Moving to Boise, ID?: 12 Things to Know Before Moving to Boise in 2024

Named after the French term for a “wooded” area, Boise is often called the City of Trees. Its stunning backdrop and great outdoor sporting life have long attracted new residents. The earliest settlers nicknamed the city when they climbed a hill and looked upon Treasure Valley and its lush forest.

The city experienced a population boom over the last decade and continually makes the "Best of" for everything from cuisine to nightlife. Boise even earned the title of "fastest-growing city in the country" between 2017 and 2018.

Should You Move to Boise, Idaho?

Boise has mild weather, diverse culture, and big-city amenities – all at a small town price. It’s a fast-growing destination for college students, young professionals and families, as well as retirees looking for a top-ranked place to live. From Downtown to the Boise River Greenbelt, Boise offers something for everyone.

Before packing up and moving to the City of Trees, here's what you need to know about living in Boise.

1. What Is It Like Living in Boise?

Boise is the state capital and largest city in Idaho, followed by Meridian and Nampa. Boise is situated in Ada County, which is the most populous county in the state. The county is also home to one-quarter of the state's residents, including a large refugee population. The Boise River flows through parts of northern Ada and the gorgeous, tree-covered Boise Range mountains are an ever-present backdrop in the northwest. The Snake River serves as a boundary for the southwestern border.

Boise's outdoor activities and gorgeous landscape make it a popular place to settle. Plus, there are even more opportunities to connect with nature throughout the state of Idaho. Idaho's combined wilderness spans over 4.7 million acres, bigger than Rhode Island, Delaware, and Connecticut combined.

2. 2024 Cost of Living in Boise

Compared to the rest of Idaho, Boise is more expensive, but it’s a major bargain compared to other bustling cities like Seattle, Portland, and Salt Lake City.

According to PayScale, the cost of living in Boise is 8% higher than the national average. Housing is also 26% higher, making the city an incredible bargain compared to 111% higher in Seattle. The city is on the rise, though, so expect the cost of living to increase slightly as the population continues to boom, or jobs and businesses grow.

Here's an idea of how much things cost when moving to Boise, as reported by PayScale:

• Energy bill: $141.63
• Loaf of bread: $3.72
• Doctor's Visit: $124.41
• $3.88 for a gallon of gas

Rents and housing prices have been historically low in Boise, though are currently on the rise. The median rent in Boise is now $1,106 for a one-bedroom apartment, with the median rent on a two-bedroom being $1,274. Those prices will look steeper than areas a few hours from the city.

The median income in Boise is also a healthy $76,402, as reported by the United States Census Bureau. By comparison, the median household income is $70,214 in the rest of Idaho.

3. Boise Job Market and Economy

Boise's job market steadily increased 3.6% over the last year. Over the next decade, the future job growth is predicted to rise 50.9%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%. Sales tax is also low at 6% compared to the US average of 7.3%. Idaho's Gross Domestic Product (GPD) is $84 billion, and Boise's Gross Regional Product (GRP) is nearly $30 million.

Major corporate headquarters call Boise home, while others are top employers in the state, including grocery chains like Albertsons, Fred Meyer, and Costco, tech giant Hewlett-Packard, Boise Cascade, and Jand Idaho Timber. Newcomers have employment options in a range of industries, from energy, medical tech and healthcare to advanced manufacturing, aerospace engineering and tech startups to food production, tourism and outdoor recreation.

4. Public Transportation in Boise

Depending on where you live in Boise, walking and biking are options to get around the city. Public transportation is minimal, though, so expect to be car-dependent in the city. You'll find the most flexibility for walking, biking, and public transportation in Downtown, Veterans Park, Morris Hill, and North End.

Valley Regional Transit is the Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA) for Ada County and Canyon County. Every public bus has a bike rack on the front for added convenience. Locals and visitors can also rent a bike when needed at kiosks throughout the city through the Boise GreenBike bike-share program for an affordable price.

Transportation costs are reasonable around Boise, especially if you plan to live Downtown and walk everywhere. Locals can expect to spend about $4,900 on transportation as a single adult—families of two working adults and a child need at least $11,186.

5. The Weather in Boise

Boise is known for its relatively mild and manageable climate. The snowfall in the area is just 18 inches per year, which is less than the US average of 28 inches. If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, there are ample opportunities to have fun in the snow in the surrounding Boise Mountains. The Boise River and waterfront paths offer fishing and rafting to cool off during the summer months.

The coldest month in Boise is January, with an average overnight temperature of 23.6°F. The warmest month is July, where daytime temperatures rise to 89°F. Spring and Fall are also mild and a good time for hiking and mountain biking. Boise’s beautiful landscape comes at a price, though – a lot of pollen. If you have seasonal allergies, make sure you’re stocked up on whatever helps you stop the sneeze.

6. Boise Attractions

Boise's attractions are rooted in nature and outdoor adventure. You can whitewater raft, paddleboat, and hike in warm weather, or ski during the winter. Locals flock to the Boise River Greenbelt with its tree-dotted trails and parks along the water's edge. The Idaho Botanical Garden boasts Garden Art,15 acres of tapestry, native and domestic plants.

As the capital of Idaho, Boise also features historical attractions like the Old Idaho Penitentiary. The historical prison contains 19th-century prison cells and gallows, weaponry, and artifacts. The sandstone Idaho State Capitol Building and art-deco Boise Art Museum boast historic buildings, artwork, and exhibits. Animal lovers and conservationists alike will find a visit to Zoo Boise meaningful, especially the newly expanded red panda complex. (Because who doesn’t love a red panda?)

7. Food Scene and Nightlife in Boise

Boise has been earning buzz for its growing culinary scene, and the foodies heard the call. Whether you’re just looking for a quick bite or you’re a connoisseur of the finer things, you’ll find Boise representing global cuisine at different price points and experience levels, from Ethiopian to Eritrean food. For Russian cuisine, Alyonka Russian Cuisine serves old country dishes in a modern space. The growing population of Basques, a Southwestern European ethnic group in Spain and France, also brings a new flavor to the city. The Basque-inspired Txikiteo, a type of food and bar crawl, excites all palates with fusion dishes, traditional eats, and tapas.

​​The Sapphire Room is Boise's most popular music venue, though local performers often perform at the Riverside Hotel. Spacebar Arcade brings back the nostalgia with arcade games, comic books, and old-school board games. Esquire named Pengilly's Saloon one of the top 100 bars in the nation. It’s definitely ready for a party with pool tables, live music, and worn wooden floors that keep locals engaged until closing time.

8. Major Annual Boise Events

Boise's cultural diversity is evident in its festivals, like Refugee Food Week. The festival promotes the universal power of cuisines, connects the community, and amplifies the presence of refugees in the restaurant industry.

Boise is also home to the "toughest half-marathon in the northwest," which is held every April. Serious runners and locals and visitors race along Robie Creek to support local businesses and organizations. Boise Music Festival boasts musical artists and a summer blow-out.

With such a stunning backdrop, honoring the outdoors is a must in Boise. The Spirit of Boise draws tourists and locals to watch hot air balloons celebrating the end of summer and embrace Boise's beauty.

9. Sports in Boise

Sports lovers have a lot to root for in this city. The Boise State Broncos get the college crowd charged up at the Albertsons Stadium, while hockey enthusiasts watch the Idaho Steelheads play on the home ice of Idaho Central Arena.

For baseball, the Boise Hawks hit home runs at the Memorial Stadium. The team isn't affiliated with the MLB, but it’s part of the Pioneer League. Basketball fans watch the Basketball fans catch Boise State University's Bronco shoot hoops.

10. Top Universities in Boise

Boise is an attractive option for recent graduates and job seekers. Boise State University and a handful of colleges with private degree programs draw plenty of college students to the city. Students come for the mountain views, outdoor sports and city living, but often stay for the robust job market, culture, arts, and nightlife.

11. Idaho Potatoes in Boise

We already mentioned that Boise is a culture center for foodies and the food production industry, and a big thanks for that needs to be paid to the magnificent Idaho potato. Whether you’ve just moved in or have family and friends visiting, you’ll want to follow the Potato Trail to try all of the different ways Boise celebrates and prepares the russet potato.

12. What Neighborhood in Boise Should You Make Your Home?

Downtown Boise

Downtown Boise is an urban playground with plenty of restaurants, pubs, nightlife, and culture. Even though it gets busy, especially during rush hour, the neighborhood maintains Boise's unique sense of community where locals still greet each other with a friendly smile. Downtown is the place to live if you want to walk and bike around your neighborhood.

It’s also the epicenter of meetings, conferences, government, and all other city-based businesses. Best of all, this area is centrally located to all things in Boise. You can spend time running on the Boise River Greenbelt or hiking in the nearby foothills.

Find the apartments for rent now in Downtown Boise.

North End

The prominent neighborhood of North End captures that quaint lifestyle while still offering quick access to the booming downtown area. The charming streets of North End Boise are home to the famous Hyde Park.

North End is the neighborhood to take advantage of outdoor fun. Some of the state's most beloved activities, including mountain biking, golfing, camping, and skiing, are available in this neighborhood.

Find hundreds of apartments available for rent in the North End.

Southeast Boise

Southeast Boise is one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in Boise. It’s an excellent place for anyone looking for quick and easy access to downtown, the river, and the Greenbelt.

Boise State University calls Southeast Boise home, making this neighborhood skew slightly younger than the rest of the city. Thanks to the influx of new businesses to cater to the college students, including coffee shops and brunch spots, there’s always plenty to do. Despite being a college neighborhood, Southeast Boise still provides residents with a close-knit community feel, and you'll often see children playing around in the front yard.

Local landmarks in Southeast Boise include the Simplot Sports Complex, Brown Crossing, and Barber Park. The neighborhood seamlessly blends fun, young, urban living with the old-fashioned suburban feel.

Find an apartment for rent in Southeast Boise.

Boise Heights

The condensed neighborhood of Boise Heights is one of the best places to live in the entire state. Anyone looking for a densely suburban living arrangement will enjoy living in this Ada County neighborhood.

This quiet area of Boise is home to many retirees, but that's not to say there isn't plenty to do in Boise Heights. Here you will find a wide assortment of parks, coffee shops, restaurants, and bars.

Additionally, Boise Heights schools are highly rated, making it an excellent place for young families looking for more land to call home.

East End

If you are looking for history and culture like none other, the East End is where you should consider planting your roots. The tranquil and tight-knit neighborhood has an unbeatable location to everything Boise has to offer. You can easily maintain an active social life with close proximity to downtown, all while enjoying quiet time in a more suburban home.

Take a bike ride along the Greenbelt or visit the MK Nature Center, Kristin Armstrong Park, the Old Idaho Penitentiary, or the Idaho Botanical Garden, all located within the East End.

Find an apartment for rent now in the East End.

Final Thoughts

Are you ready to move to Boise? Apartment List can help you find your next apartment in your ideal Boise neighborhood in minutes.

What to Know Before Moving to Boise in 2022

What’s the weather like in Boise?

Boise is known for its relatively mild and manageable climate. The coldest month in Boise is January, with an average overnight temperature of 23.6°F. The warmest month is July when daytime temperatures rise to 89°F.

What’s the timezone in Boise?

Boise’s time zone is Mountain Standard/Daylight Time (MST and/or MDT), depending on the year. It is also Greenwich Mean Time - 6 (GMT-6), two hours behind New York City.

What to do in Boise?

Many things to do in Boise are rooted in nature and outdoor adventure. Locals flock to the Boise River Greenbelt with tree-dotted trails and parks along the water's edge. The Idaho Botanical Garden boasts Garden Art,15 acres of tapestry, native and domestic plants.

What county is Boise in?

Boise is a city within Ada County. Ada County is located in the southwestern region of the state and is the most populated county in Idaho.

What are the benefits of moving to Boise?

As the capital of Idaho, Boise also features historical attractions like the Old Idaho Penitentiary. The historical prison contains 19th-century prison cells, gallows, weapons, and artifacts. The sandstone Idaho State Capitol Building and art-deco Boise Art Museum boast historic buildings, artwork, and exhibits.

What are the pros and cons of living in Boise?

The pros of living in Boise include the affordable cost of living, low population density, and excellent education opportunities. The cons of living in Boise include the challenging weather, lacking diversity levels, and lower wages. Everywhere has its pros and cons; you just have to decide what works best for you!

What’s the best city to move to in Boise?

The five best cities in Boise are Downtown Boise, North End, Southeast Boise, Boise Heights, and East End.

What’s it like living in Boise?

The mild weather, unique culture, diverse demographics, and big-city amenities at a small town price make Boise a popular destination for college students, millennials, and retirees looking for a highly ranked place to live. From Downtown to the Boise River Greenbelt, Boise offers something for everyone.

What are the taxes in Boise?

As of 2022, Boise’s current sales tax rate is 6%. In Boise, individual income tax rates are graduated, ranging from 1% up to 6.5%.

What jobs are popular in Boise?

Major corporate headquarters call Boise home, including Boise Cascade, Albertsons, and Jand Idaho Timber. Newcomers have employment options in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, technology and innovation, food production, outdoor recreation, etc.

What universities are in Boise?

Boise is an attractive option for up-and-coming graduates and job seekers. Boise State University and a handful of private degree programs draw college students to the city. Boise boasts a robust job market, culture, arts, nightlife, skiing, rock climbing, and river sports.

What are things to do in Boise?

There are plenty of things to do in Boise, whether you like spending your time training for the toughest half-marathon in the northwest or catching a Boise State Broncos game. Or, if you consider yourself a bit of an outdoor enthusiast, the state's hiking and mountain biking trails will not disappoint. Because you have too many options, finding something to do in Boise can be challenging.