Are you dreaming of living in Boise? If so, you’re not alone. Life in the Northwest offers an array of benefits. For one thing, Boise offers four distinct seasons for outdoor activities and recreation, and many nature-loving homebuyers enjoy adventuring in the “City of Trees.” This charming city is known for having a small-town feel with happy and inviting residents. Not to mention, the job market in Boise is booming.
With so many new residents flooding into Idaho, the economic growth of the Boise area is substantial. In addition, downtown Boise offers a buzzing nightlife scene with various breweries and bars to entertain and easily mingle. Without a doubt, Boise’s clean and safe metro area makes the perfect playground for the vibrant energy that draws in crowds of residents, keeping the city alive both day and night. At every level, Boise’s housing market is thriving.
Combining the low cost of living in Idaho with home prices below the national average makes Boise an ideal locale for growth and opportunity. Let’s venture through the pros and cons of living in Boise and discover why this charming city enchants new residents from around the nation.
1. Living in Boise is Adventurous
Boise sits in the heart of the Treasure Valley along the Boise River. With Owyhee Mountain Range to the West and Sawtooth Mountain Range to the East, mountain lovers line up to call Boise home. Idaho is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream locale. Hosting thousands of green spaces, mountain biking trails, the Greenbelt hiking terrain, and water sporting adventures, fishing, Boise Idaho, delivers outdoor recreation.
Whether the dream of whitewater rafting Boise River or snowboarding the wild and untouched powder of Bogus Basin beckons, easy access to adventure awaits in Idaho. Speaking of Bogus Basin, check out their year-round mountain coaster, where adventure and nature collide, offering an adrenaline-filled front seat through twists and turns as the mountainside propels riders through the forest.
2. Living in Boise is Inviting
According to Mayor McLean, the City of Boise is committed to creating a community where all residents feel welcomed, safe, and given the opportunity to flourish. In 2021, Mayor McLean and the Boise City Council passed a resolution affirming the City’s commitment to fostering and valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion. One example is the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, which promotes social justice and human rights and encourages equality.
In addition, Boise is home to one of the largest Basque populations in the world. Accordingly, the Basque Museum and Cultural Center is a vibrant hotspot. With dedication, the museum promotes and perpetuates the history and culture of the Basque community, inviting everyone to come and enjoy the family-oriented nature of all things Basque.
The Restaurant Scene
The local restaurant scene is lip-smackingly diverse, from Basque to Latin and American to German. Most restaurants offer local beer, wine, and spirits, making the nightlife in Boise ideal for date nights and hangouts.
The Sports Scene
Any way you spin it, sports enthusiasm is a community-wide celebration of talent and skill, uniting Boise fans and fostering pride. Filling stadiums with electrifying energy, unshakably loyal football enthusiasts take in games on Lyle Smith Field, watching the Boise State Broncos (NCAA) dominate the iconic blue turf at Albertsons Stadium. Adrenaline-filled fans sit on the edge of their seats to see the Idaho Steelheads (ECHL) dominate the ice at the Idaho Central Arena. Need more invitations to love Idaho? Check out Blitz, the most popular dog in Boise, as he collects baseball bats on the field for the Boise Hawks (PBL).
The Art Scene
Calling all contemporary art lovers, the art community in Boise is state-of-the-art. Boise Art Museum’s vision is to Embrace “its long and rich history as an opportunity to enhance and ensure rewarding experiences for all visitors through exceptional exhibitions, collections, interpretive strategies, educational programming, a welcoming environment, and a commitment to being a vital part of the educational, economic, and cultural life of the community.”
3. Living in Boise is Lucrative
Boise’s industry comprises technology, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and government sectors. Accordingly, Boise State University, Idaho Power, Boise Cascade, and Micron Technology are a few of the area’s top employers. With heavy-hitting industries in the region, the workforce is strong, and unemployment rates are favorable, providing Boise residents with a stable economy.
Turning to location, Boise is strategically located alongside large western coastal cities like California, Oregon, and Washington. Yet, it is more affordable and offers business-friendly real estate options to businesses and the workforce. While home prices have increased with the area’s popularity, housing prices in Idaho remain more affordable. Overall, the economic benefits of living in Boise are more favorable than many West Coast competitor cities.
4. Living in Boise is Safe
Due to its gorgeous setting, nestled in the heart of Treasure Valley, combined with low crime rates (1 in 400), affordability, and below-average unemployment rates (3.70%), Boise is among the Top 100 Best Cities to Live in America.
Regarding traffic and driving safety, Boise is relatively safe. Compared to other large cities, traffic congestion is minimal. Law enforcement in the area works hand-in-hand with the community, and since the city is known for being family-friendly, safety is a priority. That said, navigating the city through public transportation is difficult. In particular, resources are limited with only three options available: Access, Valley Regional Transit, and SHIP. That said, living in Boise requires access to a vehicle.
5. Living in Boise is Affordable
The first step in determining affordability is to consider amenities and lifestyle. One must first consider the metropolitan benefits of urban living. For example, according to Payscale, the cost of living in Boise is 4% higher than the national average. However, the city offers wide-ranging benefits compared to many other cities nationwide. Regarding affordability, Boise sits just below its other Pacific Northwest (PNW) metropolitan competitors, Seattle, Washington, and Portland.
An accurate comparison is the closest western major metropolitan city, Portland, where the cost of living is 20% higher than the national average. Adjacent to that is Seattle, where the cost of living is 45% higher than the national average.
Idaho is a destination state with plenty to offer homebuyers. For example, neighboring cities Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, and Eagle are all experiencing exponential growth. Additionally, Alaska Airlines just introduced 18 new flights to sun and ski destinations, including flights to Florida.
Popular Neighborhoods in Boise
Sunset is ranked the #1 Best Place to Live in Boise. This north-side community is known for being family-friendly. Residents can head to the local pool, walk to brunch, or meticulously maintain their 1950s bungalows and brick homes.
Boise Heights is just a five-mile drive from downtown, yet offers residents properties high above the city. Most properties are single-family, and homes in the are highly sought after.
Highland Subdivision homes offer jaw-dropping panoramic mountain views. Highland homes are zoned for top-notch schools and are conveniently located among various outdoor recreational hotspots.
Ready to Move to Boise?
Imagine experiencing life in the Gem State, where nature and urban living collide harmoniously. Relocating to Idaho offers homebuyers a unique opportunity to experience all four seasons in their untouched and raw splendor. With panoramic mountainous views and unparalleled recreational adventures to explore, coupled with affordability and career growth potential, living in Boise is abundant.
Why not get the ball rolling and buy into the American dream by connecting with a lender who can finance your next real estate adventure? Now is the best time to improve your quality of life and finance a new home in Boise. Taking the plunge and purchasing a new property in Idaho is only a click or a phone call away.
The Steps are Simple:
Schedule a Call: An experienced loan officer can discuss your needs and guide you through the possibilities.
Get Approved: We’ll help you through the application process and facilitate the steps for approval.
Exhale: Put your feet up and feel secure knowing you made the best decisions about your home loan.
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