With its picturesque natural surroundings and low cost of living, it’s no wonder so many people are picking up and moving to Boise, Idaho. As the state’s capital and largest city, Boise is Idaho’s cultural center and features a diverse economy that has resulted in increased job growth in sectors like manufacturing, high tech, and agriculture. Downtown Boise thrives with a myriad of restaurants, nightlife venues, and shops, but the city boasts a dynamic mix of neighborhoods, some of which are ideal for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or retirees. If you’re thinking of relocating to Boise, you’ll want to get to know the city’s best-loved neighborhoods and all that they have to offer to residents. Between their local attractions and amenities, these neighborhoods might be the ideal place for you to hang your hat.
Southeast Boise
People love Southeast Boise for its great mix of people. It’s home to college students, professionals, business owners, and first-time home buyers. One of the draws to this neighborhood is its proximity to Boise State University as well as downtown Boise. It’s a hot spot for locally owned businesses like restaurants and shops; however, the hip microbreweries and upscale eateries of the downtown area are only a short distance away.
When house hunting in this part of the city, you’ll find that the median home price is $375,000. It’s possible to get great deals on homes under this rate, but they tend to sell fast. There are also some pricey properties in the neighborhood, especially those that are situated near the postcard-worthy Greenbelt and the Boise River. Overall, however, Southeast Boise boasts a youthful vibe, owing to its nearness to the university.
Highlands
Situated in the foothills, the Highlands is noted for its tranquil ambience. Because of its elevation, it boasts incredible views of the city. However, life is slower-paced here and the streets are quieter. A popular area for families, the Highlands boasts some of the best schools in Boise and features amenities like a community swimming pool and area golf course and country club.
The lots in this part of Boise tend to be larger and are ideal for accommodating large households. Many homes in this part of the city were built during the 1950s and 1960s and feature a Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, which is particularly in demand these days among home shoppers. Mid-Century homes in the Highlands tend to be extremely well constructed and, so, they may fetch a steeper sale price than ranch-style homes built in other neighborhoods. There are more contemporary homes in this area that command prices up to a million or more, owing to their large size and modern home features.
North End
The North End is one of Boise’s oldest neighborhoods and, as such, it boasts a cohesive quality where residents feel part of the fabric of the community. Unlike more modern parts of the city where lots are larger, this section is more dense and home to more residents than many other neighborhoods. However, living here feels like living in a city. It’s more boisterous and lively than neighborhoods that are further from the downtown area and is known for special community events like the Hyde Park Street Fair.
The North End is especially well-known for its charming bungalows, a style that permeates this neighborhood. The median house price in this part of the city is $590,000, but it’s possible to score a great deal on a modernized brick bungalow for well under that price tag, which makes the North End popular for single professionals and couples. There are also fixer uppers that hit the real estate marketplace here and, as expected, come with a more affordable price tag.
Barber Valley
If you enjoy being outdoors and are drawn to water-based activities like kayaking, be sure to visit Barber Valley when house hunting. The reservoir here is a big draw for boaters. The foothills add to this neighborhood’s rustic charm. Residents here enjoy hiking, biking, and jogging. This part of the city is attractive to families and professionals who find its newer housing styles more convenient with their modern amenities. While Barber Valley is conveniently located near the city, it offers a more rustic living experience which appeals to many residents.
The median home price for a house in Barber Valley is $535,000. The average square footage for houses here is 2,400 square feet. Many of the home styles could be dubbed traditional or new craftsman style. There are many newer constructions here that were built after the year 2000. If you’re looking for a fixer upper, you won’t find too many, but you will find quality-built homes that tend to be excellently maintained.
Hidden Springs
If there’s a hidden gem of a neighborhood in Boise, it’s surely Hidden Springs. While close enough for commuting, Hidden Springs is also set apart from the hustle and bustle of Boise. So, if you’re hunting for a community that offers the best of both worlds–proximity to a major city but also brimming with rustic charm, this is it. Hidden Springs boasts amazing views of the city’s night skyline and many area attractions like a village center, clubhouse, and pool.
Most of the neighborhood’s homes were constructed after 1999, so they’re newer and more modern than what you may find in other neighborhoods of the city. The media house price for a home here is $550,000. However, the styles of the houses are surprisingly mixed with various architectural styles represented. Expect to find traditional houses, large farmhouse styles, craftsman-type homes, and more. Because this is a newer section of the city, its careful planning is evident.
Why Move to These Boise Neighborhoods?
These are some of Boise’s best neighborhoods. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, Boise’s real estate market is particularly hot right now. Although homes are selling quickly, new listings are hitting the marketplace at a relatively fast pace too. That means, when you begin your Boise house hunt, you’re sure to find a wide range of homes to choose from in these and other well-liked city communities.
