Considering moving to Boise? In addition to being one of America’s ten best cities for jobs and the best place 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 to settle down with your family, start your career, or spend the golden years of retirement, consider living in the beautiful northwestern Boise 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. Parents will enjoy being able to send their kids to highly-rated local schools like Collister Elementary School and Hillside Junior High School, while people of all ages will appreciate 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. Bring a picnic and relax on a quiet day at Catalpa Park. Try out 3D printers, experience virtual reality, and see public art at Library! at Collister. Tee off at the driving range or head straight to the golf course at Pierce Park Greens. Savor Mediterranean flavors like the Original Gyro or a Falafel Pita at Gyro Shack. Have a unique lunch surrounded by greenery at 36th Street Garden Center & Bistro—a restaurant and plant nursery that serves delicious dishes like Braised Pork Tacos and the Grilled Portobello Sandwich. Enjoy the ’50s aesthetic and classic American food like a hand-pressed House Burger at Eddie’s Diner. Or order something light and healthy like a Mighty Mango Acai Bowl at Boise Juice Company.
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. Young adults will love the neighborhood’s many bars, restaurants, and coffee shops, as well as the fact that Downtown Boise is just a short five-minute drive away. And Depot Bench is an excellent place to start a career as well, as the neighborhood is less than ten minutes away from major employers like IDACORP, Inc and Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. Given all of these amenities along with the area’s low crime rates and affordable real estate, it’s no wonder why Depot Bench is one of the best neighborhoods in Boise!
Things to Do in Depot Bench
Visit the neighborhood’s crown jewel Boise Depot and marvel at the historic structure’s Spanish-style architecture. Stroll among the beautiful Platt Gardens, which features a winding walkway bordered by lush greenery and tranquil ponds. Bring your four-legged family members to the Morris Hill Dog Park, which offers agility training amenities, toys, and a separate space for small dogs. Take art classes, peruse the galleries, or see live theater at Gem Center for the Arts. Chow down on traditional BBQ dishes like a Pulled Pork Sandwich or order the Smoked Tempeh at BBQ4LIFE. Make reservations at Petite 4, a quaint French eatery serving upscale plates like Duck Confit and Oysters on the Half Shell. Sample Italian food with a twist like The Cucina Ceprese Sandwich at Cucina Di Paolo. Or 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 45% of Boise neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
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. North End is also home to some of Boise’s best schools, like the top-rated Lowell Elementary School, North Junior High School, and Boise High School. In addition, North End is 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 Boise neighborhood worth considering!
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. Go for a nature walk on Camels Back Trails Loop. Take a whitewater river raft trip down the nearby Boise River with MacKay Wilderness River Trips. Check out Westside Drive-In and see for yourself why unique dishes like Westside’s Famous Idaho Ice Cream Potato earned it 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 or a spicy Joyride pie at North End Pizza. Hit up happy hour at Parrilla Grill, where you can order some Jambalaya Tacos with local craft beers. Or eat fresh, made-from-scratch plates like Falafel or Dolma at Mazzah Mediterranean Grill.
Southwest Ada
Photo via @lady_bunce
- Home Price: $197,364 median purchase price; $1,091 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 61% of Boise neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you like to spend your days relaxing in the park, trying new restaurants, practicing your golf swing, or going for walks around the neighborhood, Southwest Ada might just be the perfect home for you! This Boise neighborhood has secured its place as one of the city’s best places to live, thanks to its low traffic, high affordability, and semi-rural scenery. Families moving to Southwest Ada will find top schools like Amity Elementary School, West Junior High School, and Frank Church High School, as well as the Christine Donnell School of the Arts. And commutes throughout the Boise area are fast and convenient via I-184 and I-84!
Things to Do in Southwest Ada
Go fishing, play a game of soccer, or let your dog run free in the off-leash area at Molenaar Park. Tackle all 18 holes of the championship-style green at Boise Ranch Golf Course. Let your creativity soar as you paint your own ceramic bowls, plates, mugs, and figurines at Thelmas Ceramics. Get your adrenaline pumping as you race family or friends on the outdoor oval tracks at Idaho Speedway Karting. Satisfy your seafood cravings with all-you-can-eat sushi at Sushi Ya—and be sure to try the Rocky Mountain Roll! Savor house specialties like Five Spice Short Rib and Roasted Duck at Taste Asian Fusion Bistro. Turn up the heat with an order of Sweet Chili Wings, then quench your thirst with craft brews like the Oatmeal Pale or Raspberry Ripple at Twisted Timber. Or enjoy a Torta, Street Tacos, and other Mexican street food at Basilios Tacos.
West Valley
Photo via @bhhs.idahorealty
- Home Price: $167,192 median purchase price; $803 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 58% 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 and get around to other areas of Boise, which makes West Valley a popular spot for young professionals who want affordable living close to Downtown Boise. There are also great schools like Summerwind STEM Academy and Capital High School nearby, so this Boise neighborhood is also a top destination for families!
Things to Do in West Valley
Gaze out at local wildlife from the trails and waterfront lookout spots at Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve. Take your dog on a nature walk on the scenic 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. Make reservations at the upscale Buffalo Club, where you can enjoy superb meals, visit the spa, or have a staycation at the inn. Order unique Korean fare like Tropical Volcano Bingsu or more traditional dishes like Bulgogi from Koco Bell. Grab a casual lunch of Finger Steaks and Crinkle Cut Fries at food truck MakyJames Grill. Step back in time at the Golden Wheel Drive In, a local haunt serving up shakes, burgers, and fries with a vintage drive-thru experience. Or sing your heart out during karaoke night at Sam’s Smokehouse & Saloon.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
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