One of the Pacific Northwest’s best-kept treasures is no longer a secret. The capital of Idaho, Boise (pronounced as Boyzee), is where you’ll discover astounding outdoor attractions, the highest standards in food, heaps of local charm and hospitality, and a picture-perfect location, flanked from the northeast by the Rocky Mountains or Idaho Rockies.
Boise is slowly carving a place in the hearts of many people, from the outdoorsy folk and foodie and culture fanatics to urban dwellers looking for a permanent change of scenery. In 2018, it was recognized as the fastest-growing city in the US by Forbes.
The influx of new visitors and residents accelerated in 2020 as the pandemic precipitated a full-blown exodus from overcrowded metros. Since then, Boise has been a key reason why more people moved to Idaho than moved out from the state — a nearly 200% increase.
In the market for a new home in Boise? Here’s a glimpse of the best neighborhoods you should seriously consider.
AT A GLANCE
Downtown
Why You’ll Love It Here:
An easy choice for those who prefer to be where the action is, Downtown Boise exudes an unmistakable vibrance that’s hard to shake off. There are a plethora of attractions throughout this part of town, as well as an array of dining spots, theaters, museums, nightclubs, and bars.
Downtown Boise is also where you’ll fully appreciate the city’s history and development. Modern blocks and structures blend seamlessly with older buildings that house mom-and-pop shops, public markets, and local art galleries.
Real Estate Snapshot:
Most of the housing stock is composed of condos and townhomes, which have stellar views of the cityscape. It’s common to find two-bed and two-bath setups. Single-family homes rarely go up for sale in this area of Boise.
Things To Do:
- Explore the Basque Museum and Cultural Center. For those wondering why Boise has a museum solely dedicated to Basque people, it’s because the city is home to one of the largest Basque communities in the country — about 16,000 strong.
- Catch a live show at the Boise Little Theater. One of Idaho’s oldest community theaters, Boise Little Theater showcases an eclectic mix of musicals, comedy shows, and modern plays.
- Support wildlife conservation in Zoo Boise.This zoo preserves a range of species from various parts of the world, from the Americas to Africa and Australasia.
The Bench
Why You’ll Love It Here:
Crossing the Boise River to the south will take you to the Boise Bench, an expansive suburban community aptly named because it overlooks the downtown area. Easy access to a number of parks and proximity to Downtown Boise’s stomping grounds are what mainly draw people to The Bench. Tree-lined streets, a family-friendly atmosphere, make this community a joy to live in. And with a rich architectural history, there’s always something new to discover, even for long-time residents.
Real Estate Snapshot:
You’ll find bigger homes throughout the Bench, which is mainly divided into three subsections: Central Bench, Depot Bench, and West Bench. Most of the inventory is composed of single-family homes, but they come in a variety of styles. In the Depot Bench, for example, you’ll come across a decent mix of Mid-Century Modern and ranch-style homes. In the Central Bench, you can find a few Tudor Revival homes.
Things To Do:
- Book a tee time at Hillcrest Country Club. This exclusive club features a par 71, an 18-hole course originally designed by the late George H. Otten, one of the top golf course architects in the Pacific Northwest. There’s also a resort-style pool, a state-of-the-art gym facility, and six tennis courts.
- Sample Boise Bench’s extensive park selection. Between Cassia Park, Morris Hill Dog Park, and Ann Morrison Park, you’ll have access to over 170 acres of open space. Whether you’re looking to play volleyball, walk your dog, take the kids to a playground, or go on a run, there’s always something for everyone.
West End
Why You’ll Love It Here:
Located right next to downtown, the historic community of West End offers prospective homebuyers affordable housing options in a noticeably calmer neighborhood. This relaxed ambiance blends well with West End’s tree-lined streets and outdoor attractions by the Boise River. For a quick change of pace, trendy haunts and watering holes downtown are never far off.
Real Estate Snapshot:
This Boise neighborhood is known for its historic charm, with several homes built from the onset of the 20th century to the 1940s. Since then, a handful of newer single-family homes have come into the mix. As a result, you’ll find a diverse mix of styles in the West End, such as Craftsman-style, Colonial, and Tudor Revival.
Things To Do:
- Grab a pint at Clairvoyant Brewing Company,Cloud 9 Brewery, or other pubs in the area. West End has some of the best craft beer in Boise. Choose from a wide selection of brews, be its medium body, hoppy beers, or organic and hand-crafted drinks.
- Find hidden gems and priceless vintage at Serendipity Boutique Consignment Clothing. Serendipity Boutique is a local favorite among residents who enjoy going through an ever-changing selection of antiques and distinct clothing.
North End
Why You’ll Love It Here:
North End is often referred to as the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, where miles of hiking trails and wilderness stretch further north. It’s also an affluent community that features some of the most charming and eye-catching homes in the city. Along 13th Street is where the vibrant heart of North End beats — lined by bustling restaurants, a variety of small shops and cafes, and the historic Hyde Park.
Real Estate Snapshot:
Some of the priciest homes are located in the North End. You’ll find several single-family homes that come with three-bed and three-bath layouts at the minimum, with plenty of lawn space. There are a few condos and townhome units to choose from in the southern section of the neighborhood.
Things To Do:
- Get active at Camel’s Back Park. Camel’s Back is perfect for visitors of all ages. Aside from a playground, outdoor gym, and a handful of tennis courts, there’s a walking trail leading you deeper into the Rocky Mountain landscape.
- Shop and dine to your heart’s delight along North 13th Street. This bustling area of North End is the place to be if you’re looking for great food and great company. For starters, try out Sun Ray Café or Apericena.
- Learn more about Hyde Park’s historic buildings. Hyde Park is central to the overall development of Boise. The Waymire Building and Odd Fellows Building are the few remaining structures in the area which date back to the turn of the 20th century.
Highlands
Why You’ll Love It Here:
The Highlands is situated at the northern edge of Boise, surrounded by the awe-inspiring Idaho Rockies. Hillside to Hollow Reserve and Hulls Gulch/Camel’s Back Reserve are two protected areas bordering the neighborhood on two sides — providing residents with over 550 acres of open space. For buyers who desire to live right at nature’s doorstep, the Highlands should be a top contender.
Real Estate Snapshot:
Surrounded by verdant landscaping and scenic views of the Boise Foothills, this neighborhood is located on arguably the most coveted piece of real estate in Boise. Spacious single-family homes sit on half-acre to multi-acre lots. For those planning to build their home, there are also a few vacant land options to choose from.
Things To Do:
- Relax and unwind at Crane Creek Country Club. Offering an impressive suite of amenities, which includes the fantastic 18-hole championship golf course and stellar restaurant service, Crane Creek Country Club is just minutes away for many residents.
- Get to know the different regions of the Rocky Mountains. The Highlands is a backcountry explorer’s paradise, with several trailheads and routes to choose from.
West Boise
Why You’ll Love It Here:
Suburbanites often flock to West Boise, where the easy-going atmosphere is complemented by accessibility. This large neighborhood is dotted with green spaces and a number of conveniently located commercial areas. West Boise has a distinct small-town vibe, but it never feels dull and everything you’ll ever need is within easy reach.
Real Estate Snapshot:
Single-family homes are the majority of the housing stock, but you can also find condos and apartments in the southeastern section of the neighborhood. Outdoor space is a key feature in many properties, making this neighborhood a great option for those planning to raise a family.
Things To Do:
- Explore Boise Towne Square. As the largest retail complex in Idaho, this mall has served West Boise and surrounding communities for over 30 years. Here you’ll find a wide variety of shops featuring designer brands, as well as an excellent selection of restaurants.
- Discover the neighborhood’s many public parks and green spaces. Hewett, DeMeyer, and Jullion are just a handful of parks that offer residents plenty of space for relaxed long walks, fun play, and vigorous exercise.
South Boise
Why You’ll Love It Here:
Located between Boise State University and the airport, South Boise is all about convenience and proximity to lively and dynamic spots in the city. The neighborhood is not only popular among college students and families of various sizes, but it’s also increasingly populated by young professionals. With a rapidly growing community, South Boise’s development potential looks bright.
Real Estate Snapshot:
You’ll find mostly single-family homes throughout the neighborhood, but there are a select few apartments near Boise State University. The most sought-after homes are located within South Boise Village, a residential area built around Manitou Park.
Things To Do:
- Go see competitive football at the Albertson Stadium. Whether you’re an enthusiast or casual fan of college football, you’re bound to have an exhilarating time at the Albertson Stadium. You can check game schedules here.
- Go restaurant- and café-hopping along Broadway Avenue. Explore the local favorites in South Boise’s food scene. You can’t go wrong with Bronco Tacos, Phở Le, or The Human Bean.
East End to Southeast Boise
Why You’ll Love It Here:
These two sections of Boise present buyers with a plethora of lifestyle options. East End is an upscale neighborhood that’s highly desired for its wide tree-lined streets and a common border with downtown. Meanwhile, Southeast Boise is a fast-developing area that has several affordable housing options. The two neighborhoods are joined at the hip, courtesy of the Boise River Greenbelt, where a slew of attractions awaits to be discovered.
Real Estate Snapshot:
A portion of the Boise Foothills touches the East End, where you’ll find some of the most expensive homes in the city. The most coveted properties rarely list on the market and can be typically found in the community of Warm Springs Estates. Southeast Boise is more budget-friendly, but it’s not uncommon to find generous single-family homes with lawn space.
Bonus: Climate-conscious buyers may be fortunate to find a home powered by a nearby geothermal plant.
Things To Do:
- See an array of flora at the Idaho Botanical Garden. Supported solely by private funding and volunteer work, this 33-acre Botanical Garden has been the home of several native and exotic species for over 30 years. Gardening classes and plant workshops are also offered.
- Take a stroll along the East Boise River Trail. This is a popular route among hikers and avid walkers looking to experience the unique ecosystem present in this portion of the river.
- Admire wildlife diversity at MK Nature Center. Another prominent attraction by the Boise River Greenbelt, MK Nature Center’s 4.6-acre site provides an unforgettable glimpse of the area’s distinct wildlife. Fishing and boating access is available.
- Travel back in time to the Old Idaho Penitentiary. After 101 (1872-1973) years of housing well over 13,000 inmates, the penitentiary has since been converted into a history museum.
Garden City
Why You’ll Love It Here:
Following the long stretch of the Boise River, Garden City offers a little bit of everything. From craft beer, great music venues, jogging trails, and bike paths, homebuyers from various walks of life are sure to find something to look forward to. Although technically it is its own city, Garden City’s development and cultural roots are closely intertwined with Boise. In any conversation about Idaho’s Treasure Valley, the two are virtually inseparable.
Real Estate Snapshot:
There’s a wide selection of single-family homes, but there’s also a number of new condo and townhome developments to choose from. You’ll find quite a few of them in 36 Oak, one of the trendy communities close to the city’s Live/Work/Create District — a local hub for art and culture.
Things To Do:
- See up-and-coming musicians and established acts perform at the Revolution Concert House. Though modest in size, this concert venue has hosted the likes of Oliver Tree, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and Ellie Goulding.
- See what’s buzzing at the Expo Idaho, a premier venue for a variety of events, from concerts to food fairs and various community showcases.
- Engage in water sports at Esther Simplot Park. As the linchpin connecting the 22-acre Quinn’s Pond and the 31-acre Bernadine Quinn Riverside Park, the area is popular for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming.
Get to Know Boise Further with The Hoyte Group
If you need an even more detailed breakdown of the best neighborhoods in Boise, it’s best to get in touch directly with local experts. The Hoyte Group was founded to help home buyers and sellers like you secure the best real estate deals.
Serving one of the fastest growing real estate markets in the US, The Hoyte Group agents operate on a “people first” basis. In other words, happy clients and long-term relationships are the two best-case outcomes we set out to achieve right from the get-go. With our agents by your side, you’ll be poised to make an informed decision whether you’re buying or selling.
Led by Founding Broker Elliot Hoyte, our team will help you get settled in your new home in Boise. Allows us to walk you through the possibilities in this once-hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest. Feel free to reach out to us by phone or by email.