Thinking about a move to Boise? In this article we want to give you a high level overview of the city and what to expect. When you're ready for a visit, please let me know! I would love to show you around, buy you dinner, and be a resource to help you make the most of your trip.

Population: 236,310

Median Household Income: $49,209

Median Home Price: $361,663

Boise home values have gone up 12.8% over the past year and Zillow predicts they will rise 6.1% within the next year.

The heart and soul of Idaho is its capital city, Boise. Located at the base of the foothills, Boise boasts a bustling and vibrant community. The downtown area is clean and safe, and offers a multitude of bars, restaurants, and cultural centers.

Boise itself is generally broken up into 7 distinct areas:

• Southeast Boise
• Southwest Boise
• Downtown
• Boise Bench
• The North End
• Northwest Boise
• West Boise

Each area has its own quirks and personality, woven together by the shared values and ideals of its residents. Discover what each has to offer.

Southeast Boise 

Running from Boise State University out to Micron, Southeast Boise is a relatively new area, having been developed over the last 30 years or so. It is close in proximity to Lucky Peak Reservoir, Highway 21 (which travels north to Idaho City) and the freeway, I-84. It is also home to the Simplot Sports Complex which houses a subdivision, a large baseball complex, and swimming pools.

Southwest Boise

If you are looking for larger home lots within the city limits, then Southwest Boise may be your best bet. It is thinly populated and is home to some farm houses and open pastures. Horses, cattle, or other livestock can be raised here. There aren’t many lots available in the area, so building new construction may be more difficult, but if you are simply looking to buy an existing home on acreage this area may be for you.

Downtown

The downtown area is relatively small and compact. Don’t let its small size fool you. It is home to a variety of big name companies (such as Simplot and Boise - formerly Boise Cascade). Living downtown generally means condo living, although there are some residential homes still in the area. Average prices are generally higher in the downtown area.

Boise Bench

Right in the heart of Boise sits the Boise Bench, its name is derived from the fact that it nestles up against a high-rise that overlooks the downtown area. Although similar demographically to the North End, housing prices here are a little more affordable than its pricier neighbor. The most distinguishing factors of the Bench are the proximity to the Boise Train Depot and easy access to the Greenbelt.

The North End

Some would argue that the North End is still technically part of downtown, but most would agree that this area includes anything north of State Street and east of Veteran’s Parkway. There are some of the oldest - and finest - homes in all of Boise in the North End and because of such, it is relatively more expensive than its neighbors.

Northwest Boise

Once you cross over Veteran’s Parkway you enter Northwest Boise which runs west and north along State Street to the city of Eagle. This is a beautiful area, nestled right in the foothills. If you love the outdoors, Northwest Boise may be for you. Because of Boise’s natural expansion west, Northwest Boise has a good mix of older and newer homes and subdivisions.

West Boise

West Boise begins right around where the mall, Boise Towne Square, is located and runs west to Meridian. This is the area that has experienced the most rapid growth in recent years as development increased rapidly along Eagle Road, the border between West Boise and Meridian.

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