Boise, ID
Condos in Boise
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Do you want to buy a condo in Boise, ID? Read on if you do
Located on the Boise River, Boise is the capital of Idaho, as well as the county seat for Ada. Also referred to as “Treasure Valley,” the Boise metropolitan area includes five counties. Downtown is the cultural center of the city, with many small businesses and a variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars. The main attractions downtown include the Idaho State Capitol, the Classic Egyptian Theater, Boise Art Museum, Julia Davis Park, and Zoo Boise. So, it’s looking rather good if you’re thinking of buying a condo in Boise.
History of Boise
History of Boise
The Boise Valley was inhabited by the native Shoshone and Bannock for thousands of years prior to the arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century. The natives would spend their winters down in the valley where the climate was much milder and they used the hot springs for bathing and for their healing properties. It is said Boise was named in the 1800s when French Canadian fur trappers shouted "Les Boise" or "The Trees." Although the original “Fort” Boise was established 40 miles west by the Hudson's Bay Company in the 1830s, this was abandoned during the 1850s and the “new” Boise, located where the Oregon Trail connected with Idaho City and Silver City, became a city in 1863.
Things to do in Boise
Things to do in Boise
State Capitol
Construction of the Capitol Building started in 1905 and was not completed until 1920. It underwent extensive restoration in 2021. The building hosts many displays and temporary exhibits during the year, and it is one of the public administration buildings that positively encourages people to tour it during operating hours. The wonderful Capitol grounds are ideal for those relaxed strolls.
Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic Site
The Old Idaho Penitentiary, or “Old Pen,” was a jail for more than a century before becoming a museum and state historic site. The Old Pen includes 30 historical structures, some of which now feature educational exhibits. The not-for-profit Idaho Botanical Garden can be found in the Old Penitentiary Historic District.
Boise River Greenbelt
Running through the center of the city and linking some 850 acres of natural area and park, the 25-mile Boise Greenbelt is situated along the Boise River. There are cycling and walking paths for all abilities as well as wildlife spotting. The renowned Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial and Boise State University Campus are along this path, and while those on foot have the right of way, the path welcomes strollers, bikes and in-line skaters.
Julia Davis Park
Just off the Boise River Greenbelt, Julia Davis Park offers many cultural attractions, including the Boise Art Museum, the Discovery Center of Idaho, the Idaho Black History Museum, the Idaho Historical Museum and Zoo Boise, with its penguins, red pandas and snow leopards.
There is some quite spectacular scenery too, as well as a duck pond, lagoons and rose gardens, the latter of which are magnificent when in bloom.
World Center for Birds of Prey
The famous World Center for Birds of Prey is situated just outside of Boise. It helped dramatically with saving the peregrine falcon and its removal from the endangered species list. The center also breeds the rare California condor. The World Center for Birds of Prey helps increase the number of birds of prey for release into the wild. Condors, eagles, falcons and other rare birds are not only housed there but also help with breeding, breed maintenance and data-based research. Visitors can meet and learn all about rare and endangered birds as well as learn about raptors and see them in the wild along a live trail.
Boise is some 80.05 square miles in area and is located on flatlands in southwestern Idaho. The city is 41 miles to the east of the Oregon border and 110 miles to the north of the Nevada border. Boise Neighborhoods West Boise Within easy reach of Downtown Boise, the Boise Towne Square Mall is home to 135 retailers and is the largest shopping mall in Idaho. Its proximity to the Eagle Road corridor and Meridian City means this neighborhood is in a wonderful central location. Northwest Boise This area of Boise has a great variety of homes, making it quite distinct and unique. A condo in Boise here would be a great choice. There are two well-known golf clubs in the area, Quail Hollow and Plantation, with some of the most exclusive northwest Boise homes for sale in The Plantation Neighborhood. There is also a wonderful garden center for aspiring gardeners with green thumbs, as well as local shops and restaurants and wonderful views of the local foothills. This is yet another great location for buying condos in Boise. South Boise In the South Boise area you will find some lovely neighborhoods to consider, including Indian Lake, Silverpine and Sunset Rim. Indian Lake, in particular, is an extensive community covering most of the southern part of Cole Road. There is also an 18-hole golf course at Indian Lakes. For those buying a condo in Boise, there are new homes being built throughout the area, particularly in Southcreek and Southfork. Southeast Boise Southeast Boise, convenient to downtown Boise, Boise State University, the Greenbelt and Interstate 84, is famous for its slimline, newly-built homes in some already-established neighborhoods. You’ll find very popular and well-established neighborhoods such as Lakewood, River Run and Surprise Valley. There is also the Ivy Wild Park and public pool which is an excellent neighborhood amenity. Columbia Village is worth mentioning for those considering condos in Boise, with many homes built in the 1990s in this large community. It has its own elementary and middle schools, and a recreation center with two pools and indoor sports facilities.
Boise demographics
Boise demographics
Boise City sees several major companies headquartered there, including Albertsons, Bodybuilding.com, Boise Lamb Weston, Cascade LLC, Clearwater Analytics, Idaho Pacific Lumber Company and WinCo Foods.
The 2021 “U.S. News Best States” rankings placed the city at No. 1 in the nation for economic growth. This is largely due to new residents, many of whom arrived during the 1990s attracted by the growth in high-tech industries relating to science, technology and advanced manufacturing. However, some of the more traditional industries in Boise include agriculture (livestock fruit and sugar beets), electronics, wood, wholesale trade and trucking.
Arts in Boise
Arts in Boise
Idaho has one of the largest ethnic Basque communities in the United States, many of whom live in Boise. Downtown Boise features an especially vibrant area known as the "Basque Block."
Boise is well known for being a regional hub for theater, jazz and indie music. You’ll find several excellent theater groups, such as Boise Contemporary Theater, Boise Little Theater, ComedySportz Boise, The Gene Harris Jazz and the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. The Egyptian Theater hosts national and regional music acts, comedians and special movie screenings.
Art Collections
To say that the city of Boise encourages art would be an understatement. It is always partnering with historians, citizens and artists themselves which has resulted in numerous collections growing all the time under the supervision of the city. The city also has an almost unique and very enviable public art program that sees color and vibrancy being introduced onto the streets themselves. Almost 70% of the artists involved are from the city.
Grounds For Sculpture
Grounds For Sculpture, near Trenton, sees in excess of 270 contemporary sculptures and numerous unusual landscape features, as well as quiet places. This is very much a family destination and a great excuse to get everyone in the family out into the open air. There are also food outlets if you don’t particularly fancy taking a picnic along.
Farmstead Arts Center
This is very much a hands-on center, and it offers regular art and themed exhibits, classes, workshops, theater presentations and concerts. During the warmer months, performances are usually held in the English Barn. It is a superb location for those who feel they have a latent artistic inner-self trying to get out.
Schools in Boise
Schools in Boise
If, as a young family, you are buying a condo in Boise, naturally enough you will have a serious interest in the available schools in your new community. Finding the right school for your children will no doubt be a top priority, and Boise takes pride in its provision of education for all ages. There are 157 preschools, 95 elementary schools, 34 middle schools, 4 high schools, 64 public district schools, 9 public charter schools and 129 private schools. Of these, the top-rated schools and their score out of ten are Cecil D Andrus Elementary School (10) with 551 students, Highlands Elementary School (10) with 297 students, McMillan Elementary (9) with 264 students, Sage International Charter School (8) with 997 students and Christine Donnell School Of Arts (8) with 515 students.
Why Boise?
Why Boise?
Boise is certainly an affordable place to live, with a low crime rate and full of family-friendly activities making it one of the best cities to raise a family in the United States. It has also been cited as the best place for millennials to live. With its constantly growing tech scene, plenty of nature on its doorstep and loads for the kids (and adults) to do, Boise certainly seems to be getting it right.
Kaiya Botosh
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Jaydon Levin
Los Angeles
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Texas
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