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What if your retirement gave you the freedom to travel—without the chaos of a big-city airport or sky-high living costs? If this sounds like a dream come true, Boise, Idaho, might just be the hidden gem you’ve been searching for. With direct flights, low taxes, and a friendly, affordable lifestyle, this city is quickly becoming a top pick for retirees.
Key Takeaways
- Boise Airport offers nonstop flights to 26 U.S. cities with short security lines and a single-terminal layout that makes flying stress-free.
- Boise’s access to I-84 and free senior bus rides makes local and regional travel easy.
- Health care is accessible and affordable, with 2,558 medical providers in the county and average annual costs under the national average.
- Social Security income isn’t taxed in Idaho, and other income taxes are a flat 5.8%.
Travel Accessibility
The Boise Airport (BOI), also known as Gowen Field, is a convenient base for retirees who plan to travel often. The location is about 4 miles, or a 10- to 15-minute drive, from downtown. Even better, the economy parking lot at Victory and Orchard charges $10 daily and has free shuttles to the terminal.
Though small, BOI punches above its weight. You can fly nonstop to 26 U.S. cities, including Chicago, Dallas, and Seattle. This makes reaching international hubs easier without slogging through a major airport. With a single terminal, two concourses, and short lines, getting through security can be fast and low-stress.
Note
Retirees with mobility issues are also covered. Streamline Airport Services offers wheelchair services and other accessible features, like braille indicators on elevators.
Other Travel Considerations
- Great jumping off point for road trips: If you’re staying closer to home, Boise still makes it easy to get around. The Valley Regional Transit (VRT) offers free weekday rides for anyone 60 and up through the Beyond Access program. Even if you don’t qualify, it’s still a budget-friendly travel option at $1.50 per ride. The city is also well-connected by road. Interstate 84 (I-84) runs right through Boise, giving you smooth access to Salt Lake City or Portland, without the gridlock you’d expect in bigger metros. That makes spontaneous road trips or scenic weekend escapes easy.
- Train access could be difficult: Boise has no Amtrak station. The nearest one is in Salt Lake City, about five hours by car or a short flight away.
- Water-based travel is also limited: The Boise River isn’t suited for commercial travel, but you can enjoy recreational boating at Lucky Peak Lake, 10 miles east. For river cruises, Lewiston’s Snake River offers seasonal trips, though these are more for leisure than transport.
Cost of Living and Affordability
If you’re a retiree looking to travel without draining your savings, consider Boise, Idaho. The cost of living is less than in many other cities with good travel connections.
- Housing: In Boise’s Ada County, you’ll pay around $1,428 a month in housing costs. It’s lower than the nationwide average of $2,120 and way lower than most counties in California and Colorado.
- Transportation: Transportation costs, such as gas and car maintenance, average $1,270 a month. Public transport, like the VRT, or ride-sharing services like Lyft can further cut costs.
- Food: Local grocery stores and markets offer reasonable prices, with monthly food costs averaging $758.
- Health care: Health care, one of the highest costs for retirees, runs about $814 a month for two people. With 45 hospitals and 2,558 health care establishments in the county, high-quality care is accessible without the big-city price tag.
Important
Taxes in Idaho are retiree-friendly, with a flat 5.8% income tax rate. Unlike in other states, Social Security benefits aren’t taxed, which means you can save more money for travel.
Lifestyle Considerations for Retirees
Retiring in Boise is a dream if you love staying active and soaking up culture. There’s a 29-mile Greenbelt trail along the Boise River, perfect for morning walks or bike rides, and it’s open every day from sunrise to sunset.
If you want more adventure, the nearby foothills have 100+ miles of hiking trails, like Hulls Gulch. For adrenaline-seekers, Bogus Basin has an 800-foot-long tubing hill and 2,600 acres for active activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
The city has a vibrant cultural side, too. Downtown, the Boise Art Museum shows off thousands of works year-round. Love the theater? The Idaho Shakespeare Festival runs all summer.
You can also grab dinner at places like Fork for fresh, local food, or hit the Capital City Public Market from April to December for fresh produce, locally raised meats, and handmade crafts.
Other Things To Consider
A few other things to consider before choosing Boise as a retirement destination:
Climate
Boise’s weather fits retirees who enjoy all four seasons. Summers are warm and dry, reaching up to 93°F. Winters bring cold, snowy days, with lows around 24°F, with an average snowfall of 2.9 inches. August can bring wildfire smoke, so check air quality before heading out.
Population Growth
Boise’s 2024 population of 237,963 (up 1% from 2020’s 235,717) is a win for retirees. This stable size keeps the city lively yet manageable, avoiding cost spikes and overcrowding.
Traffic
Rush hours can clog I-84. To avoid traffic, stick to mid-morning or afternoon for quick trips to the airport or trails.
The Bottom Line
Boise, Idaho, packs an appealing mix of affordability, travel access, and quality of life. With direct flights to major cities, low taxes, and easy local transportation, it’s a convenient hub for retirees eager to explore. Add in affordable healthcare, outdoor recreation, and cultural activities, and Boise stands out as an attractive retirement destination.
