Living in Boise, Idaho

Boise is one of the fastest-growing mid-sized cities in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. It’s affordable (for now), surrounded by natural beauty, and has a strong sense of local identity. Boise isn’t trying to be Portland or Denver — it’s carving out its own thing. The city sits in the Treasure Valley, with the Boise River running through town and the foothills of the Rockies rising just to the north.

It’s a city with a compact, walkable downtown, serious pride in its university and local businesses, and a balance of outdoor adventure and career opportunity. Boise has become a magnet for people looking to escape bigger cities without giving up culture or job prospects.

Boise has earned a reputation as a growing culinary hotspot in recent years; its third-wave coffee roasters, gourmet donut shops, and tasting-menu restaurants are on par with what you’d find in Portland or Seattle. (There just aren’t enough of them yet to retain full foodie status.). Boise manages to be cool without the pretentiousness of Portland or Austin.

Boise offers a cool lifestyle mix of nature and culture in a way that’s remarkable for a mid-sized city. Life here revolves around getting outside, staying involved locally, and enjoying what the city does best, balancing urban perks with small-town ease.

The Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile paved path, runs through the heart of the city, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and downtown. It’s a favorite for biking, walking, and commuting.

The Boise Foothills start right at the city’s edge, with trailheads like Camel’s Back, Hull’s Gulch, and Table Rock giving hikers and trail runners instant access to rugged terrain and expansive views. In the winter, residents head 45 minutes up the mountain to Bogus Basin, a local ski area with downhill and Nordic trails.

Culture in Boise is meaningful and punches above its weight for a mid-sized city.

The Boise Art Museum (BAM) in Julia Davis Park anchors the visual arts scene. Nearby, you’ll find Zoo Boise, the Discovery Center of Idaho (great for kids), and the Idaho State Museum — all walkable from downtown. The Morrison Center hosts Broadway tours, the Boise Philharmonic, and ballet.

Treefort Music Fest, Boise’s most famous event, brings in indie bands and creatives from around the world every spring, turning the city into a pop-up arts and music hub.

Whether you’re kayaking the river at lunch, catching live theater in the evening, or walking to your favorite local bakery on the weekend, Boise makes it easy to create a grounded, healthy lifestyle with just enough cultural energy to keep things interesting.

If you want to see what locals do for fun and culture in Boise, check out the calendar of events.

We always recommend staying in a VRBO if you’re visiting; it's a great way to experience the rhythm of local neighborhoods instead of the hotel bubble. And if you're planning a trip, you can find discounted travel fares through our Expedia partnership.

Boise’s economy is diverse and growing, with strong roots in tech, health care, education, and manufacturing.

-Micron Technology is headquartered here and remains one of the city’s largest employers.

-Other major players include St. Luke’s Health System, Boise State University, and companies in food production and outdoor gear (like Albertsons HQ and Bodybuilding.com.

In recent years, the city has attracted remote workers and small startups, especially in web services, digital marketing, and sustainability-related fields. Office space is still affordable, and co-working spots like Trailhead and Kiln are supporting new energy in tech.