If you’re looking for a new home in a place that has it all – from great schools and outdoor recreation to a thriving economy – consider moving to Boise, Idaho. Money Magazine has ranked the city No. 13 in its list of Best Cities to Live for 2021. The publication looked at a variety of factors, including quality of life, cost of living, and job opportunities, to determine the ranking.
Boise is the capital and the most populous city in the Gem State. As of December 2020, it had a population of 234,576, making it the 97th largest city in the United States.
On top of that, Boise boasts a strong sense of community where families feel connected to each other and to the city as a whole. Residents have access to all the resources they need to thrive. If you’re looking for a place to raise a family, moving to Boise, Idaho should definitely be on your mind.
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Things To Know About Boise, Idaho
A Brief History
Boise, Idaho was first inhabited by Native American tribes, and the first European settlers arrived here in the early 1800s. However, it wasn’t permanently settled until the 1860s, when a group of gold miners set up camp near the Boise River.
Boise soon became a thriving frontier town, and by the early 1900s, it was the largest city in Idaho. The city continued to grow in the 20th century, and today, it is a thriving metropolis with a diverse population and a beautiful setting that makes it a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Living in Boise, Idaho
There are many reasons why Boise is considered one of the best places to raise a family. For starters, it has a low crime rate and offers a high quality of life. It is also home to a number of great schools, both public and private.
The area is surrounded by mountains and other natural features, so there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Families can take advantage of the city’s many cultural attractions, including the Boise Philharmonic and the Idaho Museum of Natural History.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Boise is considered affordable, at 8% lower than the national average. Your earnings can go a long way, especially with everything the city has to offer.
Strong Economy
If your family has plans of relocating to a new state, moving to Boise, Idaho can be a good idea since Fitch Ratings gave Idaho an AAA credit rating in November 2021. The higher the credit rating of a state, the lower the cost to repay its bonds, saving taxpayer dollars on interest costs.
Idaho’s AAA credit rating is the result of a number of factors, including the state’s strong fiscal management, diverse economy, and low debt levels. All these factors contribute to the state’s ability to meet its financial obligations, even in times of economic downturn.
Idaho’s economy is performing strongly, the state’s unemployment rate is low, and its budget is in good shape. So what does an AAA credit rating mean? Basically, it means that Idaho is a very safe place for investments. When a state has an AAA rating, it means that there is a very low risk that the state will default on its debt payments. It is also a sign of a healthy economy and something that all states strive for. Idaho is now one of only a handful of states with an AAA rating.
The Job Market
Boise offers plenty of job and business opportunities in a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, and research. The city’s unemployment rate in 2022 is 3.6%, much lower than the national average of 6%. In fact, Idaho is considered to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation.
The Weather
On average, this city experiences around 220 days of sunshine and gets around 12 inches of precipitation annually. Summers can be hot and dry, while winters can be cold and snowy. In any season, Boise has plenty to offer in terms of outdoor activities and fantastic views.
The Boise, Idaho Real Estate Market
According to a December 2020 report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the relative affordability of housing in the Boise area has been attracting job seekers and retirees for decades. In a SmartAsset study conducted in 2020, Boise was chosen as the fourth-best large city in the United States for retirees since housing costs typically make up less than 26% of retirement income.
For the forecast period from December 2020 to December 2023, the Boise City Housing Market Area is expected to have a demand for 18,750 new homes. There are currently 3,075 homes under construction to meet a portion of that demand.
Recent Market Stats
Based on data from Redfin, the median sales price of homes in Boise, Idaho as of August 2022 was $485,000. This is about 22% higher than in August 2020, but down 3% compared to last year.
On average, homes in Boise, Idaho got sold after 25 days on the market. While this is still great news for home sellers, it is much longer compared to last year’s 9 days on market. In August 2022, there were 328 homes that got sold, which is lower compared to the same period last year when 422 houses were sold.
These figures indicate that now is a good time for Boise, ID homebuyers to capitalize on the cooling housing market. Some home sellers have dropped their asking price. Redfin reports that around 70% of homes for sale in Boise, ID, registered a price drop in July 2022.
Migration to Boise
During the COVID-19 pandemic, out-of-state migrants made up a large segment of buyers in Boise, ID. Many were tech workers from California who were in search of more affordable housing and a more tranquil environment away from the large crowds.
According to a comprehensive housing market analysis of Boise, migration was highest from metropolitan areas in Colorado and California, where housing costs are much higher.
When moving to Boise, Idaho, one of the first things to do is find the neighborhood that’s right for you. Check out these communities that are considered some of the best in the City of Trees.
Downtown
Downtown Boise is the central business district of the City of Boise. It is located at the center of the city, between the Boise River and 8th Street. Downtown Boise is home to a variety of businesses, including retail, office, residential, and entertainment. There are also a number of parks and public spaces such as Ann Morrison Park, Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, and the Idaho State Capitol.
Downtown Boise is a great place to live, work, and play. The area offers a variety of amenities and activities and is a short distance from the Boise River Greenbelt, which offers miles of hiking and biking trails. Downtown Boise is also home to a number of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Boise Music Festival, the Treefort Music Fest, and the Boise Farmers Market. If you are looking to live in a place with exciting attractions, then Downtown Boise just might be the right community for you.
West End
If you prefer a community that offers a unique sense of place and a sense of history, you’ll find the neighborhood of West End to fit the bill. West End is located right next to Downtown, giving you easy access to big-city amenities while enjoying affordable housing options in a historic community.
Experience a change of pace when you move into a home that could be built in the Craftsman-style, Colonial, or Tudor Revival. This vibrant community is home to a number of historic landmarks, as well as a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. There’s also a great sense of community here, and you’ll be sure to find a warm welcome.
South Boise
There are many reasons to move to South Boise. The area is home to a number of excellent schools and to Boise State University and is also close to great outdoor recreation. South Boise is just a short drive from downtown Boise, making it a great option for those who want to be close to the city but still have access to plenty of green space.
South Boise is ideally located between Boise State University and the airport, making it a convenient location to maximize opportunities in this city. Check out single-family homes in the area as well as apartments located near Boise State University.
Prime properties can be found in South Boise Village, a residential area built around Manitou Park. The park provides a beautiful setting for the village, which boasts a variety of property types. There are apartments, townhomes, and single family homes available for rent or purchase. The village is also close to different amenities, including shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Highlands
The Highlands neighborhood offers breathtaking views of the Idaho Rockies. The housing stock here is predominantly made up of single-family homes sitting on expansive lots that range from one-half acre to two acres or more. Some of the most luxurious homes in Boise can be found in this picturesque community which is located in close proximity to the Crane Creek Golf Course, and the Bogus Basin Ski Resort. There are 35 distinct subdivisions, surrounded by scenic parks and hiking trails.
Residents can explore the nearby Camel’s Back Park or foothills trailhead. In 30 minutes, locals can reach Bogus Mountain and breathe in the fresh air while overlooking the amazing views of Treasure Valley.
Things To Do in Boise, Idaho
If you’re moving to Boise, ID, you’ll find a wide variety of attractions and activities waiting for you. As the capital of Idaho, Boise is a bustling community with plenty of outdoor destinations, eclectic shopping and dining, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Here are some of the best things to do:
Festivals and Events
The Treefort Music Fest is one of the most popular music festivals in the United States. Every year, thousands of fans from all over the country flock to Boise to attend the five-day event. Featuring over 400 bands, it is one of the largest music festivals in the country. It takes place in the heart of downtown Boise, making it easy to walk from venue to venue.
The music festival also features art installations, workshops, and more. Treefort is a great opportunity to catch up on the latest music, meet new people, and experience Boise’s vibrant arts community.
The Gene Harris Jazz Festival is one of the premier jazz festivals in the United States. Held annually in Boise, the festival features some of the biggest names in jazz, as well as up-and-coming artists. In addition to the fantastic lineup of musical performances, the festival also offers a variety of educational opportunities. Whether you’re a budding musician or just a jazz enthusiast, you’ll be sure to learn something new.
Hosted by Boise State University, the event features student showcases as well as educational workshops for trumpet, trombone, and saxophone players.
Attractions
With its stunning location in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boise offers a wealth of outdoor attractions where you can do a host of activities all year round, from hiking and biking in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
Here are some of the best places to go in the area:
Whitewater Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Boise, Idaho. Featuring several waterfalls and other natural features, the park offers a variety of whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities, as well as hiking and biking trails.
Zoo Boise is a great place to visit for animal lovers of all ages. The zoo has a wide variety of animal residents, including some that are rare or endangered. It also hosts interactive exhibits, educational programs, and special events. Visiting Zoo Boise is a great way to learn about the natural world and the animals that call it home. The zoo is dedicated to conserving and protecting the earth’s wildlife and offers a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s most incredible creatures up close such as lions, tigers, bears, primates, and reptiles.
Located just an hour outside of Downtown Boise, Bogus Basin Ski Resort is a great place to ski and snowboard during wintertime. There are hills for beginners and advanced skiers alike, and the resort even has its own Nordic center. The area is very scenic, with a number of trails and lifts that offer great views. A number of events and activities, such as the Bogus Basin Bash and the Bogus Basin Half Marathon, are held here annually.
World Center for Birds of Prey
The World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho is a must-see for any bird enthusiast. This world-renowned facility is home to over 60 different species of birds, including eagles, hawks, and owls. Visitors can take part in interactive educational programs, see live demonstrations, and even go on hawk walks. The World Center for Birds of Prey is a great place to learn about birds and the important role they play in our ecosystems. It is home to some of the rarest and most endangered species in the world and is dedicated to the conservation of these birds and their habitat.
Get to Know More About Boise, Idaho with The Hoyte Group
If you want an insider’s perspective before moving to Boise, Idaho, get in touch with us at The Hoyte Group. We are happy to serve one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the US, and it will be our pleasure to help you in moving and finding the perfect home in our beautiful community.
Founded by Elliot Hoyte, an elite agent ranked in the top 1% of Realtors in Treasure Valley, our team is composed of dedicated professionals specializing in buying and selling residential real estate in Boise and throughout Treasure Valley. We are here to “challenge the status quo” with our commitment to provide nothing less than excellent service to each of our clients.
Let us show you the finest Boise, ID real estate options in this once-hidden gem in the Northwest. Feel free to reach out to us by phone at 208.999.3076 or by email at this address.