20 Things To Know About Living in Boise, Idaho: A City Worth Its Weight in Potatoes

Boise, Idaho, was once the state’s best-kept secret, but it’s since become a hotspot moving destination (it ranked No. 11 in the nation for the highest number of move-ins, according to PODS summer moving trends). Living in Boise, Idaho, combines career opportunities in a strong economy with outdoor adventure, making it an ideal place to live.

Boise is large enough to house the headquarters of several major companies while still maintaining a low unemployment rate. Beyond its strong job market, the city is also a major draw for its scenic outdoor access and its thriving cultural scene. That’s not all you need to know before you plan your move, though.

Boise at a Glance

• Population: Located in Ada County, Boise has a population of approximately 238,000.
• Land area: Boise covers an area of 86.1 square miles.
• Demographics: Boise’s demographic is younger-leaning, with a median age of 38.2 years old.
• Fun fact: Boise has been ranked among the best travel destinations in the world by National Geographic.

20 Things To Know About Living in Boise, Idaho

Before you plan a cross-country move to Boise, it's important that you understand the city's unique characteristics and what its rapid growth means. Doing so will allow you to avoid unexpected lifestyle changes and financial concerns that come with cross-country moving costs. When it comes to living in Boise, Idaho, here's everything you should know.

1. The Cost of Living in Boise, Idaho, Is Higher Than the State Average

One of the most important things to consider before moving to Boise is the cost of living. It’s substantially higher than the national average index of 100 and the Idaho state score of 105.5, coming in at 119.6. Although it’s not the most expensive compared to other mid-sized cities in states like California (the cost of living score in Irvine is 164.9).

2. The Pros and Cons of Living in Boise, Idaho

The city of Boise has become as desirable as ever; however, you should still consider both the positive and negative aspects to determine if it’s really right for you.

Pros of Living in Boise, Idaho

• An abundance of outdoor activities
• Vibrant arts and culture scene
• Well-regarded primary and secondary education opportunities
• Strong job market

Cons of Living in Boise, Idaho

• High home prices
• Limited public transit in certain areas
• High crime rates compared to the state
• Traffic congestion from rapid population growth

Living in Boise, Idaho, means having epic outdoor adventures right at your doorstep — like river rafting down the scenic Boise River.
(Source: City of Boise via Facebook)

3. Boise’s Crime Rate Is Way Better Than Other Mid-Sized Cities

Boise has an overall crime rate of 29, meaning it’s safer than 29 percent of other U.S. cities — a feat when you look at other mid-sized cities across the country. Look at Spokane, WA, and Salt Lake City, UT, and you’ll find crime scores of one.

In Boise, your chances of being a victim of either property or violent crime are one in 66, which is higher than the majority of other cities and towns within Idaho. Zoom out to Spokane and SLC again, though, and you’ll see that Boise is a safer bet. Spokane’s chances are one in 16, while SLC’s chances are one in 15.

4. Boise, Idaho, Restaurants Reflect the Local Agriculture

Boise’s vibrant and diverse food scene combines the city's agricultural roots and global influence, featuring everything from fine dining establishments to food trucks. You’ll find a large emphasis placed on farm-to-table ingredients.

Local favorite dining spots in Boise include:

• Wyld Child: A casual eatery regarded for its affordability and quality menu options, including smash burgers and sweet potato waffle fries.
• Casa De Madera Food Truck: Home to some of the best carne asada and carnitas tacos in Boise, with a scratch-made menu.
• Chandlers: Often considered the best steakhouse in Boise, you can choose from a variety of hand-cut steaks like A5 Japanese Wagyu, along with seafood delicacies.

5. The Best Boise Neighborhoods Combine Historic Charm With the City’s Best Offerings

Boise’s neighborhoods feature distinct historical identities that connect residential hubs to the city’s outdoor culture. Get to know the city’s best neighborhoods to settle down in:

• Harris Ranch: The master-planned community of Harris Ranch has been ranked the No. 1 neighborhood to buy a house in Boise by Niche. With weekly farmers markets, great schools, and easy access to the Boise River, there’s a lot to love about this neighborhood.
• North End: This community boasts a reputation as the best neighborhood to live in Boise — especially for young professionals. This hip, eclectic neighborhood is surrounded by the Hyde Park Historic District, known for its charm & great places to shop.
• Highlands: Best suited for retirees, the Highlands neighborhood is known for its social club and golfing amenities, focused around the scenic Crane Creek Country Club.

6. Outdoor and Cultural Activities Are the Heart of Entertainment in Boise

From taking the time to explore the great outdoors or visiting unique cultural sites, take a look at the best things to do while living in Boise:

• Boise River Greenbelt: This nearly 30-mile pathway system runs along the Boise River, and it’s perfect for biking, running, and long walks.
• Table Rock Hike: Enjoy panoramic views of the city on this loop trail that spans about 4 miles.
• Boise River Floating: Rent a tube or raft and leisurely take a float down the Boise River in the summer months.
• Old Idaho Penitentiary Site: Take a tour of this former prison and explore its history and architecture.
• Julia Davis Park: Julia Davis Park is a hub for attractions, including Zoo Boise and the Idaho State Museum.

Scenic views and championship golf are just a few of the perks of living in Boise, Idaho. Crane Creek Country Club offers a perfect blend of recreation and natural beauty in the heart of the Highlands neighborhood.
(Source: Crane Creek Country Club via Facebook)

7. Finding an Affordable Home in Boise Can Be Difficult

Considered somewhat competitive, home prices in Boise have been rapidly on the rise in recent years. Boise home prices remain high for a number of reasons, including the city’s status as a top relocation destination, low housing inventory, and an economic boom. And you can definitely notice it with the city’s average home price of $485,500 — over $125,000 more than the national average.

Homes in Boise have unique architecture, with blends of historic charm and modern trends. Craftsman Bungalow homes are popular, which feature detailed woodwork, large porches, and low-pitched roofs. Mid-Century modern homes are also on the rise, and feature low-sloped roofs and large floor-to-ceiling windows, giving the perfect views of the city.

8. Renting in Boise Offers More Flexibility

The rental market in Boise remains competitive; however, there has been more stabilization compared to the housing market. Smaller units have experienced drops in prices, while larger apartments are still in high demand.

The average rent for an apartment in Boise is $1,675, with the average size ranging between 450 square feet and 1,250 square feet.

9. Boise Offers a Variety of Transportation Options

Boise ranks high when it comes to biking and walkability, while public transit is considered to be more limited. High coverage and frequency provided by the Valley Regional Transit Bus System is concentrated around Downtown Boise and Boise State University, with premium routes that run every 15 to 30 minutes. While other local routes operate once an hour.

That being said, the city is expanding its bus routes and developing service change proposals.

10. Boise’s Education System Is Top Notch

The Boise School District is characterized by high-performing public schools — some ranking among the best in the state, including Boise Senior High School and Timberline High School. Plus, it boasts a high concentration of National Merit Semifinalists.

Along with the well-regarded K-12 school system, Boise is a primary hub for secondary education in Idaho, with a high influx of enrollment in institutions such as Boise State University, University of Idaho Boise, and Idaho State University Meridian.

11. Collegiate Athletics and Minor League Teams Make Up Boise’s Sports Scene

From college powerhouses to professional minor league teams, Boise sports draw fans from near and far. Representing Idaho in NCAA Division I football, the Boise State Broncos are the most followed college football team in Idaho and finished the 2025 season with a 9-5 record. The men’s and women’s basketball programs are also highly competitive, and the gymnastics team has been on the rise.

The ice hockey Idaho Steelheads are one of the city’s premier minor league teams, known for their consistent postseason success.

The City of Trees offers a stunning blend of urban life and natural beauty, but the weather is a major factor to keep in mind. While May, June, and September offer mild temps, it can get hot in July and August, with highs hanging around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. |
(Source: Visit Boise via Facebook)

12. Boise’s Sunny Climate Is Perfect For Enjoying the Outdoors Year-Round

Characterized by a semi-arid climate, Boise experiences each of the four seasons, with low humidity and over 200 days of sunshine annually.

While May, June, and September offer mild temps, it can get hot in July and August, with highs of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January, with lows of around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though the foothills of the city are snowcapped, snow in the city itself melts quickly due to these milder temperatures.

13. The Job Market in Boise Is Among the Nation’s Best

The economy in Boise is diverse, and its labor market consistently outperforms national metrics. Its unemployment rate of 3.5 percent places it among the 10 lowest rates in the nation.

Once known for an economy centered around agriculture, Boise is now a diverse hub of healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. Major employers driving the workforce include St. Luke’s Health System, Micron Technology, and Boise State University.

14. Boise Has a Deeply-Rooted Appreciation for the Arts

Balancing classic institutions with local events, the vibrant and eclectic arts scene of Boise contributes to the diverse culture. Freak Alley Gallery is the heart of Boise’s modern art scene — the largest outdoor mural gallery in the Northwest. Events like Downtown Boise’s First Thursday make for a great evening of art viewing, live music, and local performance art.

15. The Nightlife Scene in Boise Has a Place For Everyone

Downtown Boise hosts the hottest nightlife spots in the city — and it’s all walkable. From high-energy dance clubs to more sophisticated cocktail bars, Boise has you covered when it comes to looking for a fun night out.

Nightlife hotspots include The Balcony Club for dance tracks, Thick as Thieves for a speakeasy experience, and Humpin’ Hannah’s for live rock.

16. Celebrate Idaho’s Potato Culture

Idaho has a long-standing history of creating superior potatoes, due to the state’s climate of warm days and cool nights, mountain-fed irrigation, and rich volcanic soil. Dominating the U.S. potato market, Boise celebrates with two major festivals.

Held in the fall, Potato Days is the state’s official potato celebration, which includes games, live music, and tons of different potato dishes to try. The Idaho Potato Drop, on the other hand, is a New Year’s Eve event held downtown with a “Glowtato” that drops as part of the countdown.

Festival-goers line up outside the “Idaho Ice Cream Potato” food truck at Boise’s Potato Days Festival, enjoying one of the city’s quirkiest treats.
(Source: Potato.Days via Facebook)

17. Boise’s Reputation As the “City of Trees”

Boise’s nickname, “City of Trees,” refers to the area's tree-lined river valley — a stark contrast to the arid landscape surrounding it. The origin of the term can be traced back to the city's name, which is still commonly used today.

The term "Boise" comes from the French word "boisé," which literally means "wooded." During the early 19th century, fur trappers from Canada named the region after its cottonwood forests.

18. Heating Measures Are Done Right in Boise

The city of Boise has the largest direct-use geothermal system in the U.S., which provides 88 buildings with heat through a direct-use heating system capable of reaching up to 177 degrees Fahrenheit. This process is carried out through a closed-loop procedure and involves pumping water to buildings from an underground aquifer —  a sustainable energy source that doesn't use fossil fuels for heating. The water collected from geothermal sources can also be used to heat various outdoor recreational pools and greenhouses.

19. Boise’s History of Unique Laws

Known for its unique and sometimes bizarre laws, the city of Boise — and the state as a whole — has a history of notable historical oddities. One of these is the ban on riding merry-go-rounds on Sundays, which was enacted in the early 1900s as part of the "Sunday Rest Law."

Another prominent oddball Idahoan law is the “Idaho Stop” law, allowing bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs, rather than coming to a final stop.

20. Boise’s Geographical Location Calls for Easy Road Trips

From local desert-dunes to hot springs and wine trails, living in Boise allows residents to take easy and exciting road trips in under two hours. Day trip ideas include:

• Bruneau Dunes State Park: Slightly over an hour drive south of Boise, here you can visit the tallest single-structure sand dune in the U.S. and rent sandboards.
• Idaho City: Under an hour drive from Boise, this historic town is ideal for exploring antique shops and soaking in the geothermal pools at The Springs.
• Sunnyslope Wine Trail: Take the 40-45 minute drive to Sunnyslope and enjoy beautiful vineyards while relaxing with a glass (or two) of wine. 

Moving to Boise, Idaho, With PODS

Once you decide on a move to Boise, enlist the help of a portable moving container from PODS to easily make the move. Have the container delivered to your driveway, where you can load it up on your own schedule. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can refer you to local packing and loading assistance. Once you're ready, PODS will pick up and deliver the container to your new Boise home. If you need more time between homes, you can have it delivered to a PODS Storage Center until you're ready for it.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}