7 Safest Towns In Idaho For Senior Living

The Gem State is quickly becoming a haven for retirees because of its friendly towns, low crime rates, affordable cost of living, natural beauties, access to quality medical care, and rich history. From mountain ranges like the Sawtooths and Bitterroots to the clear Snake and Salmon Rivers to the pristine wilderness teeming with wildlife, the state of Idaho has a lot more to offer than just delicious potatoes. The histories of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Gold Rush have marked this state and its towns, adding to the fabric of its culture.

Salmon, infixed in the Salmon River Mountains, provides access to world-class fly-fishing. Ashton, set in the heart of Fremont County, serves as a prime location with access to national parks. Cottonwood is prized for its simple country living. Kendrick has a strong sense of community and is bounded by the Potlatch River. Weiser's historic downtown and proximity to the Snake and Weiser rivers invites a slower pace of life. Grangeville is a welcoming community with mountain views. Rexburg, is a college town with culture and a youthful energy, keeping seniors spry. Join this tour of seven safe towns in Idaho that offer the best of senior living, boasting small, quaint villages with a mix of history and modern amenities.

Salmon

The small town of Salmon is known for its water activities, such as whitewater rafting and world-famous fly-fishing, making it a fantastic retirement destination. The long, free-flowing Salmon River has etched its mark deep into the canyons of central Idaho and runs alongside this friendly village. Residents enjoy hiking and camping along the river to experience wildlife and the many beautiful vistas.

Over 22% of the town’s population are seniors (age 65 and over), and it is easy to see why they have chosen this jewel of a town. For starters, Salmon is affordable, with a median home value of $344,354, which is below the national average. It is also safe, with lower rates of property and violent crime (compared to the national average). The downtown’s charm lies in its friendly and relaxed atmosphere and the many period brick buildings and boutiques. Another must for an aging demographic is quality in town medical care, which Steele Memorial Medical Center offers.

Historical landmarks and commercial attractions include the Lemhi County Historical Museum, The Dusty Mule Bar and Grill, and The Salmon River Inn (historic hotel).

Ashton

Planted in the heart of Fremont County, the small village of Ashton has close access to national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The nearby Henry's Fork of the Snake River affords the community scenic views, fishing, and kayaking.

Quality senior living is granted to nearly 17% of the town’s population, who are 65 and older. Evidence of this lies in the quintessential small-town feel of Ashton’s downtown, with its quaint shops and cafes. Further, Ashton boasts low crime rates and high affordability with a median home value of $249,450. There is also in town medical care offered by Ashton Medical Clinic.

Mesa Falls and Warm River Springs are prime examples of nearby must-see landmarks. The Spurs and Spokes is a favorite with locals for its American cuisine and live entertainment. The Henry's Fork Farmers Market is an excellent place to pick up exceptional produce and mix with residents.

Cottonwood

The rural town of Cottonwood attracts seniors (18% of its population is age 65 or older) with its simple country living. The handful of locally owned shops (like the Monastery of St. Gertrude Book and Gift Shop) and The Habit Cafe (a popular breakfast spot for locals) make for a cozy, friendly environment where everyone is known and looked out for. In a town of this size (roughly 1,000 population), crime is quickly noticed, and that is likely one reason why rates remain low. The median home value of $315,058 keeps living affordable for those on a fixed income, and the medical care provided by St. Mary’s maintains the health of residents.

Set on the Camas Prairie, the town extends walking trails for seniors to take in the peaceful and picturesque nature of Cottonwood. The surrounding mountain views and forested areas with hiking and wildlife viewing, are perfect for those outdoorsy types that are trying to stay active. Residents are sure to appreciate the Monastery of St Gertrude, with its beautiful chapel architecture.

Kendrick

Embedded in the rolling hills of north-central Idaho, the small town of Kendrick is known for its quality senior living. The nearby Potlatch River affords opportunities for water sports and fishing for retirees and their visiting families. The downtown grants residents quaint, country living at its best with a vibrant community spirit. The Furry Tale Mercantile is a gift shop, full of quality goods and friendly service. Hardware Brewing is a favorite spot for many seniors to gather with beers on tap and comfort foods.

The town’s seniors (over 26% of the population age 65 and older) can appreciate the exceptionally low crime rates and affordability, with a median home value of $416,474 (below the national average). There is also the Gritman Medical Center, which offers care right in town.

Weiser

Sitting at the confluence of the Weiser River and the great Snake River is the community of Weiser. The downtown features a mix of historic buildings, boutiques, and restaurants like the Cook Shack on 7th (with its counter-served comfort foods). Seniors (who make up over 24% of the population) find the laid-back culture and the friendliness of the town's folk to be a plus. What further draws them is the town's safety, value, access to medical care, and natural beauty. The median home value is $329,972, some of the lowest crime rates in the state, and the Weiser Memorial Hospital are the cherries on top.

The Steck Park is a great place for camping and fishing and the Weiser Farmers Market is the spot for seniors (and residents of all ages) to purchase produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.

Grangeville

The small settlement of Grangeville is senior living at its best. Lodged among rolling hills with mountain views in the distance, nature’s splendors, and outdoor doings abound. They say the best way to stay active is to never stop, and Grangeville makes that easy. Eimers Park has a well-preserved 12,000-year-old skeleton of a mammoth, which the grandkids will enjoy.

The downtown is characterized by locals as tranquil and sociable, featuring a mix of historic buildings and shops. The Rib Guy and Gal is one popular eatery for those with a big appetite. Rae Brothers Sporting Goods is a hidden gem with quality goods at fair prices. The senior population (20% of which are 65+) is enticed by the town’s reasonable cost of living (median home value is $312,769), the quick access to medical care at Syringa Hospital and Clinic, and the lower rates of crime that small town living often grants.

Rexburg

While the town of Rexburg does not currently boast a high senior population (under 4%), it is getting noticed by retirees and is quickly gaining in popularity among that demographic. Rexburg is a college town, home to Brigham Young University-Idaho. That kind of youthful energy keeps everyone young and makes for a more educated culture. For a town with a little more to present residents, it has still managed to keep crime rates among the lowest in the state. One might expect a town of this nature to hit the pocketbook a little harder. However, the median home value of $384,000 makes it quite inexpensive. Perhaps this is a great time to snatch up properties before other seniors get the same idea.

The downtown features a mix of historic and modern shops like June's Place, a trendy spot for coffee and baked goods. The village's vibes are family-friendly, and community events bring everyone together. Seniors value the Heritage Youth Symphony Concert and the Robinson Family Light Show in December. The Yellowstone Bear World (a drive-thru wildlife park) is fun for all ages.

While Idaho is often remembered for its potatoes, it has seen an influx of new residents seeking a lower cost of living and access to nature. The rest of the country is starting to discover what makes this state a hidden gem, perhaps redefining its nickname. Some of these new residents are looking for small towns that provide excellent senior living with a combination of affordability, access to medical care, low crime rates, rich histories, friendly people, and an abundance of natural beauty. Come experience these safe Idaho towns!