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We moved from California in 2000 and "retired" in Idaho. We downsized from 20 acres in California to 10 acres in Idaho and a large home. We've made it ours completely and we love it here.
However, as time marches on, we will need to eventually downsize to an acre (+/-) with a single story home or a home with an elevator, possible house help once a week and a lawn service. Bonus would be a gated community, but that's not a critical need.
We would like to be less than 15 minutes from a full service hospital that has more than adequate services for seniors (including cardiology/oncology should that need ever occur).
We are not interested in 55+ communities, assisted living, nursing home, etc.
We are not interested in a high crime area.
We are not interested in a windy area.
Why did you recommend Dalton Gardens or the northern parts of Hayden?
Is it the wind factor?
Hi Cleosmom.
We are in Moscow, Idaho and totally love it.
However, thinking ahead to the latest stages of life and before health emergencies; I'm scouting around for ideas.
Hospitals seem to be an important factor for preventative and emergency medicine. Also, as one ages cancer and heart disease might be a consideration in finding a good hospital.
I am sincerely hoping if we do move; it will be before we have to move.
Ideally ageing in place sounds great, but unless we subdivide -- moving eventually will be necessary.
If I could afford it, I'd move to Dalton Gardens. That is where my church is. The city is comprised of one and two acre parcels and is fairly close to the Kootenai Medical Center. The area seems to tick pretty much all your boxes, hence the recomendation. It's not particularly windy. No more so than anywhere else. The data side of C-D will give you weather stats.
You don't mention your budget. Dalton Gardens is not the least expensive place in the area. Properties rarely become available, and when they do, they either have a tear-down house or a MacMansion. The least expensive property I've seen the past few years is pretty close to $300k. They go up from there.
There are some one-acre parcels in the northern reaches of Hayden, and some in the western parts. A bit further from Kootenai Health, but a straight shot down the 95 to get there. Only a few minutes more than from DG.
Are the type of properties you think you might want to move to not available in Moscow? I'm thinking you might consider staying in that community since you indicate you like it very much.
I'm also curious what is it about your 10 acres that you don't think you'll be able to handle as you age? We are on 20 acres, but most of it is natural and doesn't require much in the way of maintenance. I may need to have someone come in to cut the lawn around the house at some point, but memories of my grandmother on her riding mower well into her 70's leave me hopeful that I'll be able to handle that for a long time to come (I'm 61 now). If your 10 acres is largely landscaped I could see where that would become too much work though.
One never knows what's in store from a health perspective. We decided to live where we wanted and let the chips fall where they may as far as that goes. Besides, I have friends who retired to the Yaak in MT (extremely remote - 15 miles east of ID, 10 miles south of Canada), so I feel like we're being quite rational by comparison.
Dalton Gardens and Hayden are beautiful.
I looked on realtor.com and I like both of them.
I haven't found one I liked in Moscow, Cnynrat enough to suggest to my husband we should move to it.
We've made a park on part of our property, have a large pond, built many gardens, greenhouse, patios, etc.
Frankly he isn't keen on moving, however we only have Pullman Regional Hospital (WA) near us and
of course Grittman Medical Center.
One is great for having babies, some basic surgeries (WA) and the other one is very good for emergency first aid and some basic surgeries (ID), in my opinion. Not really senior services material for cardiology/oncology. Doctors do come from Spokane to follow up on patients. The area medical services is pretty good for yearly physicals and basic medical needs -- again, in my opinion.
I'm looking ahead (I'm early 60's, my husband is early 70s) and I thought it was a good time to post
on this Idaho forum and see what responses I receive.
It could be that we live here until we die; which is fine with us; but it would be easier to downsize say
in the next 5 years -- and take it just a bit easier.
Frankly, pondering the situation out loud after reading this forum for a month or two.
Boise and Idaho Falls both have lots of senior care specialists and hospitals with advanced medicine, much that is related to senior care. In both, that care is 15 minutes away at any time, and there's plenty of real estate that fits your needs that is available.
Lots of folks your age in both, too. While the scenery is different, there's still plenty of it; that's the one thing that Idaho has, no matter where you end up.
There is a new gated neighborhood being started in the newer section of CDA Place, it will be a copy of the other gated neighborhood, Parc Rose. Ranchers, full lawn service, and close to everything with a community park. They are going to be finishing the setup of the neighborhood next month and start building in May. Prices around 250's and up.
I sold 2 in Parc Rose to similar couples, they love it because they have to upkeep and can lock their doors and leave when they want. If you want a layout or anything, shoot me a pm!
Thank you for the suggestion, BanjoMike.
I don't believe we are looking in that area.
Thank you Shaner.
We're not interested in purchasing at the moment, but I will be watching realtor.com as the listings come up.
It's more a brain storming situation at this time as we ponder the final years of life and where we would like to be
when I'm in my 70's and my husband is in his 80's.
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