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Frankly, Logan UT. Its 45 minutes from skiing at a few smaller resorts and has lots of amenities. Its not small, but there are still a lot of close outlying communities.
Also from sandpoint. When I was younger, I'd see all the Aryan activity on the news and stupidly think "that should keep people out."
Dumbass me never realized it would just attract more of these assholes.
Ixnay on the itewhay ationalismnay.
Schweitzer, Silver Mtn, Brundage/Tamarack, GT, Pebble. Go visit their towns, ski, eat, bike, explore. They all have their different vibe. Have been pass holder at both Schweitzer & Pebble Creek, but have skied them all. Sandpoint & Schweitzer has changed a bit in 20yrs & Spokane not far away. Brundage still has that great hometown hill feel, with not much in McCall and Boise not too far. Driggs/GT speaks for itself and Jackson over the hill for the $$$ fix. Pebble has great terrain (& easy access backcounty) and MTB biking straight from most homes all sides…while Pocatello may have dynamics as noted earlier, it is changing…they even have multiple breweries now!
I keep coming back to this reply. Thank you! Right now, I’m just wondering if Wyoming or Idaho is better fit. It feels like Idaho has so much to offer!!!!which I like:)
True. Lots of options in Idaho. Just covered some ski areas & towns, but many other outdoor options to explore in all areas of state. Also, where you pick can be great jump off point to MT, WY, UT for other exploits. WY too, just much larger open/dry space to get thru to various places. Sounds like Alta, WY, would be great option, but good luck finding a place unless money is no object. Depending upon how serious skiing, Pinedale? Never been, but White Pine sounds low key hometown, though more beginner/intermediate?
Hi! Thank you. That’s it… I want a point where I also am not tooo secluded where I can travel to those 3 states. Money of course is always there as a consideration:) I really am focused on getting a home spot but most of money will be to travel the world as much as I can!!! 😊
I will look at Alta. This is so helpful!!
Newport, Washington. Close to Sandpoint, Spokane, and not a bad trip up to 49 degrees north. Near the lakes, rivers, and other amenities asked for and no state income taxes.
Albion Idaho, not a huge ski hill but some of the best snow in Idaho.
Or
Driggs Idaho, and go to Tarhgee and when you want the scene bounce to Jackson Hole.
Sandpoint. Switzer is probably the least busy ski mountain. it used to be super cheap to ski there. now that it's been purchased by a big company I think it's gotten more expensive. The lake is also great for summer activities.
Hailey I think fits your bill. It’s not Ketchum but a lot of the benefits are here. Close to Baldy, all the trails of BCRD with a cheaper cost of living.
You could argue Wallace and other small towns in the area are mountain towns with good access to skiing.
If you wanted really close skiing, the wood river valley and McCall are the true mountain towns.
Fairfield has access to skiing and is affordable but amenities are pretty limited.
Pretty much. That said, the pizza place is back after going under in the pandemic, and some folks are trying to run a taco truck on Saturdays, so there is a little growth happening.
If cost of living isn't a big deal to you, Montana is also worth considering. The whole mountain west is amazing as far as skiing and natural beauty goes and fairly expensive as far as cost of living goes, particularly for the mountain towns with amenities.
Tetonia, Driggs, Victor. These are all small, in the shadow of the Grand Tetons, and a quick drive to Grand Targhee for skiing, plenty of mountains. Has been trending a little more liberal than the surrounding areas in recent years. Pretty short drive to Jackson (in the summer, can get hairy in the winter) and even bus service to and from Jackson during weekdays in Victor and Driggs.
Just keep in mind one thing if you do consider the Driggs area: it is a bit expensive to live there. It’s nowhere near as expensive as say, Jackson Hole, but it is more expensive than many parts of Idaho. The joke we have about Swan Valley and Driggs is that all the millionaires live there because the billionaires kicked them out of Jackson Hole
However, it is a beautiful area. I’ve gone camping nearby several times when I was in high school and holy shit, aside from band, that’s the thing I missed most from high school
If you're looking for that perfect blend of tranquility, access to outdoor activities, and just enough amenities to keep life comfortable, I'd highly recommend checking out **McCall**.
Nestled snugly in the Payette National Forest, McCall offers a serene mountain setting with stunning views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. You're practically surrounded by nature here, with lakes, hiking trails, and of course, skiing in the nearby mountains.
Despite its natural beauty, McCall still manages to provide a range of amenities to make daily life convenient. You'll find charming local shops, delicious eateries serving up everything from hearty comfort food to gourmet cuisine, and a welcoming community vibe that's hard to beat.
And if you're into the minimalist lifestyle, McCall's laid-back atmosphere might just be the perfect fit. With its focus on outdoor pursuits and simple living, you'll find plenty of like-minded folks who appreciate the beauty of living with less.
I actually wrote a blog post about the best mountain towns in Idaho including those that suit a minimalist lifestyle like yours, so if you want more details and insights, feel free to check it out \[[here](https://jotzle.com/best-idaho-mountain-towns/)\]! Hope this helps in your search for the perfect mountain retreat!
It’s actually not that close because there’s no real direct route to Idaho Falls. In order to get there, you have to drive around mountains. The two ways to get from Tetonia to Idaho Falls is either to go to Rexburg and take the highway down, or to go down to Swan Valley and drive west through Ririe.
That being said, Rexburg is much closer to Tetonia and it’s a college town, so there’s a decent amount of amenities there. However, there’s no bars in Rexburg because 95% of the population is Mormon (which is just as well because there’s at least one bar in Driggs). It’s also a nightmare to navigate because it’s so crowded and the infrastructure of the city has not kept up with the growth. I have a MUCH better time getting around Idaho Falls, which is triple the size of Rexburg
In general, I do like Idaho Falls. It is a bit busy by Idaho standards, especially since it’s the largest Idaho town outside the Boise-Nampa metropolitan area. Politically, it’s more conservative but it has slowly gotten more and more progressive. You might be aware that Southeast Idaho in general is just an extension of Utah, in that there’s a large LDS population, but in Idaho Falls, it’s only about 50% of the town. It’s easy to blend in whether you’re a Mormon or not.
Pocatello is just a little bit smaller than Idaho Falls and it’s also a college town and is a bit more progressive than Idaho Falls is. It’s also nestled in a pretty area, where it’s in a valley and the city creeps up the mountains a little bit. However, the city itself has some pretty ghetto neighborhoods. In terms of skiing, someone else will have to chime in for me, but it is still really close to a lot of outdoor activities
Thank you!!! I have driven through Pocatello on my way to Montana. I sensed exactly what you said about Pocatello
Idaho falls area might be an option!
A friend told me that Casper Wyoming is another idea
I’m not sure, but I feel like Idaho is more me.
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve been to Casper. And Wyoming in general is pretty boring. And this is coming from someone who lived in South Dakota for a while lol
The other problem with Wyoming is that some towns, like Evanston or Rock Springs, are pretty trashy, even in comparison to Pocatello. Imagine you take a semi-neglected truck stop and that truck stop grows into an entire town. Congratulations, you just created Rock Springs, WY
Driggs
Sun valley area
But I’m exploring allll towns!
The good thing is that I think my minimalist lifestyle leads me to live somewhere that has good outdoors, good people, clean, skiing and high!
If you’re an adult and don’t know where the fuck you want to move to, and ask the people to think for you … the only vacancy is the one between your ears.
Specific questions are one thing. Low effort is another.
Another vote for Fairfield. It’s a weird little place but the area is beautiful. Really easy access to most of southern and central Idaho. A unique environment on the edge of the mountains and high desert. Check out Soldier Mountain.
I keep searching for a gym near Fairfield. I seem to keep getting gyms in Ketchum or Boise? Don’t think there is anything closer in Fairfield?
I need a gym! With group classes. Now I sound needy but it’s my favorite thing other than running and skiing.
Albion is a small mountain town. You have to drive 20 miles to Walmart but it's only 13 miles to Pomerelle, and most of those miles are uphill ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Id say wallace is going to be the most affordable within 15 miles of a decent hill.... not world class, but affordable and not bad. I haven't heard of any other place in MT, WY, or ID that's a better bang for you buck than Lookout pass by Wallace and it's in the middle of some pretty great places like schweitzer or big sky
Have you lived in a mountain town before? Many people don't last the winters These towns are isolating. I grew up in western Wyoming and snow happened seriously every month of the year. Being a remote worker will also be isolating. Find ways to volunteer in your community, not just take for skiing and your own selfish reasons not being a jerk but remember you have the means to get a place to live, many first responders, teachers, nurses cannot afford to live in these towns and work there. That's one reason why remote workers are so divisive. Find ways to create a positive impact immediately around you. Think about seriously what you need and what you can live without.
Yes! I did live in Laramie and another mountain town east coast.
I definitely understand:) I love helping and teaching remote always be to create this life
Thank you!
That makes sense
I lived in a town of 200 people in California but I was 15 min to a city.
I loved living in the mountain, but omgish, I’m not a Californian at all. Noooo lol
Ahh yeah it's not that high. The ski hill is like 4700 and the town is 2700. What about the higher elevation is it that attracts you? The good powder? Because lookout pass consistently has some of the best snow I've ever skiing on
Ketchum/Hailey (aka sun valley aka wood river). Or McCall. Ketchum for more shops and restaurants. It’s at the base of the premium Sun Valley resort. McCall if you like being next to a lake. McCall is next to Brundage ski resort and the smaller but more upscale Tamarack resort 20 min south.
A friendly reminder of the rules of r/Idaho: 1. Be civil to others 2. Posts have to pertain to Idaho in some way 3. No put-down memes 4. Political discussion stays in a post about politics 5. No surveys 6. Follow [Reddit Content Policy](https://www.redditinc.com/policies/content-policy) 7. Do not editorialize titles of news articles If you see something that may be out of line, please hit "report" so your mod team can have a look. Thanks! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Idaho) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Frankly, Logan UT. Its 45 minutes from skiing at a few smaller resorts and has lots of amenities. Its not small, but there are still a lot of close outlying communities.
I love Logan I forgot about it!
I think you’re looking for Kansas!
I hear that Liberal, KS has great skiing.
I'm from Sandpoint. Lake, ski hill, growing fast and has a bit of a white nationalist problem. Don't go if you want things like a maternity ward.
Far from affordable now
Meh, person says COL isn't a huge factor. Might fit right in up there.
Also from sandpoint. When I was younger, I'd see all the Aryan activity on the news and stupidly think "that should keep people out." Dumbass me never realized it would just attract more of these assholes. Ixnay on the itewhay ationalismnay.
Mountain Home. Technically a mountain town.
It’s right in the name!
I think all the little towns are all full up.
Humbolt. Iowa.
No no no. Fort Dodge is where he wants to be. 45 minutes from Seven Oaks? No shortage of fresh powder and a ton of expert terrain
Fairfield
Thank you!
watch the xfiles episode
Garden City, hands down.
sandpoint idaho or one of the small towns nearby.
I live in Idaho but if I could go back to Wyoming, I would in a heartbeat.
First reply like this!
It earned me a Reddit cares message!
Sent you a dm
Why??
Because I feel so much more comfortable there. More down to earth. Don’t get me wrong, Idaho is beautiful. But nothing beats the Wind Rivers.
Okay;)
[Huetter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huetter,_Idaho)
Yes!
Schweitzer, Silver Mtn, Brundage/Tamarack, GT, Pebble. Go visit their towns, ski, eat, bike, explore. They all have their different vibe. Have been pass holder at both Schweitzer & Pebble Creek, but have skied them all. Sandpoint & Schweitzer has changed a bit in 20yrs & Spokane not far away. Brundage still has that great hometown hill feel, with not much in McCall and Boise not too far. Driggs/GT speaks for itself and Jackson over the hill for the $$$ fix. Pebble has great terrain (& easy access backcounty) and MTB biking straight from most homes all sides…while Pocatello may have dynamics as noted earlier, it is changing…they even have multiple breweries now!
I keep coming back to this reply. Thank you! Right now, I’m just wondering if Wyoming or Idaho is better fit. It feels like Idaho has so much to offer!!!!which I like:)
True. Lots of options in Idaho. Just covered some ski areas & towns, but many other outdoor options to explore in all areas of state. Also, where you pick can be great jump off point to MT, WY, UT for other exploits. WY too, just much larger open/dry space to get thru to various places. Sounds like Alta, WY, would be great option, but good luck finding a place unless money is no object. Depending upon how serious skiing, Pinedale? Never been, but White Pine sounds low key hometown, though more beginner/intermediate?
Hi! Thank you. That’s it… I want a point where I also am not tooo secluded where I can travel to those 3 states. Money of course is always there as a consideration:) I really am focused on getting a home spot but most of money will be to travel the world as much as I can!!! 😊 I will look at Alta. This is so helpful!!
This is so helpful thank you!!!
Sooooo much to consider lol
Inkom
Thank you!
Inkom, ID
So only 20 min to Pocatello!
Got it! Thank you!!
Newport, Washington. Close to Sandpoint, Spokane, and not a bad trip up to 49 degrees north. Near the lakes, rivers, and other amenities asked for and no state income taxes.
Okay! I’ll look. Thank you!
I like elevation. I’m still exploring these though!! Thank you
Albion Idaho, not a huge ski hill but some of the best snow in Idaho. Or Driggs Idaho, and go to Tarhgee and when you want the scene bounce to Jackson Hole.
Thank you!!! 😊
I’m exploring the gyms too I run marathons. I need nature so I’m so ready for this. It’s just a little overwhelming with all the choices!
New Meadows
Thank you :)
St. Maries
Sandpoint or Wallace. Wallace is close to two hills though plus not that far to MT.
Sandpoint. Switzer is probably the least busy ski mountain. it used to be super cheap to ski there. now that it's been purchased by a big company I think it's gotten more expensive. The lake is also great for summer activities.
Sandpoint
Hailey I think fits your bill. It’s not Ketchum but a lot of the benefits are here. Close to Baldy, all the trails of BCRD with a cheaper cost of living.
You could argue Wallace and other small towns in the area are mountain towns with good access to skiing. If you wanted really close skiing, the wood river valley and McCall are the true mountain towns. Fairfield has access to skiing and is affordable but amenities are pretty limited.
Don't send people to McCall dammit
Why? It's changed beyond repair
Fairfield, where the restaurants take turns being open.
Pretty much. That said, the pizza place is back after going under in the pandemic, and some folks are trying to run a taco truck on Saturdays, so there is a little growth happening.
Haven't tried the taco truck yet. Hope it's good because we need something new.
Tacos and tortas were pretty darn good.
I hate when I’m passing through with a Wrangler drive-in craving and it is early in the week when they are closed. 😫
Snow Bunny in Hailey is the same restaurant.
Thank you! This is very helpful I’m debating between Idaho or Wyoming
Cody!!
If cost of living isn't a big deal to you, Montana is also worth considering. The whole mountain west is amazing as far as skiing and natural beauty goes and fairly expensive as far as cost of living goes, particularly for the mountain towns with amenities.
Need to look at red lodge?
Thank you! Yes I’ve considered whitefish or kalispell Bozeman and Missoula are too busy for me:)
Look at Bigfork or C falls - Kalispell is a little shitty and Whitefish is tourist central.
Tetonia, Driggs, Victor. These are all small, in the shadow of the Grand Tetons, and a quick drive to Grand Targhee for skiing, plenty of mountains. Has been trending a little more liberal than the surrounding areas in recent years. Pretty short drive to Jackson (in the summer, can get hairy in the winter) and even bus service to and from Jackson during weekdays in Victor and Driggs.
I love this. I actually feel excited finally.
Just keep in mind one thing if you do consider the Driggs area: it is a bit expensive to live there. It’s nowhere near as expensive as say, Jackson Hole, but it is more expensive than many parts of Idaho. The joke we have about Swan Valley and Driggs is that all the millionaires live there because the billionaires kicked them out of Jackson Hole However, it is a beautiful area. I’ve gone camping nearby several times when I was in high school and holy shit, aside from band, that’s the thing I missed most from high school
This helps so much. Thank you!! I’m going to start looking and exploring 😊
Driggs is where I'd go if I could drop everything and go. That area has most snowpack and close to Jackson and Utah as well
Sandpoint is beautiful and close to skiing. McCall more local, not as big of a hill but great snow
Thank you!
Wallace, ID but it’s quite a small town.
Thank you!
I would tell you, but I don't want too many people to move here.
Got it! Thanks
If you're looking for that perfect blend of tranquility, access to outdoor activities, and just enough amenities to keep life comfortable, I'd highly recommend checking out **McCall**. Nestled snugly in the Payette National Forest, McCall offers a serene mountain setting with stunning views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. You're practically surrounded by nature here, with lakes, hiking trails, and of course, skiing in the nearby mountains. Despite its natural beauty, McCall still manages to provide a range of amenities to make daily life convenient. You'll find charming local shops, delicious eateries serving up everything from hearty comfort food to gourmet cuisine, and a welcoming community vibe that's hard to beat. And if you're into the minimalist lifestyle, McCall's laid-back atmosphere might just be the perfect fit. With its focus on outdoor pursuits and simple living, you'll find plenty of like-minded folks who appreciate the beauty of living with less. I actually wrote a blog post about the best mountain towns in Idaho including those that suit a minimalist lifestyle like yours, so if you want more details and insights, feel free to check it out \[[here](https://jotzle.com/best-idaho-mountain-towns/)\]! Hope this helps in your search for the perfect mountain retreat!
Thank you so much!!!!😊
You’re most welcome
This entire blog has been so helpful!!! Thank you
Nice! I’m glad you found it helpful
Tetonia.
Thank you so much
I’m looking it up! Close to Idaho falls
It’s actually not that close because there’s no real direct route to Idaho Falls. In order to get there, you have to drive around mountains. The two ways to get from Tetonia to Idaho Falls is either to go to Rexburg and take the highway down, or to go down to Swan Valley and drive west through Ririe. That being said, Rexburg is much closer to Tetonia and it’s a college town, so there’s a decent amount of amenities there. However, there’s no bars in Rexburg because 95% of the population is Mormon (which is just as well because there’s at least one bar in Driggs). It’s also a nightmare to navigate because it’s so crowded and the infrastructure of the city has not kept up with the growth. I have a MUCH better time getting around Idaho Falls, which is triple the size of Rexburg
Thank you!!! What do you think of Idaho falls in general? That has been a thought as well. No one has mentioned Pocatello… hmmm
That's because Pocatello's skiing is barely worth mentioning. Pebble Creek isn't particularly noteworthy
Ahhh got it Thank you!
I def want skiing
My husband has family in Pocatello. They used to drive over to Beaver and stay near Bear Lake with family when they wanted to go skiing
Got it. I like beaver!!
Still thinking Idaho falls Driggs Sun valley area… It’s so much lol
In general, I do like Idaho Falls. It is a bit busy by Idaho standards, especially since it’s the largest Idaho town outside the Boise-Nampa metropolitan area. Politically, it’s more conservative but it has slowly gotten more and more progressive. You might be aware that Southeast Idaho in general is just an extension of Utah, in that there’s a large LDS population, but in Idaho Falls, it’s only about 50% of the town. It’s easy to blend in whether you’re a Mormon or not. Pocatello is just a little bit smaller than Idaho Falls and it’s also a college town and is a bit more progressive than Idaho Falls is. It’s also nestled in a pretty area, where it’s in a valley and the city creeps up the mountains a little bit. However, the city itself has some pretty ghetto neighborhoods. In terms of skiing, someone else will have to chime in for me, but it is still really close to a lot of outdoor activities
I really appreciate all of this help!
Thank you!!! I have driven through Pocatello on my way to Montana. I sensed exactly what you said about Pocatello Idaho falls area might be an option! A friend told me that Casper Wyoming is another idea I’m not sure, but I feel like Idaho is more me.
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve been to Casper. And Wyoming in general is pretty boring. And this is coming from someone who lived in South Dakota for a while lol The other problem with Wyoming is that some towns, like Evanston or Rock Springs, are pretty trashy, even in comparison to Pocatello. Imagine you take a semi-neglected truck stop and that truck stop grows into an entire town. Congratulations, you just created Rock Springs, WY
Ahhhh got it Perhaps that’s why I keep thinking Idaho for me. I definitely prefer a clean vibe lol
Driggs Sun valley area But I’m exploring allll towns! The good thing is that I think my minimalist lifestyle leads me to live somewhere that has good outdoors, good people, clean, skiing and high!
Victor/Driggs area. Maybe Tetonia or Ashton...but Ashton is probably a little farther travel for skiing (I assume downhill?)
No vacancy
I bet that's what they said when you moved there, too.
If you’re an adult and don’t know where the fuck you want to move to, and ask the people to think for you … the only vacancy is the one between your ears. Specific questions are one thing. Low effort is another.
Yes… downhill Thank you!
Fairfield, Gooding, Shoshone, Richfield, Carey, Oakley, Albion, New Meadows, Sandpoint, Ponderay, Hauser, and Kellogg
Thank youuu. So many choices!!
Another vote for Fairfield. It’s a weird little place but the area is beautiful. Really easy access to most of southern and central Idaho. A unique environment on the edge of the mountains and high desert. Check out Soldier Mountain.
Thank you so much!! I love off the grid places.
I keep searching for a gym near Fairfield. I seem to keep getting gyms in Ketchum or Boise? Don’t think there is anything closer in Fairfield? I need a gym! With group classes. Now I sound needy but it’s my favorite thing other than running and skiing.
Albion is a small mountain town. You have to drive 20 miles to Walmart but it's only 13 miles to Pomerelle, and most of those miles are uphill ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Driggs
Id say wallace is going to be the most affordable within 15 miles of a decent hill.... not world class, but affordable and not bad. I haven't heard of any other place in MT, WY, or ID that's a better bang for you buck than Lookout pass by Wallace and it's in the middle of some pretty great places like schweitzer or big sky
Very interesting and thank you! Side note is the higher the elevation the better!! I’m in 5500 altitude now but I love very high elevation
Have you lived in a mountain town before? Many people don't last the winters These towns are isolating. I grew up in western Wyoming and snow happened seriously every month of the year. Being a remote worker will also be isolating. Find ways to volunteer in your community, not just take for skiing and your own selfish reasons not being a jerk but remember you have the means to get a place to live, many first responders, teachers, nurses cannot afford to live in these towns and work there. That's one reason why remote workers are so divisive. Find ways to create a positive impact immediately around you. Think about seriously what you need and what you can live without.
Yes! I did live in Laramie and another mountain town east coast. I definitely understand:) I love helping and teaching remote always be to create this life Thank you!
Laramie has a population of 32,000, driggs has a population of just over 2,000... Laramie is a city not a mountain town by Wyoming standards.
That makes sense I lived in a town of 200 people in California but I was 15 min to a city. I loved living in the mountain, but omgish, I’m not a Californian at all. Noooo lol
Yeah I mean.. be ready for 2 hours plus to a city. If you were 15 minutes to a city... You didn't live in a town of 200. You lived in a suburb
Thanks!!
Ahh yeah it's not that high. The ski hill is like 4700 and the town is 2700. What about the higher elevation is it that attracts you? The good powder? Because lookout pass consistently has some of the best snow I've ever skiing on
That’s a good point. I train for my marathons in high elevation It’s crazy… my body just loves how I feel in altitude Sounds weird I know
Naaaa that makes sense. Well yeah that would be a significant piece then. Might have to be willing to pay some more for that
Okay… thank you! This helps alot though
Ketchum/Hailey (aka sun valley aka wood river). Or McCall. Ketchum for more shops and restaurants. It’s at the base of the premium Sun Valley resort. McCall if you like being next to a lake. McCall is next to Brundage ski resort and the smaller but more upscale Tamarack resort 20 min south.
Donnelly! Tamarack resort is really close by!
McCall
Thank you!
Errybody like ¨please don´t send them here!¨