BOISE, IDAHO Relocation Guide

Boise, Idaho FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is Boise, Idaho expensive?

Boise is very affordable compared to urban centers such as Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City, and much of California, but has the highest average home prices in Idaho. The median price of a home in 2019 was $330,000

Is Boise, Idaho a good place to live?

Absolutely! Boise's lower cost of living, wide array of fun things to do, and friendly people make Boise a great place to live.

Is Boise a safe city?

In 2017, MSN voted Boise as the 8th safest city in the world. In fact, Idaho was listed as the second safest state in the American West after Utah. Boise and the Treasure Valley are praised for their safety. In fact, the crime rate has decreased as the population has increased.

What is the coldest month in Boise?

January is the coldest month with an average overnight temperature of 23.6 °F and an average high temperature of 36.7 °F

How much snow does Boise, Idaho get?

Average snowfall is 19 inches, with much of it falling in bursts of 3 inches or less.

Boise, Idaho Demographics

The estimated population of Boise in 2018 was 228,790, making it the 99th largest city in the United States. The Boise-Nampa Metropolitan Area, colloquially called the Treasure Valley, had an estimated population of 730,426 in 2018. This caused it to move up to the 80th largest metropolitan area in the country, surpassing Akron, Ohio. As of the 2010 census, the median age in Boise was 35.

Resident Education Levels (national average in parentheses)

• Master's Degree or Higher: 14% (12%)
• Bachelor's Degree: 27% (19%)
• Some college or associate's degree: 33% (29%)
• High School diploma or equivalent: 21% (28%)
• Less than a High School diploma: 5% (13%)

What's the weather like in Boise, Idaho?

If you like sunshine, you'll love the Treasure Valley. There is an average of 220 sunny days each year with low humidity and just 12.1 inches of precipitation. The climate here is ideal for spending time outside!

Sitting at 2,730 feet above sea level in a valley in the Rocky Mountains, Boise has a semi-arid continental climate. This is characterized by four distinct seasons with a wide temperature difference between summer and winter, low year-round humidity, and low precipitation.

Summers in Boise are hot and dry with most days reaching into the 90s. On average, the temperature reaches or exceeds 100 degrees eight days out of the season. The temperature difference between night-time lows and daytime highs is a little more than 30 degrees.

Winters are cold. The average high temperature in the winter is 37 degrees with average lows reaching into the low 20s. Average snowfall is 19 inches, with much of it falling in bursts of 3 inches or less. Luckily for valley residents, the snow falls more and stays in the mountains. Snow on the roads in town tends to go away thanks to snowplows, general traffic, and sunny days. 

Spring and fall are gradual transitions into the extreme seasons. Boise receives an average of 11 inches of precipitation annually, with most of it falling in the spring.

Air travel at the Boise Airport (BOI)

Boise Airport is served by 7 airlines that fly 4 million annual customers nonstop to 20 major airports around the country as well as connecting flights to thousands of cities around the world. In 2019, the Boise Airport received two accolades. The Travel Channel ranked the Boise Airport as the #2 most relaxing airport in the country. Also, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) selected the Boise Airport as "Airport of the Year" during its annual air safety forum in Washington D.C. The ALPA selected Boise because of its great safety record as well as its leadership always collecting feedback and data from pilots and aviation professionals to improve its service to the customers and airlines. Here are the cities that Boise Airport offers service to.

• Atlanta (ATL)
  Service provided by Delta
   
• Chicago Midway (MDW)
  Summer seasonal service provided by Southwest
   
• Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
  Service provided by United and seasonal service by American
   
• Denver (DEN)
  Service provided by Southwest, United, and seasonally by Frontier
   
• Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
  Service provided by American
   
• Houston (IAH)
  Service provided by United
   
• Las Vegas (LAS)
  Service provided by Southwest
   
• Los Angeles (LAX)
  Service provided by Delta, United, and Alaska
   
• Minneapolis (MSP)
  Service provided by Delta
   
• Oakland (OAK)
  Service provided by Southwest
• Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
  Service provided by Southwest and American
   
• Portland (PDX)
  Service provided by Alaska
   
• Sacramento (SMF)
  Service provided by Alaska and Southwest
   
• Salt Lake City (SLC)
  Service provided by Delta
   
• San Diego (SAN)
  Service provided by Alaska and Southwest
   
• San Francisco (SFO)
  Service provided by United
   
• San Jose (SJC)
  Service provided by Alaska and Southwest
   
• Seattle (SEA)
  Service provided by Alaska and Delta
   
• Spokane (GEG)
  Service provided by Southwest and Alaska
   

Boise Lifestyle Guides

Ask anyone who lives here or has moved here about why they love it here, and one of their top answers will be all of the fun things to do here. Downtown Boise is a cultural center with more than 100 shops, 80 restaurants, and a number of microbreweries, clubs, and other nightlife venues. Downtown Boise is a vibrant livable community that is walkable and friendly.

Community events such as the Saturday Farmer’s Market, First Thursday, and Alive- After-Five outdoor concert series on the Grove bring large crowds to the area. The 8th Street Marketplace provides a lively pedestrian zone lined with boutiques, local restaurants, and bars. Downtown Boise’s popular attractions include Julia Davis, Ann Morrison Park, Kathryn Albertson Park, the Idaho State Capitol, the classic Egyptian Theatre, the Boise Art Museum, and the Basque Block.

We have created lifestyle guides for the Boise area of fun things to do below. Check them out and create a list of what you want to experience here. We guarantee you won't get bored. There is something for everyone!

Food and Drink

Breweries

Idaho has a thriving beer scene thanks to our local hops, wheat, and barley crops. In fact, one of Idaho's largest agricultural exports around the country is hops for beer. In 2018, Idaho surpassed Oregon to become the nation's #2 hop growing state with 8,140 acres of harvested hops, which generated $86 million. Number 1 in Washington. Idaho alone has 40 craft breweries, with most of them sitting here in the Treasure Valley. Check out our definitive list of the breweries in Boise and the Treasure Valley. All of these places have distinct brewing techniques, flavors, atmosphere, and amazing menus.

Wineries

Idaho has been gaining notoriety for its wine production. The elevation, volcanic soil, a high number of sunny days, and the amount of moisture and precipitation have become fertile grounds for wine grapes. Our Boise, Idaho Vineyards and Wineries Guide outlines where all of the vineyards and wineries are located by the city in the Treasure Valley. Reference this guide to find which locations are closest to you, or venture out into the valley to find new places to try and buy local wine.

Nightlife Hotspots

Downtown Boise is small compared to other urban centers, but it is far from boring. There are dozens of bars, brewpubs, and nightclubs to grab a drink and have a fun night out with friends. In addition, there are plenty of restaurants to satisfy any craving after the sun goes down. Use our 22 Boise Nightlife Hotspots article to read profiles on the hottest and most popular bars and nightclubs in Boise. Explore them all and discover what makes each of them unique.

Sports in Boise

Does Boise have professional sports teams?

Boise has plenty to offer sports fans. We are famous for Boise State University's blue football field, but did you know that Boise is home to a few professional sports teams and events that draw professional talent from around the country? It's true. Our Boise Sports Guide breaks down the spectator sports we offer to our residents and how to enjoy them. No matter what sport you are a fan of, you will find a team to cheer for here in Boise!

Where are all of the golf courses in Boise?

If you like to golf, you are in luck. Boise and the other cities in the Treasure Valley—Meridian, Kuna, Eagle, Star, Nampa, Caldwell, Kuna, and Caldwell—contain 20 golf courses. Golfing in Idaho is different because we can golf comfortably between mid-March and early October. Some courses are nestled in the foothills where elevation changes are part of the challenge. Others have sweeping fairways on the south end of the valley with nothing but open sky above you. There are also a few private country clubs that offer executive-style courses with other high-end amenities like Olympic swimming pools, tennis courts, swing analysis machines, and fine dining. Take a look and find your new favorite golf course!

Treasure Valley

Boise is just part of the area and each surrounding city has its own vibe and offers a unique way of life.

Meridian ID

it’s no surprise that Meridian is so popular of a destination with the city’s detailed family-oriented infrastructure, city planning, and business opportunities. Despite the rapid growth, there is still a small-town feel and strong community spirit. There is also plenty to do from The Village at Meridian for shopping & dining, Meridian Speedway, Wahooz, and Roaring Springs Water Park. Search Meridian homes for sale.

Eagle ID

Located between the Foothills & the Boise River & Hwy 55 and Hwy 16 is the acclaimed zip code 83616. It is in a class all its own. The city is known for its luxury neighborhoods, safe environment, and quality of life from the 200-acre bike park, to top-rated golf courses to Eagle Island State Park. Search Eagle homes for sale.

Kuna ID

Driving to Kuna and passing acres upon acres of corn, you may be surprised to find a fast-growing city. Kuna is the fastest growing city. The immediate draw of the rural town may be lower home prices and convenient commutes but most people fall in love with the quiet and peaceful country setting with expansive views of the Owyhee Mountains across the desert to the foothills spanning east and west from Boise. Search Kuna homes for sale.

Star ID

If you lived in Star, you lived “out in the country”; although, it is a short commute to the big city! Star is everything you’d want in a country setting and more. Star delivers an authentic small-town life with friendly neighbors and one traffic light. Search Star Homes for Sale.

Nampa ID

The laid-back pace and friendliness of the residence create its small-town feel but for a town its size, it has a lot going on. A resident here enjoys Lake Lowell, The Warhawk Air Museum, Ford Idaho Center & HorsePark & Amphitheater, Snake River Stampede, and much more. Nampa is attractive due to its friendly business climate and quality of life. Search Nampa homes for sale.

Caldwell ID

Life in Caldwell is a little simpler. This is a place where you get to know people and call them by name. There is a lot of rolling farmland, big tractors, and roadside vegetable and fruit stands. Rodeos and the County Fair are part of life here. Search Caldwell homes for sale.

Middleton ID

At the western end of Canyon county is a true gem. Family is a big deal in Middleton which is why the school district is one of the best in the Valley. The city is also committed to the future with many community improvements. Many older homes in Middleton are on acreage or larger lots, barns, and outbuildings. Or purchasing acreage and building your dream home can easily become reality here. Search Middleton homes for sale.

Emmett ID

Just north of the county line lies a beautiful valley. Emmet is known for the Payette River, Squaw Butte, and good people. It is just far enough away that there are a number of small businesses that you never have to leave but it is only 30 minutes to the civilization. Search Emmett homes for sale.