If you’re considering living in Boise, Idaho you might be curious to know all the pros and cons of moving to Boise. Whether you’re moving from the big city life or upgrading from a desolate location—Boise is sure to harbor some good and bad for everyone.
That said, I’ve lived in Boise all my life. I’ve been fortunate enough to see all the good, the bad, and everything in between. Here are 20 pros and cons of living in Boise.
Pros
1. Plenty of outdoor activities
If you know Idaho the slightest, then you might know of our great outdoors. We’ve got it all. Mountains, lakes, rivers, everything short of a coastline. As for Boise, all of Idaho’s great outdoors are located in and around the city.
One of the reasons I love living in Boise is that you can experience city life when you want as there are plenty of bars, clubs, and meeting places perfect for socializing.
But when you’re ready for some quiet time, nature awaits right outside your front door.
It’s like an on-and-off switch.
You can enjoy the Boise River, lakes and ponds, and various hiking trails all within city limits.
Lucky Peak (Boise’s most popular lake) is only a 10-minute drive from downtown or a 30-minute bike ride on the Greenbelt (a 25-mile-long paved bike path).
Overall, Boise is a prime location for bikers, hikers, fishers, climbers, boarders, and skiers.
And the best part is that you don’t have to travel far to enjoy your hobbies.
2. Boise is one of the safest cities
You can move to Boise knowing that you’re going to live in one of the safest cities in the U.S.
Not only does Boise have one of the lowest crime rates, but you actually feel safe whether you’re enjoying a nice walk or getting lost in the wrong neighborhood.
Of course, I’d be lying if I told you Boise didn’t have any crime. There is plenty of vandalism, theft, and a growing drug problem—more specifically—methamphetamine.
However, compared to other nearby cities, I still feel safest in Boise. And I’ve been to all the major cities surrounding our little town. I am a little biased though.
But if you’re wondering if Boise is a safe place to raise a family; I’d say it’s one of the safest cities.
3. The city is easily walkable
When it comes to walking around Boise, you can walk the entire city with little issues. There’s an abundance of sidewalks, paths, and walkways that connect various neighborhoods and businesses.
Or perhaps you enjoy biking everywhere you go? Boise is perfect for you then. Bike lanes are as abundant as car lanes.
Really though, even if you live on the outskirts of town or in a nearby city, more than likely you could bike to wherever you need to go.
As a teen growing up, I’d bike over 10 miles per day no problem. I’d start at one end of the city, meet my friends downtown, then head back home when the sun was about to go down.
The Greenbelt bike/walk path is easy to navigate with numerous signs and maps to help you along the way.
4. You get to enjoy four distinct seasons
I’ve traveled to all the tropical and warm places everyone dreams of going to, and to be honest, I always end up missing Boise’s weather.
There are four distinctly wonderful seasons you get to enjoy as an Idahoan. Winter, spring, summer, and fall.
The winter months (December to mid-March) are frigid with a mix of snow and rain.
The snow is beautiful, especially when it covers all the mountains and foothills that surround us. Plus, you can finally get that white Christmas you’ve always dreamt of!
Then as the snow begins to melt everything starts to bloom. You can literally smell spring in the air in Boise! It’s as if the city comes to life after hibernating for a few months.
Spring quickly turns into Summer as the dry and hot air moves in. We commonly experience 90+ degree weather in the summer.
It’s a perfect time to float the Boise River, hike nearby trails, bike around the city, or chill by the pool at Roaring Springs Water Park.
Finally, we head back into the cooler season as fall sets in.
The leaves begin to change colors, and everyone begins to bundle up. It’s probably the most beautiful time of the year. You just have to experience it for yourself.
5. Numerous activities no matter the season
With Boise’s distinct seasons comes an array of activities. Just because it gets a little cold, or the sun becomes slightly more intense, doesn’t mean we spuds stop enjoying life.
In fact, it’s actually quite refreshing. Each season calls for new activities.
During the winter there are plenty of nearby events including McCall’s Winter Festival along with other local activities.
Or you can hit the nearby slopes at Bogus Bason, sled down Simplot hill, or enjoy winter at home by building a snowman and sipping hot chocolate (I prefer coffee myself).
The springtime is perfect for hiking Camel’s Back, exploring the Boise Zoo, scouring the Discovery Center, or merely going for a relaxing bike ride on a nearby trail.
Summer is packed full of activities including floating the Boise River, fishing trips, boating on one of the numerous nearby lakes, as well as popular local events like the Boise Music Festival, Hyde Park Street Fair, and the Idaho State fair.
Fall is full of pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and local trunk-or-treat activities that are adored by all the kids. You’re guaranteed to enjoy at least one of the season’s Boise offers.
6. Boise is growing in diversity
Many of the articles I’ve read online describe Boise as a one-dimensional place when it comes to culture. However, I respectfully disagree.
Those articles are either written by people who don’t actually live here or someone who never leaves their house. Either way, it’s inaccurate.
Boise is mainly known for its immense Basque culture, however, the city is actually a hub for many refugees who arrive from various locations in Africa, Afghanistan, Columbia, and Mexico.
The Latin culture in and around Boise is growing fast, and it has been for years. Boise has an abundance of local Mexican and African restaurants and shops that all contribute to our city’s expanding and diverse population.
7. It’s a food-lovers paradise
The culinary culture in Boise is exquisite! If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that there’s no lack of food choices in the city. So, no matter what you’re in the mood for; American, Italian, Mexican, Greek, Ethiopian, Russian, Mediterranean, Asian, we’ve got it all.
And it’s not mediocre by any means, many of these locally-owned restaurants were opened to bring the love of food from other’s cultures into our own. It’s a true melting pot when it comes to food, you won’t be disappointed.
Additionally, Boise is home to several local breweries and wineries. So no matter your taste, you’re sure to find something you enjoy sipping on.
8. People are friendly
Along with a diverse population comes a lot of friendly folks. It might not be as friendly as a “small town vibe”, but Boise is a friendly city overall.
It’s not uncommon to greet someone when passing by on the city streets or along a walking trail.
People often stop to visit with each other when walking their dogs or hanging out at the park.
Run out of gas? You can bet that someone will pull over to help push your car to the next nearest gas station or parking lot.
I can recall a number of occasions where I’ve seen a local citizen commit an act of kindness.
It’s just the right thing to do in Boise.
9. The cost of living is relatively low
Compared to other cities, the cost of living in Boise is relatively low. Of course, the housing market has seen a big boom in recent years, but the cost to live in and around Boise remains fair.
To live in Boise, you’ll need a salary of around $31,000 to cover all your necessities and still be able to have some fun.
You can save money by shopping at the numerous large retail stores throughout the city such as Winco, Costco, and Walmart.
Nonetheless, those looking to buy locally have plenty of options as well including the Boise Co-Op, several farmers’ markets, and produce stands like the local famous Reggie’s Veggies.
Just know, shopping local products will cost you more.
10. Small businesses thrive
In Boise, we love our small businesses! The support for local businesses is unreal. And since the cost of living remains fairly low, people are more apt to support local businesses as often as they can.
That’s why small businesses like the Co-op (founded in 1973), Reggie’s Veggies (founded in 1995), and Boise Juice Co. (founded in 2016) have continued to thrive in Boise, along with major fortune 500 companies like Micron which was founded in 1978.
No idea is too big or too small in this city.
11. Plenty of job opportunities
With the number of local startups and large corporations in the area, there’s no lack of work to be done. Whether it be your first job or even if you’re looking to build a career, Boise is sure to have something that’s right up your alley.
There’s literally something for everyone. Some major opportunities that stick out to me include landscaping, construction, real estate, local guides, and agricultural work.
Of course, we’re in need of everything from retail work to doctors and lawyers.
12. Great location for entrepreneurs
Boise remains an underrated hub for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.
Many people are moving from cities known as major tech and startup hubs such as California (more specifically, Silicon Valley), Utah, and Texas, which just goes to show that Boise is a desirable place even for the most innovative people.
Plus, the low cost to start an LLC in Idaho is only $100 (say, what?).
Boise also provides entrepreneurs with plenty of activities to escape the hustle and bustle of startup life when needed.
Ultimately, the city provides just about everything you need and more to start your own business. If you want to start a small dog-walking business, you can. If you want to build the next Micron, you can do that too.
The possibilities and resources are endless.
Cons
1. The weather can be challenging if you’re not used to it
Although Boise’s four seasons are a bundle of joy, they can quickly become a hassle if you’re not used to them.
Not only does winter bring a lot of snow, but it also brings out the bad driver in all of us. The snow covers the city streets like a thick blanket, and if you’re not used to it or you’re just not prepared for winter driving in Boise, then it can be a struggle.
You’ll either need a really good set of all-season tires or dedicated snow tires if you want to get anywhere during winter.
The city does a good job of keeping all the main roads and freeway clear, but the backstreets remain untouched making it hard to get out of your driveway (yes, I’ve gotten stuck).
Luckily, if you’re prepared, you can avoid most of the hassle.
Fall is another season that brings extra chores. If you own or rent a house with a lot of trees, expect to spend at least one weekend raking up all the leaves.
2. Traffic is getting worse
This might be my small-town mind talking, but the traffic in Boise is getting bad. It doesn’t compare to L.A. or other major cities, but I believe it’s well on its way. Especially with so many people moving into the area, the traffic is only becoming denser.
If the city fails to react quickly and doesn’t build a better freeway system, I believe we could be in some serious trouble within the next few years.
Luckily, it seems like there’s non-stop construction on the freeway and other major roadways in an attempt to create a more efficient traffic system. But, will it be enough? Only time will tell.
3. Wages in Boise are lower the other major cities
I’ll just start by saying the pay in Boise sucks. The minimum wage is still only $7.25/hr (yeah, it’s a joke) and many places start you out at $13-$15 per hour.
You can scrape by making $15/hr, but with the cost of housing going up, it has made it increasingly difficult to survive on such low wages. To be fair, the cost of living in Boise is lower than that of other cities.
But, if you’re used to making a specific salary and living a certain lifestyle, it could be a hard adjustment to make. Thank God for remote work.
Many people who move to the area still work for their employers that are located in other states.
4. If you want to live in a ‘Big City’ Boise ain’t it
Boise might be the largest city in Idaho, but that doesn’t mean it compares to the large city you might be from. So if you yearn for that BIG CITY feel, it might not be what you’re expecting.
For comparison, Los Angeles has a population of 3.8 million people, Dallas, Texas 1.3 million, and Portland, Oregon 640 thousand people, whereas Boise, is steadily growing right around 240 thousand people.
The good news is that if you make your move now you might just be able to get here before it really is a big city and the crowd settles in.
5. Our public transportation system lacks
Besides the Valley Bus System, there’s no other form of public transportation. The city bus will take you everywhere you want to go, or at least get you close enough, but it’s not as robust as other cities.
Nonetheless, there are plenty of e-scooters and e-bikes all around town perfect for getting around during the warmer months.
But come winter, they are pretty much useless. Other than the bus you can opt to walk, ride your own bike, or use a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft.
But again, anything with two wheels is challenging when there’s snow on the ground.
6. Boise remains isolated from major cities
It’s true. Boise isn’t close to any of the major neighboring cities you might want to visit. Below is a list of the nearest major cities and how long it takes to drive there.
| Nearby major cities | Hours to drive there |
|---|---|
| Salt Lake | 5 hours |
| Portland | 6.5 hours |
| Seattle | 7.5 hours |
| Las Vegas | 9.5 hours |
| San Francisco | 12 hours |
| Denver | 12 hours |
| Los Angeles | 13 hours |
Hence if you want to get out of the city, you’ll either have to book a flight or take an extra couple of days off work just for the drive. And if you plan on driving during the winter, expect the drive to take much longer.
7. There’s no coastline
If you live in a place where you can enjoy the ocean any time of the year, or at all for that matter, then Boise might take some getting used to.
The nearest coastline to Boise is the Oregon Coast, which is about 9 hours away. And if you want to enjoy a warmer beach you’ll need to drive even further to San Francisco.
However, if you can suffice with a nice lake or a cold river and man-made beaches, then maybe Boise is the perfect place to call home.
8. There are few direct flights to and from Boise
If you’re a frequent flyer, Boise might not be the best city for you. The Boise Airport is rather small, and as a result, most flights don’t fly directly to or from Boise.
You’ll likely make a pitstop somewhere in California, Salt Lake, Denver, or Chicago, before reaching your final destination. Of course, if you frequently fly to any of these cities then you have nothing to worry about.