9 Most Hospitable Retirement Towns In Idaho
Idaho is one of the many great states to retire to, and it's easy to see why. Scenic beauty, natural wonders, plenty of outdoor activities, and excellent affordability in housing and overall costs. However, another significant draw of Idaho is its hospitable nature. From big community-defining events like the Spudman Triathlon in Burley to the extensive fairs at Jerome and Blackfoot, retirees can feel more connected than ever. Below is a list of the small towns that have such a tight-knit community through their events and community centers that it's well worth considering them as an option to check out.
Burley
One of the most welcoming and hospitable communities in Idaho has to be the town of Burley. With a rich sense of heritage, recreation, and natural beauty, you can connect with passersby with strolls in the park and gather around for events that celebrate the town's history and heritage.
The scenic Snake River is what draws people to Burley's park, specifically the River Front Park. A wide lawn and shady trees make it perfect for picnics but also for big community events. On the note of events, the Spudman Triathlon brings everyone from all over the country and the community together to participate in the triathlon. In addition, the King Fine Arts Center is another big hub for social gatherings and entertainment. The Arts Center is proud to have record-setting runs of a wide variety of performances like "Peter Pan," "Les Miserables," "The Wizard of Oz," and "Newsies," beloved by the town.
Post Falls
In the North of Idaho lies one of the most surprisingly coveted retirement spots in the state: Post Falls. The town is tucked between two incredibly popular locations—Coeur d'Alene, a scenic and expensive resort community, and Spokane, a large Washington city. Post Falls is perfect for retirees for reasons beyond its proximity to two cultural hotspots.
Post Falls is singular for its highly active American Legion post, which organizes community activities and programs to support veterans and promote community connection, like golf tournaments, steak nights, baseball programs, Guitar 4 Vets, and more. Another iconic gathering is the Post Falls Festival, a summer spectacle that brings together the best of the best from the community. Carnival rides, local vendors, and a lineup of live performers make this festival a must-see. Lastly, the Q'emiln Park is a gathering spot for a variety of activities, primarily due to its convenient location by the beautiful Spokane River. You can participate in Post Falls's own Sprint Triathlon, but if you prefer less cardio, movie nights and concerts take up regular residence on the banks.
Jerome
Small-town tranquility and urban amenities: Jerome is a serene area that's only 15 miles north of Twin Falls. And yet despite its proximity, Jerome offers highly affordable housing and excellent health care. Equally extensive is the strong sense of community that Jerome residents nurture.
The Miracle & Banbury Hot Springs, just on the edges of town, are notable spots. Both are geothermal oases contained in the desert, giving people a relaxing soak with mineral spring water that is soft, odorless, and soothing. For the more education-oriented, the Herrett Center for Arts & Science is an expansive facility that discusses everything from ancient artifacts to natural history, science, and astronomy. They host multiple events across their facilities and even have a large community room if you ever want to plan something out there. And in early August, people all come together for the Jerome County Fair at the Jerome County Fairgrounds. They have packed all kinds of events, like Rodeos, concerts, and motorsports.
Blackfoot
If you have a deep love for potatoes, Blackfoot should be top of the list. Both the town and the surrounding area grow more potatoes than anywhere else in the world, earning the nickname the "Potato Capital of the World." You can learn all about the appreciation for the potato at the Idaho Potato Museum, where, in addition to the exhibits and artifacts, they also have educational programs that highlight how important it is. Blackfoot also hosts the Eastern Idaho State Fair, a large event with night grandstands, a day packed with all kinds of entertainment, and a carnival to boot.
Beyond the fair, the fairgrounds also host trade shows, agricultural exhibitions, and other community events. And if that isn't enough, plenty find regular peace and fresh air at the Ancient Lava Fields. A simple hike can provide an unforgettable experience as you walk through volcanic terrain and learn about the trails and ancient lava flows through multiple signs placed throughout the area.
Sandpoint
With all the trappings of a resort community, Sandpoint is an outdoor paradise with plenty of friendly people. It's easy to see the resort vibe from the very start at Lake Pend Oreille, the state's largest lake. Even if you're not big into sporting events, there is plenty of activities for retirees to enjoy and participate in.
Sandpoint makes a point of jamming the month with all kinds of events at various venues. Examples include live music at 219 Lounge or a Cribbage tournament at Connie's Cafe. For the more sports-oriented and active, there are several resorts that can provide a sense of community and could also use some part-time help if you're feeling up to it. The Schweitzer Mountain Resort is one of the more popular skiing resorts that always appreciates assistance with ski patrollers and running the lifts. Alternatively, Sandpoint also runs routine cruises through Lake Pend Oreille for up to 40 people. All in a classically designed tour boat, you can explore the gorgeous lake any time while the crew talks about the interesting history and landmarks.
Lewiston
Shouldering Washington and Oregon, the town of Lewiston is arguably one of the most scenic spots in Idaho. Part of that scenery is due to Snake River Gorge, the entryway to Hell's Canyon, a natural wonder that's deeper than even the Grand Canyon.
Beyond the natural scenery, the retirement community is large, making it easy for you and your fellow retirees to enjoy the many festivals and events together. A specialty of the town is the Dogwood Festival in the springtime, where concerts play through classic songs from the 1950s to 1980s. Alternatively, many businesses offer their own self-contained events, like Dayjah Vu Yoga at Rivaura Winery, a Sunday event where you practice yoga for an hour with some wine to accompany you. In addition, the Lewis-Clark Center for Arts & History regularly has art shows while having year-round historical exhibits and history related to river transportation.
Emmett
Rich in orchards, history, and views, Emmett is another iconic spot for its strong retirement community and connectivity as a whole. This is on full display at the Cherry Festival, a four-day event where local orchards allow you to buy apples, peaches, and, naturally, cherries. There are other activities as well, with concerts and carnivals taking place at Emmett City Park.
In September, Emmett also hosts the Annual Emmett Harvest Festival Street Fair along Main Street. Vendors line the street for you to browse an assortment of goods and crafts, and there's even a scarecrow contest. And if you're a big fan of golfing, the annual GCCC Golf Tournament is a good way to bond with your fellow golfers. Assemble a team of 4 people quickly, as only 18 teams can play, and participate in the beautiful greens.
Hayden
Situated right next to the lake of the same name, Hayden gives you a good scenic view of Coeur d'Alene National Forest, lending a serenity to the area. For those looking to slow down, you can connect with people through the leisure recreation, and beauty of this place. The Honeysuckle Beach is a frequent spot for locals to swim or stroll along.
Meanwhile, the Avondale Golf Course is great for beginner or veteran golfers to participate in. They host routine professional events as well, especially as the spot is considered one of the best greens in North Idaho. And for everything else, the Raptor Reef Indoor Water Park has you covered. From bowling, laser tag, mini-golf, and other facilities, it's a quick and easy way for communities to join together in family-friendly fun.
Garden City
An oasis city that's a little out of the ordinary, Garden City is idyllic in its scenery and conveniently located near Boise, giving it plenty of appeal for retirees. Within the community itself, there are several key places that bring the community together, too. Garden City boasts an active arts community, with the Visual Arts Collective organizing cultural programs and concerts and showcasing performing and contemporary arts.
Garden City also hosts the unique Pollinator Party, a celebration of the bees and butterflies that the community has consistently cultivated for over a decade. In addition to tasty treats and live music, you can learn about their efforts in creating a sustainable habitat for these important creatures. And lastly, there's the Western Idaho Fair. The largest and most well-attended fair in Idaho, the event brings the community together through various fair events, including bake-offs, 4-H competitions, big-name concerts, and an exciting midway.
From taking in the sights of Hayden and Sandpoint to enjoying the unique events of Garden City and Emmett, you can find a strong sense of community in these cities no matter where you go. And based on your own preferences and interests, Idaho can provide a great deal of unique experiences and exciting opportunities as you live out your golden years. Combine that with excellent health care and proximity to several big cities, and it's no surprise Idaho is one of the best places to retire.
