For the past few years, retirement in Idaho has become a welcome proposition for a good number of aging Americans. Idaho has consistently ranked high among the best retirement destinations in the United States in recent surveys. For instance, Idaho's capital of Boise was ranked by
Forbes magazine as 8th among the best places to retire in 2014. Forbes based its ranking for Boise on its relatively dry climate, low crime rate, and walkability among others.
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What makes Boise stand out as an ideal retirement destination in Idaho is the relatively low cost of living index and low housing costs in the city. As of 2014, the cost of living index in Boise is 91 to 100, which is below the national average. The cost of housing on the other hand has a median average of $175,000, according to the National Association of Realtors, as reported by
TopRetirements.com
Other ideal places to spend retirement in Idaho for retirees on a budget include Idaho Falls, Sandpoint, and Pocatello. Idaho Falls is popular among fly-fishing enthusiasts, particularly for the trout species that inhabit the Snake River that runs through the city. The cost of living in Idaho Falls is 9.8% lower than the national average, while the median housing cost is $101,700.
Sandpoint is located near the Canadian border high up the Idaho panhandle. Situated only 11 miles from the Schweitzer Mountain, one of the largest ski resorts in the U.S., Sandpoint is an attractive destination for retirees who love snow sports and prefer cool climates. While the median housing cost in Sandpoint is a bit on the high side at $219,600, the cost of living in the city is still 4% lower than average.
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n 2013, the
AARP ranked Pocatello as one of the best cities to retire at $30,000 a year. According to the AARP, the median home price in Pocatello is $127,500. The cost of living in the city is also relatively low at around 9.6% below average.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/retire-here-not-there-idaho-2013-12-12?page=2
At the other end of the spectrum, when it comes to cost of living, are the cities of Coeur d’Alene and Sun Valley in Idaho. Barbara Walters once called Coeur d’Alene "a little slice of heaven" because of her fascination with the place, as reported by
CNN Money. It has a slightly above average cost of living index and a housing cost of $255,000.
Sun Valley on the other hand, is one of the top vacation and retirement destinations in Idaho. It is also one of the priciest places to retire in the state. The cost of living in Sun Valley is 103% above the national average and the average home price is more than $500,000.
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