Are you thinking of living in Boise, Idaho? The Boise metro area is a great place to live, no doubt about that. It consistently ranks in the top ten best places to live, work, and play.
- CNBC named it among the top ten cheapest states to live in 2017.
- WalletHub named Boise, ID the third best-run city in America.
- JetSetter named it the second city in the country that is Hipper than you think.
- Travel & Leisure named Boise, ID among the 50 best places to travel in 2018.
- Lonely Planet named it one of the two best US Destinations You Need to See in 2018.
- Forbes named Boise, ID among the top 20 best cities for young professionals.
- Thrillist named it the best American City You Should Visit Before It’s Too Popular.
The accolades just keep coming!
If you’re planning to pack up your stuff and head to the Treasure Valley in the near future, here are a couple of things you should know before moving to and living in Boise, Idaho.
1. Museums
In Boise, Idaho, there is no shortage of great museums to explore in and around the downtown area. The Idaho Botanical Garden is a fifteen-acre tapestry of dappled shade and vibrant splashes of color. It provides a beautiful environment for horticultural education, school tours, weddings, community events, tourists, and garden lovers.
There is also the Boise Art Museum. Its mission is to create a visual arts experience that engages people—hoping to inspire learning through educational opportunities, exceptional collections, and exhibitions.
You can also check out the Basque Museum and Cultural Center as well in the Boise metro area.
2. Potatoes
If you are moving to Boise, Idaho, and happen to be a potato lover you’re in luck! Idaho is, without a doubt, a potato country. In addition, although Boise, ID is not the center of spuds production, potatoes still play an important role in the local culture.
Below are some interesting facts:
- The longest-running outdoor cold-weather college football bowl game is the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
- Idaho grows more corn than potatoes.
- Only 1/2% of the state has a potato plantation.
- Idaho produces more potatoes than any other state in the country. Also, it’s the fourth largest producer of potatoes in the world.
3. Pro Sports
Boise, ID has pro teams in all the major sports, but most of those are minor or development leagues. You can check out the Treasure Valley Spartans, Idaho Steelheads, Boise Hawks, or the Idaho Stampede.
4. Festivals
The great thing about living in Boise, Idaho is the variety of annual celebrations and festivals in are around the downtown area. They include:
- Idaho International Film Festival
- Idaho Shakespeare Festival
- Gene Harris Jazz Festival
- Treefort Music Fest
5. Judaism
Boise, Idaho is home to the oldest synagogue – the Ahavath Beth Israel. Moses Alexander – a local Jewish resident – was the person who led the effort to build the synagogue. He also served as the city’s mayor in 1897 and the city’s governor in 1914.
According to recent estimates, the local Jewish population stands at about 1,600 people.
6. Mormons
After Utah, Idaho is considered to have the second-highest Mormon population. The LDS has a large temple in town – the Boise Idaho Temple.
For travelers on Interstate 84, the Boise Idaho Temple is a landmark that cannot be missed. Six soaring spires, a large sloping roof, and a light granite exterior characterize it.
7. Local Music Scene
If you’re a music lover thinking of living in Boise, DI, downtown Boise has a great music scene that is certainly growing. The best-known local brand is Built to Spill. It’s also the home of Caustic Resin, Hillfolk Noir, Curtis Stigers, Youth Lagoon, Kazmere, Le Fleur, Finn Riggins, Paul Revere & the Raiders bunch more.
8. Outdoor Recreation
A great reason for living in Boise, Idaho is that you can enjoy outdoor recreation all year long. All thanks to Boise’s unique location and climate. If you want a break from the excitement in the downtown area, there are miles of trails and dry weather which are great for hiking, biking, and running, while winter snow offers plenty of skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
Additionally, other outdoor activities include horseback riding, golfing and disc golfing, and hot air ballooning. Not to mention fishing, hunting, canoeing, kayaking, kite skiing, hang gliding, rock climbing, and more.
9. Beer
For beer lovers, Boise, Idaho is a paradise. Quality beer won’t cost you an arm and leg. The area has become a “Beervana” thanks to the fine works of Bogus Brewing, Cloud 9 Brewery, 10 Barrel Brewery, Slanted Rock Brewery, Kilted DRAGON Brewery, TableRock Brew Pub, and more.
10. Famous locals
Boise, ID is home to several famous people. They include:
- Actor George Kennedy
- Former NFL quarterback, Jake Plummer
- Inventor of the remote control, Robert Adler
- Former Red Sox player, Bill Buckner
- Actor Aaron Paul Sturtevant
11. Livability
There is a lot to love about living in Boise, Idaho. People like the relatively lower cost of living, the low crime rate, the access to outdoor activities, public transit, and the climate. There is also an abundance of coffee shops, restaurants, and small businesses in and around downtown Boise.
In fact, it’s for these reasons and more that catapult it to SmartAsset’s list of the best capitals to live in.
12. Finger steaks
If you like deep-fried steak, Boise, ID is the place to be. Finger steaks are narrow strips of steak that are seasoned and deep-fried to perfection. Allegedly invented at Milo’s Torch Lounge, these delicious high-calorie steaks are as delicious as they are unhealthy.
Boise, Idaho (aka The Treasure Valley) is a great place to live, work and play – hands down. It’s no wonder, then, that it keeps ranking in some of the most popular publications in the country. If you are thinking of living in Boise, we hope you found this read useful.