8 Most Affordable Towns to Retire in Idaho (2024)

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 the abundance of facilities and communities for senior citizens. From Jerome to Burley, there are many factors to consider in these places when choosing the place 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 farming is a large part of the town’s economy, alongside plastic and dairy production. The Purple Mountains and the Snake River Canyon are in the north and south of the city. During summer, the weather is clear and warm. During winter, the weather is freezing cold and snowy. The residents of Jerome are friendly and welcoming to strangers and new residents. The town has about 1,090 senior residents. To buy a home in Jerome, you need about $302.5K median price.

Visit parks like 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 town and its history at Jerome County Historical Museum. Sign up at the old Jerome Country Club for great food and networking. Take a 26-minute trip to Twin Falls to get to know your environment. You can also stretch your legs by hiking the 4-mile Auger Falls Trailhead. Go for regular checkups to stay fit at St. Luke's Jerome Medical Center or DeSano Place Village and Lodge retirement home. You can get around the city by car, public bus, bike, or Uber.

Blackfoot

Blackfoot, the “Potato Capital of the World,” is known for its reputable potato industry. It is home to the Idaho Potato Museum & Potato Station Cafe, where exhibits and stories on the town’s potato history are showcased. There is also a cafe and gift shop at the museum. If you enjoy eating potatoes, this might be your sign to retire in Blackfoot. The town gets hot summers and cold winters, with July being the warmest and January the coldest. The town has an upward trend of $389K median home price.

With about 1,919 seniors living in this community, a retiree will not 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, take a walk around Jensen Grove Park or learn about the town at Bingham County Historical Museum or while eating at Tommy Vaughn's Grill. See a movie at Blackfoot Movie Mill or join other residents at a game of golf at Blackfoot Golf Course. If you feel unwell, get treated at Blackfoot Medical Center or Bingham Memorial Hospital.

Moscow

Moscow is one of the top 25 safest cities in Idaho, with friendly residents and a cheerful environment. On the streets of Moscow, you will usually find locals who are ready to converse with strangers, live music, and great food. Out of the 26,985 residents, about 2,423 seniors are living in the town, and facilities and assisted communities at Good Samaritan Society and Palouse Hills are available to them. It is easy to get around in Moscow as most people ply the road on foot or bike.

Get fascinated by the beauty of nature at the Arboretum & Botanical Garden. If you are strong enough to ride a bike, get one at Paradise Creek Bicycles. Go for a picnic or a quiet time at Mountain View Park and East City Park. Indulge in fine art at Essential Art Gallery & Fine Gifts and watch exhibits at Printstop. If you need to get gifts for your children or grandchildren, shop at Palouse Mall. Visit Gritman Medical Center for your medical checkup.

Ammon

Ammon is situated on Idaho Falls East. It is called “The City Where Tomorrow Begins.” People get around in this town by biking or taking public transportation. The nearest airport to town is Idaho Falls Regional Airport. The town has a median home price listing of $433.5K. With about 2,410 seniors living in Ammon, retirees will enjoy a sense of community and not feel let out in this city.

Many of the town attractions and health centers are located in Idaho Falls, which is a 12-minute journey through Sunnyside Rd and S Blvd. Fill your sunny mornings, cool afternoons, and evenings with a trip to the different parks in the city, like McCowin Park, Tautphaus Park, Ryder Park, and the Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park. Visit the Museum of Idaho, where the Collectors Corner Museum is located, to learn and shop valuable collections. Get treated at Mountain View Hospital or Idaho Falls Community Hospital.

Salmon

Salmon is a quaint town hidden in Lemhi County, Idaho. It is called the small 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 such as the Salmon River, one of Idaho’s longest rivers.

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

About 703 seniors are living in this town, and numerous retirement homes and communities are provided for them. One of them is the Salmon Valley Senior Citizens Center on Main Street, where Senior Citizens 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 prospective new town at Lemhi County Historical Museum. Go on hunting or scenic lake trips at Rawhide Outfitters. Visit the Sacajawea Statue historical monument. Watch the latest movie at River Cinemas with family and friends. Check out the Goldbug Hot Springs for a relaxing time while stretching your legs and staying fit on the 2-mile trail journey to the springs.

Payette

Payette is a suburban town where almost all residents own their home. It has an affordable median home price of $396.3K. Out of the 8974 residents, there are 1640 senior citizens living in town with access to retirement homes and assisted facilities like Payette Healthcare of Cascadia and The Cottages Assisted Living and Memory Care. Residents can also get medical care at Southwest District Health or Healthcare With Heart.

Its scenic views, friendly neighbors, and ease of transportation either by bus or car is another reason why this town 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. Get to know some of the town's history at Stone House Museum and Payette County Museum. Get acquainted with the locals at Erika’s Kitchen or Salsa Grill over fine dining.

Chubbuck

Chubbuck has a total of 16,666 residents and about 2,203 seniors. This town provides a haven for retirees with the provision of retirement facilities and communities such as the Brookdale Chubbuck and Cottonwood Cove Retirement Community. Retiring in Chubbuck is affordable, as the median home price is $414.9K.

Chubbuck has medical centers and tents that cater to resident’s medical needs, like Sterling Urgent Care and the Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre. There is a children's museum in the city, My World Discovery Museum, where you can go with your grandchildren whenever they visit or take them to the Jump In amusem*nt center. Get fresh farm produce at the Portneuf Valley Farmers Market in Pocatello, 12 minutes from the town if you go by Pole Line Rd. In Pocatello, you can also visit Simplot Square Park and The Standrod Castle landmark.

Burley

Burley originated in the Oregon and California Trails. In the 1800s, these trails passed through a certain location, which is now known as the Burley of today. It is also the center of commerce for Minidoka and Cassia County. Burley is considered a safe place for retirees and anyone looking to live there. The residents are helpful and ever willing to strike up a conversation.

The median home price in this town is $379.9K. Seniors can also decide to live in retirement homes like Highland Estates Assisted Living & Memory Care or Pomerelle Place. Burley has dry summers and snowy winters. Visit Cassia Regional Hospital whenever you feel ill to get treated. Go for a game of golf at River's Edge Golf Club or Ponderosa Golf Course on some days. Go for a picnic with friends or family at Lex Kunau Park or go see a movie at Century Stadium 5. In this town, you can either get around by driving a car, taking a walk, or taking mass transit.

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

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