For some, Boise is the only place they've ever lived. For others, it's become an adopted home. What we have in common is the pleasure of living in four distinct seasons with relatively mild winters, a spectacular spring and fall, and summers that aren't too hot. We take advantage of nearby hiking and biking trails, rivers, streams, ski hills and mountains, and exciting arts and cultural attractions such as Ballet Idaho, Trey McIntyre Project, Boise Philharmonic, Opera Idaho, Treefort Music Fest, Idaho Shakespeare and many excellent museums.
Boise has a charming downtown to stroll and shop with a great mix of local boutiques and large brands. Victorian and Craftsman homes border the downtown, and for those who have a love affair with mid-century modern, and you’ll find several gems in “the Bench” neighborhood as well as other parts of town.
BOISE DEMOGRAPHICS
Incorporated in 1864
Elevation: 2730 feet
Population: 229,993
Population density: 3,590 people per square mile (average)
Median Age: Total 36.6 - Male 36.1 - Female 37.1
A CULTURAL HUB
Boise has established itself as an arts and culture scene blossoming in music to modern dance to drag, with spirited new collaborations among them. The recent surge in the arts has added energy, diversity, and fresh money to the city’s mix, adding to the boomtown growth.
THE BLACK CLIFFS
Made of volcanic columnar basalt, The Black Cliffs leading to Lucky Peak Reservoir provide ideal handholds and footholds that seem to have been created to cater to climbers. Today, there are hundreds of well-established routes of a variety of difficulties for climbers to enjoy.
BOISE RIVER
The 46-mile non-motorized trail is famous for scenic views, wildlife and access to popular parks and recreation sites including Ann Morrison Park, Riverside Park, Baggley Park, Shoreline Park, Bernardine Quinn, Veterans Memorial Park, Riverside Park, Warm Springs Park, Bown Crossing, Willow Lane, and more.
WE'RE IN HOT WATER
Boise has the largest geothermal system in the country supplying heat to 92 buildings in Downtown Boise, Fort Boise veteran’s complex and most of the Idaho State Capitol mall. This system has been in use since 1891 is the oldest continuously utilized geothermal system in the United States.
FROM SAGEBRUSH TO CITY OF TREES
Boise was founded on a dry sagebrush plain and since the late 19th century has tried to perpetuate the efforts of growing trees. The nickname and reputation have stuck in the 21st century, with the city becoming a center of green ideas and practices of sustainable living.