THE CITY OF BOISE
BOISE IS THE PLACE TO BE
Boise, Idaho is booming! New construction is all over the area. Locally sourced food and drink dominate the summer patio scene. Boise’s residents may spend their days enjoying nature, but they fill their evenings dining on locally sourced cuisine, enjoying an opera performance, and sipping delicious cocktails.
BOISE FUN FACTS
Pronunciation: Boise is pronounced BOY-SEE not BOY-ZEE!
Population: 1.9 million people call Idaho home, with a population of 781,000 people living in the Boise metro. The Boise metro is currently growing at a rate of 1.7% annually making it the 15th fastest growing city in the U.S.
The City of Trees: Even though technically Boise is a mountain-desert climate it is known as “The City of Trees”. When French Canadian explorers came across the area they exclaimed “Les Bois!”or “The Trees!” in French.
Basque in Boise: Boise has a large ethnic Basque community of about 15,000 people, which is the largest in the United States and the 5th largest outside of Mexico, Chile, Argentina and the Basque Country in France and Spain. Visit the Basque Block in Downtown Boise to enjoy the rich culture, food, and drink. Every five years, the Basque Block is home to a vibrant Basque Festival called Jaialdi - which is one of the biggest events in the state.
FINDING YOUR IDEAL FIT IN THE CITY OF BOISE
The City of Boise has many smaller neighborhoods and areas and each has its own charm and appeal. Whether you prefer to be right in the heart of the city in the middle of the action downtown, or prefer to be in a quieter area to raise a family, Boise has it all!
Downtown Boise is where you’ll see the tallest buildings in Idaho in addition to a collection of upscale shops, restaurants, and hotels. It is the cultural center of the Treasure Valley and where you’ll find the state capital building, the Basque Block, the Egyptian Theatre, the Boise Art Museum, Julia Davis Park, the Boise Transportation Center, and Zoo Boise. The Boise River flows through downtown, so there is easy Greenbelt access.
Boise’s North End contains many of the city’s older and historic homes. It is known for its tree-lined drives, such as Harrison Boulevard, and for its quiet neighborhoods near the downtown and mountain trail areas – walking distance for most residents. The North End is a gateway to the Boise Foothills, home to Camel’s Back Park and the historic Hyde Park. If you are looking for charming and convenient, this is the place to be.
The highlands and foothills scattered neighborhoods dot the foothills above Boise’s North end; a portion of which are known as the highlands. The prices tend to be a little higher in this area, for good reason - many of these neighborhoods have stunning views!
Much of Garden City touches the Boise River and Greenbelt and many local hotspots and businesses have taken advantage of that placement. Follow the river East toward Downtown Boise and you’ll get why people flock toward the convenient area. Packed with brew houses and wine tasting areas, as well as established golf course communities.
If you drive further in the foothills towards the west just above Garden City, you will run into the Hidden Springs area. This master planned community has become a little city of its own. The houses are gorgeous and the city has a little village feel. With its own school, merc, and culture, most people either fall in love or run away from the hills, literally.
Head east from Downtown Boise and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Southeast and Northeast Boise, home to the growing community of Harris Ranch. Just 10 minutes from Downtown Boise and offering its own small downtown area in the neighborhood - this is the perfect spot if you are looking for somewhere out of the city center but close enough to city amenities. Nestled between the Boise River and foothills, it’s easy to see why this is one of Boise’s fastest selling areas.
The Boise Bench is exactly that. It sits on a bench above the Boise River that is 40-60 feet higher than downtown or the North End. This is an ancient shoreline from when the river had a different channel. The Bench is home to the Boise Depot and Platt Gardens, and Morris Hill Cemetery, where many famous Idaho Governors and other statesmen are buried. The Bench is centrally located, making access in any direction easy. Known for its eclectic nature of homes and businesses, the Boise Bench is a definate hot spot.
Northwest Boise lies between the Boise foothills and the Boise River. It is a combination of homes built in the valley and in the foothills. State Street, containing every kind of commercial convenience you could want, is a major artery through the area. Residents like the proximity to the new Whitewater Park and Quinn’s Pond. Downtown Boise is minutes away in one direction and Downtown Eagle is minutes away in the other.
West Boise is home to Boise Towne Square Mall, the largest in the state, as well as numerous restaurants, strip malls, and residential developments ranging from new subdivisions to apartment complexes. The Ada County complex and Hewlett Packard’s printing division are also located here. The major thoroughfare is Fairview Avenue which connects downtown with Central Meridian.
South Boise is home to the Edwards Entertainment Complex and has easy access to I-84, the Downtown Connector, and the Boise Airport. Many of the neighborhoods in this area were built in the 1960s to 1980s. Recent planned development changes have brought in a good number of master planned communities and new construction homes. Commercial amenities are also following closely behind. Home to some of the lowest property tax rates in the area.