Boise, ID
Why You’ll Love Living in Boise, Idaho
As Idaho’s capital city, Boise consistently ranks high for its quality of life thanks to good schools, affordable housing, low crime rates and community spirit. The Boise area offers all kinds of outdoor recreation, from hiking and skiing to fishing and golf, and the city has a thriving cultural scene that includes the downtown area and its mix of music venues, theaters and museums — all of which are attracting young professionals to Boise. The city is a growing tech hub but also boasts a diverse mix of agribusiness, government and manufacturing companies. Located in the Snake River Valley region of Idaho, Boise is a significant contributor to the state’s potato production, too.
Thinking of moving to Boise, ID? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Boise, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Boise, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Boise, ID, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Boise, ID, is part refined, part rugged, and that suits residents just fine. The city of nearly 240,000 is at the junction of the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West and is decidedly a great place to plant roots and grow a family or a business. There are numerous reasons why Boise is named one of the best places to live in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why so many people are planting roots there.
There’s an interesting mix of manufacturing, agribusiness and tech companies here, with an educated workforce to keep things thriving. To be honest, the economy is pretty much on fire here, with both corporate headquarters and startups making a name for themselves.
Nicknamed the “City of Trees,” Boise is committed to sustainability with a goal of being carbon neutral by 2050. And that’s due to the abundance of outdoor treasures clustered here, including mountains, rivers, hot springs and trails. The playground that is Boise also can keep you busy outdoors from sunup to sundown with golfing, fishing, snow-skiing and hiking the tree-lined trails.
Boise is a sports town, too, with residents cheering on the Boise State University Broncos and the Idaho Steelheads when they take to the field/court or the ice. When residents are ready to fuel up, there are more than 100 delectable restaurants and fabulous breweries that satisfy citizens and college students alike.
Furthermore, Boise is both walkable and affordable, offering residents all of the amenities of a booming mountain town that is chock-full of charm.
Boise, ID Quality of Life LivScore
Boise, ID Top Categories
Environment
Amenities
Safety
Boise ranks highest for environment, amenities and safety.
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 19 inches. In winter, Boise typically experiences a mix of rain and snow, 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.
Boise averages 206 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.
Things To Do in Boise, ID
Anyone interested in art will appreciate Freak Alley Gallery, an outdoor urban gallery with a variety of eclectic street art and one of the best public art spaces in the country. You can also pay a visit to the Boise Art Museum Sculpture Garden outside the Boise Art Museum. If you want something a little more outside the box, you can take a walking tour around the exterior of the Old Idaho Penitentiary Historic Site.
Kids will love the Aquarium of Boise, often described as “small but mighty,” with more than 250 species of marine life ranging from sharks and stingrays to puffins and parrots.
If you’ve ever bought groceries from Albertsons, you can thank Boise. Longtime Boise businessman Joe Albertson founded the beloved chain.
Fervent readers will love Rediscovered Books, which has a “Human Rights Book Club” and puts the spotlight on talented Idaho authors.
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.
A historic venue in downtown Boise, The Egyptian Theatre is known for its exquisite architecture and wide range of events, including concerts, film screenings and live performances.
Bring your brainy co-workers and friends to Clairvoyant Brewing Company for trivia night or the $4 beer of the week.
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 2024, the sales tax rate in Boise is 6%.
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 Medical Centers are the number one and two ranked hospitals in the Boise area, respectively.
There are several colleges and universities in Boise, ID; the most notable is Boise State University.
Weather in Boise, ID
Average Temperatures
64 High / 42 Low
Average Annual Rainfall
13 Inches
Average Annual Snowfall
19 Inches
Quick Facts about Boise, Idaho
- Median Home Value
- $473,902
- Median Property Tax
- $3,026
- Total Population
- 237,757
- Average Commute
- 18 min
- Median Household Income
- $80,557
- Median Rent per Month
- $1,151
Map of Boise, ID
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