The last decade has seen Boise grow from a provincial capital to the American frontier’s premier city. Idaho’s capital city provides residents with a taste of a cosmopolitan lifestyle while still living close to nature and scenic mountain views. These two things combine to make Boise a great city for retirees, whether you’re looking for an active culture or an outdoor adventure, the city makes it easy for residents to meet their retirement goals.
Location & Attractions
Active adults looking for culture love being near an array of restaurants and bars, mostly located downtown. Restaurant styles vary from traditional American and pub fare to Basque cuisine catering to the city’s history. Just off Main Street, residents will find highly rated restaurants like Eureka!, The Matador, Bittercreek Alehouse, and many others.
Boise is known for its thriving art scene that includes museums, music festivals, and theater. The city is home to the Boise Philharmonic, Treefort Music Fest, and the Boise Jazz Society. Museums include the Boise Art Museum, The Basque Museum and Cultural Center, and Boise Art Glass. There are several ways to catch a play in Boise, including the Boise Little Theater, Boise Contemporary Theater, and Idaho Shakespeare Festival.
Other attractions include the Egyptian Theater, Boise Centre on the Grove, Zoo Boise, and the Bogus Basin ski area. Boise is also home to Boise State University, which provides active adults with continuing education opportunities, Division I sporting events, and several entertainment centers.
For those looking for a retirement close to nature, Boise is a great option. It’s home to several natural spaces like expansive Boise National Forest. It includes acres of forests, the Salmon River, several mountain ranges, and miles of trails. Other popular green spaces and recreational spots include the Boise Greenbelt, Julia Davis Park, and the MK Nature Center StreamWalk.
The city and its suburbs are home to seven 55+ communities. Many communities in the area are perfect for active adults looking to downsize while enjoying a low-maintenance lifestyle. Below is a quick look at some of the most popular age-restricted communities in the Boise area.
Cadence – Meridian
The newest 55+ community in the area, Cadence was completed in 2018 by Brighton Homes. The community includes 196 single-family and attached homes that range in size from 1,545 to 2,160 square feet. They include two or three bedrooms, two to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and two-car garages. Amenities include a clubhouse, fitness rooms, swimming pool, dining patio with grill, and walking paths.
Willowbrook – Garden City
Willowbrook is the largest active adult community in the Boise area with 231 single-family homes. The community’s clubhouse includes a common area, exercise room, billiards tables, library, and catering kitchen. Outdoors, residents enjoy an outdoor pool, spa, two tennis courts, horseshoe pits, a putting green, RV parking, and walking trails. Willowbrook is also home to various community clubs and groups like tea parties, Friday movie nights, potluck dinners, and bus trips.
Englefield Green – Boise
Sunrise Signature Homes began construction on Englefield Green in 2007 and completed its 84 attached homes in 2014. There are four floor plans to choose from, ranging in size from 1,451 to 2,282 square feet and including two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two-car garages. Amenities include a clubhouse, exercise room, library, computer center, billiards, catering kitchen, and walking trails.
Heritage Grove – Meridian
Heritage Grove is a new construction community of 116 single-family homes. There are three home collections in the community which include sixteen different floor plans between them. These homes range in size from 1,484 to 1,858 square feet and include two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two-car garages. Amenities include a clubhouse with a multi-purpose room and outdoor patio. There’s also a picnic area, walking trails, parks and natural space, and a scenic pond.
