Idaho
7 Best Small Towns to Retire in Idaho in 2024
Not only is Idaho rich in wildlife (it is often said that bears have the right of way), absolutely stunning, and one of the safest states in the U.S., but it also scores big on affordability. The Gem State does not tax Social Security benefits and maintains a relatively low property tax rate. North Idaho is forested, East Idaho has farmland and a high desert, while Southern Idaho has a high desert interspersed with hills and mountains. Plus, the residents here are mostly warm and likable. If you are thinking of retiring in Idaho, discover below the seven best small towns to retire in Idaho in 2024.
Rexburg
A retiree may love the fact Rexburg plays host to the Brigham Young University of Idaho. This is, therefore, an intellectually stimulating environment that can be perfect for lifelong learners. Plus, Rexburg is often ranked as one of the safest towns in Idaho. A retiree will sleep soundly as they will not have to worry about potential break-ins. Also, the residents here are friendly, so one will easily make friends, even if not a social butterfly. For the outdoors-oriented, this town boasts tons of beautiful hikes to explore and is perfect for those who want to be physically fit and engaged. And one need not worry about access to healthcare. Madison Memorial Hospital can handle several medical issues, including orthopedic surgery, a procedure retirees often need.
Moscow
Despite this town featuring tall apartment buildings, it is enticingly walkable and boasts a wide array of museums and large shopping malls. As is much of Idaho, Moscow is mostly conservative. Framed by the rolling Palouse hills as well as the Moscow Mountains, this town is scenic and brims with outdoor adventure opportunities, including hiking and biking. Gritman Medical Center is in town and will meet a retiree’s emergency medical needs. Alternatively, the highly-ranked Pullman Regional Hospital is a short drive away. Moscow is also home to the scenic campus of the University of Idaho. You can expect to interact with a young crowd and even enroll in an academic program. Finally, homes in Idaho sell for a median price of 547,000.
Weiser
Boasting a population of just about 5,600, Weiser is small, authentic, and intimate. Expect a sparse suburban feel here, in an environment where most residents are homeowners. Boasting a warm, loving community, you will meet smiles when strolling Weiser’s beautiful streets and will easily strike random conversations. Mostly known for its fiddle festival, there’s much to look forward to in this town. Boasting a median age of 40 years, Weiser is neither wild and loud nor boring and lifeless. One of the town’s most loved retirement appeals is its relative diversity, as Hispanics make up an impressive 28% of the town’s population. Weiser Memorial Hospital is right in town, so you do not need to drive for miles in case of a medical emergency. However, for even more options, Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Ontario is a short drive away. Plus, homes here are relatively affordable and are listed for a median price of just 356,000.
Star
If you are tired of concrete jungles, soulless skyscrapers, and all the hassle and bustle — and are seeking a completely different experience, the town of Star should be on your tabs. Star is small and offers retirees a peaceful, rural feel. Besides being calm, this town boasts a tight-knit community so that a retiree here will feel welcomed and accepted. Both Eagle and Middleton are short drives away —- while Boise, Idaho’s capital — is a mere 30-minute drive. While Star does not score big on healthcare, numerous options are within minutes of town. St. Luke’s Meridian Medical Center, for instance, which one can get to in a few minutes, has previously won awards in Prostate Surgery and Joint Replacement — conditions mostly associated with the elderly. Star’s median age is about 40, which is just where life begins. On the flip side, homes sell for a median price of around $563,000.
Garden City
A town that has “Garden” as part of its name will pique the interest of any retiree, particularly nature lovers. Fortunately, true to its name, there is a lot of lush greenery in the precincts of this town. The Greenbelt, for instance, runs through the area and gives it a rustic shade. Expo Idaho Fair enlivens the town every year and is something to look out for. Since Garden City is a suburb of Boise, the town offers top-notch access to amenities, including highly-rated hospitals and shopping complexes. Boasting a median age of 48, this town is mellowed but not too mellow. However, partly because it is close to downtown Boise, homes here sell for a slightly higher median price. As of January 2024, for example, homes in Garden City were selling for a median price of $599,000.
Emmet
For its quaint small-town feel, abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and camping, and sunny-faced, down-to-earth residents, this town provides an awesome retirement experience. Eagle Island State Park is in Emmet’s backyard — and provides an array of outdoor activities. The median age here is 32; therefore, expect to be interacting with those who are just starting out in life. Interacting with those who are younger can give retirees a sense of purpose and enhance their quality of life. With Boise just 40 miles away, a retiree should never be worried about access to amenities, including hospitals. That said, Valor Health is right in town and should meet one’s emergency medical needs.
Sandpoint
Home to around 9,000 residents, Sandpoint is quaint and small but provides more elbow room than a typical American city. Nestled in one of the most stunning settings, this town has many things going in its favor. For instance, the residents here are kind and often go out of their way to lend a hand. With the lake and the mountains, this Idaho eye candy brims with outdoor adventure opportunities. Lake Pend Oreille is 43 miles long and is Idaho’s largest lake. It is one of Sandpoint’s defining landmarks. With a median age of 40, a retiree can be rolling with a young crowd — or reminiscing about life’s rich tapestry with a fellow empty nester. Moreover, Bonner General Hospital is right in town and can come in handy in case of a medical emergency.
Offering top-notch outdoor experience, including an unmatched whitewater rafting adventure, Idaho should be on the bucket list of retirees who put a premium on outdoor activities. However, the Gem State is also affordable and does not tax Social Security benefits. While winters can be difficult, the rest of the season often features a nice, pleasant climate. Plus, residents are mostly warm and friendly. Retirees who are considering a small Idaho town to spend their golden years will be spoilt for choice. That said, Rexburg, Moscow, and Weiser are among the best small towns in Idaho to retire to.
Idaho
Delicious New Menu Item Expected To Hit Idaho Costcos Soon
There’s something special and timeless about the Costco food court.
Having a Costco Card doesn’t just mean you unlock your grocery shopping there but you now get to go to the best food court known to man: The Costco Foodcourt.
Everyone loves their great prices and great options. Whether you’ve wanted to get a pizza to share with your family or one of their beloved giant hot dogs everyone’s got a good reason to go to the Costco Foodcourt.
Costco has been adding a lot of new menu items recently including fun ice cream flavors. Now they have yet again added something new to their menu.
Idaho Costcos
Where to find Costcos in Idaho.
Gallery Credit: Shannon Buccola
Costco has added a new menu item that everyone is already going crazy for. In a new viral Instagram reel an influencer revealed that Costco food courts around the country would be adding chicken strips to their menu! This feels like the perfect addition to the already extremely popular Costco food court and we can already see everyone going crazy over this new menu item.
Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds
As of right now it appears the chicken tenders are going to be 6.99 and include 5 chicken strips. They also seemingly have a new sauce that is going to be paired with these chicken strips and it looks delicious!
Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds
You’ll have to check out all of the local Idaho Costcos for when these hit stores because they just look delicious!
Look at those chicken tenders:
Costco Foodcourt’s New Item
It’s a Caramel Brownie Sundae!!!
Gallery Credit: Shannon Buccola
Change Complete at Costco’s Food Courts
Who would have thought that an age old debate would bring out such a reaction in Costco shoppers!?
Gallery Credit: Mateo, 103.5 KISS FM
Idaho
This is How to Identify an Idaho Christian Nationalist
You’ve heard that our federal Constitution was made for a moral people. The line is attributed to the founding father and second President, John Adams. Notice he said “moral,” not “Christian.” One of my friends was a graduate of Liberty University, a prestigious Christian school. His mission in life was to evangelize, but he always cautioned his listeners that our founders spoke of a Creator, and not Jesus. Some of our early leaders were devout Christians. Many of them were also womanizers, drinkers, and gave religion no more than lip service. They were people who wanted to be left alone, and if they practiced faith, it was personal, and they didn’t believe it was the government’s role to dictate morality.
They Mock Good People of Other Faiths
I’m reminded of a story about the 2024 Republican National Convention. Harmeet Dhillon, a rising star in the party, spoke. She referenced her Sikh faith, and someone in the crowd felt compelled to shout “Jesus is Lord!” Now, maybe a majority believes that, but are you sure He wants you to taunt good and moral people? Or would God prefer a gentler approach? For instance, you could pray for conversions.
Where does the Great Commission instruct you to be rude to people of good moral character?
Idaho’s Glenneda Zuiderveld was an alternate delegate, and when a seatmate said the man was rude, the state senator dismissed the argument. “We’re all going to be judged,” she said. What’s a Senator’s purpose in politics?
The Pot Calling the Kettle Black
A few days ago, a local church had a men-only event for candidates. A group of liberal women demonstrated outside. I don’t know why they can’t organize their own event instead, but apparently, they would rather be confrontational. They’ve accomplished nothing more than preening and making a claim that they’re more virtuous, but the church is within its rights to hold a men-only event. If you want a women’s only event, I’m not bothered. Let me add a caveat. Some of the men involved believe that it’s okay to berate members of the LDS Church as they enter the temple. I wouldn’t say screaming at someone that they’re going to hell is a sign of moral people. Again, if you think they’re wrong, then pray for them.
Some people wonder why they’re called Christian nationalists. Do we need to draw them some pictures?
Brad Little Through The Years
Gallery Credit: Kevin Miller
Idaho
Local non-profit fills Mother’s Day baskets for NICU moms across Idaho
KUNA — A sister-duo is filling baskets with blankets, snacks and handwritten notes to spread some extra love to moms spending Mother’s Day in the hospital with their newborns.
The effort is led by “Helping Hands for NICU Moms,” a nonprofit co-founded by sisters Tiffany and Alyssa Higbee. The organization was born from Alyssa’s own experience spending months in the NICU with her firstborn.
Alyssa’s son was initially in the NICU for about two weeks, then was put back in for about 3.5 months. During that time, several holidays passed, making it especially hard as a first-time mom.
“There was people in companies who would bring us stuff and try and cheer up your day, and it really helped, and so when my son was about 6 months old, we decided that it would be best to try and help moms in the NICU somehow,” Alyssa Higbee said.
That inspiration led the sisters to create Mother’s Day gift baskets filled with items to bring comfort and encouragement to moms facing the same journey.
WATCH: Learn more about “Helping Hands for NICU Moms”
Local non-profit fills Mother’s Day baskets for NICU moms across Idaho
The sisters have a 12-year age gap. Tiffany was fresh out of high school when they started the nonprofit in 2023, which meant she had more time to dedicate to the project. Alyssa noted that because of the age gap, they didn’t get to spend a lot of time together growing up, so the project has brought them closer.
“Hopefully, this can bring some hope that you can get out of it … that NICU period, that scary initial phase, it does get easier,” Alyssa Higbee said.
ALSO READ | Fragile beginnings to bright futures: NICU ‘Wall of Hope’ inspires families with stories of strength
Alyssa’s son, who was born in the NICU at St. Luke’s in Twin Falls, is now 3-years-old and healthy. Tiffany said watching her nephew go through the NICU was hard, but seeing him now — jumping, tackling her, and doing everything a little boy does — makes the work even more meaningful.
“It’s cool to see the difference because I know that some kids don’t make it to where he is when they’re in the NICU, and it’s just cool to see that he did,” Tiffany Higbee said.
This year’s baskets are packed with items donated by nearly 25 local companies — up from just 5 donors in the first year. The baskets include soaps from Wild Highland Soaps, claw clips, bibs, hair bows, chapsticks, socks, lotions, hand sanitizers, coloring books, colored pencils, snacks, minky blankets, and stuffed puppies from Scheels.
Gift cards and coupons are also included from Dutch Bros, Flying M Coffee, a pizza company, Wendy’s (free meal coupons for breakfast and lunch), Albertsons, and a $10 coupon to a baby store.
Tiffany started collecting donations for this year’s baskets as early as November of last year, spending a few hours every week for the past 6 to 8 months to prepare — reaching out to companies, picking up donations, and organizing everything.
The assembly process includes last-minute tasks like ironing vinyl onto bags, opening boxes, and putting together gift card envelopes before the full baskets are assembled and delivered.
“We start putting the bags together, making sure we have everything in there, and then we deliver them on Mother’s Day,” Alyssa Higbee said.
The baskets are delivered before noon on Mother’s Day to avoid missing moms who may be discharged after doctors do their rounds. Currently, the organization delivers to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital in downtown Boise.
Tiffany said delivering the baskets is one of the most rewarding parts of the work.
“I love seeing the moms sometimes we get to watch them come out with their baskets, and they’ll be going through it, and they look really excited and happy,” Tiffany Higbee said.
“Seeing how happy they are or knowing how I cheered them up a little bit for their Mother’s Day because it’s a big holiday, it’s their first with that baby at least,” Tiffany Higbee said.
The first year, the project was funded mostly out of their own pockets. Three years later, as an official nonprofit, they said they no longer have to rely heavily on their own funds thanks to their new partnerships.
The organization accepts both monetary donations via Venmo and their website, as well as in-kind donations of physical items like soaps, claw clips, and other basket items — year-round.
The organization’s future goal is to expand to all the different NICUs in the area, and potentially the PICUs (Pediatric Intensive Care Units) as well, since that was also part of Alyssa’s experience.
To learn how you can donate or get involved with “Helping Hands for NICU Moms,” you can visit their website by clicking here.
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