Housing

Homes and home prices in the Boise area are diverse. Whether your budget and taste are geared toward restored Victorian mansions, contemporary new construction, starter homes, condominiums or apartment living - from welcoming neighborhoods to downtown living - Boise has something to offer you.

The median cost of a home in Ada County in the fourth quarter of 2002 was $141,142. The median cost of a home in Canyon County during the same period was $96,523. The average apartment rent in the Boise area is $702.

Education

Boise area residents know the secret to success lies in education, which is a high priority locally and statewide. Approximately two-thirds of the state's general fund is allocated to education.

Idaho’s students consistently place well above the national average on ACT, SAT and other achievement tests. More than 96 percent of Idaho’s school-age children attend public schools, demonstrating a high level of public confidence and ensuring a demographically balanced student population.

The Boise MSA (Ada and Canyon counties) ranks among the top third of U.S. metro areas for percentage of adults who have attained a bachelors degree or higher.

Entertainment/Recreation

Abundant entertainment and recreation opportunities and a low crime rate make Boise an ideal place to live and raise children. Residents can ski, run rivers, camp, fish, hunt and enjoy many outdoor activities within a day's drive.

The Boise River runs through downtown Boise, inviting fly fishermen and rafters to its waters, and the scenic beauty of the 25-mile Greenbelt along the river's edge attracts those who enjoy biking, running, walking and observing wildlife.

Parks & Recreation

The Boise area has a number of outstanding parks and facilities with plenty of opportunity for recreational and family activities, including golf, boating, youth athletics, softball, football and baseball, biking, skating or just picnicking. The Boise River Greenbelt is located on both banks of the Boise River, covering over 16 acres and providing more than 25 miles of paved and graveled paths for walkers, bikers, skaters, joggers and runners. For those wanting to experience the great outdoors, our mountains, deserts, lakes and rivers offer year-round recreation.

Rich forests, punctuated by clear, high mountain lakes, stand in contrast to the quiet beauty of high desert plains. The Boise area abounds with recreational and scenic resources within a short trek from downtown.

Industry

The Treasure Valley economy is strong due to a healthy mix of business, education, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, government and the military and professional communities - all working together to provide stability and promise for more than 380,000 residents. The natural resource industries are central to the well-being of the area.

Tourism is a major growth factor of the Idaho economy. Idaho is an exquisite state, beautiful from every angle. People come to the area to ski, float the wild rivers, hunt, fish and camp. The newest industry added to the mix is the high tech manufacturing that has provided strong growth in recent years.

A regional trade and commerce center, the area draws people from three states - eastern Oregon, northern Nevada and southern Idaho - a combined population of over 550,000 people. The professional community is central to Boise's identity and integrity. Some of the area's most talented professionals were drawn here because this is a beautiful city in a beautiful land.

The Boise Metro Area, with its stable business costs and diverse economy has over 18,000 businesses, more than a dozen corporate headquarters and four Fortune 500 companies.

The Boise-Nampa MSA (Ada, Boise, Canyon, Gem, and Owyhee Counties) is centrally located, has competitive and stable business costs, a diverse economy, a high quality of life and stunning natural surroundings. This unique combination of factors makes the area a place where businesses thrive.

Within the Boise MSA there are over 18,000 businesses and more than a dozen corporate headquarters - four of which are Fortune 500 companies. The Metro Area consists of several cities and over 512,000 people. Also, the Boise MSA has strong economic ties with adjacent counties with a Designated Market Area (DMA) totaling 603,700.

Health Care

The Boise MSA offers world-class health care to its citizens.

Saint Alphonsus and St. Luke's Regional Medical Centers, located in Boise, maintain the latest in state-of-the-art technology, excellent nursing and support staffs, and offer numerous health and wellness programs to the community.

West Valley Medical Center, located in Caldwell serves many western Idaho communities in Canyon County. Mercy Medical Center is a 152-bed acute care facility located in Nampa, Idaho.

Worship

The Boise area is a great place to live and raise a family. Whether it's the vibrant cultural and recreational opportunities, the friendly people or the mild climate, Boise and the surrounding communities afford a quality of life second to none.

Boise also offers an abundant variety of worship opportunities for individuals and families. Boise reflects a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in it's diverse blend of worship meetings, ministries and services.

Newcomer's Facts and Information

Here is a list of Relocation Resources From the Boise Chamber of Commerce.