Alaskan looking at Idaho for retirement (Boise, Twin Falls: appointed, sales, house)

[dallen0427]

Still a little ways off, but am looking to buy property now in preperation for retirement later.

I absolutely love Alaska, but after many years here, the winters are beginning to wear on me and the wife, and we want to find some place that we can eventually move to that is sunny and warmer. Our search has taken us from ND, to MT, a little dabbling in WA and now to ID. I think we've sort of narrowed it down to this area due to a variety of "conditions" we set for life in retirement. Weather is one factor we looked at. ND is just plain too cold. Moving from AK to ND to get away from winter didn't seem all that smart. MT (eastern MT) still sort of appeals to me, but is still more winter than I want to deal with. So, we're now looking at ID. I've been looking at the south central portion of the state, but still undecided.

I like having 4 seasons, and do enjoy the winter and all the activities associated with it. I just dont want it for 6 months of the year. Sun - we want sun, we dont get it all that often. Land - we have horses, and plan on keeping them on the move. Recreation - we both love all outdoor activities, and would want to live in a place with lots of opportunity. Hunting and fishing are pretty much required for residency in Alaska, and I'd want to live somewhere that has lots to offer in that department. Especially the bird hunting.

If anyone has any suggestions on areas to look at, we'd sure appreciate the opinions. If anyone has made the AK - ID move, would love to hear from you also.

[flatlander dave]

Consider north idaho. We moved here from northern Indiana and one of the draws was weather. We have four seasons. East of the divide can get cold and windy. NID has low humidity in summer, snow in winter, mountains, lakes, etc. I've been a little disappointed in the last two winters (lack of snow) but everyone assures me that this isn't common. Property is actually affordable again and seems to be lots available. Set up a criteria of what you need, what you want, what is realistic, what you can live without, i.e. DSL, cable, etc. Good luck

[Shaner]

Both spots are good. Southern Idaho your going to have hot summers, and not tons of greenery, Northern Idaho is going to have lots of greenery and snow. So if you want some of what you have up there, but just not as much, N Idaho sounds like a better fit. What kind of amenities are you looking for? Are you going to buy or rent? Do you want a slice of land or have that community feel?

[dallen0427]

Thanks for the input.

I think I'm generally drawn to the more arid climate of southern ID because I grew up in E. WA. More familiarity and comfort zone thing. We are looking at buying vacant land in the 20+ acre range, and building the house ourselves out of pocket. Although not neccessary for me now, I'm thinking that being near (within a reasonable driving distance anyways) an area with better/bigger medical services etc is going to be important as I get older.

I think to me, a nice piece of land, away from the noise and hustle, but not so remote that it takes me the better part of a day to get to and from better services. I guess we have the benefit of time at this point, but I also know that land values today (for a buyer) allow much more opportunity than they did in the recent past, and probably the not so distant future.

[Shaner]

Your very right, if S Idaho is your thoughts, I cant answer as many questions. I know their land is a bit cheaper than ours up here north, for example I just accepted a offer for 10 acres that are wooded and close to the lake and about 20 minutes from town for $55,000. I hope that helps, good luck!

[NW Crow]

Outside of Twin Falls you could look at Buhl, Hansen and Hollister.
Or maybe Glenns Ferry or Bruneau. Different sizes though none big. Different snowfalls but less than you'd generally see further east. Close to a town but I'd think you could find land parcels in your size range.

Maybe somebody else can speak to the bird hunting prospects in that area.

[TeamGray]

I would suggest Washington County as it has great hunting (both birds and game) and is close enough to major metropolitan areas like Ontario, Or (no sales tax) and Boise. Retirees love the little town of Weiser, ID (population about 5000). We lived in Weiser for 3 years and loved the 4 seasons, small town and great people. Unfortunately, we couldn't stay busy enough as Realtors and had to move back to Boise. Here's the link to the Weiser Chamber of Commerce. http://www.weiserchamber.com/comm_profile.htm

[dallen0427]

Thanks. Weiser (in pictures I've found) reminds me a lot of the Ellensburg WA area, which was a very nice place to live. I'll take a look at finding something in that area.

[THE WOLF]

You might want to try N. Idaho sir, its a very pleasant, patriotic place to live. Free from the gang culture being spread to other areas from the city.

[TeamGray]

Originally Posted by dallen0427

Thanks. Weiser (in pictures I've found) reminds me a lot of the Ellensburg WA area, which was a very nice place to live. I'll take a look at finding something in that area.

Let me know if you need any help.