Nestled in aptly-named Treasure Valley with magnificent views of the Idaho-Bitterroot Rocky Mountains, Boise tops just about every “best of” list these days. With its stunning outdoor vistas, low cost of living, friendly residents, excellent schools, and space to grow, Boise is now the 15th-fastest growing city in the United States, according to Forbes. It’s also #20 on U.S. News & World Report’s Top 25 Places to Live this year. Let’s take a look at why so many people are loving this popular state capital that offers the perfect balance of live, work, and outdoor play.
Attractive Cost of Living
The average cost of living in Boise is right on par with the national average, but your dollars for necessities like healthcare, utilities, transportation, and groceries will go much further. The cost of housing is slightly higher in the city core, but when you drive the short distance to surrounding towns like Meridian, Nampa, and Kuna – all part of the Boise metro area – housing costs decrease and you’ll find a lot more value, particularly in more spacious, newly built homes. Overall, you can enjoy a high quality of life and while keeping more than a few dollars in your pocket (and your savings account).
Strong Job Market
As part of the thriving mountain west region, it’s no surprise that Boise offers plentiful job opportunities. Agriculture is the single largest contributor to the state’s economy and the industry is booming, ranking in the top 10 in national production for a variety of crops and livestock. Innovations in technology and irrigation have driven much of that success, along with the people who power it.
Closer to the city you’ll find healthy job sectors in administration, healthcare, government, mining, and manufacturing. Boise is also quickly becoming a technology, creative, and entrepreneurial hub. In fact, future job growth is on track to be about 20 points higher than the national average. In 2019, the city was ranked as a top five “Surge City” for best places to start a business in the U.S. – just behind Austin, Salt Lake City, and Denver. Ambition and talent abound in Boise!
Excellent Schools
There’s a reason so many startups are landing here – Boisians are smart! Boise public schools are considered some of the best in the country and boast a higher-than-average graduation rate. That number has been steadily climbing thanks to new accountability plans from school administrators.
Waiting with open arms for students is Boise State University, the state’s largest public university with 20,000 undergraduates and more than 170 academic programs (including the nation’s only degree in raptor biology!). In 2020, BSU reported its highest degree-seeking enrollment numbers in eight years. There is also a great selection of private schools and universities in the area.
Low Crime Rate
Despite its impressive growth numbers, Boise continues to enjoy low crime rates compared to similarly-sized metros. It could be in part because people have more room to “spread out” – the population density is only 2,749 people per square mile (compare that with 27,000 people per square mile in New York City!). Boisians are known to be open, friendly, and supportive, and they work together to ensure their communities are kept clean and safe. In 2018, the crime rate actually hit a 25-year low. It’s one of the top reason families and retirees choose Boise as home.
Abundant Outdoor Recreation
A river runs through it, and it’s surrounded by canyons, mountains, deserts, and lakes. From casual walks through gorgeous landscapes to paragliding through the foothills, there’s something for everyone to enjoy outdoors in Boise. Nearby state parks like Lucky Peak, Eagle Island, and State of Idaho offer a wide range of seasonal recreation activities like white water rafting and skiing, or you can enjoy camping, fishing, and mountain biking year round.
Within the city you’ll find the 25-mile long Boise Greenbelt. This tree-lined pathway meanders through idyllic neighborhoods alongside the river and is perfect for jogging, strolling, picnicking, or just sitting on a bench and admiring the view.
Boise gets about 200 days of sunshine a year, and though you’ll experience the beauty of all four seasons, temperatures are not too extreme – which means you can enjoy the outdoors whenever you like.
Boise New Home Communities
If Boise sounds like an ideal place to level up your career or enjoy the newfound freedom of retirement, that’s because it is! Few other cities have been able to retain the same balance of strong economic growth and welcoming charm. If you’re interested in buying a house in Boise, we invite you to learn more about our new home communities in Boise, Meridian, and Eagle. We’re sure you’ll find a community that perfectly complements your new life here in the city. Please give us a call at 208-917-7500 or request more information – we’d love to show you around!
