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Best counties to retire to in Idaho


Karthikc123 // Wikimedia Commons

Best counties to retire to in Idaho

Buyers and sellers of real estate alike—when asked what are the three most essential considerations about a property—will nearly always reply “location, location, location.” While this answer is sometimes tongue-in-cheek, it is often quite accurate, and this reply perhaps applies to retirees more than any other demographic. Settling down after a lifetime of working and perhaps raising a family calls for the perfect location: a spot where you can enjoy life with as few concerns as possible.

When seniors aged 65 years or older decide on where they want to live out their golden years, they consider very specific factors, such as the cost of living, government services, health care facilities, weather and overall climate, crime rate, outdoor recreational activities, eating establishments, cultural and entertainment opportunities, and more.

Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to retire in Idaho using data from Niche. Niche ranks counties based on a variety of factors including cost of living, healthcare, recreation and weather. Read more about Niche’s methodology here.

Location is critical as retirees determine where to spend their senior years enjoying favorite activities; however, it’s a very unique decision based on a multitude of preferences and needs. Whether it be bustling downtowns or access to parks, affordable home prices or cultural amenities like museums, retirees seeking to settle in a permanent spot are sure to find a private paradise in any of these counties recommended by Niche because, in the end, there is no place like home—no matter the location.

Read on to discover the best counties to retire to in Idaho.

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Dsdugan // Wikimedia Commons

#6. Nez Perce County

– Niche grades: good for retirees (B), cost of living (C), weather (B), outdoor activities (A-)
– Top places to live: Lewiston (B+), Lapwai (C+), Culdesac (C+)



Federal Highway Administration // Wikimedia Commons

#5. Boundary County

– Niche grades: good for retirees (B), cost of living (C), weather (B-), outdoor activities (B-)
– Top places to live: Bonners Ferry (C+)



L’Aquatique // Wikimedia Commons

#4. Bonner County

– Niche grades: good for retirees (B), cost of living (C-), weather (C), outdoor activities (A)
– Top places to live: Ponderay (B-), Sandpoint (B-), Dover (B)



Sam Beebe // Wikimedia Commons

#3. Washington County

– Niche grades: good for retirees (B), cost of living (C+), weather (B+), outdoor activities (A-)
– Top places to live: Weiser (B), Cambridge (C), Midvale (C)



Karthikc123 // Wikimedia Commons

#2. Valley County

– Niche grades: good for retirees (B), cost of living (C-), weather (C-), outdoor activities (A)
– Top places to live: McCall (B), Cascade (B-), Smiths Ferry (D-)

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John Stanton // Wikimedia Commons

#1. Lemhi County

– Niche grades: good for retirees (B), cost of living (C), weather (B), outdoor activities (B-)
– Top places to live: Salmon (B-)


Article Topic Follows: Idaho

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