Boise ID

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

#6. Boise ID

Most people associate Idaho with potatoes, but residents of Boise deserve way more credit for being true coffee fanatics. There are more than 150 coffee shops scattered across Boise that cater to the half a dozen universities, and Wallethub recognized Boise as one of the most affordable coffee scenes in the country. Many of the shops are local and feature specialty brews or even roast their own beans. The District Coffee House utilizes locally-roasted beans, and its Nutella latte (yes, it uses real Nutella!) is a fan favorite. Meanwhile, Slow by Slow totally nails the third wave coffee scene with its focus on process and craft.

Boise topped Livability’s 2019 list of the Top 100 Best Cities to Live, and it’s easy to see why. This city has it all: from theater and football to incredible natural amenities like a 25-mile-long Greenbelt path by the river, golf courses and easy access to whitewater rafting. It’s also one of the safest cities in the world, so you can rest easy at night.

Coolest Coffee Shop: Caffeina Roasting Company’s brewery digs and industrial vibe earn major cool points. They also brew their own kombucha and make a brew-on-brew: an espresso poured into a local stout, which is a win in our books.

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