Boise, IDBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Located in the picturesque Treasure Valley, Boise is a crown jewel. Idaho’s capital city is known for its strong job market, affordability and natural beauty. This friendly city offers no shortage of things to do, and Boise residents live a balanced life.
Boise, ID, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
A mid-sized city with nearby hot springs and ski resorts, plus a river running right through town, the secret’s out about Boise, ID, which has been experiencing a boom in recent years.
Tucked in the southwestern pocket of Idaho, Boise has evolved from a flyover city to a bustling metro with a population of nearly 250,000 and a diverse mix of tech, agribusiness and manufacturing companies along with an educated workforce to support them, making this city an excellent place for business.
Boise ranks high for its commitment to the environment, too: It’s nicknamed the “City of Trees,” and local leaders are aiming to be carbon neutral by 2050. After all, the outdoors are cherished here. During shoulder seasons, ambitious residents could ski, play a round of golf and go fishing all on the same day. As a bonus, residents have home teams to cheer for, from the Boise State Broncos, who play on the iconic blue turf at Albertsons Stadium, to the Idaho Steelheads minor league hockey team.
But perhaps the tourism board describes life in Boise the best: You’ll find an unexpected Western city that’s part refined, part rugged.
Boise, ID Quality of Life LivScore
Boise, ID Top Categories
Environment
Transportation
Economy
Boise ranks highest for environment, transportation and economy.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Boise, ID
Boise is a four-season destination with 200-plus days of sunshine and surrounding foothills that beckon skiers. However, with a high-desert climate, the days heat up quickly, and the nights cool down fast. The average highs and lows are 90°F and 55°F (summer) and 42°F and 24°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Boise is 20 inches. Boise typically experiences a mix of rain and snow in winter, with the heaviest snowfall occurring between December and February.
The average annual rainfall in Boise is below the national average at just 13 inches a year. However, December is the wettest month.
Boise averages 208 sunny days a year.
Just 16 miles outside the city, Bogus Basin is a popular spot for close-to-home skiing and snowboarding. In the summer months, it’s a mountainous playground with a coaster, horseback riding trails and a bungee trampoline.
Boise Weather
208 days
Average Annual Sun
13 inches
Average Annual Rain
20 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Boise, ID
The Treefort Music Fest brings local and national acts to downtown Boise for a five-day festival. With comedy acts, art shows and talks, the arts and cultural gathering includes more than 700 events.
Go for a bike ride along the tree-lined Boise River Greenbelt.
With a recent expansion, Roaring Springs in nearby Meridian is one of the biggest water parks in the United States, and it’s even open until 10 p.m. on some weekend nights in the summer.
Àlavita, an Italian restaurant that sources much of its menu from local farmers and ranchers, is a favorite spot to gather. Save room for a scoop of gelato or an affogato.
The Local and State Economy in Boise, ID
Technology, manufacturing and health care dominate Boise’s diverse industry. Micron Technology, Boise State University and HP, Inc. are major employers in the area. In addition, the Albertsons grocery chain is headquartered in Boise.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Boise is 6%. Boise has one of the country’s lowest combined state and local sales tax rates.
Yes, Idaho has a state income tax.
Boise is home to several major health care providers, including St. Luke’s Health System, Saint Alphonsus Health System and Primary Health Medical Group. St. Luke’s and St. Alphonsus are the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked hospitals in the Boise area, respectively.
There are several colleges and universities in Boise, ID, but the most notable is Boise State University.
Quick Facts About Boise, ID
- Median Household Income
- $68,599
- Median Home Value
- $474,212
- Average State Property Tax
- $1,682
- Total Population
- 247,559
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,195
- Average Commute
- 18.25 minutes
Boise is one of the best places to live in the U.S., thanks partly to its diverse economy, healthy environment and high-performing schools. Read even more about what makes Boise a great place to live, or consider other great places to live out West. Also, learn about why so many young people are moving to Boise.
