Why You Should Consider Buying a Home in Idaho Falls for Your Retirement

When considering retirement, there are many factors to consider. One of the most important is where you will spend your golden years. Idaho Falls is an excellent choice for those looking for a place with a low cost of living, beautiful outdoor recreation opportunities, a growing healthcare industry, an active senior community, and good transportation. 

In this post, we will discuss why Idaho Falls is a great place to consider buying a home for retirement.

LOW COST OF LIVING

One of the main reasons why retirees should consider Idaho Falls is the low cost of living in the area. The cost of living in Idaho Falls is lower than many other cities in the United States, making it an ideal location for retirees who want to stretch their retirement savings. The cost of housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation is all lower than the national average. 

For example, as of Jan 2023, the median home price in Idaho Falls is $390,000, significantly lower than the national median home price of $540,000.

Retirees can save money in other ways by living in Idaho Falls.The availability of fresh and locally sourced food can help keep grocery bills lower. Additionally, the cost of 55+ communities and assisted living facilities are less than surrounding states like Oregon, California, Washington and Colorado. Overall, the low cost of living in Idaho Falls can help retirees enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without worrying about high expenses.

Compared to other retirement destinations, such as Florida or Arizona, Idaho Falls' lower cost of living may make it an attractive option for retirees who want to live in a beautiful area without having to spend a lot of money to do so. By keeping expenses low, retirees can enjoy a higher quality of life and peace of mind knowing their retirement savings will go further.

BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR RECREATION

Idaho Falls is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and offers many outdoor recreational activities for retirees. The city is situated near the Snake River, which runs through the valley and offers a variety of outdoor activities for nature lovers. The area also has several state parks and national forests, including Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

Hiking is a popular activity in the area, with several scenic trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The Snake River Greenbelt is a popular walking and biking trail that stretches 5 miles along the river. The trail offers beautiful views of the river and the surrounding mountains and is an excellent place for retirees to enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride.

Fishing is another popular activity in the Idaho Falls area. The Snake River is home to several species of fish, including trout and salmon, and offers some of the best fly fishing in the country. Retirees who enjoy fishing can enjoy the many public access points along the river and a day on the water.

Skiing is also popular in the area, with several ski resorts within driving distance of Idaho Falls. Grand Targhee Resort, located just an hour away, offers some of the best skiing in the area and has a variety of slopes for all skill levels. Retirees who enjoy skiing can enjoy the resort's senior discounts and a day on the slopes.

Staying active and enjoying the outdoors is essential for retirees, and Idaho Falls offers plenty of opportunities. From hiking and fishing to skiing and snowshoeing, there is no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy in the area. Retirees who take advantage of these opportunities can improve their physical and mental health and enjoy a higher quality of life in retirement.

GROWING HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY

Idaho Falls has a growing healthcare industry, with several hospitals, medical centers, and clinics in the area. The city is home to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, a full-service hospital that provides a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and cancer treatment.

In addition to the hospital, there are several medical clinics and specialty centers in the area that offer services such as cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health. The Idaho Falls Community Hospital, which opened in 2021, is a state-of-the-art facility that offers various medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and imaging.

Retirees who live in Idaho Falls have access to quality healthcare, which is essential as we age. The growing healthcare industry in the area means that retirees have more options for medical care and can receive treatment close to home. This is particularly important for retirees who may have chronic health conditions or need frequent medical care.

Idaho Falls is also home to several assisted living and retirement communities that offer on-site healthcare services. These communities provide a range of care options, from independent living to memory care, and offer residents access to medical care as needed.

The growing healthcare industry in Idaho Falls is a significant benefit for retirees looking for a place to live that offers quality medical care. The combination of hospitals, medical clinics, and retirement communities means that retirees can access the care they need when needed. This can provide peace of mind for retirees and their families and can help ensure a higher quality of life in retirement.

ACTIVE SENIOR COMMUNITY

Idaho Falls has a strong, active senior community that offers a variety of opportunities to socialize and participate in activities. This community comprises individuals who are retired or approaching retirement age, and they often take advantage of the many resources the city has to offer.

One popular resource is the Idaho Falls Senior Citizens Center, which offers seniors various programs and services. These include fitness classes, social events, and volunteer opportunities. The center also provides nutritious meals to seniors who cannot cook for themselves.

Several retirement communities in Idaho Falls cater to seniors seeking a more structured and communal living experience. These communities offer swimming pools, fitness centers, and organized social events. Residents can also take advantage of on-site medical services and assistance with daily living tasks.

Club Apple is a health club and fitness center located in Idaho Falls, that offers a variety of classes, equipment, and services to help members achieve their health and fitness goals. One of the perks of being a member of Club Apple is that they offer a SilverSneakers discount program for eligible individuals.

To qualify for the SilverSneakers program, individuals must be 65 years or older, or have certain health conditions that qualify them for Medicare coverage. Once a member qualifies for SilverSneakers, they can sign up for Club Apple's discounted membership and enjoy access to all of the gym's equipment, classes, and amenities.

The benefits of socializing and participating in activities with other retirees are numerous. It can help ward off feelings of isolation and loneliness that can come with retirement, and it can provide a sense of purpose and belonging. Engaging in physical and mental activities can promote overall health and well-being, particularly in retirement.

GOOD TRANSPORTATION

Idaho Falls's well-developed transportation infrastructure makes it easy for retirees to travel within the city and beyond. The city has an airport, which offers flights to several destinations, and is located near major highways. This makes it easy to visit family and friends who live in other parts of the country or to take vacations.

The Idaho Falls Regional Airport provides direct flights to cities such as Salt Lake City, Denver, and Las Vegas. This allows retirees to connect with larger transportation hubs to reach a broader range of destinations. The airport also offers a shuttle service that can transport travelers to and from the airport.

Idaho Falls is also near several major highways, including Interstate 15 and Highway 20. This makes it easy for retirees to travel by car to other parts of the state or country. The city also has a public transportation system that includes buses and shuttles, which can provide transportation within the city limits.

Compared to other retirement destinations with limited transportation options, Idaho Falls is convenient for retirees who want to maintain mobility and independence.

RETIRING IN IDAHO FALLS

Retiring in Idaho Falls offers numerous benefits, including a low cost of living, beautiful outdoor recreation, a growing healthcare industry, an active senior community, and good transportation. These factors make Idaho Falls an ideal location for retirees looking to maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

The active senior community in Idaho Falls provides ample opportunities for socializing and participating in activities, which can promote overall health and well-being. Additionally, the city's transportation infrastructure makes it easy for retirees to travel within the city and beyond, which can help them maintain their independence and mobility.

If you are considering retiring in Idaho Falls, several resources are available to help you learn more about the city and its amenities. The Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Idaho Department of Commerce are good places to start. They can provide information about housing, healthcare, and other resources that may interest retirees.

At Anderson Hicks Group, we have a Senior Real Estate Specialist on our team who specifically works with seniors to find the best fit for their living situation. Whether you are looking for a retirement community or a more traditional home, our team can help you find the perfect place to call home in Idaho Falls.

In conclusion, Idaho Falls is a great place to consider buying a home for retirement. It offers a combination of the low cost of living, beautiful outdoor recreation, a growing healthcare industry, an active senior community, and good transportation, which can help retirees maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle. 

Contact Anderson Hicks Group today to learn about retiring in Idaho Falls and find your perfect home!