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Boise Idaho Relocation Guide

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Boise, part of what is known as the Treasure Valley, is the capital city of Idaho and is known as The City of Trees.

Located along the Boise River and nestled against foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boise offers many outdoor activities to local residents, from skiing at Bogus Basin Ski Resort to biking on the Boise River Greenbelt to boating at nearby reservoirs. The Boise area has it all - desert, rivers, mountains and lakes for hiking, camping, kayaking, river rafting, hunting and fishing.

Boise's climate is characterized as semi-arid with four distinct seasons. Boise experiences hot and dry summers where temperatures can often exceed 100F (38C), as well as cold winters with fair amounts of snowfall. Rainfall is usually infrequent and light, averaging an inch (25.4mm) per month. Spring and fall are generally temperate.Elevation: 2,842 feet Average Snowfall: 21Average Winter Temperatures: 23-36 degrees FAverage Summer Temperature: 60-89 degrees F

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Why Boise?Best Business Oriented CityMarket WatchBest Place to Live Work PlayKiplingers Personal FinanceBest Place to Raise a FamilyBestLifeBoise Schools Rank NationallyNewsweekTop 100 Places to RelocateRelocate.comBest Place to Live and LaunchCNN MoneyBest Place for Business and CareersForbesBest Communities for Young People America's Promise Alliance Best Walking CitiesPrevention MagazineIdaho Ranks in Top 10 for 25 CategoriesCorporation for Enterprise DevelopmentNo End on Sight for Idaho's GrowthUSA Today

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Did you Know?The greater Boise Valley is comprised of: Boise, Caldwell, Eagle, Emmett, Kuna, Melba, Meridian, Middleton, Nampa & StarTotal Population within a 45-minute draw area: 615,528 and growingAverage Commute Time: 20.2 minutes The overall cost of doing business is nearly a third lower than in California or WashingtonThe median priced home in Boise and Ada County is $235,000. Based on average housing costs, utilities, health care, transportation, groceries, and other services, the Boise Valleys cost of living is well below the national average. There have been more patents generated in the Boise Valley per Capita than any other region in the countryBoise and Nampa, Idaho, are ranked as the most secure locations to live in the United States among large metropolitan areas. Boise State University has one of the most successful College Football programs from 2000 to 2009 in the nation! 2009 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Champions, as well as 2007.

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Nestled in the Treasure Valley against the majestic foothills, Boise is the largest metropolitan area in Idaho, and also the most remote metropolitan area in the United States. This unique community offers not only the cultural aspects of a major metro but also the open spaces for the play and exploration of a resort town.The Boise area is a great place to live, work and play! Discover its vibrant culture and widespread recreational opportunities while enjoying one of the most affordable cities in the Northwest. Boise and the surrounding communities afford a quality of life second to none from good jobs and affordable housing to safe, clean cities.

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Situated where the high desert meets the western edge of the Rocky Mountains, Boise is the gateway to exceptional recreational opportunities including: world famous white-water rafting, Nordic and Alpine skiing, snowboarding, hunting, fishing, backpacking and camping. Hiking, biking and fishing are popular activities right in the metro area. Boise is also, accessed by miles of greenbelt along the Boise River. The foothills provide trails for hikers and bikers of all abilities.

Quality of life, low cost of doing business, an educated and motivated workforce, and the presence of numerous post-secondary educational institutions provide valley companies with a healthy environment in which to do business. The economy is a healthy mix of business, education, health care, retail, manufacturing, government and the military and professional communities.

Live, Work and Play here

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Area Attractions

Caldwell Night Rodeo

Boise River

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Old Idaho Penitentiary

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Including Boise, Eagle, Kuna, Meridian, StarIncluding Caldwell, Greenleaf, Melba, Middleton, NampaBoise Idaho Valley Home ValuesComparison of average sales price by quarter of new and existing homes from 2005 to present by quarter.

Source Intermountain MLS

Ada CountyCanyon County

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Treasure Valley Annual EventsRobie Creek RaceRoadys Humanitarian BowlArt in the ParkMeridian Dairy DaysEagle Fun DaysKuna FestivalBoise Holiday ParadeStar Mule DaysGene Harris Jazz FestivalFirst Thursdays in downtown Boise

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Find Your Place in Boise Valley

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Boise North EndThe North End, which contains many of Boise's older homes, is known for its tree-lined drives such as Harrison Boulevard, and for its quiet neighborhoods near the downtown area. Downtown Boise is visible from Camel's Back Park. Head up 15th Street to Bogus Basin. Southwest BoiseSouthwest Boise has traditionally been known for its more rural aesthetics. It contains sparsely populated neighborhoods built from the 1960s to the early 1980s. Many include acre-sized plots and the occasional farmhouse and pasture. Growth in the area was limited in the 1980s due to a moratorium on new construction to prevent urban sprawl. Since this has been lifted there has been widespread growth of new homes and neighborhoods. The area lies fairly close to Interstate 84, theaters, shopping, the airport, golf and the Boise Bench area.Northwest BoiseNorthwest Boise lies blanketed against the Boise Foothills to the north, the major thoroughfare State Street to the south, the city of Eagle to the west, and Downtown Boise to the east. It contains an eclectic mix of old and new neighborhoods, including Lakeharbor, which features the private Silver Lake, a reclaimed quarry. Northwest Boise has some pockets of older homes with a similar aesthetic to the North End, yet housing prices tend to be lower. Downtown is minutes away, as is Veteran's Memorial Park and easy access to the Boise Greenbelt. Across the river sits the Boise Bench and to the west is fast access to the bedroom communities of Eagle, Star, and Middleton.Warm Springs/ Northeast BoiseWarm Springs is centered around the tree-lined Warm Springs Avenue and contains some of Boise's largest and most expensive homes (many of which were erected by wealthy miners and businessmen around the turn of the 20th century; Victorian styles feature prominently). The area gets its name from the natural hot springs that flow from Boise's fault line and warm many of the homes in the area. The far east end of Warm Springs was once known as Barber Town, featuring a hotel with hot springs nestled into the foothills. It now has some new residential developments, with easy access to Highway 21, which leads to the south-central Idaho mountains, the Boise River, the Boise Foothills, and the Idaho Shakespeare Festival.

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South East BoiseSouth East Boise spans from Boise State University to Micron Technology all areas between Federal Way and the Boise River. The older area just south of the University can be described as a cross between the North End and the Boise bench. The rest of South East Boise was developed in the last thirty years with suburban style homes. Unlike the more typical flat suburban sprawl, residents of South East Boise are reminded of their city's natural beauty as they catch a close view of Table Rock, or drive along the winding Parkcenter Blvd. along the Boise River. Most people consider this end of Boise a hidden gem as just about everything is about 15minutes from home: the river, greenbelt, the mountains, lakes, snow, high mountain desert, and more. The Boise BenchThe Boise Bench is south of Downtown Boise and is raised in elevation approximately 60feet (18m). The bench is named such because the sudden rise in elevation gives the prominent appearance of a step, or bench. The Bench (or Benches, there are 3 actual benches throughout the Boise Valley) was created as an ancient shoreline to the old river channel. The Bench is home to the old Boise Train Depot and extensive residential neighborhoods. Due south of the Boise Bench is the Boise Airport, raised up on another "bench".West BoiseWest Boise is home to Boise Towne Square Mall, the largest in the state, as well as numerous restaurants, strip malls, and residential developments ranging from new subdivisions to apartment complexes. Hewlett Packard's Printing Division is located here. It is relatively the flattest section of Boise, with sweeping views of the Boise Front.

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Eagle, IdahoSome residents have coined the term rurban to characterize the city of Eagle as a community thats maintaining its rural charm in the otherwise increasingly urban setting of Southwestern Idaho.Open space, appealing but firm design standards, and a Western architectural theme featuring old style street lights and tree lined streets all contribute to a city that confers an attractive allure to visitors, as well as those who are pleased to call Eagle home. By acknowledging its function to serve primarily as a bedroom community to Boise and other Treasure Valley employment centers, Eagle has focused many of its developmental efforts on expanding the availability of parks and related entities that enhance life for residents. Pocket parks are required in many of the newer subdivisions, with pathways connecting neighborhoods and linking the Boise River Greenbelt system to the community. Learn more about Eagle Idaho New Subdivisions & Real Estate

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is the second-largest city in Ada County, Idaho and the third-largest in the state. Locate Meridian Idaho New Communities

Meridian Idaho

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Nampa, IdahoNampa is the largest and the fastest growing city in Canyon County and is the second largest in the state. Nampa has twenty-four parks plus The Nampa Recreation Center, a 140,000-square-foot facility containing a six-pool aquatics center, three gymnasiums, racquetball courts, a walking/running track, a weight room and exercise equipment, a climbing wall, and a number of other activity areas. Centennial Golf Course (18 holes) and Ridgecrest Golf Club (27 holes) are owned and operated by the City of Nampa. The Idaho Center is a complex of entertainment venues including 10,500-seat amphitheater, a 12,279-seat arena , the Idaho Horse Park, used for horse shows; and the Sports Center, used for track and field events including the home meets of the Boise State University Broncos track teams. The Idaho Center arena is best known for hosting the Snake River Stampede Rodeo during the third week of July every year. The Snake River Stampede is considered one of the nation's top rodeos.

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Star IdahoA small town located about 20 miles west of Boise. This community offers a pleasant atmosphere and is close to many of the recreational opportunities that Idaho has to offer. Star offers a lifestyle that is still within reach, a four seasons climate and a very low crime rate. Because of this, many have found Star to be the community of choice to raise their children. It isnt uncommon in Star to see local children walking down to the river with their fishing poles in hand. Learn more about Star Idaho New Subdivisions and Real Estate

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Kuna is the Gateway City to the Birds of Prey National Habitat Area and is rooted as an agricultural area that is a rapidly growing progressive community. This city is located 18 miles southwest of Boise, Idaho with approximately 12,600 residents. Kuna prides itself in good schools, responsive businesses, and fine churches. Indian Creek, runs through the city, a favorite tubing spot for local residents and one of the few small floatable waterways in the region. Locate New Communities in Kuna Idaho

City of Kuna

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While Caldwell Idaho may be on the outer limits of Boise Metro there are many benefits including more open space, lower cost of housing and access to everything that Treasure Valley has to offer including the Snake River, wineries, fruit orchards and Caldwell Nights Rodeo.Caldwell is also where Gov. Bitch Otter grew up as well as many other notable people and is also known for the College of Idaho.

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A rural community nestled in the Treasure Valley with two mountain ranges in full view. Middleton boasts a small town feel for those who live here.The city is within easy commuting distance to Boise the State Capitol, 20 miles to the east. Residents of Middleton enjoy the country life in the great outdoors with the Boise River passing just south of town. Residents enjoy some of the best hunting, fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, camping and river rafting in the United States.Middleton thrives on agriculture and related industries. Farmers produce a variety of crops such as potatoes, sugar beets, grains, corn, mint, hops, beans, commercial nursery stock. Irrigation water is supplied from the Boise River and the Payette River.Middleton, Idaho

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Boise School DistrictWebsitewww.BoiseSchools.org Elementary Schools(32)- Learn moreJunior High(8) Learn moreSenior High (5) Learn moreSchool ReviewsGreatSchools.orgCompare SchoolsSchoolMatters.com

Learn more about Treasure Valley Schools

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Websitewww.Meridian Schools.orgElementary Schools(31)- Learn moreJunior High(9) Learn moreSenior High (5 Comprehensive + 3 Alternative) Learn moreSchool ReviewsGreatSchools.orgCompare SchoolsSchoolMatters.com

Websitewww.NSD131.orgElementary Schools(16)- Learn moreMiddle School(4) Learn moreSenior High (4) Learn moreSchool ReviewsGreatSchools.orgCompare SchoolsSchoolMatters.com

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Websitewww.MSD134.orgSchools(5)- Learn moreSchool ReviewsGreatSchools.orgCompare SchoolsSchoolMatters.com

Websitewww.CaldwellSchools.orgElementary Schools(6)-Middle Schools(2)High Schools(2)School ReviewsGreatSchools.orgCompare SchoolsSchoolMatters.com

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Finding an Idaho Home Builder Selecting a home builder is a very important decision. It will determine the entire process of the home you build and what is delivered. There are three ways to develop a list of builders to interview-After looking at several homes the builder has available for inspecting which ones did you like the best? Were they similar to what you are looking to build or buy? Knowing the builder has done it before lends credibility to that builder(s).What are their credentials and qualifications? Having been in business for years is a good sign you will be working with a successful builder but don't discount a new builder who is ambitious and looking to establish their company as a reputable builder as well.Talk to past clients and ask if they would recommend the home builder based on-Did they get the home they were expecting including price and was it completed in the time frame expected? Were there any call backs and was the builder responsive? How were the subcontractors? Would they recommend the builder?

Finding the right builder is a daunting task that requires your due diligence.Learning about the builder's credentials and qualification and meeting past clientsis very important but at the top of the list is your impression and gut feeling aboutthe builder. Building a new home is an experience that can be filled with emotionthat includes both excitement and stress. Add in the money factor and if youhavequestions about your builder before you begin, you are destined to haveproblems. You must find someone you completely trust so finding a builder with theRight personality is very important.

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Experience - Does the builder have enough experience in building that dream home you have discussed so many times with your family and friends? How many of years experience does he have? How many home were build and what types of homes did he build?Integrity - Does the builder have a reputation for building quality homes and is his company financially sound? References - Does the builder have solid references from previous clients?Professionalism - Does the builder have the necessary professionalism to not only work with a number of different personalities in the construction business and business community, but also does the builder communicate with you in a professional manner? Follow-up - Does the builderfollow-up with regard to getting back to you with pertinent information concerning your house?Design and Creativity - Do you like the previous designs of the homes that the builder has built in past years? Does the builder have the creativity and the architectural knowledge to design that special fireplace, open stairway or other unique architectural design suited to the country within which you want to build?Technology - Does the builder keep abreast of the latest technology in the building industry?Chemistry - Do you and the builder have the necessary chemistry that will make building your home a positive and memorable experience?

Credentials and Qualifications for your Home Builder

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Click for Builder ProfileIn Business SinceSummaryBlackstead Building Co.Boise, Idaho1986With nearly two decades of experience, Blackstead offers homebuyers dedication, integrity, a committed and loyal staff, and time-tested partnerships with the best subcontractors in the Treasure Valley. Blackstead Building Company has consistently surpassed the expectations of today's homebuyers and offers you a proven commitment to personalizing the building process.Boise Hunter HomesEagle, Idaho2006 Boise Hunter Homes is a premiere custom home builder that focuses on timeless quality, exceptional value and highest level of design and craftsmanship. It is our goal and passion to provide each and every customer a superior home building experience. Why? Because Your DREAM home is our PASSION!Brunobuilt HomesEagle, Idaho1984Clients select BrunoBuilt Homes because they value the importance of reputation and dedication to homeowner satisfaction.Brighton HomesBoise, Idaho1994 Beautifully designed and skillfully crafted, Brighton's homes are among the area's most sought after. With an extensive selection of award-winning designs, you're sure to find one that truly captures your style and complements your lifestyle.Chuck Miller ConstructionHidden Springs, Idaho2001 Do you believe that your new home, office, or remodel should be comfortable, healthy, durable, use energy and resources efficiently and responsibly, and reflect your personal style?

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Click for Builder ProfileIn Business SinceSummaryEric Evans ConstructionMeridian, Idaho2002Eric Evans Construction's dedicated team, hand selected by Eric, ensures consistent quality workmanship that follows Erics reputation in the Treasure Valley.Flynner HomesBoise, Idaho2002 Flynner Homes builds with the integrity of the past and technology of the present. We strive to construct high quality custom homes by utilizing fine craftsmanship, inspiring designs and stimulating materials.Syringa ConstructionBoise, Idaho2003 By creating spaces that are thoughtfully designed, expertly crafted, warm and inviting, we create a home that you can live life in.Ted Mason Signature HomesBoise, Idaho1991 Ted Mason has been building homes and developing communities since 1991. Our developments emphasize safety, security, convenience, low maintenance and are pet friendly.Thompson HomesMeridian, Idaho1969 Thompson Homes Inc. Invites you to experience the extraordinary quality and service in building your custom home. Honesty and integrity from the BEGINNING to the end of the building process and beyond.Tradewinds Building Co.Boise, Idaho1980 Our motto of "First We Listen" explains how our team of professionals begin the building process for 28 years.Zach Evans ConstructionEagle, Idaho1993Zach Evans Construction customers experience something refreshing and new includingthe unsurpassed quality andinnovative design in every home we offer.

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