If you’re looking to retire in a state with mountains, rivers and other natural splendors, consider Idaho! The potato capital of the country has no shortage of welcoming cities and beautiful backdrops. With affordability and scenic beauty, find a home that will elevate your lifestyle in the Gem State.
NewHomeSource.com has found the top 10 places to retire in Idaho, making it easy to find the perfect retirement destination and new home for this next phase of your life.
Top 10 Cities to Retire in Idaho
1. Burley
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 11.3%
Median Home Value: $213,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 16
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 137
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
The best place to retire is none other than Burley! Burley offers a compelling blend of small-town charm and engaging activities, making it an attractive destination for retirees. Burley is approximately 35 miles east of Twin Falls, providing residents with access to a larger city's amenities.
Situated along the scenic Snake River, Burley provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, including boating, fishing, and riverside walks. Local parks including Storybook Park and Freedom Park are ideal for family visits.
The city hosts vibrant events such as the annual Spudman Triathlon and the Idaho Regatta. Cultural attractions like the King Fine Arts Center and the historic Burley Theater offer diverse entertainment options.
Comprehensive medical care is found at Cassia Regional Hospital. With an affordable housing market and great social calendar of events, Burley is a great balance for an enriched retirement.
2. Jerome
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 8.9%
Median Home Value: $214,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 30
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 91
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3
Jerome is a thriving community in the south-central region of Idaho. Enjoy a harmonious blend of small-town tranquility and urban amenities. Found about 15 miles to the north of Twin Falls, Jerome offers affordable housing.
The streets are lined with restaurants, businesses and museums. Spend leisure time at all the different parks including Forsyth Park and Thompson and Rotary Memorial Park. Feeling more adventurous? Head to nearby Snake River Canyon for hiking and views. Enjoy events at the Jerome Country Fairgrounds or buy fresh food at the farmers market. The Jerome Senior Center offers a range of activities to stay active and engaged.
From excellent healthcare to a supportive community, Jerome is a great place to plant yourself in your golden years.
3. Blackfoot
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.1%
Median Home Value: $225,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 48
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 128
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 4
If you love potatoes, Blackfoot is the place for you. Blackfoot and its surrounding area grow more potatoes than anywhere else in the world; the city has more than earned its nickname of “Potato Capital of the World.” This southeastern Idaho locale is close to the Snake River.
When you’re not brushing up on your potato facts at the Idaho Potato Museum, you can enjoy the Eastern Idaho State Fair, boat or fish on the Snake River, or catch a game at the baseball field. With quality healthcare, affordable living, and diverse recreational activities, Blackfoot checks off a lot of boxes for a great retirement.
4. Mountain Home
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.6%
Median Home Value: $270,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 45
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 95
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 1
A southwestern Idaho gem is Mountain Home. Located about 40 miles southeast of Boise, Mountain Home is ready to welcome you! This community caters to an active lifestyle.
Spend your time seeking outdoor adventures at Legacy Park or head to nearby Bruneau Dunes State Park for hiking trails, bird watching, and stargazing. Set frequent tee times at Desert Canyon Golf Course.
Mountain Home has all the urban amenities you desire including a wide range of medical services. Mountain Home is big on community, and residents enjoy annual events like the Mountain Home Country Music Festival and the Endless Summer Festival.
5. Pocatello
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.8%
Median Home Value: $240,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 210
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 819
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5
Located in southeast Idaho, Pocatello is an appealing destination for retirees seeking a balance of affordability, recreational opportunities, and quality healthcare. With a cost-effective lifestyle in southeastern Idaho, Pocatello allows retirees to maximize there savings.
There are a plethora of activities to enjoy! Museum fans will enjoy the Idaho Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Clean, and fans of the outdoors will love Zoo Idaho and the public golf courses. Downtown Pocatello is a thriving scene of restaurants, boutiques and historical sights. A nearby natural landmark is Craters of the Moon National Monument.
Pocatello will elevate your golden years!
6. Caldwell
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 10.1%
Median Home Value: $322,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 275
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 520
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 9
Caldwell is a beautiful, charming city to call home. With the Boise River to the north and Lake Lowell just outside the southern city limits, you can spend your days walking, hiking or just reclining by blue water. Caldwell is home to the College of Idaho and a campus of the College of Western Idaho, bringing college town liveliness to the atmosphere.
This peaceful community is just under 30 miles from Boise. Serving as a hub for senior activities and engagement, the Caldwell Senior Center will keep you busy. Mallard Park is a great place with its amphitheater, walking path, and disc golf course. Hike, fish, and camp nearby at the beautiful Lake Owyhee State Park. From shopping to skydiving, the world is your oyster in Caldwell!
7. Twin Falls
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.4%
Median Home Value: $279,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 218
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 857
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
Twin Falls is a city for nature lovers. The Snake River Canyon resides along the town’s northern boundary, so residents have beautiful natural sights and hiking opportunities right in their own backyard; be sure to check out Shoshone Falls, known as the “Niagara of the West.” In town, you can enjoy catching up with friends at the downtown breweries and shops, and visit the art exhibits on First Fridays. Give Twin Falls some serious consideration.
8. Idaho Falls
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.6%
Median Home Value: $298,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 214
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 970
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3
Idaho Falls offers a wealth of arts and culture in the southeastern part of the state. With an art museum and galleries, live performance theaters and a history museum, there’s always something new to do and learn here. Encompassing part of the Snake River, Idaho Falls captures the beautiful parks, hiking trails and waterfalls that one would expect to find in this region.
Spend time with friends playing cards, exercising, and socializing at the local senior citizens center. Healthcare is not a worry with several medical facilities in the area. Choose Idaho Falls for a fulfilling and comfortable retirement experience.
9. Nampa
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.7%
Median Home Value: $332,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 424
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 994
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 11
Nampa is the third most-populous city in Idaho and a great place to settle into retirement. The city is known for the Ford Idaho Center, which hosts large events including one of the top rodeos in the nation. There’s plenty to enjoy just outside the city as well, including Lake Lowell and multiple wineries. Boise is a mere 20 miles to the east, making weekend trips to the capital a breeze.
Nampa residents appreciate the Nampa Recreation Center and Nampa Senior Center for a variety of social events, fitness classes, and game nights. St. Luke's Nampa Medical Center is known for outstanding healthcare from emergency services to specialized care units.
Select Nampa and begin living life on your terms in a supportive, Idaho community!
10. Chubbuck
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.3%
Median Home Value: $313,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 52
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 510
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5
Chubbuck is a small city north of its sister city Pocatello and is part of the Pocatello metropolitan area. This inviting community gives you a peaceful existence near big city amenities including shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
Folks here can enjoy a welcoming atmosphere and community events, including parades and city movie nights. With a dinner theater, wellness complex and a shopping mall, entertainment is never far away. With excellent offerings at the local senior citizen center along with quality healthcare both in and around Pocatello, seniors feel right at home.
Get out to nearby state parks and explore the natural beauty. Massacre Rocks State Park and Lake Walcott State Park are great backdrops for fishing, birdwatching, and hiking. Life in Chubbuck is a compelling choice for your golden years.
| City | People Over 65 | Violent Crimes | Property Crimes | Hospitals Within 25 Miles | Median Home Price |
| Burley | 11.3% | 16 | 137 | 2 | $213,700 |
| Jerome | 8.9% | 30 | 91 | 3 | $214,900 |
| Blackfoot | 16.1% | 48 | 128 | 4 | $225,900 |
| Mountain Home | 12.6% | 45 | 95 | 1 | $270,700 |
| Pocatello | 13.8% | 210 | 819 | 5 | $240,600 |
| Caldwell | 10.1% | 275 | 520 | 9 | $322,100 |
| Twin Falls | 16.4% | 218 | 857 | 2 | $279,400 |
| Idaho Falls | 13.6% | 214 | 970 | 3 | $298,600 |
| Nampa | 14.7% | 424 | 994 | 11 | $332,500 |
| Chubbuck | 14.3% | 52 | 510 | 5 | $313,700 |
| Lewiston | 20.2% | 44 | 453 | 4 | $290,900 |
| Ammon | 13.5% | 35 | 198 | 3 | $366,500 |
| Kuna | 10.5% | 53 | 117 | 10 | $403,700 |
| Rexburg | 3.2% | 22 | 120 | 1 | $384,000 |
| Post Falls | 14.2% | 64 | 429 | 9 | $425,100 |
| Moscow | 9.6% | 4 | 394 | 5 | $352,000 |
| 19.9% | 172 | 609 | 3 | $451,600 | |
| Garden City | 25.6% | 88 | 217 | 11 | $238,100 |
| Boise | 15.3% | 639 | 2,977 | 11 | $456,000 |
| Hayden | 24.7% | 42 | 225 | 3 | $445,700 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Other Idaho Resources
Best Tiny Home Builders in Idaho
The Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in Idaho
The 10 Best Places to Retire in Idaho
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Idaho
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.