There’s a reason Boise consistently lands on top lists in media and news outlets: we have something for everyone. Outdoor lovers will rejoice in Idaho’s mountain communities, historians will be in awe amongst downtown Boise neighborhoods, growing families will find lots of activities in Meridian, and country folk will find plenty of open space in the outskirts of town. With a booming economy and more companies moving to Boise every day, there’s opportunity abound!
When you make the move to Boise, you’ll have lots of neighborhoods and areas to choose from. The city of Boise itself is made up of 11 distinct areas. Add in the suburb cities around Boise and you’re looking at about 20 areas, all within a 45 minutes commute into downtown Boise and each offering a different vibe.
DOWNTOWN BOISE
Downtown Boise is an ever evolving city as we try to keep up with the rapid growth we’ve seen in the last 10-20 years. The city itself is great for walking or bike riding as it is relatively very safe. There’s a multitude of restaurants, from quick bites to breweries to high-end eats. You’ll also find some great activities downtown like the Boise Art Museum, Zoo Boise, Kathryn Albertson Park, and sporting events at CenturyLink Arena. Home prices within downtown can range anywhere from 300K to over a million dollars.
NORTH END
Just a quick 5 minute ride from the heart of downtown, the North End is one of Boise’s oldest and most expensive neighborhoods. It is located north of State Street between Fort & 28th streets. The North End has variety of housing from 100 year old mansions to run down bungalows. The most popular area of the North End is Hyde Park (13th Street). Hyde Park is filled with restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, the Boise co-op, and eclectic shops. It is perfect for Sunday bike rides to your favorite brunch spot or a casual walk around for shopping.
NW BOISE
As you begin to head away from the North End of Boise, you’ll find yourself in NW Boise. This area has a mix of older homes and new construction. It’s a close 15 minute drive down State Street to get into downtown Boise and you’ll be close to the foothills. There’s quick access to miles of hiking trails in the foothills and it’s a straight shot down Hill Road to get to the quaint and “fancy” town of Eagle, Idaho.
The Tavern @ Bown Crossing
SE/NE BOISE
Take Warm Springs Avenue or Park Center Blvd. east and you’ll find yourself in southeast or northeast Boise. The only difference between the too? They are separated by the Boise River. Subdivisions like Harris Ranch, River Heights, Wood Duck Island, and River Run are all located around here. Homes aren’t as expensive as the North End, but you’ll still be paying the second highest price per square foot. This area is also home to the Idaho Shakespeare Festival and plenty boasts plenty of hiking, fishing, boating, and more. And if you’re looking for a cute micro downtown to spend some time walking around and with great places to eat, Bown Crossing is where you’ll want to be.
BOISE FOOTHILLS
The Boise foothills, or highlands, sit just above the North End and homes in this area come with a hefty price tag whether you’re buying a newer or older home. In the foothills, you’ll find several homes either have beautiful views of the city, surrounding mountains, or Crane Creek Country Club’s golf course. The Boise foothills are also a curvy 40 minute drive up to one of the most popular ski resorts in the area: Bogus Basin.
HIDDEN SPRINGS & HARRIS RANCH
Hidden Springs is a master planned community located in the foothills of Boise, about 15 minutes from downtown. We mention Hidden Springs because although it is technically a subdivision within the foothills, it is really it’s own little corner of the world. Which means residents either love it or hate it. Hidden Springs has its own elementary school, fire house, preschool, market, and restaurant.
Another kind of community similar to Hidden Springs is Harris Ranch. Harris Ranch is a pedestrian-friendly 1,300-acre master-planned community in southeast Boise that embraces the concepts of Smart Growth, New Urbanism and seeks to strike a careful balance between new development and the protection of the environment, wildlife habitat and historic values in the Barber Valley. While the area of Harris Ranch is still in the development stages, the long-term plan calls for a continuation of adding mixed-use office and retail space including grocery stores and medical offices. An addition of an elementary school to be built within the community is slated to open Fall 2023.
SOUTH BOISE
South Boise runs from the airport to the Boise/Meridian line and is 10-15 outside of downtown Boise. This area was once full of nothing but farmland, but it has quickly become home to flourishing neighborhoods. It’s a great area for people who want the hustle and bustle of Boise life during the day, and quiet neighborhood life at night.
WEST BOISE
West Boise hasn’t changed much over the years, and you’ll find the majority of homes in this area are from the 80s and 90s. It is the older and more established part of Boise. People love it here though because it’s right in the middle of downtown and Meridian providing quick access to the best of what each city has to offer.
Boise Train Depot
BOISE BENCH
What’s not to love about the Boise Bench? This area is a mixed bag of old world Boise and recently remodeled flips or new construction. It’s located just south of downtown and sits up on a “bench” that overlooks the city. You can find Cape Cod and mid-century modern ranch homes here amongst homes people have owned for 40+ years. Any run down area of the Boise Bench is slowly being brought back to life.
GARDEN CITY
Just west of downtown is Garden City. Sometimes Garden City gets a bad rap because it was traditionally a lower income, industrial area with small pockets of high-end river front housing. However, over the last few years several wineries, breweries, and businesses have begun to call Garden City home. This has pushed out some of the more rundown housing and we’ve seen an increase in new construction in this area. Many believe Garden City is the next best place to invest in as Boise continues to grow outward.
Still not sure which area is right for you or your family? No worries.
Gabriel Gutierrez, REALTOR® and owner of Data Driven Real Estate, has the knowledge and expertise to make sure you make the move that is right for you. Contact Gabriel today to schedule a free buyer consult or to discuss relocating to the Treasure Valley.
If you are interested in cities like Meridian or Eagle, check out our Ada County guide. If Nampa or Caldwell is more your scene, check out our Canyon County guide.
Ada County lies in the southwestern part of Idaho, and includes the cities of Boise, Garden City, Meridian, Eagle, Kuna, and Star. If you are looking to make a move to the Treasure Valley, chances are you’ll be relocating to a city within Ada County.
MERIDIAN
Meridian is the most populated city within Ada County in terms of residential and commercial real estate. Eagle Road runs north and south through the city and alongside it is about every national chain you can think of. This includes restaurants and stores like Target, Hobby Lobby, Trader Joe’s, Kohl’s, and more. Meridian is the ultimate family-friendly destination with a Parks and Rec department dedicated to bringing several events throughout the year. Homes in Meridian range from multi-million dollar properties in subdivisions like Spurwing Country Club to 30 year old ranch style homes in the low $300,000s.
South Meridian is becoming the go-to area as of late for those relocating to the Boise area. It is full of larger, family friendly neighborhoods, with slightly less dense population – which means less traffic! You can still find farm land and wide open spaces out in South Meridian, but the gap is filling quickly.
Kleiner Park in Meridian, Idaho
EAGLE
The city of Eagle is just 9 miles west of Boise, or about a 15-20 minute drive from downtown. The Boise River runs through Eagle which allows for miles of walking and biking paths along the Boise River Greenbelt. In north Eagle, you’ll find million dollar foothill homes and plenty of prime real estate as you head south into downtown Eagle. Eagle is considered the “rich middle class” part of Ada County. There’s also cute boutique stores, a farmers market, plenty of parks, and delicious restaurants within the city limits of Eagle.
STAR
Looking for country living with modern amenities? Star is where you want to be. Still largely developing, Star offers the feel of country life with its quaint downtown Star Cafe and Star Merc. Travel a little ways north and west of downtown and you’ll find several new subdivisions ranging from mid 300s to high 800s. Star even has some million dollar waterfront homes and estates in the surrounding foothills.
Star has easy access to the Green Belt, Boise River, fishing spots, hiking trails, horseback riding, and more. There’s a real sense of family and community that runs deep in the city of Star. If you’re looking to be in a city like Meridian or Eagle but without the price tag and dense population, Star is where you want to be. It’s even considered the “new Eagle”.
“Toon Town” in Star, Idaho
KUNA
Kuna is considered the “country town” of Ada County. And while it’s growing fast, Kuna still offers that down home country living. This means it also comes with a much lower price tag. Kuna is located just 18 miles southwest of downtown Boise. Residents of Kuna enjoy floating the Snake River during the summer months, exploring nature at the Birds of Prey National Conservation Center, and their annual ‘Kuna Days’ summer festival.
Ready to make the move to the Treasure Valley? Gabriel Gutierrez, REALTOR® and owner of Data Driven Real Estate, is here to guide you. Gabriel is a top producer in the Boise area with a proven track record of 5-star customer service. Contact Gabriel today!
For information on communities and neighborhoods around the Boise metro area, like the historic North End and Garden City, please check out our Boise neighborhood guide.
There is so much that goes into buying a home, and we know that process can be daunting – especially when you’ve never done it before! So we interviewed first-time home buyer, Breanna, to get her perspective on the buying process. As you read, you’ll probably share some of her fears and preconceived notions about buying a home. However, just like Breanna, you can learn how to navigate the process and feel empowered when making one of the biggest investments of your life!
Prior to purchasing your home, what were some of the preconceived notions you had about the home buying process?
I had no idea what buying a home actually entailed. I read so many articles, how-tos, advice experts on lending and mortgage rates and refinancing- i felt so overwhelmed and under-qualified. I thought i had to have 20% down, cash in hand to even enter the market. I thought my credit could be better, my bank statements could be cleaner, my investment account could be bigger. I always felt a day late and a dollar short. I felt crushed when i would read about agents selling homes for thousands and thousands over asking prices, I thought the odds were stacked against me. I felt foolish to enter the market without California cash. I felt panicky and afraid – which no one should ever feel.
What did you feel were some of the obstacles you had to overcome in order to buy your home? What were some of your fears?
One obstacle I overcame, and never saw it coming, was being honest about my financial health – and also, stopping obsessing. Nothing makes you more aware of what you spend and how you treat your income like a lending office going through every financial transaction you’ve had for the last 3 months. I had to give it to God, and say, “here it all is.” My situation was better than I expected, and in a few short months, I was handed keys to my very first home. I’m still in awe.
How did Gabriel and Data Driven Real Estate help you with overcoming some of your preconceived notions or obstacles?
Gabriel’s patience and professionalism in every step of the home buying process gave me the confidence i needed to buy a house. I never had a concern or question that Gabriel didn’t already consider. I never felt nagging when I would run ideas, scenarios, and what-if’s by him via text in the middle of our work days. He was always there to bounce ideas back, and had a contact in each department I needed help with (i.e. handy-man, garage door installation, inspector).
I was never making decisions alone, or signing a document i didn’t understand, and that gave me a sense of power I’ve never had before. Gabriel recognized my fears and walked me out of them; he even let me complain about my opinions on the real estate market (as if he isn’t the professional here! HA!)!
Were you pleased with your experience and the process?
Gabriel helped me accomplish my dream, and I am so grateful! I am so happy to have an expert in real estate in my corner for the rest of my life.
What does buying your own home mean for you personally and financially?
I am so proud to own a home! Financially, this is the best (and biggest) investment I’ve ever made – which leveled me up into a whole different operation. I have never felt so secure in my life. In my 20’s, I was living paycheck to paycheck , being disorganized with my money and always coming up short to pay rent. That anxiety and instability breeds fear and shame. Finally, I can look at my financial health and feel security. Excitement. Pride. I have never had that feeling before.
On a deeply personal level – the fact I am able to provide a home for my baby daughter brings tears to my eyes. I can finally take a deep breath, look into her eyes, and tell her, “Baby girl, we are finally home.” My grandmothers and grandfathers are smiling from above, I feel it in my bones. I can finally unpack – both figuratively and literally, and that sense of relief ripples to my soul. I can relax. I can breathe. I can plan for our future and know we will always be taken care of.
This isn’t just a home, it’s a valuable lesson I am able to give to my daughter – and there is no price on that. She will know that investing in ourselves is the best investment we can ever make, and she will never have to worry about living under someone else’s roof. I am so proud.
Is there anything you wish would have gone differently?
My only regret is that i didn’t begin the process sooner! But, as someone in finance, i don’t believe in looking back – the best investment we can make for ourselves is to begin RIGHT NOW!
Would you buy a home again in the future or rent instead?
I will never rent again! Buying a house gave me the freedom to invest in my family’s future!
If you would buy a home again in the future, would you use Gabriel as your Realtor?
Gabriel was hands down the most genuine, kind, hardworking realtor I could have ever asked for. He was ALWAYS in my corner and worked behind the scenes for me. We encountered some realtors who didn’t tell the truth and who were rude and condescending – I was reminded again and again why Gabriel is so outstanding. I look forward to our next real estate investment opportunity!
What advice would you give to another first-time home buyer?
Take a deep breath, and know that you’re not alone. This is a big commitment and a game-changer. Do it despite being terrified. Be brave. Imagine what you want and find a path to take you there, and let people help you. The strongest people i know have demonstrated how to ask for help. I am so glad I did.
Are you ready to make your move? Contact us today for yourfree, no obligationbuyer consult!
The Mountain West Conference just released the schedule and TV times for the Boise State Broncos shortened football season. Fans will have to get a bit used to the late afternoon kickoff times this season and the only late night game falls on November 21st when the Broncos face off against Hawaii at 9:00 pm MT.
The only yet to be announced kickoff time is when the Broncos play the San Jose Spartans on November 28th. However, the Mountain West Conference has said to expect an announcement within the upcoming weeks. The Mountain West Championship game will be played on Saturday, December 12th, at the home field of whichever team has the highest win percentage for in-conference games only. It will be broadcasted on either Fox or Fox Sports 1.
Bronco Football will look vastly different this season for fans as no one will be allowed in the stadium during the games. In lieu of physically filling a seat, fans can purchase a cardboard cutout to be placed in Albertsons Stadium seat for $50.00. The card board cutouts will be available for fans to pick up when the season ends. All proceeds from the cutouts will go to the Elevate the Blue fundraiser. Elevate the Blue is meant to help Bronco Nation recover from the impact of COVID-19 on university sports.
“The postponement of fall sports and the uncertain future amidst a global pandemic has had and will continue to have a significant impact on our budget and our ability to carry out the mission of Boise State Athletics. We are charting a path to uphold our standard of excellence, but it is going to require your help. We are going to need a level of philanthropy from our fans that we have never seen before.”
Fall has arrived in the Treasure Valley! We have said goodbye to 100 degree days, the trees are starting to turn colors, pumpkin spice lattes are available in local coffee shops, and we are starting to break out sweaters and boots. One of the best things about fall, in our opinion, is the large list of activities and family traditions that start this time of year. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and u-pick orchards being amongst the top activities!
U-PICK ORCHARDS
Anderson Apple Ranch | 1877 West South Slope Road, Emmett
Anderson Apple Ranch has both Oregon Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples available to pick this season. They are open Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM till October 31st. Remember to bring your own baskets or boxes to collect your apples!
Tyler’s Rocky Point Orchard | 993 Hermosa Lane, Emmett
Tyler’s Orchard has some of the best fresh apple cider around! Pick up a ½ gallon when you head out for u-pick apple and plums. Golden Delicious, Macintosh, and early Fuji apples are available. The orchard is self-serve and open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.
Candy Apple Orchard just recently opened for the season! Their hours are Sunday-Friday (closed Saturday) from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Bring your own boxes, bags, or baskets to pick a variety of apples including Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Rome Beauties. In addition to apples, Candy Apple Orchard also has locally made Reisinger Honey, apple butter, pumpkin butter, and fruit salsas available for purchase.
Locally known as The Farmstead, the Lowe Family has created a fall oasis out in Kuna. In addition to their epic pumpkin patch, the Farmstead boasts one of the best (and most popular) corn mazes in Idaho. Plan to be there for a few hours at least because they also offer pig races, a potato sack slide, u-pick flowers, multiple train rides, farmyard animals and pony rides, and their Halloween attraction: Field of Screams. They are open Monday through Thursday 4:00 – 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and closed on Sundays. The Farmstead runs until October 31st.
Linder Farms is perhaps the second most popular fall attraction in the Treasure Valley. Attractions include the pumpkin patch, corn maze, tractor rides, petting zoo, multiple slides, a pumpkin sling shot, a mechanical bull, and much more. Linder Farms also offers plenty of delicious food and drink options. They are open Monday through Thursday 5:00 – 9:00 PM, Friday 5:00 – 10:00 PM, and Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
In addition to the pumpkin patch, Twin Oaks Farms offers u-pick vegetables, a petting zoo, and hayrides. COVID has caused Twin Oaks to shut down some of their more popular attractions this year, but in exchange they are offering free admission! They are the definition of a local, family run farm. Open Tuesday through Thursday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, and Friday-Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The threat of COVID-19 has changed some local farms and corn mazes this year. So although we’ve weeded out some of those places and researched the most up-to-date information, please remember to call ahead or double check online before heading out for a day of fun.
Looking for useful home tips or real estate data? Head over to our blog for more awesome content.
It’s no secret that the Boise area, aka the Treasure Valley, has been growing in popularity over the last few years. This includes the city of Boise and its surrounding suburbs like Meridian, Eagle, Star, Middleton, Caldwell, Nampa, and Kuna. The Treasure Valley has experienced a high amount of growth in a short amount of time. In 2020, Boise was #20 on the list of best places to live as well as #2 for the best U.S. cities to buy a house. But what makes Boise and the Treasure Valley so appealing?
1) Affordable Home Prices
Even though you will hear locals complain about the cost of housing, it’s relatively affordable compared to other US cities. This is one of the reasons the area is so hot for relocation! Often times you’ll find a bigger, nicer house in the Boise area for less than half of the cost in areas like Southern California or Seattle. The median home price in Ada County hovers around $500,000 which is only 26% of that of San Francisco! Our relocation clients find that they can sell their property, buy a house for cash in Boise (or have a minimum loan amount), and pocket the rest of their proceeds to enjoy a better quality of life or buy a few lower cost investment properties.
2) Active Lifestyle
The Treasure Valley is an outdoor lovers paradise. The mountain landscape provides miles of trail for hiking, riding ATV’s, and horseback riding. The rivers in Idaho have several different class rapids for adventurous kayaking and rafting. Plus, Boise River Park is a haven for stand-up paddle boarding. In the winter, the hiking trails turn into trails for snow shoeing and cross country skiing. And if shredding fresh powder is more your scene, you’ll find a handful of ski resorts within a few hours of the Boise area, like Bogus Basin and Tamarack.
If the outdoors aren’t for you, Boise also has a rich art and music scene, and cultural attractions like the Basque Block. Pair this with Ballet of Idaho, the opera, the symphony, a zoo, and a couple of museums and you’ll never be bored.
3) Good Eats
From burgers to fries, and ice cream to donuts, Boise’s culinary scene has something for everyone. Guru Donutsbrings a Voodoo donuts vibe to downtown Boise featuring their hipster berry donut flavored with blueberry, blackberry, and lavender. Fork is definitely the most Googled restaurant in Boise, and bacon lovers can rejoice in their personal heaven at BACON as they munch on bacon sampler shots. There’s no reason to eat at a chain restaurant when you’re in the Treasure Valley!
4) Good Drinks
St. Chapelle Winery located in the Snake River Valley in Caldwell, Idaho
Idaho itself is home to more than 50 wineries and local brewing companies are beginning to flood the Boise area. In fact, Idaho had the third highest employment growth in breweries between 2006 and 2016. The Boise area is very supportive of beer and cider makers, and beer lovers can walk or bike to several along the city’s Greenbelt. In downtown Boise, you’ll find breweries like Woodland Empire,10 Barrel Brewing, and Payette Brewing.
Enjoy a glass of wine, or two, out on the riverside patio at Telaya Wine Company in Boise or in the industrial warehouse of Cinder Wines. You can also take a short drive from the heart of Boise out towards areas like Caldwell and Kuna to experience the farm-like atmosphere of wineries like Ste. Chapelle, Koenig Distillery and Winery, and Indian Creek Winery. The wine connoisseur in you will thank you.
5) Four Seasons
The climate in the Treasure Valley is truly a four season climate. The winters are cold, but bearable, and it’s rare that the valley sees more than an inch or two of snowfall on a given day. Even when it does snow in Boise and the surrounding towns, chances are you’ll enjoy it in the morning and it will be melted by the afternoon. If you want to experience more than a few inches here and there, multiple feet of snow is only a short drive up the mountains. Spring and fall exist beautifully in the City of Trees, and summers aren’t too hot (minus a few weeks in August).
There you have it – the top 5 reasons to move to Boise!
Although there are several reasons why people are choosing to move to the Treasure Valley, but the first phrase out of people’s mouths tends to be “quality of life.” It’s another world out here. The Treasure Valley is family friendly, and has been quoted as being the next Austin, Texas or Portland, Oregon. There’s something to do here for just about everyone!
If you are ready to make a move to the Treasure Valley, it’s important to have a REALTOR® who knows the area and most importantly, the ins & outs of the real estate market. Even if you’re planning on buying new construction, you want a real estate agent who is dedicated to serving your best interests. That’s where Data Driven Real Estate comes in. Gabriel Gutierrez is your go-to Treasure Valley REALTOR® with a proven track record of 5-Star customer service!
If you’re interested in learning more about the housing market in the Treasure Valley, check out our market reports on the blog.
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