THE CITY OF BOISE

With abundant access to the great outdoors, four seasons, copious events, and friendly folks – the Boise Real Estate Guide has plenty to boast about for this state capital city. The Boise metro area (including the cities of Boise, Nampa, and Caldwell, as well as several other smaller cities/towns in the surrounding area) has a population of about 725,000. 

Let’s talk about real estate and economics a bit …

The Boise Real Estate Guide is eager to show you around town. Boise is currently experiencing strong growth and recent years have shown a rise in home pricing. The market will likely remain strong for the foreseeable future as continued population growth and a strong economy are driving the demand for housing in the area. Here are a few areas to consider when looking for your next home:

  • Harris Ranch – located in east Boise, a very family-oriented area with homes built in the 2000’s and forward. Nestled in the foothills, this master-planned community comes with beautiful views and ready access to trails.
  • North End – this historic neighborhood is located right next to downtown Boise. Many old and smaller homes refurbished (typically high-end!). Think history meets floral meets a good dose of charm.
  • The Bench – more of a mid-century modern neighborhood, an “up and coming” version of the North End. Close-knit, neighborly, charming and just the right number of things to do!

The cost of living (COL) in Boise runs close to the national average. Home prices impact COL the most here, as other staples (energy, transportation, food, etc.) tend to offset housing and remain below the norm. 

Boise is a business-friendly city and attracts a lot of start-up companies, entrepreneurship is embraced here! Some of the major employers in the area include Micron, Simplot, Boise Paper, Boise State, and Hewlett Packard (HP). A start-up seeing great success in Boise is Lovevery – a subscription based toy/learning company for ages infants to 5-years.

Read more about this city in my Guide to Boise and the Treasure Valley.

 

Education and Transportation

Boise has a solid public education system with a mix of traditional public schools, charter schools, and private schools. The Boise School District is known for its high academic standards and a commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education. The district has a strong emphasis on technology and innovation in the classroom. Another huge attribute to education here is the interaction with Boise State University. The concurrent enrollment offers local students a real advantage with both academics and financials. 

Boise has a relatively limited public transportation system. Here are few options:

  • ValleyRide – a public bus system for the metro area
  • Boise GreenBike – a bike-sharing program allowing residents and visitors to rent bikes from various locations around the city
  • Boise Airport – easy to navigate and offers a variety of flights to get you anywhere you need to be!
  • Road Infrastructure – several major highways (interstates 84 and 11) connecting to other parts of the city, state, and surrounding states
  • A vast network of bike lanes and sidewalks making the city both bike and pedestrian friendly
  • Overall, Boise is a “car-dependent” city for those wanting to travel farther than by foot or bike!

Things to Do

The Boise Real Estate Guide could go on for hours (ok, days!) about this topic! Here is just a sampling:

  • The OUTDOORS! This city offers ready access to all things outdoors – a huge biking community here; a huge hiking community; and skiing is awesome! If snow is your thing – skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, all the snow “stuff”! There is an expansive system of trails throughout the metro. A popular destination is the Boise Greenbelt – a 25 mile trail system along the Boise River. The Boise Foothills offer miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, too! Fly fishing is a real sport here! Grab your gear, your binoculars, your book, your dog, your friend, your water bottle … explore!
  • Still on the sports topic, although there are no professional sports teams located here, the area is big on: Boise State University sports (yes, the blue football field!); Boise Hawks (a minor league baseball team); and Steelhead Hockey (a minor league hockey team)
  • Festivals and Events:
    • Spirit Balloon Festival 
    • Art in the Park
    • Treefort Music Fest – something for everyone! All genres of music, plus “fort” sites for films, storytelling, comedy, yoga, food, music talks … it’s a “not miss”!
    • Idaho Shakespeare Festival -this is an experience, an education, and an amazing event!
    • Annual Music Festival – music is big here in this city
    • Lots of great running events like Race to Robie Creek
  • Cultural Attractions include:
    • Boise Art Museum
    • Idaho Historical Museum
    • Morrison Center for the Performing Arts
    • Botanical Gardens – don’t miss their concert series!

This Real Estate Guide enjoys the variety of events and options available here – something for everyone in this vibrant, diverse, and eco-conscious city!

Food and Fun Facts …

This city is rapidly becoming a “foodie” city – with a growing and diverse population, the culinary culture is expanding here!  Food truck parks are also very popular, and a new “food hall” called The Warehouse offers an outstanding variety of food and drink. A few other restaurants and coffee shops for you to put on your “must” list:

  • Bittercreek Alehouse – a local brew pub with focus on sustainability and local sourcing
  • Juniper – higher-end restaurant with a delectable menu
  • Fork – holding true to a “loyal to local” pledge – the chopped salad is dreamy!
  • The Lively – unique menu for “ordinary” foods!
  • Flying M Coffeehouse – simply stated, it is THE BEST coffee ever …
  • Push and Pour – another great coffeehouse with beans from around the globe
  • Tarbush Kitchen – Mediterranean done right!

Just a couple of fun facts for you – to think about while you pack those moving boxes:

  • This city is home to the first-ever drive-in theater (opened in the 1940’s), and it is still operating today!
  • This city is home to the world’s only “floating” greenbelt, the Boise River Greenbelt.
  • This city is home to the largest Basque community in the United States – immigrating to Boise from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s bringing a culture and heritage still ongoing and celebrated.

This Real Estate Guide is ready to help you find your home here! This “outdoorsy” city with a clear vision for growth, affordable housing, sustainable living, and safety awaits!

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