9 Best Towns In Idaho To Retire Comfortably

From small, close-knit communities near national forests to vibrant college towns that brim with culture and modern conveniences, Idaho offers retirees a delightful range of options. Also, the landscape across the state is incredibly scenic. It features outdoor wonderlands such as the Sawtooth Mountains, Lake Coeur d’Alene, and the Snake River, the largest tributary of the Columbia. But above all, Idaho is tax-friendly toward retirees, especially since it does not tax Social Security income. Keep reading to discover the nine best towns in Idaho to retire comfortably.

Chubbuck

Chubbuck is a small and quiet town in southeastern Idaho, a stone's throw north of Pocatello. Of late, it has seen a significant uptick in growth, although it still manages to retain its peaceful atmosphere. According to data from realtor.com, the median listing home price in Chubbuck was $397,000 in May 2025, more than $125,000 lower than the statewide median of $525,000. If a retiree finds himself longing for some outdoor action, she will find an incredible array of options to work with. These include the Cusick Creek Trailhead, a picturesque out-and-back trail near Pocatello that runs along Cusick Creek, the Abraszewski Trailhead, named for a local cardiologist, and the Upper City Creek Trailhead, which features surprisingly good trails for both adults and kids. Portneuf Medical Center (PMC), which has been in business since 1907, is a doorstep away. Keep in mind that Idaho State University, one of only six institutions in the U.S. offering programs from technical certificates through graduate and professional degrees, is also next door in Pocatello.

Grangeville

Grangeville is a small, laid-back town where you finally come to kick back and enjoy a consistently slow rhythm. The area boasts beautiful scenery and ample fishing and hunting opportunities. Grangeville is also a great whitewater rafting spot, although it also offers lots of kayaking in the spring, especially at Tolo Lake, the largest natural water body on the Camas Prairie. Besides, retirees will enjoy tubing at the Snowhaven Ski & Tubing Area, and exploring picturesque trails at the Fish Creek Campground, a 4-season recreation area with up to 10 campsites. There is also a golf course and a disc golf course to play and meet friends. On affordability, the median listing home price in Grangeville was $487,500 in May 2025, enticingly below the statewide median. Another positive is healthcare access: Syringa General Hospital has been serving area residents since 1939.

Burley

With the massive Snake River flowing north of town, and the highly rated River's Edge Golf Club providing a scenic backdrop for tee-offs and tranquil afternoons, Burley is a lovely spot to retire. Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge is a 30-minute drive to the east and is loved for its awesome birdwatching opportunities, stunning views, and blooming flowers. You also have a municipal airport, meaning you can hop on a plane to Boise on a whim. In May 2025, the median listing home price in Burley was $375,000, meaning you can get some decent property for a home and have lots of cash for adventure. Cassia Regional Hospital, on Hiland Avenue, is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital with an Emergency Department that takes care of the critical needs of patients.

Lewiston

There are several reasons Lewiston is a 5-star retirement choice. You are close to Snake River, a nice place to fish or float, Clearwater River, renowned for outstanding fishing for B-run steelhead, and several nicely positioned overlooks. Since 2020, retirees who meet certain eligibility requirements have the option to enroll in a Retiree Health Plan administered by the City of Lewiston. Moreover, St Joseph Regional Medical Center, the largest full-service medical center between Boise and Spokane, is right in town. It has been serving area residents since 1902. As if that is not enough, a retiree here is at the doorstep of a regional airport, as well as Lewis-Clark State College, which bills itself as the most affordable public four-year option in Idaho. To cap it off, Lewiston is affordable. In May 2025, the median listing home price in Lewiston was $439,900, way lower than the statewide median.

Blackfoot

One of the things to like about Blackfoot is its wonderful sense of community. The community here is genuine and has a warmth that is hard to find elsewhere. A quirky museum is among the town's defining attractions, and the pastoral landscapes provide a peaceful, scenic backdrop for outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and camping. Blackfoot is also a nice place to retire on the cheap. In May 2025, the median listing home price in Blackfoot was $389,000, a price point that is increasingly becoming difficult to chance upon in the Pacific Northwest. For outdoor fun, you have the salmon-filled Snake River, the highly rated Blackfoot Golf Course ( it is among the best-run municipal courses in Idaho), and the lake-fronting Jensen Grove Park, a fantastic spot to run, fish, or walk a furry friend. On healthcare access, the Bingham Memorial Hospital has been serving area residents since 1950.

Orofino

Orofino is a small town tucked away by the Clearwater National Forest and on the edge of the Clearwater River. For perspective, the North Fork Ranger District office of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is right in Orofino. So, if you love the outdoors, you will love Orofino. From hiking to hunting to fishing to camping, you will be glad you retired in this small, slow-paced town. There is the beautiful Dworshak Reservoir, where one can swim or fish, and the swoon-worthy Orofino Golf Course and Country Club, which feels like a peaceful escape into nature. The best part? The median listing home price in Orofino was $359,900 in May 2025. The truth is, if you know a bit about Idaho’s real estate market, you will certainly consider this a steal. This price point comes with access to Clearwater Valley Health and the nearby St Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston.

Salmon

Salmon is a big rancher community with warm, hardworking residents, clean air, beautiful mountain scenery, and lots of outdoor adventure opportunities. It is on the edge of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, named in honor of the U.S. Senator Frank Church. The whole area is an untamed space that features steep, rugged mountains, deep canyons, and wild, whitewater rivers. The Beaverhead Mountains, the aptly named Salmon River, and the nearby Goldbug Hot Springs, 23 miles south of Salmon on Highway 93, are some top-notch outdoor venues to keep a retiree feeling youthful, healthy, and adventurous The median listing home price in Salmon is $495,000, a price point that comes with access to Steele Memorial Medical Center (SMMC), an 18-bed Critical Access Hospital that has been around since 1950.

Fruitland

Fruitland is a small, tight-knit community with lots of farming families and one of the best high schools for athletes in Payette County. According to Safewise, Fruitland is the third-safest town in Idaho. One can hit up the trails that traverse the Payette River Wildlife Management Area, float down the Snake River, or catch fish in the Payette River, which is also known for its whitewater rafting opportunities. Fruitland has a median listing home price of $467,500, significantly lower than the statewide median. If worried about healthcare access, the St. Luke's Fruitland Medical Plaza has a 24-hour emergency department, walk-in clinic, and several specialty clinics. Still, with Boise just an hour down the road, there are several other decent options that one can work with.

Payette

One may think it does not have a lot going in its favour, especially because of its size or location, but Payette is a surprising crossroads for outdoor adventure. A retiree will be impressed by the number of fun things to do within an hour's drive. If you want concerts, movies, or fancy restaurants, Boise, the state's largest city, is just an hour away. But for all kinds of fun-filled recreational activities, especially where water plays a role, the Snake and Payette rivers are just minutes from town. And large reservoirs, including Mann Creek and Black Canyon, are all within an hour's drive. Remember that Mann Creek boasts about 5 miles of shoreline. In May 2025, the median listing home price in Payette was $424,900, a price point that comes with good access to the Saint Alphonsus Medical Center-Ontario, Weiser Memorial Hospital in Weiser, and the award-winning West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell.

If in your golden years you want to tempt your inner explorer, there is no need to spend a fortune in California or tussle with crowds drawn by Florida's sun and sand. Idaho presents a unique opportunity, especially considering its mix of jaw-dropping natural beauty, tax-friendly policies, and outdoor adventure opportunities. The truth is that there is always somewhere near town to hike, fish, float, or feast your eyes on, depending on your pick. The trick is to know where to look!