RIVER BEND
APARTMENTS
Wood River Valley, Idaho
COMING SOON:
River Bend Apartments: Wood River Valley's Newest Workforce Housing Community
About
River Bend is a new, thoughtfully designed 81-unit workforce housing community just south of Ketchum, created to support and celebrate Blaine County’s local workforce. Centered on connection and accessibility, the development features inviting green spaces, easy access to the Wood River Trail, and proximity to Mountain Rides bus service for seamless travel throughout the valley. Designed for residents who live and work locally, River Bend offers more than just housing—it’s a vibrant neighborhood where community, convenience, and quality of life come together.
River Bend will be developed and owned by The Wood River Community Housing Trust, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing rental housing for Blaine County residents. The Trust manages the property with a mission-driven approach, earning no profit from the project, ensuring that River Bend remains affordable, sustainable, and focused on the needs of the community.
River Bend uses a nationally leading approach to build workforce housing by utilizing private financing rather than relying on state, federal, or municipal subsidies. By eliminating the need for public funding, the development preserves valuable local tax dollars while still addressing a critical housing need. This innovative model demonstrates how private investment can deliver meaningful community solutions without placing an additional burden on taxpayers.
Who is River Bend for?
River Bend is for local residents who work in Blaine County and earn between $56,000 and $98,000 as an individual annually. Rental rates for eligible applicants will be based on each applicant’s current income and capped at no more than 30% of that amount. Utility costs are not included in the rent and will be the responsibility of the resident.
Qualified tenants must meet the following criteria:
Employment
Be full-time employees in the County
Annual Tenant Qualification Recertification
Have an income within 80-140% of the County Average Median Income (AMI)
as defined by U.S. Department of housing and Urban Development
Ownership
Have no ownership of a home in Blaine County or elsewhere
Location
The site is positioned within an area of Ketchum that is well served by community infrastructure and regional amenities, creating a supportive context for future development.
Downtown Ketchum lies a short distance to the north, offering access to civic, commercial, and cultural services. Public transit access is facilitated by a nearby Mountain Rides bus stop, strengthening opportunities for multimodal transportation and reducing reliance on private vehicles. The adjacent Wood River Trail enhances regional connectivity and encourages active transportation through its multi-use pathway system. St. Luke’s Hospital is located nearby, providing essential healthcare access for residents and visitors.
To the west, Bald Mountain remains a prominent geographic and recreational anchor, underscoring the area’s role in year-round tourism and outdoor activity.
Together, these features establish a location that aligns with community planning priorities related to accessibility, livability, and sustainable growth.
River Bend has submitted a Planned Unit Development application and will have a public meeting with the Planning and Zoning Commission in October.
Have Questions or Feedback?
We’d love to hear from you. Share your questions or thoughts with us and we’ll get back to you, or let us know if you’d like to set up a time to connect.
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