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
Rexburg, Idaho. Editorial credit: Don Fletcher / Shutterstock.com
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
University of Idaho brick administration building.
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
Autumn on the rolling hills and prairie east of Weiser, Idaho.
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
Star, Idaho.
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
Sign for Garden City alongside the Boise River Greenbelt Park. Editorial credit: Adam Constanza / Shutterstock.com
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
Overlooking Emmett, Idaho.
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
A group of kayakers enjoy a beautiful summer day on Sand Creek River and Lake Pend Oreille in the downtown area of Sandpoint, Idaho, USA.
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.
JACKSON, Wyo. — Springtime conjures images of adorable baby animals. Unfortunately, sometimes well-meaning humans feel compelled to interfere with Mother Nature by “rescuing” baby animals who appear to be alone.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) issued a spring reminder discouraging people from intervening when they assume a wild animal is lost, abandoned or orphaned.
“While these folks typically mean well, the sad reality is they are often doing more damage than good when they intervene — and typically, mom was not far away to begin with,” IDFG shared in a press release.
“Here’s the hard truth,” the agency wrote. “Animal parents will periodically leave their young for an extended period of time for a myriad of reasons, whether it’s to search for food, to rest or to divert attention from their vulnerable offspring, especially if they sense danger. When it comes to wildlife babies, wildlife mothers know best.”
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In short, in an encounter with a lone duckling, gosling, deer fawn, baby bird, red dog or moose calf, do not disturb it. Instead, contact the state’s wildlife agency to report it. In Jackson, call the Wyoming Game and Fish Department at (307) 733-2321. In Idaho, reach IDFG at (208) 525-7290.
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I remember watching a documentary about Idaho’s wildlands. A narrator said there were probably many parts of the state where no human being has ever set foot. I believe that, but I stay relatively close to the highways. If I were 30 years younger, I would probably enjoy exploring the back country, but today, unless a plane takes me in and out, it’s not happening. I can’t say definitively that there is one spot that I find better than others. We’re surrounded by beautiful terrain, however. One place keeps calling me back.
Like a Scene from a Legendary Movie
When I go over the mountain between Gooding and Fairfield, I take time to stop at the overlook above the Camas Prairie. It reminds me of a scene in Exodus, where the Paul Newman character takes an American woman to look across a flat plain leading to Mount Tabor. He explains that’s the site where Deborah gathered her armies. It makes me feel there is something godly about the Camas Prairie. I keep going back to this spot. Sometimes I take along a folding chair and sit and look at the world below.
Slow Down and See the Work of the Creator
Fairfield may be nothing more than a blip as people speed down Route 20, but it’s their loss. On the other side of the highway is some of the prettiest country in Idaho. It’s going to be a lot less lush this spring, but drought conditions haven’t been nearly as severe in the central highlands. But if I’m granted a few more years by the Almighty, I plan to see the prairie for many more springs.
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