3 Affordable Retirement Towns in the American Northwest

When most people retire in the United States, they are usually looking to settle in high-cost-of-living areas.

While big cities have a lot of activities, they are expensive to live in. And living in one can exhaust your retirement fund quicker than you realize.

If you are willing to try quiet living, there are many small towns in the United States with low populations, low crime, and very low cost of living.

Blackfoot, Idaho

Blackfoot is a small town located in the southeastern corner of the state. Blackfoot is about 256 miles east of Boise. The town has a population of about 12,000 residents.

The Blackfoot metro area is situated on the southern side of the Snake River. It is a vastly rural area with deep Indigenous American cultural roots. It would be an understatement to say that Blackfoot is the epitome of the idyllic small town. 

You will find a lot to do if you like hiking, nature walks, fishing, and agriculture. Other than that, it is a perfect town for living a quiet existence.

Blackfoot, Idaho has the largest potato-based industry in the world. The world-famous Idaho Potato Museum is located there, along with the world’s largest baked potato and potato chip.

The average rent in Blackfoot ranges between $800 to $1,500 monthly. The average cost of a home here ranges between $350,000 to $630,000.

Umatilla, Oregon

Umatilla, Oregon is a very small town located south of the Columbia River, on the northeastern border of the state. Umatilla is situated about 181 east of Portland. About 7,300 people live there.

This small town is a part of the nearby Hermiston-Pendelton metropolitan area. The most notable tourist attractions are the McNary Dam and the Pacific Salmon Visitor Information Center. Umatilla has moderate winters and summers.

However, most people move to Umatilla for the low cost of living and quiet town living, not for the social activities. 

You can find an apartment to rent for anywhere between $775 to $1,750 on the low end. The average cost of a home here is $300,000.

Euphrata, Washington

Euphrata is a very small town located within the center of the state. Euphrata is located about 123 miles southwest of Spokane. This small town has about 8,400 residents.

Euphrata is known for its small town and idyllic living. The town features abundant but cool natural springs and great hiking, fishing, and camping activities. You will also find a lot of cultural influence from nearby Indigenous American groups.

However, the town is an important business center and features a lot of modern infrastructure.

The average rent in Euphrata, Washington ranges between $1,000 to $1,600. The average cost of a home here is $300,000.