Boise may not be the first city that pops into people’s heads when thinking about the best place to retire, however, maybe it should. Many national firms and magazines have ranked it as one of the top places to retire in the United States and, now that the secret is out, Boise is becoming a popular destination for the senior set. In fact, we are starting to see people at our Open Houses who are visiting from around the country to scope the city out.
Research has shown that certain criteria are important to aging Americans, and include favorable climate, health care, community engagement, transportation, and low taxation.
Typically, cities in the south rank high, because of the warmer climate. These cities have also done well to provide retirement centers that cater to the needs of seniors. However, as people are becoming more fit and active into retirement age, their needs are also changing. Seniors are no longer only looking for stereotypical retirement homes, with horseshoes and bridge games, they are looking for homes where they can maintain their independence and active lifestyles, and continue to live a high-quality life.
Forbes recently published an article to show their results after comparing information on 550 communities in all 50 states. They were looking at costs, including housing costs and taxes, access to medical care; quality of life indicators (including crime and air quality); and factors which can make for a healthy and fulfilling retirement, including opportunities for volunteering and exercise.
Boise ranked high in several of these categories:
- Home prices come from a number of sources, including periodic reports of the National Association of Realtors and data on the websites zillow.com, trulia.com and bestplaces.net. According to the Realtors, the median home price nationally is $228,400. The average for the 25 on our list: only $183,000. Average price in Boise is $206,000.
- Forbes gave an edge and slight preference for college towns, which usually translates into increased cultural and learning opportunities. There are nine on their list of 25: Athens (University of Georgia), Bethlehem (Lehigh, Moravian), Boise (Boise State), Clemson, (Clemson), Harrisonburg (James Madison), Iowa City (University of Iowa), Lawrence (University of Kansas), Lincoln (University of Nebraska), and San Marcos (Texas State).
- Another element we look at is volunteerism. Studies have shown that volunteers–those who perform unpaid activities for organizations–are more likely to have better health, as measured by life span, mobility and mental health. We use data compiled by the Corporation for National and Community Service and displayed at volunteeringinamerica.gov on the percent of the population that volunteers in a given locality. On our list the highest volunteerism scores are for Boise, Brevard, N.C., Colorado Springs, Fargo, Grand Prairie, Tex., Iowa City, Maryville and San Marcos.
- Appealing outdoor environments–especially mountains or water, or both–can be found around a dozen of our list members: Bella Vista, Boise, Brevard, Clemson, Colorado Springs, Lewiston, Maryville, Ocean Pines, Port Charlotte, San Marcos, Savannah and Wenatchee.
Here is what Forbes summed up about Boise:
- Scenic, outdoors-oriented state capital city of 205,000 in state’s southwestern corner. PROS: Cost of living just 3% above national average, median home price $206,000. Robust economy. Low serious crime rate. High Milken aging rank (Center for the Future of Aging works to improve lives and strengthen societies by promoting healthy, productive and purposeful aging.) Highly bikeable. Good weather with low humidity and relatively mild winters, and good air quality. Good state tax climate for retirees, with no state taxation of Social Security benefits and no estate/inheritance tax. High rate of volunteerism. CONS: Not very walkable. NOTED: Adequate physicians per capita. One previous lists. TRIVIA: City’s best-known feature may be Boise State University’s artificial blue turf football field in Albertsons Stadium.
- (If lifestyle is paramount, and costs no concern, Forbes recommends you consult their recommendations for Great Places To Follow Your Passions In Retirement and The Best Places To Retire Without A Car.)
Learn more about Boise!
If you want to see for yourself what all the buzz is about, give us a call! Templeton Real Estate Group—208.473.2203 or via the web. Come see East Boise and everything that makes it great — Boise River, Boise Greenbelt, and our beautiful Boise Foothills. Whether walking, hiking, jogging, biking, or just appreciating the views, these are Boise gems and treasures of our Valley. And, a large reason why builders like Boise Hunter Homes and Brighton Corporation are developing in Harris Ranch and River Heights with new homes and commercials sites.
Whether you are buying or selling, we will work hard for you and make your experience hassle-free. We want to do such a great job that our clients would never consider hiring anybody else except us if they were in need of real estate services in the future!!
By Bonnie Way Snider
Read More and Source:
http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/retirement-Idaho-benefits/2015/05/30/id/647739/