Thinking Long-Term? Here’s How to Find or Create an Accessible Home in Treasure Valley

Whether you're caring for an aging parent, planning your own future needs, or simply looking for a home that accommodates everyone—accessible design is more than a niche concern. It’s smart planning.

In the Treasure Valley, more homeowners are asking for features that support aging in place, mobility challenges, or multigenerational living. But here's the catch: accessible homes can be hard to find if you don't know what to look for—or what can be easily modified.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about buying or adapting a home for universal living in Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and the surrounding cities. We’ll cover what makes a home accessible, which local builders offer aging-in-place options, how to modify homes in this market, and the best communities to consider.

Why Accessible Living Matters in Treasure Valley

A Region Built on Long-Term Living

The Treasure Valley isn’t just attracting young families—retirees, caregivers, and multigenerational households are moving in at a fast clip. With Idaho’s aging population growing, it’s no surprise that more homebuyers are prioritizing comfort, safety, and longevity.

Property Values Favor Aging in Place

Instead of buying twice—once now and again later—many homeowners are choosing to purchase homes that will grow with them. In this market, investing in accessibility doesn’t just serve your lifestyle. It protects your future equity.

Home Inventory Is Competitive

Accessible homes make up a small portion of resale inventory. Having a strategy—whether that's finding the right builder or identifying easy-to-modify layouts—gives you a real advantage.

What Makes a Home "Accessible"?

Accessible doesn’t just mean wheelchair-friendly. It means a home that can serve people of all ages and physical abilities, now and in the future.

Here’s what to look for:

No-Step Entry

A single-level home with no steps at the front entrance is key. If the main entrance has a step or two, a gently sloped walkway or zero-threshold ramp can often be added. Side or garage entrances are sometimes easier to modify.

Wide Doorways and Hallways

Thirty-six-inch wide doors and hallways are ideal for mobility devices like walkers or wheelchairs. Open floor plans naturally offer more flexibility.

Main-Level Living

A true accessible layout includes a main-floor primary suite, bathroom, laundry, and kitchen. Homes with main-level master bedrooms are preferred for aging in place—even if there’s a second story.

Bathroom Accessibility

Walk-in showers, grab bars, and space to maneuver are critical. Even if the home doesn't come with these features, layouts that accommodate retrofitting are easier to adapt down the road.

Lever Handles and Rocker Switches

These seem small, but they're huge for arthritis or limited hand strength. Door levers, touchless faucets, and wide light switches are low-cost upgrades that boost usability.

Minimal Transitions

Watch for thresholds between rooms, especially between the garage and the house, or between flooring types. Seamless surfaces reduce tripping hazards and make navigation easier.

Covered Entries and Attached Garages

Covered entrances protect from weather, which is particularly helpful for seniors or anyone with mobility concerns. Direct garage access also helps with safer movement during colder months.

Where to Find Accessible and Universal Design Homes in Treasure Valley

Not every builder or neighborhood focuses on accessible design, but there are standouts that consistently offer or allow universal living options.

Boise

Boise’s core neighborhoods tend to have older homes, which means narrow hallways and steps are common—but don’t count the city out. Newer communities like Harris Ranch, Avimor, and Cartwright Ranch often include single-level homes with modern layouts that support aging in place.

Browse Homes in Boise

Meridian

As one of Idaho’s fastest-growing cities, Meridian offers a high volume of newer homes. Communities like Paramount, Bridgetower West, and Sky Mesa feature single-level plans, wide sidewalks, and neighborhood amenities geared toward long-term residents.

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Eagle

Known for luxury and lifestyle, Eagle has a growing number of semi-custom homes and patio home communities. If you're looking for quality and quiet, check out Legacy, Brookwood, or Homestead—all with high-end finishes and aging-in-place layouts.

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Star & Middleton

For those wanting affordability without sacrificing square footage, Star and Middleton are great options. Look for new builds with main-level master suites and wide-open plans.

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Browse Homes in Middleton

Nampa & Caldwell

Want space to build or remodel? These communities have some of the best bang for your buck. Larger lots make it easier to build ramps, widen driveways, or create multi-gen ADU spaces. Consider areas like South Nampa, Hunter’s Point, or Sienna Hills in Caldwell.

Browse Homes in Nampa
Browse Homes in Caldwell

Modifying a Home for Accessibility

Can’t find a move-in-ready accessible home? Don’t worry. Many homes can be modified with relatively simple changes.

Widening Doors

Replacing standard doors with 36-inch wide ones usually costs between $300–$800 per doorway. In most newer homes, the framing already allows for it.

Ramps & Sloped Entrances

Temporary ramps are affordable, but for long-term use, concrete or composite sloped walkways are safer and more attractive. These start around $1,500–$5,000 depending on material and length.

Bathroom Retrofits

Converting a tub to a walk-in shower and adding grab bars and a bench can run between $3,000 and $10,000. Wet room conversions are more costly but offer the best long-term usability.

Flooring

Removing carpet and installing vinyl or tile is often the best option for accessibility and cleanliness. The investment can also boost resale value.

Smart Tech for Convenience

Motion-sensor lights, video doorbells, and voice-activated devices can simplify daily tasks and enhance safety. Many smart home features now support aging in place through automation.

Universal Design and New Construction: What to Ask Builders

If you’re considering building or buying new construction, you’re in a great position to incorporate accessibility from the start.

Here are smart questions to ask:

• Can doorways be upgraded to 36 inches during construction?

• Is there a floor plan with a main-level owner’s suite?

• Will the builder allow a roll-in shower option?

• Are there zero-step entry options from the garage or front door?

• Can grab bars or blocking be installed in bathrooms (even if grab bars come later)?

• Will they use rocker light switches or install lever-style handles?

• Can appliance placements be adjusted for seated access?

Builders like Berkeley Building Co., Alturas Homes, Todd Campbell Custom Homes, and James Clyde Homes are known for quality construction and often offer flexibility with universal design features.

Aging in Place vs. Assisted Living: Why the Right Home Matters

The cost of assisted living in Idaho can range from $3,000 to $6,000+ per month. Many families are finding it’s more affordable—and more comfortable—to create a living environment that supports independence.

Accessible homes:

• Help avoid premature moves to care facilities

• Allow adult children to care for aging parents at home

• Offer flexibility for injury recovery or disability support

• Hold their value as multi-gen and universal living grow in demand

Hidden Gems: Features You May Not Realize Support Accessibility

Split Bedroom Layouts

This style gives privacy for multigenerational living or live-in caregivers.

Low-Maintenance Landscaping

No-step patios, raised garden beds, and xeriscaping cut down on outdoor upkeep.

Oversized Garages

Extra garage space makes it easier to enter and exit vehicles with mobility aids.

HOA Communities with Lawn Care

Letting someone else handle landscaping or snow removal can extend the years someone is able to stay in their home.

Final Thoughts: Planning for the Future Starts Now

It’s never too early to think about what you or your loved ones might need five, ten, or even twenty years down the road. Whether you're building, buying, or retrofitting, there’s no question that Treasure Valley offers real opportunity for accessible, long-term living.

The trick is knowing where to look—and what to look for.

That’s where I come in. I’ve helped hundreds of families relocate to the Boise area and find homes that don’t just work for today—but for the next chapter, too. If you're ready to find a home that supports your needs, your future, and your lifestyle, let’s have a conversation.

📞 Call or Text Curtis at (208) 510-0427
📧 info@chismteam.com
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