Retiring? Top Reasons to Choose Boise City

Retiring? Top Reasons to Choose Boise City

Submitted by Guest Blogger: Barbara Thompson, Senior Care Advocate

Considering Boise for retirement? You’re making a great choice. U.S. News ranks Boise among the top 100 best places in the country for retirees to live, based on factors like quality of life, affordability, and crime rates. Read on to learn more about exactly why Boise is a top retirement destination for people settling into their Golden Years:

1. There's Plenty for Retirees to Do in Boise

There really is something for everyone in Boise. Parks, restaurants, and music venues abound. As the capital city of Idaho, Boise offers a near-perfect blend of urban and rural life. There is no shortage of outdoor activities and natural sights for retirees who love the great outdoors, while retirees who favor an urbane vibe will enjoy the city’s locally sourced cuisine and ample entertainment options. Also not to be forgotten is the “Boise Ale Trail,” which is what residents call the string of delicious breweries that have been popping up in and around the city.

2. Boise is Affordable for Retirees

The affordability of life in Boise is a major draw for everyone, including retirees. The city’s price tag is particularly tempting when you compare it with other metropolitan areas in the Northwest, including Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. The cost of living in Boise is lower than the U.S. average in just about every major category - including healthcare, groceries, utilities, and transportation.  

Concerning taxes, you will be happy to hear that the Gem State is very tax-friendly for retirees. Idaho does not impose any tax on Social Security income - meaning retirees who collect this benefit can keep more of their money in their pocket each month. Also, the state’s property and sales taxes are relatively low, which can produce significant annual savings for you when compared to life in other cities. If your goal is to own a home, you may qualify for a “circuit breaker.” The circuit breaker lowers the total property tax bill for certain Idaho homeowners. Your real estate agent can help you understand the eligibility requirements.

3. Boise is Home to a Variety of Senior Living Options

Now that you’ve settled on a city, it’s time to decide what senior living option is going to be best for you. It’s important to know that selecting a home for retirement is a different experience entirely from choosing a home in your younger years. The last thing you want to do is choose a home that will not work for you in the long run - causing you to need to move again in just a few short years. The top things for you to consider are your budget, your present or future health needs, and any mobility limitations that could crop up over time. 

If you are currently active and believe you can live independently, you could select a retirement home instead of buying a home on your own. In choosing a retirement home you are freeing yourself from the burdens of homeownership - namely outdoor maintenance, lawn care, roofing issues, and many other issues that could affect your home. Management in these communities typically take care of these things, plus they offer amenities to help keep you happy and comfortable during your Golden Years.  These amenities can include pools, fitness centers, and organized social events. Buying into a retirement community usually involves paying ongoing association fees, however, so you’ll want to make sure you discuss this with your real estate agent. 

If you think you could ultimately need help with activities of daily living, including bathing, getting dressed, preparing your meals, or managing your medications, you may want to consider moving into an assisted living facility. Living in one of these facilities can give you peace of mind in knowing that you have access to help if you need it 24/7. There are several highly-rated assisted living facilities in the Boise area for you to check out. 

Seniorhomes.com is an organization dedicated to supporting senior citizens and their families. Their mission is to raise awareness about the available care options and resources that can help seniors stay connected with their community.