to live there. The residents are helpful and always willing to start a conversation.

The average home price in this city is $379.9K. Seniors can also choose to live in retirement homes such as Highland Estates Assisted Living & Memory Care or Pomerelle Place. Burley has dry summers and snowy winters. Visit Cassia Regional Hospital when you feel sick to get treatment. On some days you can play a round of golf at River’s Edge Golf Club or Ponderosa Golf Course. Have a picnic with friends or family at Lex Kunau Park or see a movie at Century Stadium 5. In this city, you can get around by driving, walking or taking public transportation.

When you choose one of these cities, you choose to spend the rest of your life in the abundance of nature, peace, tranquility and serenity. These eight most affordable cities to retire are filled not only with friendly residents, but also with affordable transportation, food, and a strong sense of community.