7 Under-The-Radar Retirement Towns In Idaho

The options can be overwhelming when choosing a retirement destination. One state that is often under retirees’ radar is Idaho, known for its beautiful scenery and peaceful environment. Idaho is home to sites within Nez Perce National Historical Park, and to Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Beyond its scenery, Idaho is also financially appealing. Social Security income is not taxed; there is no estate tax or inheritance tax, and the cost of living is lower than the national average. This list includes seven towns in Idaho that would be excellent places to retire.

Moscow

In the foothills of Moscow Mountain lies the town of Moscow, Idaho. Moscow, Idaho, is well-suited for retirees who enjoy staying active. This city is home to the University of Idaho, which means there will be plenty of sports to watch. The town also hosts a Farmer’s Market with many local vendors for organically grown produce and artisan-made crafts.

Moscow has several parks for walking and recreation, including Anderson-Frontier Park. The McConnell Mansion offers guided tours and a look at Moscow’s early history. People who appreciate art will enjoy visiting the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, which hosts films, concerts, and community events year-round.

Weiser

Weiser offers an active community calendar for residents who enjoy local involvement. Weiser, Idaho, lies on the banks of the Snake River, which marks the border between Idaho and Oregon. Weiser is 88% safer than other American cities and only has a population of 6,224. It is also an affordable location, with a median home sale price of just $269,000. Annual events include the National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest and Festival in the summer, the Festival of Trees during the holidays, and the Chamber of Commerce Annual Crab Feed in the spring.

Rigby

Rigby, Idaho, known as the “Birthplace of Television,” is a fun town one hour west of Wyoming. The town government hosts regular community events, including Chariot Races at the Rigby Rodeo Grounds. The Farnsworth TV and Pioneer Museum features exhibits ranging from Ancient Egypt to the Electric Era. Yellowstone Bear World, near Rigby, is a wildlife park that includes a drive-through wildlife area, a petting zoo, dinosaur exhibits, and on-site dining. In winter, the town hosts seasonal events and community gatherings at the Rigby Rodeo Grounds and other local venues.

St. Anthony

Sitting along the Henry’s Fork River, St. Anthony has a population of 4,189 and a median home price of $250,000. Known as the “Doorway to the Dunes,” it is located next to the St. Anthony Sand Dunes. The nearby Egin Lake Campground provides access to the dunes and seasonal viewing of elk herds. St. Anthony has a lot of neat outdoor recreation areas, like Henry’s Fork Greenway, where you can hike, bike, or cross-country ski in the winter, and St. Anthony Sand Bar, a park by the river where you can swim or picnic.

Fruitland

Fruitland, on the Idaho-Oregon border, sits along the Snake and Payette rivers and appeals to retirees who enjoy outdoor recreation. Fruitland offers several parks for hiking and picnicking, including Crestview Park, Fruitland Community Park, and the Payette River Sports Complex. Fruitland was founded in 1897, and the main source of income was orchards, which is where the town gets its name and its slogan, “The Big Apple of Idaho.” As a result, several local farms remain active in the area. One such farm is now a flower farm, Border and Blooms. Visitors can choose and cut their own flowers, and the farm provides tools, furnishes the bouquets, and wraps them.

Preston

Preston is home to the Franklin County Fair, where you can get good food and experience fun events, including the Franklin County Bloomfest Pageant, barn dancing, pig wrestling, and Monster Truck Insanity. The Worm Creek Opera House is also located in Preston. The venue hosts movies and live performances throughout the year. Finally, Preston is home to a lively rodeo called That Famous Preston Night Rodeo. They have bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, and much more. The town is twenty minutes north of Utah and appeals to retirees who prefer a rural, outdoor lifestyle.

Middleton

Middleton sits close to the Oregon border, with the slogan “Life is Better Here.” There are a few beautiful parks to stroll and enjoy the scenery, including Middleton Place Park, with volleyball, baseball, and tennis courts; Roadside Park, with horseshoe pits. For a longer outing, the Middleton River Walk offers miles of paths tied to Boise River access and nearby park areas. For horse lovers, Autumn Hills Equestrian Center sits on the edge of town and offers riding programs and boarding.

Retiring in Idaho

Idaho offers a peaceful setting well-suited to retirement. It is tax-friendly for retirees, with no Social Security tax, no estate tax, and no inheritance tax. While the median home sale price in Idaho is lower than the national average, some towns offer higher prices for those looking for something particularly nice.