With an influx of people moving to Boise, finding the best place to live within the city is important for things like convenience and budget. So, which neighborhood is right for you?
Boise is divided into 11 planning areas. Each area has its own set of neighborhoods, conveniences, and of course culture. Below we’re going to take a look at all 11 areas to help you determine which is right for you.
Where to Live in Boise, Idaho?
1. Airport
Just as the name suggests, the airport zone is as close to Boise airport as you can get. With that, this area remains one of the more affordable locations in the city to buy or rent a house.
The entire neighborhood that encompasses this area is called South Eisenman. Although most homes remain single units, you’ll find some trailer homes as well.
Even though this location is as south as you can get (about 15 minutes south of downtown), its close proximity to the freeway makes getting around a breeze.
The bus system doesn’t run out here nor are there many bike trails. However, the area remains walkable as there are sidewalks throughout the neighborhood.
Ultimately, this part of Boise is mainly desolate. To go grocery shopping or enjoy a meal out, you’ll have to travel 10 to 15 minutes North. But, if you’re looking for an affordable place in Boise to call home, this might just be it.
Nearby attractions:
- Idaho Ice World (ice skating rink)
Median home price:
- $160,000
2. Barber Valley
Barber Valley is one of the nicest areas in the city. Nestled southeast of downtown and in close proximity to the foothills, Barber Valley possesses new and extravagant homes along with a growing micro-community.
Many homes in the area sell anywhere from $500,000 to over $2 million, so you’ll need a nice salary if you plan to live here.
Fortunately, Barber Valley does provide public transportation for those looking to ride the bus. However, if you can afford to live in this area, I highly doubt you’ll be taking the bus anytime soon.
In addition to public transportation, this area provides plenty of bike lanes, nearby trails, and walkable areas. So if you’re looking to get in an early morning jog or go for a bike ride as the sun sets, you can do so with no problem.
Nearby attractions:
- There are a number of parks nearby including Griffiths Park, Marianne Williams Park, and Barber Park.
- Lucky 13 pizza, Lost Shack sushi, and the Coffee Mill are all within a 5-minute drive.
- Just 6 minutes south of this neighborhood lies one of the most popular summer activities in Boise—Boise River Rafting! Rent a raft and enjoy a relaxing float on the river.
Median home price:
- $700,000
3. Foothills
The foothills communities of Boise are located on the hills immediately outside of downtown. This area is well-known for its scenic vistas and natural beauty.
The foothills are popular among outdoor lovers and those looking for a more rural lifestyle. Housing possibilities in the foothills range from huge estates to more modest single-family houses.
One of these neighborhoods’ distinguishing traits is their accessibility to a plethora of outdoor leisure activities. There are various hiking and bike paths in the region, as well as parks and wildlife preserves.
Furthermore, the Boise National Forest and other neighboring wilderness areas are easily accessible, offering extra options for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Nearby attractions:
- Bogus Bason Ski and Snowboard Resort
- Quail Hallow Golf Course
- Stewart Gulch Park
- Boise River
Median home price:
- $740,000
4. Central Bench
Just south of downtown, Boise’s Central Bench encompasses some of the most popular areas in the city.
Borah, Depot Bench, Hillcrest, Liberty Park, Morris Hill, and Vista are just some of the neighborhoods that make up the Central Bench.
It’s well-known for its tree-lined avenues and abundance of parks and green areas, which provide locals with several options for outdoor enjoyment.
There are a number of stores, restaurants, and other local businesses in the region that make shopping convenient including the Boise Mall, as well as several elementary, junior high, and high schools making this spot convenient if you have kids.
Also, the Central Bench area’s vicinity to the Boise River and the Greenbelt—a 25-mile network of walkways and trails that snakes its way through the city and affords stunning views of the river and surrounding countryside—is one of its most remarkable attractions.
I lived in the Central Bench area for several years, and it remains one of my favorite locations in all of Boise. Plus, the freeway entrance is nearby making it easy to head downtown or west to other nearby cities.
Nearby attractions:
- Boise Greenbelt.
- Liberty Park, Cassia Park, and Franklin Park.
- The Boise Town Square Mall.
- Plenty of diverse restaurants and breweries.
- Boise Train Depot (great spot for pictures).
Median home price:
- $300,000
5. Downtown
Downtown Boise is a prime place to live for obvious reasons such as convenient access to a variety of local shops like The Record Exchange, some of the city’s finest restaurants including Fork and Bittercreek Alehouse, along with numerous other local businesses and events like the Boise Farmers’ Market.
Downtown is entirely walkable. So whether you want to walk, ride your bike, or rent one of the numerous e-scooters or e-bikes that await you at every street corner, the choice is yours.
Along with being easily walkable, getting around town is easy thanks to a variety of main roads that run through the area along with the highway, making it simple to navigate throughout the city and to surrounding areas.
Nearby attractions:
- Freak Alley (a multi-artist mural gallery located in a downtown alleyway).
- Boise Art Museum.
- The Discovery Center.
- Boise Zoo.
- Boise Little Theater.
- Several grocery stores including Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Winco Foods.
Median home price:
- $759,000
6. North/East End
Boise’s North and East end count as two areas but are combined into one region.
This area offers highly-desirable neighborhoods located just north of downtown Boise. It’s known for its charming streets, historic homes, and tree-lined sidewalks, which provide residents with a comfortable and inviting place to live.
The North End is also home to a number of local shops, including one of my personal favorites, Goody’s Soda Fountain (if you want some delicious sweets you have to check it out).
Also, there are countless restaurants and local businesses, in addition to one of the most popular parks in all of the city—Hyde Park (Camel’s Back) which has a playground, hiking trails, a volleyball space, tennis courts, picturesque views, and an entire field for running, playing, and walking your dog.
All that said, one of the main attractions of the North End area is its rich history. It was one of the first neighborhoods to be settled in Boise, and it has retained much of its original character and charm.
The area is home to a number of historic homes and buildings, many of which have been beautifully preserved and are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which provides a glimpse into the city’s past.
Nearby attractions:
- 13th Street. One of the most recognized streets in Boise with an abundance of locally-owned shops, restaurants, and historic homes.
- Hyde Park (Camel’s Back). The most prominent park in the city. Known as a gathering place in the warmer months and hosts several local events.
- Boise Co-op (local grocery store).
- Idaho Botanical Garden & The Old Penitentiary Venue.
- Boise Foothills Trails.
- Table Rock (one of the most popular views in Boise, perfect for hiking and mountain biking).
- Boise Capitol Building.
- Downtown Boise.
Median home price:
- $540,000
7. Northwest
The Northwest area of Boise is a picturesque and peaceful neighborhood located on the western edge of the city. It’s more commonly known as Garden City.
The area is known for its rolling hills and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, and it is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
Northwest Boise is also home to a number of charming residential neighborhoods, with a mix of older homes and newer developments including apartments and businesses.
Throughout my childhood and young adult life, I was blessed to live smack-dab in the middle of this area.
I spent most of my days riding my bike, playing ball at the nearby schools and parks, and fishing in the Riverside Park pond.
In fact, I learned to swim in this area as there are some shallow spots in the river perfect for an afternoon dip or in my case, swimming lessons.
Garden City in itself is full of attractions year-round, which generally take place on Glenwood street at the Expo Idaho Center. Additionally, this area is home to Boise’s independent baseball team and stadium, the Boise Hawks!
Overall, the northwest section of Boise is an awesome place to live for folks who appreciate the outdoors while still being near the city. I can’t recommend this area enough. It’s truly my favorite spot in Boise.
Nearby attractions:
- Idaho State Fair (held at the end of August)
- Boise Music Festival (generally in June)
- Boise Hawks Baseball Stadium (May-September)
- Boise River and Greenbelt
- Garden City Public Libary
- Revolution Concert House
Median home price:
- $490,000
8. Southeast
The Southeast region of the city is known for its accessibility to several neighborhood supermarkets, including Albertsons and Fred Meyer, and a variety of schools like East Junior High, Timberline High, and Hawthorne Elementary.
Additionally, Southeast Boise is home to a number of parks, including Baggley Park and Manitou Park, which provide locals with plenty of options for outdoor relaxation. And that’s only two of the many parks that exist nearby.
This area is known particularly for its numerous bike lanes and walkways which make it easy to get around on foot or on two wheels.
For people who want to be close to the city and take advantage of a variety of local facilities, Boise’s Southeast neighborhood is a fantastic spot to reside.
Nearby attractions:
- Westside Drive-In (a local fast-food joint that was featured on the Food Network). Yes, it’s delicious.
- Boise River is nearby.
Median home price:
- $530,000
9. Southwest
The Southwest area of Boise, Idaho is a vibrant and rapidly growing region of the city. Located just outside of downtown, the area is home to a diverse mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and recreational areas.
This area is known for its strong sense of community, with a number of neighborhood organizations and community groups working to improve the quality of life here.
One of these organizations includes The Southwest Ada County Alliance (SWACA). This organization aims to promote the growth and development of the southwestern area of Ada County.
The group is composed of local residents, businesses, and community leaders who work together to improve the quality of life in the region.
One of their key projects is the development of the Village at Meridian, a mixed-use commercial and residential complex.
SWACA also works on initiatives such as supporting local schools, promoting environmental sustainability, and advocating for public safety.
Nearby attractions:
- Roaring Springs Water Park.
- Wahooz Family Fun Center.
- The Village at Meridian.
Median home price:
- $460,000
10. West Bench
The West Bench of Boise is a residential area known for its large, single-family homes and its quiet, suburban atmosphere.
It’s called the “bench” because it overlooks Northwest Boise. In fact, it’s directly south of Garden City. You have to drive up Glenwood hill to get there (don’t worry, it’s easy).
One of the main landmarks in the area is Capital High School, a popular public school that serves the region (and it also happens to be where I graduated from).
In addition to its residential neighborhoods, the West Bench also has several small businesses and shops.
One of the most popular is Reggie’s Veggies, a local produce market that sells fresh fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers.
Reggie’s Veggies is a favorite among residents of the west bench who are looking for high-quality, locally-sourced produce.
If you’re looking for a suitable place to raise a family, look no further than the West Bench area.
Nearby attractions
- Milwaukee Park and Fairmont Park.
- POJOs Family Fun Center
- Fly High Boise Trampoline Park
- Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve
Median home price:
- $447,000
No matter where you choose to live in Boise, you can bet that you’ll be welcomed by a warm and safe community.
Also, you’ll notice that getting around town is much easier than you’d think. North, east, south, west, it’s all within a 15 to 20-minute drive.
If you’re still researching moving to Boise or you live in the area but are looking for a new home, make sure to check out these other resources that will help you make the most educated decision.