Moving to Boise Idaho

Boise Idaho population

To understand is Boise Idaho a good place to live, just look at Boise Idaho population in the state, which is constantly growing due to the relocation of Americans from different parts of the country. Where do people move from to settle in Boise? According to the migration statistics between 2016 and 2023, 17% of newly arrived people are from Idaho state. In 2023, about 64,493 people moved to Boise from Idaho.
However, all the rest are out-of-state migrants who are predominantly moving to Boise, Idaho from California (23%), Oregon (9%), Utah (9%), and Washington (7%). California is the second-highest state. From this state, about 10,073 people moved to Boise in 2023. About 2,776 people moved from Washington and about 2,332 moved from Oregon around the same year.
The age categories of the Boise Idaho population are children, youth, adults and the elderly, and this indicates favorable living conditions for everyone. If to analyze the age of people who moving to Boise Idaho, 43% are adults aged between 20 and 44, while the second place is taken by young people under 20, who probably come to study and work there – about 29%. In addition to the native population, the population of Boise of the Idaho state is represented by Americans from other states who came here in search of a better life. You may wonder what attracts so many people in this peaceful Idaho region. The answer can be found in the list of pros and cons of moving there.

boise idaho demographics

Boise is the largest city in the state and a county seat of Ada County. Moreover, it is the most populated city of Boise City-Nampa metropolitan area with the population of over 620,000 people. Boise City is the 99th largest city in the country with about 226,000 people living there. The population density of the city is not high – only 2.59 people per square mile. When it comes to Boise Idaho demographics, most of the local residents are white (89%). The second place is taken by Latino or Hispanic race (7.1%), the third place is Asian residents who constitute 3.2% of the total population, while African Americans are only 1.5%. Other races living in Boise take 3%. One more feature that differs Boise population from the one in other American states is the largest community of ethnic Basques. There are over 15,000 members of this community living in the city and it is the largest center in the nation.

BOISE IDAHO WEATHER

Everyone is interested in knowing about the Boise Idaho weather. So, summer is very hot, very dry, very cloudy. But the winter is cold, it often snows. Temperature range is from minus 5 degrees Celsius to plus 34 degrees Celsius for 365 days. If tourists have a rest, then from June to a maximum of September.

THINGS TO DO IN BOISE IDAHO

All tourists want to visit interesting places. So, things to do in Boise Idaho:

• Coast of the Bois River.
• World Center For Birds of Prey.
• Old Idaho Penitentiary.
• New buildings like the Hampton Inn & Suites Boys Downtown.
• Interesting restaurants with delicious food like Chandlers Steakhouse etc.

boise idaho crime rate

Boise Idaho crime rate is low enough. Therefore, the city is chosen for life by many people. The most important advantage of living in Idaho is a high level of security, since there are practically no more serious crimes and a rather low level of minor offenses.

is boise idaho a good place to live

Every year, a lot of people are moving to Boise Idaho because of many reasons like the lower cost of living, housing cost, more affordable rent price, great weather, and plenty of outdoor activities. But like other cities, there are some negative aspects too. If you want to change your place of residence, then the cost of living boise idaho is an important issue, because the prices for goods, services and housing in this state are not an order of magnitude lower than in many other US states. So it's worth calculating is Boise Idaho a good place to live. In this guide, we are going to investigate both the pros and cons of moving to Boise, Idaho.

1. Cost of living

Consider moving to Boise Id if you want a high quality of life at a price that is far more affordable than much of the US, thanks to the lower cost of living here. Despite being the largest and most populated city in Idaho, it is still rather an affordable place for living. The has been called the best place for millennials to live in the US. It is also one of the fastest-growing in the US, attracting residents from states like California, Washington, and Oregon. Boise has a growing tech scene, good healthcare that is affordable, and easy access to nature. It is one of those rare cities that offer big-city amenities for a small town price.

2. Rent

Even if it is not possible to afford a home in Boise, every working person can easily rent a dwelling for a living. Rental prices are significantly lower here than average ones around the country. For example, the average rent of 1-bedroom flat in Boise is $742, while the national average is much higher – $930. The difference is about $200 in the rent cost for bigger apartments as well. However, Boise rent is continually growing having increase of 9% in 2018.

3. Employment

When it comes to job opportunities, it becomes clear why so many people think of moving to Boise. The unemployment rate in the city is only 2.3% – it is lower than in Idaho and around the country. Moreover, the job market is constantly growing because many companies open their headquarters in Boise. The highest salaries are in such industries as mining and extraction, utilities, manufacturing, professional and technical services etc. The major employers are the representatives of healthcare, education, information technology, and retail industries.

4. Climate

Featuring a continental climate Boise is a place where you can feel all 4 seasons clearly. There are about 200 days of sunshine during the year and not much precipitation. There is hot and dry weather in summer, while winters are cold and often not snowy. The average summer temperature is 71°F, and the winter temperature is about 32°F.

5. Good education

Previously, Idaho was among the least attractive places for education, but this situation has changed dramatically. Now Boise public schools are considered rather challenging and the high school graduation statistics are rather impressive – 94.4% of students in comparison with the national average of 87.3%. Moreover, Boise State University is one of the popular higher educational institutions. Today, the city can boast a very high number of educated people – 40.9% of local residents have a Bachelor degree (the national percentage is only 30.9). The number of college graduates is also higher – 26.6% vs 19.1%. So now education is one of the reasons for moving to Boise Id.

6. Low crime rate

What makes Boise a really appealing place for relocation is its safety. Despite the fact that the state has the 6th highest gun ownership rate, there are little chances to become a victim. If to compare Boise crime rate with the national average one, property crimes are almost at the same level, but the number of violent crimes is lower by one third. For example, Boise was ranked the 8th safest city in the world in 2017 by MSN. The city safety index is 82.29, so you can not worry sleeping with doors unlocked.

7. Variety of outdoor activities

Boise is located north of the Great Basin deserts and west of the Rocky Mountains. The Boise River snakes through the city. There is nature everywhere. You can enjoy year-round outdoor adventures like skiing, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, snowboarding, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and cycling. It is a perfect place for fishing and hunting. Great climate lets you enjoy them year round.

8. Beautiful nature

The city can boast unbelievable nature not only outside it but also several spacious parks within the city borders. Several local riverside parks are connected by a 25-mile greenbelt used for running, jogging, cycling, walking etc. There are several beautiful parks with ponds, pools, and benches as well as eye-catching views of mountains scattered around the city. The city is located west of the Rocky Mountains and north of the Great Basin deserts, while the Boise River flows through the city as well.

9. Entertainment and culture diversity

If you think that you might feel dull in Boise, you are mistaken. There are many interesting places to visit, see, and events to listen to. Local residents take their kids to the local zoo or go dancing. There are several spectator sports teams including hockey, basketball etc. The city welcomes many annual events including different concerts, exhibitions of performing arts, fine arts, conferences, and shows. The art scene is really cool and thriving in Boise too.

10. Friendly people

Whether it is a rather low crime rate, a variety of activities to do or city affordability, but local people a very friendly and sociable. Of course, not all of them are happy to see hundreds of people flocking to the city metro area each year, but still, they enjoy their life and feel in this city like home. When you arrive and settle in Boise, you will hardly ever have a desire to leave it.

11. Great brewing and wine scene

If Boise wine scene has been developing for years, local breweries are popping up in this area. There are several local companies as well as multiple bars to offer beer from the best US breweries. Another popular drink produced here is wine. Idaho has over 8,000 square miles of vineries and 1,800 acres under production, so it will be a mistake not to taste this local product living there.

12. Diverse food

In addition to farmers markets focused on local foods and taking place in the city regularly, Boise offers a vibrant restaurant scene. Here you can taste not only American and Mexican dishes but also try dishes of Thai, Japanese, Indian cuisine and many others. It is impossible to pass by the dozens of local cafes and restaurants that tempt you with mouth-watering smells.

13. Healthy lifestyle

Devoting much of their free time to outdoor activities and sports, Boise residents are considered to be a healthy nation. In 2010, the city was ranked the healthiest one in the whole country by Men’s Health Magazine, so there should be no doubts about a necessity to move to Boise Idaho.

14. Little commute time

Though the local transportation system is not considered highly-developed, traffic in the city is quite acceptable. Boise commute time is one of the lowest in the country. Experts believe that it ranges between 15 and 20 minutes for the residents of the metro area. Such traffic can be called hassle-free, because many local people use bikes for commuting riding along the Boise River greenbelt.

reasons not to move to boise, idaho

1. Home prices

If to analyze the cost of housing in Boise, in fact, it is not that high as in other cities. However, it is still higher than the national one almost by $40,000. The median home price in the city according to Best Places is $255,100 and it is more expensive than on average in the state too. However, Zillow shows less pleasing figures evaluating a median home price at $330,000 and predicting a 1.4% increase in 2020. Moreover, the biggest part of the population can boast homeownership of the value between $100,000 and $300,000.

2. Median income

If to speak about the median income per household in Boise, it is lower than the average national one. It constitutes $54,547 that is almost $3,000 less than in other US states. It means that a family will need almost 10 years to buy a house if they save for it half of their income.

3. Active volcanoes

There are dozens of active volcanoes surrounding the city. The natural geology of the state is more aggressive because many of them are boiling and frothing. Experts say that they will explode within the next thousand years, but nobody knows exactly this time. Are you ready to live on the land that might explode any minute?

4. Smell

Unfortunately, the main problem of Boise is an unpleasant smell, so you may hear a piece of advice like “don’t move to Boise”. There are overflowing sewage plants as well as over 170 landfills concentrated in the city, so sometimes the smell is unbearable there. It may not be spotted when you arrive, but living there you will undoubtedly feel that.

5. Bad air quality

The report of the United Health Foundation about the quality of air in Idaho is rather disappointing. The state has the second worst air pollution in the country and Boise is not an exception. Its PM is 11.7 micrograms that is 2.2 points higher than around the US. Summer fires make many people suffer from smoke and have problems with breathing too.

6. Mormons

Though it is difficult to call Boise residents very religious, 44.7% of local residents are LDS people calling them members of Latter Day Saints community.

7. Transportation system

Boise transportation system is not very developed. There is one Interstate 184 highway connecting the city with Portland and Salt Lake City as well as a train that can take passengers to Seattle and Chicago.
A public transportation system is not very comfortable. Buses stop running at 6:45 pm and do not work on Sundays at all. The city was planning to run streetcars in the city too.
Another downside is a local airport, where the number of destinations to fly to is very restricted.

8. The city is constantly growing

Living in Boise Idaho can be not comfortable since the city population is increasing incessantly. Many people look for a higher life quality in big metro areas and choose often Boise for this purpose. So when you settle in the city and spend several years of your life there, it may be annoying for you to see how quickly it is growing and to what consequences it leads.

best neighborhoods in boise

Having appreciated all the pros and cons of living Boise idaho, it is time to consider what neighborhood you should choose for a living. Generally, experts differentiate 5 best neighborhoods in Boise who relocating to Boise.

1. North End

Boise is also known as the city of trees and this neighborhood confirms this fact. This area with many old houses is lined with trees and has numerous historic buildings dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. There are two beautiful parks providing an eye-catching view of the downtown.

2. Warm Springs

This neighborhood is one of the most expensive ones but also most comfortable for living. There are good schools, many recreation opportunities, and attractions as well as high life quality.

3. Southeast Boise

Looking for a green neighborhood with rather affordable homes it is necessary to consider Southeast Boise. There are many homes not older than 30 years and several beautiful parks with access to the river and ponds as well as multiple outdoor activities.

4. Northwest Boise

Being a silent and peaceful place of living, Northwest Boise features a breathtaking scenery of the lake and offers many exciting activities there. It is the place where you can enjoy nature and solitude both in newly constructed and old homes.

5. Downtown

If you want to be in the center of all the events, have access to small shops, cafes, and restaurants as well as walk along the Basque Block, the city downtown is for you. All the city attractions and cultural events are located there.

worst neighborhoods in boise idaho

While Boise boasts a variety of pleasant neighborhoods to live in, there are some you might want to avoid. Here’s a list of unsafe Boise areas based on the crime rate percentage:

• Pioneer – 1,130 per 100k people
• Harris Ranch – 725 crimes per 100k people
• Sunrise Rim -671 crimes per 100k people
• Veterans Park – 657 crimes per 100k people
• East End – 522 crimes per 100k people

cost of living in boise idaho

Getting a comprehensive idea about the overall cost of living in Boise Idaho can help you determine your finances and see whether you can live here comfortably. From housing costs to food bills, here’s how much living in Boise can cost you:

home prices in boise idaho

While Boise saw a considerable increase in house and rent prices during the last few years, the area still has a lower median home cost across the country. The median home prices in Boise Idaho of October 2023 was around $400,000. The cost of living index in Boise is pretty much in line with the national average of “100”. Here’s a quick look at Boise’s real estate market:

• 2-Bedroom house - $316,000
• 3-Bedroom house - $374,900
• 4-Bedroon house - $460,000
• 5-Bedroom house - $550,000

Cost of Ultilities

The utility index in Boise is 82 and the area’s cost of services is less than the U.S average. Here’s a quick breakdown of Boise’s utility costs:

• Water – the average water bill per month here is $100 for a regular household. In winter, the cost can come down to just $30-$40.
• Electricity – The electricity cost in Boise, according to electricitylocal.com, is 28.03% less than the average U.S cost. There is a high chance of saving big on electricity if you move to Boise.
• Natural Gas – The natural gas costs are quite affordable in Boise, costing about $40 a month.
• Internet and cable – While the internet bill varies depending on the chosen speed and package, the average cost usually ranges between $20-$40.
• Trash – A usual monthly bill for trash can be around $20 in Boise. The city provides many garbage, recycling, and composting services to the residents.
• Sewer – In Boise, you can expect to pay a sewer bill that ranges anywhere between $25-$40.

Transportation Costs

Unfortunately, Boise has a limited public transport system. There is, however, a bus system that provides limited valley-wide services. If you want to acquire a pass for this service, you can pay an affordable sum of $282. The local single-ride fares, on the other hand, are just $1.50.
The average time of commute in the city is 19 minutes. For this reason, commuting to work is more affordable for many residents. Even during peak hours, the traffic in the city is minimal. The gas prices here are either equal to or a little higher than the national average. You’ll notice a lot of people either biking or carpooling to work.

Food Costs

The food cost index in Boise is 96 – below the national average. For a typical night dinner at a restaurant, you can expect to pay anywhere between $40-$60. Popular grocery chains like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s had popped up in the city over the last couple of years. Here, you can have varied and affordable options for grocery shopping like Wal-Mart, Fred Meyer, and Costco.

Wages in Boise

With a booming economy, Boise offers a large number of employment opportunities and decent wages. The U.S. Census data revealed the median household income in Boise as $60,035. According to USA Today, Boise is also one of the top places for employment. USA Today also revealed that the city’s employment grew by 19.9% over the last five years, “faster than any other city in the state and all but half a dozen other cities nationwide."

Healthcare

When it comes to healthcare in Boise, you might have to pay a little more than the national average. Considering elements like doctor’s visits, dental checkups, and hospital rooms, the healthcare cost index is about 1% higher the U.S. average.
If you’re looking for opportunities in healthcare, you can explore the currently-expanding healthcare facilities like St. Alphonsus Medical Group and St. Luke’s downtown campus among many others.

jobs in boise idaho

Boise has no inheritance tax or any taxation on Social Security benefits. With an annual job growth rate of 2.1% and an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, Boise is an ideal city for job growth. While the city has a median household income of $56,275, it is currently experiencing a household income growth of 2.3%. Interestingly, Boise has been seeing a high-tech growth of about 3%. Here are the largest private sectors to look out for jobs in Boise Idaho:

• Hewlett-Packard Co.
• Blue Cross of Idaho
• Albertsons, Inc
• Fred Meyer
• Treasure Valley YMCA
• IDACORP Inc.
• Winco Foods
• Wells Fargo
• Boise Cascade
• Idaho Power Co.
• City Corp
• Saint Alphonsus Health System

In terms of languages, you can meet people in the state who speak English, Afrikaans, Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish and other languages ​​due to the diverse Boise Idaho demographics.

what is boise idaho known for

The capital of Idaho brims with gorgeous destinations. From beautiful museums to refreshing RV parks, here’s everything you can explore in Boise. Therefore, what is boise idaho known for:

Boise River Greenbelt

Stretching over 25 miles, this tree-lined area along the banks of the Boise River is gorgeously refreshing. You can satiate your thirst for action here with activities like bike rides, walking trails, and hiking.

Boise Art Museum

Get a taste of history and art by exploring the corridors of the Boise Art Museum. From Sculpture Court to Museum stores, this place also hosts fascinating programs and events.

Discovery Center of Idaho

Hop on the rollercoaster of math, tech, science, and engineering at the Discovery Center of Idaho. This place is also a perfect retreat for kids and adults alike.

Aquarium of Boise

Sharks, crabs, starfish, and rays – there is no end to exploring the aquatic life in this place.

Capital City Public Market

Awaken your shopping spirit by exploring the coolest items from over 150 vendors in this colorful market.

Aside from these destinations, Boise boasts countless havens for fun, adventure, and explorations like the Zoo Boise, Hills Gulch Reserve, Boise Center, and Boise Trolley Tours.

Before moving to Boise Idaho

Ready to move to Biose Idaho from another state? Here’s a quick checklist you might want to take care of first:

• Get your car registration and your license transferred at the local DMV.
• Update your out-of-state vehicle titles.
• Register to vote in Idaho online.
• Check out the residency requirements in the state.

Moving to Boise Idaho

Are you planning to become one of the happy Boise citizens? Then, it is very important to plan your relocation thoroughly. As mentioned, it is not easy to move to the city using public transport no matter whether it is a bus, train or plane, because the number of destinations the city is connected with are rather limited.
It is possible to move to Boise in your own car and it will be the most reasonable solution if you take only the most significant items with you. But, if you wish to move all your belongings, it is impossible to deliver them carefully without the services of an affordable moving company with local or long-distance service.
California Movers is always ready to give a helping hand to anyone planning their relocation and make the process smooth and stress-free. Start a new page of your life story with your valuable belongings and we will help deliver them in the best possible condition. Our team of highly-trained and dedicated professionals will take care of all your moving needs – from packing to unloading and everything in between. To get started, ask us for a free quote now!