McCall

Situated on the southern shore of Payette Lake, a clear, clean, glacial reservoir in the mountains of Idaho, McCall offers visitors year-round access to a variety of outdoor activities and family fun. Though it’s just 100 miles north of Boise, it feels worlds away! Idyllic scenery, friendly locals, and some of the finest alpine & Nordic skiing terrain in the world make it one of the most vibrant resort towns in the United States. 

Within 20 miles of the town center are four renowned ski resorts: Brundage Mountain Resort, Little Ski Hill, Top of Bluebird Lift, and Tamarack Resort. Skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling are certainly among the favorite pastimes in McCall, but the region has so much more to offer than that. The town’s Winter Carnival has been hosted since the 1960’s and welcomes more than 60,000 visitors each year. Springtime draws a huge fishing crowd, as well as those who want to take advantage of the melting snow “fat biking” or snowshoeing. Summer boasts a plethora of watersports, boating, hiking, mountain biking, golf, and whitewater rafting, while hunting and off-roading entertain in the fall. Payette Lake remains a year-round draw, as “lake life” is embraced by both locals and visitors. 

When all the activity of the region has worn you out, slow down with a yoga class, a visit to one of the local spas, or the McCall Area Hot Springs. You might also choose to take in some arts and culture, stopping by the Central Idaho Historical Museum, taking in a live performance at the Alpine Playhouse, visiting a farmers’ market or art gallery, or enjoying some of the best local brews by following the McCall Ale Trail. End the day visiting the shops and restaurants downtown or catching a sunset in one of the many nature preserves.     

Job growth in McCall has increased 4.4% in the past year, with future growth predicted to be around 52.5% over the next decade (considerably higher than the US average of 33.5%). Low property taxes, crime rates, and poverty rates paired with lower-than-average cost of living and A-rated schools make it an enticing place to live, as well.

Overall, McCall is on a sustainable upward trajectory and offers a valuable solution to anybody seeking a family-friendly environment with ample access to a host of cultural offerings and the great outdoors all year long!