Sunset view of downtown Boise ID

iStock/Seibel Photography LLC

Best Places to Live in the US in 2022 Sponsored by: eXp RealtyeXp Realty

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

Boise, ID is the #35 Best City to Live in the USA

Balloon festival in Boise ID
iStock/vkbhat
Boise, ID
Quality of Life
Liv Score

631
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 63
Demographics 44
Economy 86
Education 63
Health 64
Housing 49
Infrastructure 52
Amenities 47

Why Boise is one of the best cities to live in

Ask the tourism department in Boise, ID, to describe the locale, and they’ll hit the nail on the head, saying it’s the kind of city you’d want to have a beer with – part rugged, part refined. At the junction of the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West, the 237,000 residents who call Boise home have a mighty fun playground in their collective backyard, including rivers, mountains and tree-lined trails. As one of the best places to live in the U.S., Boise also boasts 100 unique restaurants with award-winning chefs working in the kitchens and Division 1 sports teams to cheer on, making weekends super fun. 

This walkable, friendly city has plenty of surprises, too – like the Basque Block and fantastic breweries with experimental beer makers pushing boundaries. The economy in Boise is also something to talk about, with corporate headquarters setting up shop here and startups absolutely killing it, as well as innovative, hardworking residents. 

What are Boises major industries and employers?

The Albertsons grocery chain is headquartered in Boise, and other top employers include St. Luke’s Health System, Micron Technology, Inc., and Saint Alphonsus Health System.

What are the major colleges and universities in Boise?

Boise State University

What is the weather like in Boise? 

Boise gets all four seasons. Winters are for skiing, and summers are for rafting adventures. 

What is there to do outside in Boise?

Take a ride on the Glade Runner at Bogus Basin. The mountain coaster twists through trees and provides scenic ridge views, gaining speeds up to 25 miles per hour and covering 4,300 vertical feet. 

Boise, ID is Remote-Ready

What makes Boise a great place for remote workers?

Boise’s cost of living is lower than the national average, with most residents owning their homes. However, if you need to rent, the median price of rent is also lower than the national average, sitting at just below $1,000. Searching for a change of scenery or looking to connect with remote workers and entrepreneurs, check out Wheelhouse Boise, a beautifully designed modern coworking space right downtown.

What Locals Love in Boise, ID

What is the best local bookstore in Boise?

Fervent readers will love Rediscovered Books, which has a “Human Rights Book Club” and puts the spotlight on talented Idaho authors. 

How do you spend a weekend in Boise?

Tailgate at Albertsons Stadium before cheering on the Boise State Broncos on their famously blue home turf. 

What can you do for free in Boise?

If you’re up for a challenge, hike Table Rock Trail, which is one that Boise residents love. You’ll gain nearly 1,000 feet in elevation. Panoramic views of Treasure Valley are your reward. 

Whats the best way to spend happy hour in Boise?

Bring your brainy co-workers to Clairvoyant Brewing Company for trivia nights.

Whats something only locals know about Boise?

The Basque Block is an example of a living ethnic neighborhood with a strong cultural connection to Basque Country.

Is Boise, ID a good place to live?

An affordable cost of living, friendly residents and a top-notch culinary scene make Boise a best place to live in Idaho.

Thinking of Moving to Boise?

What is the Boise, ID real estate market like?

As a city resting on the foothills of the Boise Range, Boise real estate has sparked the interest of many for its seemingly independent small-town atmosphere, while simultaneously offering big-city amenities. Particularly, homes for sale in Boise’s North End are perfect for those wanting a taste of an urban city life as it’s within walking-distance to downtown shops and dining experiences. Meanwhile, the suburbs of Eagle and Star, or even the Middleton and Caldwell areas are where the bigger families tend to gravitate towards as they provide bigger homes and lot sizes. To get more information about the real estate here, there are several real estate agents in Boise willing to help you find what you’re looking for.

Quick Facts About Boise, ID

Average Commute
18.25
Median Home Value
$474,212
Med. Household Income
$68,599
Total Population
247,559
Walk Score
37
Median Property Tax
$1,682

Continue Reading Best Places To Live in the US in 2022

Newsletter Sign Up

Keep up to date with our latest rankings and articles!
Enter your email to be added to our mailing list.