Moving to Boise? In addition to being one of the best cities for jobs and one of the best places to buy a house in the U.S., the City of Trees also has a thriving restaurant scene, abundant green space, and a low cost of living. If you’re thinking about living in Boise, check out these five safe, affordable neighborhoods!
Collister
Photo via @lemprealestate
- Home Price: $206,060 median purchase price; $846 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 67% of Boise neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’re moving to Boise, consider living in the beautiful northwestern neighborhood of Collister. Nestled at the base of the Boise Foothills, Collister boasts scenic natural views and a laid-back lifestyle along with spacious homes and plentiful green space. Collister residents can find late-20th-century houses as well as Craftsman, Ranch, and Modern single-family homes. Parents will appreciate being able to send their kids to highly-rated local schools like Collister Elementary School and Cynthia Mann Elementary School—while people of all ages enjoy the area’s great local dining and outdoor activities!
Things to Do in Collister
Marvel at the natural beauty of the Treasure Valley and Boise ridgeline as you hike the 5.8-mile loop at Polecat Reserve. Pack a picnic, play sand volleyball, or skateboard at Catalpa Park. Bring your little ones to events like Family Storytime, Fit and Fall Proof, or School Age Fun at Library! at Collister. Tee off at the driving range or head straight to the golf course at Pierce Park Greens. Start your day with a Samblaster or Berry Blast smoothie, or try a Mighty Mango acai bowl at Boise Juice Company. Devour a hearty breakfast dish like a Breakfast Burrito, Bacon or Veggie Quiche, or Club Panini at Caffeina Roasting Company. Enjoy classic American food like Mac-N-Cheese, Cabernet Braised Short Ribs, or Prime Rib Dip at The Local Boise—one of the best places to eat in Boise. Or savor Mediterranean foods like an Original Gyro, a Greek Salad, or a Falafel Pita at Gyro Shack.
Depot Bench
Photo via @gemhomephotography
- Home Price: $181,200 median purchase price; $724 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 30% of Boise neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Bordered by the 153-acre Ann Morrison Park to the north, Depot Bench is the perfect Boise neighborhood for those who love the great outdoors but still enjoy a big-city lifestyle. In addition to its unique historic and Contemporary houses, young adults love the neighborhood’s many bars, restaurants, and coffee shops—not to mention that Downtown Boise is just a five-minute drive away! Depot Bench is an excellent place for young professionals as well, as the neighborhood is less than ten minutes away from major employers like IDACORP, Inc and Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center.
Things to Do in Depot Bench
Marvel at the Spanish-style architecture of the neighborhood’s crown jewel, Boise Depot. Stroll along a winding walkway bordered by lush greenery and tranquil ponds at the beautiful Platt Gardens. Bring your four-legged family members to a Boise dog park that offers agility training amenities, toys, and a separate space for small dogs at Morris Hill Dog Park. Take art classes, peruse the galleries, or see live theater at Gem Center for the Arts. Chow down classics like a Bacon Cheeseburger, Patty Melt, or Bad Boy Burger at Bad Boy Burgers. Make reservations to enjoy plates like the Chili Garlic Crisp Chicken Wings, a Smoked Prime Rib Big Sandwich, or Clam Chowder at quaint French eatery Petite 4. Satisfy your hunger with mouth-watering food like a Griddle Burger, Wyld Style Burger, or Wyld Style Chicken at Wyld Child. Or for some of the best pizza in Boise, enjoy an oven-fresh Pesto Pizza or a hearty helping of Meatball Marinara pasta at Red Bench Pizza.
North End
Photo via @jessicadoss
- Home Price: $288,917 median purchase price; $782 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 42% of Boise neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’re looking for a safe, affordable neighborhood with lots of character, consider the North End neighborhood! Home to the lively Harrison Boulevard, North End is best known for its rich history, beautiful green space, and varied architectural styles—including Queen Anne, Tudor Revival, and Modern homes for sale and rent. North End also has some of Boise’s best schools, like the top-rated Lowell Elementary School, North Junior High School, and Boise High School. When living in the North End, residents are about ten minutes north of Downtown Boise, where even more amenities and recreational activities await. So whether you’re moving to Idaho to raise a family, get your dream job, or enjoy your retirement, North End is a great Boise neighborhood to think about!
Things to Do in North End
Visit historic sites like Immanuel M.E. Church and modern shops alike at Hyde Park. Challenge friends or family to a round of tennis or shoot hoops on the basketball court at Elm Grove Park—or go for a nature walk on Camels Back Trails Loop. Admire amazing murals and graffiti-inspired artwork at an outdoor, multi-artist mural gallery at Freak Alley Gallery. Try Westside’s Famous Idaho Ice Cream Potato at Westside Drive In, which earned an appearance on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives. Sip on a Genuine Ice Cream Soda in classic flavors like vanilla, cherry, and chocolate at Goody’s Soda Fountain. Have a slice of hand-tossed pizza like the vegetarian Sun Ray, the Hyde House Combo, or a spicy Joyride pie at North End Pizza. Order some Jambalaya Tacos, a Chancho Burrito, or a Blackened Salmon wrap alongside local craft beers for happy hour at Parrilla Grill & Cantina. Or eat fresh, made-from-scratch plates like Falafel, Spanikopita, or Dolma at Mazzah Mediterranean Grill.
Southeast Boise
- Home Price: $202,405 median purchase price; $825 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 45% of Boise neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’re relocating to Boise, consider Southeast Boise—a rapidly-growing neighborhood known for its easy access to extensive stretches of the Boise River Greenbelt, as well as walking and biking trails. The pace of life in Southeast Boise varies—while some spots seem old-school, the area’s surrounding schools and Downtown Boise can be busy and fast-paced—especially with a surge of new shops, restaurants, and attractions as the neighborhood expands. Southeast Boise is also home to landmarks like Barber Park, Bown Crossing, and Boise State University—making it one of the best neighborhoods in Boise for families and students. Additionally, parents can find great schools within this Boise neighborhood like Trail Wind Elementary School and Les Bois Junior High School.
Things to Do in Southeast Boise
Take a scenic, breezy walk or float down the river on an inner tube at Barber Park. Take your fur baby out to play at an off-leash dog area and let your kids run around the playground at Simplot Sports Complex. Catch a glimpse of diverse habitats or visit one of the many bird-watching hotspots at Parkcenter Park. Or catch a view of the Malad River and study the canyon geology while walking at Kelton Trail. Enjoy a classic breakfast of Dad’s Hot Cakes, Auntie Mo’s Spuds, or Rosie’s French Toast at The Griddle. Chow down on some of the best pizza in Boise, like the Idaho Supreme, Wilderness Garlic Extreme, or Treasure Valley at Idaho Pizza Company. Devour a BBQ Bacon Cheese Burger, Tavern Burger, or Tavern Dip Sandwich at Tavern At Bown Crossing. Or try Mexican, Spanish, and Caribbean dishes like This & That, Paella, or Coulotte Steak & Cajun Shrimp at Barbacoa Grill.
West Valley
Photo via @bhhs.idahorealty
- Home Price: $167,192 median purchase price; $803 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 55% of Boise neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Want a safe, affordable neighborhood in Boise? West Valley has what you’re looking for! Here, you can find Contemporary and Ranch-style homes, along with budget-friendly apartments, retirement homes, and condos. And with access to major roadways like I-84 and I-184, it’s easy to commute to other areas of Boise—making West Valley a popular spot for young professionals wanting affordable living near Downtown Boise. There are also great schools like Summerwind STEM Academy and Capital High School nearby, so this Boise neighborhood is also a great destination for families!
Things to Do in West Valley
Observe local wildlife from the trails and waterfront lookout spots at Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve. Take your dog on a scenic nature walk at the State of Idaho East Park Path. Center yourself with a wellness retreat or by practicing goat yoga at Lively Balance Wellness Center and Urban Farm. Or make reservations at the upscale Buffalo Club, where you can enjoy superb meals like Barrata and Duck Eggs, visit the spa, or have a staycation at the inn. Get your caffeine fix with a delicious cup of Caramel Blondie, Irish Coffee, or Jackhammer at Black Rock Coffee Bar. Order unique Korean fare like Tuna Kimbap or a Bulgogi Burrito with Korean Ginger Tea at Koco Bell. Indulge in delicious Mexican fare like the Birria Taco Special, a Chipotle Burrito, or a Carne Asada Platter at Antonio’s Kitchen. Or enjoy a plate of mouth-watering Mexican dishes like Chipotle Chicken Tacos, a Grilled Fiesta Burrito, or Chicken Tortilla Soup at Fiesta Chicken.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
