8 Best Places To Retire In Idaho

Not only is Idaho filled with literal gems and minerals, but the Gem State is home to multiple small towns that feature easy riverside walks, unique local museums, reliable nearby medical care, tight-knit communities, and a median sale price for homes below the state average of $510,000, according to Redfin. From Lewiston's riverside charm to Emmett's proximity to urban amenities, all across Idaho, retirees are settling into a life that finally feels just right.

Lewiston

Lewiston, located on the border of Washington state, is a scenic town overlooking both the Snake River and the Clearwater River. As far as retirement goes, Lewiston has a variety of features that will appeal to the 65-and-over crowd. First off, the median sale price for homes is $382,000, which is well below the state average. Additionally, the walkable downtown area and riverside parks, such as Kiwanis Park, contain walking paths and plenty of benches with views of the water. Holbrook Island, which is located right in town, is also a relatively easy trail that is perfect for a peaceful morning stroll.

When looking for indoor activities, the Nez Perce County Historical Society is a fantastic local museum that hosts community events year-round and extends free admission to society members. For medical care, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center offers a wide variety of services, and the Area Agency on Aging supports residents with a range of services from in-home meal delivery and transportation to education, respite, and support for caretakers.

Moscow

Another lovely town just north of Lewistown is Moscow, with college-town amenities that seniors will adore. While the median home sale price comes in at around $456,000, many local retirees find that the cost is balanced out by the local culture and community. The University of Idaho, a public university that residents of all ages can appreciate, puts on concerts and lectures that are open to members of the community.

Additionally, the university is home to Vandal Golf Course and The Charles Houston Shattuck Arboretum, both of which are open to the public and popular with locals of all ages who like to spend time being active outdoors. Meanwhile, Gritman Medical Center is located right in town with an emergency services department and a full range of primary and specialty services.

Rexburg

Rexburg, located northwest of the majestic Caribou-Targhee National Forest, is a quiet, small town with a median home sale price of roughly $449,000. Madison Memorial Hospital serves the local population, and because Rexburg is also home to Bingham Young University- Idaho, an air of academia sets the tone of the town.

Museum lovers will appreciate having multiple cultural options at their fingertips. For example, the Geology Museum features an intriguing collection of rocks and fossils, and the Upper Snake River Valley Historical Society is a great place to learn about the history of the region. Taking a day trip to national parks in Wyoming, such as Yellowstone Park and Grand Teton National Park, from Rexburg is also relatively easy; these renowned parks are less than two hours away by car.

Emmett

For retirees who want small-town living with access to the Boise metro area, Emmett is a fantastic option. Median home sale prices sit at approximately $435,000, and some local seniors choose to reside in one of the assisted living facilities in town, such as The Cottages Assisted Living and Memory Care. Being close to Boise also means top-tier medical care is easily accessible by car.

Additionally, the Elderly Opportunity Agency is a regional non-profit based in Emmett that provides programs to support their well-being and help keep seniors actively involved in the community. Recreational opportunities include taking walks along the nearby Payette River and participating in the Creative Aging program for those aged 55+ at the Emmett Public Library. Another great way to spend an afternoon in Emmett is visiting the Gem County Historical Society and Village Museum, where admission is free and the museum is open year-round.

Wallace

Tucked into the rugged mountains of Idaho’s Silver Valley, Wallace offers retirees a peaceful place with a rich history and natural beauty to call home. Preserved brick buildings, shops, and local cafés line the streets of the walkable downtown area. 1910 Coffee Co. is a local favorite that serves an excellent cup of coffee and even has a drive-thru. Stop here or at one of the several other eateries in town before heading out to enjoy easy, senior-friendly activities.

Explore over 50 exhibits at the Wallace District Mining Museum if you are a history buff with a love of learning. Take strolls along the renowned Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, which runs through Wallace and has gentle walking paths. In addition to the slow pace of life, Wallace offers reasonable home prices, with a median sale price of about $390,000, making Wallace an appealing option for anyone on a fixed income.

Jerome

Living in Jerome, a small city in south-central Idaho, puts retirees in an ideal location for access to beautiful scenery, as well as tons of local senior programming. The median home sale price is approximately $288,000, and there are multiple assisted living facilities in the area. At the Jerome Senior Center, their mission is to serve every local senior regardless of their ability to pay. Considering they provide educational programming, meals, fitness classes, and social activities, the Jerome Senior Center can be a fantastic highlight for retirees.

Additionally, Jerome features lovely public green spaces, such as North Park, as well as the Jerome County Fairgrounds, home to the annual Jerome County Fair and Rodeo in August. From Jerome, residents are also an easy drive away from Shoshone Falls, which is so impressive that it is sometimes referred to as the "Niagara of the West". Jerome's Snake River Canyons Park is also close by and a great spot for birdwatching, biking, and spending time in nature.

Payette

Payette is another charming riverside community that invites retirees to spend their golden years taking leisurely walks along the Snake River and Payette River, enjoying local eateries, and appreciating the local architecture. The median sale price for homes in this area is approximately $382,000, and there are also multiple assisted living facilities in town. For outdoor recreation, the Payette River Greenbelt is a walking path surrounded by green space, and it goes right by the Payette Greenbelt Pond, a fishing spot that is accessible via paved pathways and has a platform for ease of use. Payette City Hall is a fantastic example of classic revival architecture, and it is right around the corner from the Payette Community and Senior Center. This organization provides low-cost meals in community settings and offers other opportunities to socialize throughout the week.

Rupert

Rupert is a southern Idaho town that oozes small-town charm, with its central focus being the Historic Rupert Square. Locals head to the square for a peaceful stroll among buildings that have been repurposed into functional businesses and municipal spaces. The Historic Wilson Theatre, a stunning performing arts venue that presents live shows year-round, is located just off the main square.

Meanwhile, those who love the outdoors can go fishing and camping at the lovely Lake Walcott State Park, which also features a disc golf course for something a bit different. The median sale price for houses in Rupert is approximately $349,000, which makes it a bit more affordable than other towns in the state, and retirees who choose to reside at Autumn Haven Assisted Living will be conveniently located near Minidoka Memorial Hospital, which offers a range of services from surgery to home care.

In Idaho’s small towns, walks along the Snake River, university-hosted events, proximity to world-renowned national parks, and the embrace of a warm community can easily become part of daily life. Those joys, combined with affordable housing, strong medical support, and vibrant senior centers, make the quality of life for retirees in the Gem State unmatched. Ultimately, retirement should be about finding a place that brings you peace, and Idaho proves that retirement doesn’t have to be extravagant to do just that.