7 Most Comfortable Towns in Idaho for Seniors

Often an overlooked state, Idaho is characterized by that slow way of life accompanied by vast fields, green hills, and even pearly white snow. Its biggest strength is in being a perfect location to spend the rest of one's days—one filled with nature and less noise—while still having modern amenities and entertainment. Certainly, it is this striking balance that makes the Gem State true to its name, making it a perfect place to retire to. In that spirit, here are 7 of the most comfortable towns in the state for seniors.

Sun Valley

Picture this: at the bottom of a green valley that periodically transforms into a winter wonderland sits a small town remote from the noise of the city—and is perfectly in tune with its own surroundings. This town of just under 2,000 people has a median age of 64, meaning that now the secret is out, and Sun Valley is really a town occupied by older gentlemen and ladies.

If not just to seek a community of potential peers, Sun Valley's close proximity to sights like Bald Mountain is breathtaking. Flowers grow right on the side of its somewhat challenging terrain, but many locals and visitors alike walk around its edges and enjoy the scenery of a lifetime. Afterward, the exhausted can retreat to The Spa at Sun Valley Resort and ease the tension in those muscles, take a bit to relax, and perhaps plan on what to see next in the Basket Valley.

Sun Valley is without a doubt a place for the outdoorsman retiree; however, some may find that the housing costs in Sun Valley sting. For instance, the median gross rent in the state is about $1256 according to the census, but in Sun Valley, it's $2162. Still, one may have to ask how much a quiet and beautiful town is worth.

Hailey

Right on the other side of Sun Valley is Hailey, a cozy town of about 10,000 and a much cheaper rent and housing cost than the entire site. At about $1095, compared to the state's $1256, the major difference in price is welcome, as there is much to explore and see in Hailey.

On the nature side of things, the Draper Wood River Preserve is said to draw in crowds to its 124 acres of woodlands, wildlife, rivers, and waterfalls. Perhaps even the pride and joy in all of Hailey, the preserve is strict in its attitude toward the environment, and with prohibited fishing or hunting of any kind, this policy ensures there is plenty of wildlife to see living its best life on the rather large strip of land.

The Blaine County Historical Museum, however, deserves recognition too, as it's a must-see for any visitor or future resident in order to get to know about not only Hailey but Blaine County, and for that matter, the area that even extends to nearby Sun Valley. It is not an "info" dump of the museum, but rather one that is immersive and puts a high importance on its exhibits. In other words, it's fun in itself.

Moscow

A town of roughly 25,000 people, Moscow has the main modern amenities, like Gritman Medical Center or CHAS Latah Med Clinic. A must for those who value health and nearby access to medical facilities, Moscow is also on the cheaper side of $868 gross median rent, but perhaps its largest assets reside in the plenitude that is their downtown.

From the popular Moscow Farmer's Market (an excellent choice for said retiree who wants to not only live near medical facilities but also eat healthier) to the McConnell Mansion for the history, art, and architecture appreciators. There is much to do in Moscow, and being the largest town that it is, it is never a boring one.

Bonners Ferry

A place shrouded by tall trees and surrounded by lakes, Bonners Ferry proudly names itself "Idaho's most friendly town." And it may actually be true since this town of a meager 2500 people has a very friendly median gross rent of only $841 (the state average is once again $1256).

But Bonners Ferry is more than just stats on a page, as any real experience of such a place would quickly agree with. The spirit of the Gold Rush has very much lingered, and the whole town was once a through-town for prospectors heading north into Canada. Fast forward to today, and the history of this and North Idaho is captured at the Boundary County Museum, a museum that contributes to the town's identity. And while it's true that the Kootenai Casino may bring most of the attention to Bonners Ferry, the most beautiful aspect of the town, one to enjoy the rest of life to, is not the casino but West Fork Lake and Mountain—Bonners Ferry's pristine and lovely lake and mountain pairing, with all the trees, trails, and hikes in between.

Garden City

A moderate town with an attractive name and a population of roughly 13,000 persons, a quarter of the population is over the age of 65, and the median listing price for a house is $624,900. One look at the real estate will confirm its expense, as luxury houses are all over Garden City, reflecting an older and more comfortable population and community.

In terms of rich culture, Garden City is thoroughly artistic, as it's home to a local artist named Zion Warne, who contributes to the thriving art community along with a plethora of small shops and studios. Visitors and locals alike can take full advantage of the crafts and art pieces available everywhere, and a particular place of interest is a blacksmithing business named Madasci Studios, open for viewings of precious metalworks as art and not necessarily for profit.

For those who prefer nature's art, however, sections of the Boise River are open for recreation—that legendary river along the greenbelt, which is open for all types of activities for everyone. There's plenty of trails and artistic benches alongside the waters—that once watered the gardens that made Garden City what it used to be, and while the gardens are now gone, much is still left.

American Falls

American Falls has two excellent points to its case: one is its low housing costs, as the median gross rent is at a ridiculously low of $693 a month, while the median listing home price is $267,500. A major step down in terms of price from its luxury peers, what the town lacks in expenses doesn't mean it lacks in quality—which is the other great facet of American Falls, as it is still growing and shows much promise in the future.

For now, however, the nearby state parks and area offer plenty in terms of recreation, including that of Massacre Rocks State Park, once part of the famous Oregon Trail, and a battle between settlers and the Shoshone. Though the name is off-putting, its beauty stands in sharp contrast to it, and so does the plentitude of other recreational sites and trails all around this growing, quiet town.

Salmon

Last but not least is the charming town of Salmon, a reserved town of 3000 people with a low median gross rent of roughly $700. It may not be as luxurious as Garden City, but it is as affordable as American Falls, with a median home listing price of $282,500. Salmon's true claim to fame, however, is the Frank Chruch River of No Return Wilderness Area, a government-defined wilderness that spans an incredible 2.367 million acres. Though its size is impressive, there are tours offered for the willing, and days can be planned to experience what vast wilderness has to offer—in an appeal for the mature to put down their cell phones and just live in the moment.

While legal wildernesses can be quite strict, a select and popular hobby among those in Salmon is hidden in the name, fishing! The town sits right next to and on the Lemhi and Salmon Rivers and is noted for their abundance of fish, to the point that Salmon Valley calls it an "angler's paradise." Couple this with many of the nearby mountain lakes, and Salmon, the town, is an honest and straightforward name made for those who love the art of fishing and nature.

Top Towns in Idaho to Retire

Not every town in the great Gem State is worth visiting, but these carefully curated towns excel at carving out their own individual identity—the best Idaho has to offer, however underrated, comfortable, or luxurious they may be, are still wholly themselves. The rivers of Salmon are nothing like the Boise River of Garden City, and the mountains of Sun Valley differ from the much colder border hills of Bonners Ferry. Each town is beautiful in its own right, and all of them just so happen to be excellent places to settle down in. For those simple reasons alone, they are exceptional.