Downtown (BoDo)
Young professionals, college students, empty nesters, creatives
Downtown has three pieces to it: “just downtown” nicknamed BoDo, West Downtown, and Central Downtown. All three are great choices for young professionals and others craving a walkable, urban energy. It's filled with nightlife, museums, theaters for movies, concerts and live festivals, cafes, boutique shopping, foodie restaurants, and tons of bars. Combine this amazing combination of social and cultural scene with lots of condo and apartment living options, and any of the three will fit the bill for most.
Downtown is small but dense. It’s home to the Boise Art Museum, The Basque Block, Boise State University, and hosts regular events in Julia Davis Park. You’ll find modern condos, renovated lofts, and some legacy apartments. It's popular with people who want to ditch the car and live close to action. The energy is youthful but not overwhelming. Great food, green space, and access to the Greenbelt give it a balanced urban feel.
Zoned Schools:
-Garfield Elementary
-North Junior High
-Boise High
Median Home Price: ~$480,000 (for condos/townhomes)
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Northwest Boise – slightly quieter but still close in
- Missoula’s downtown – small but vibrant
- Bend’s Old Mill District – riverfront and active
North End
Professionals, longtime locals, history lovers, LGBTQ+
The Vibe:
The North End is one of Boise’s most iconic neighborhoods. It’s known for its early 1900s homes, shaded streets, and access to the foothills. You’ll find lovingly preserved Craftsman houses, bungalows, and a strong sense of community. Hyde Park is the neighborhood hub, with cafes, ice cream shops, and local boutiques.
Residents here tend to stay a long time. It’s a favorite for those who want charm, walkability, and trail access. Real estate can get competitive — many homes are passed down or bought quickly by word of mouth.
Zoned Schools:
-Longfellow Elementary
-North Junior High
-Boise High
Median Home Price: ~$675,000
Similar Neighborhoods:
- East End – historic with more quiet
- Salt Lake’s Avenues – old homes and walkability
- Corvallis’s downtown neighborhoods
The Highlands
Professionals, executives, retirees, families seeking views and space
The Vibe:
The Highlands is one of Boise’s most sought-after hillside neighborhoods. Tucked into the lower Boise Foothills just north of downtown and the North End, this area offers a mix of mid-century modern homes, custom builds, and large lots with sweeping views. Many homes back up directly to trailheads or open space.
It's a quiet, prestigious neighborhood with a semi-rural feel just minutes from downtown. Crane Creek Country Club sits in the heart of The Highlands, and you're a short drive or bike ride to Camel’s Back Park and Hyde Park. Residents value privacy, nature, and easy access to both cultural and outdoor amenities.
Zoned Schools:
-Highlands Elementary
-North Junior High
-Boise High
Median Home Price: ~$850,000
Similar Neighborhoods:
- East Foothills (Boise) – similar trail access, more varied price points
- Spokane’s South Hill – green, quiet, and elevated
- Boulder’s Chautauqua – views and trailhead proximity with civic access
River Myrtle / Old Boise District
Young professionals, renters, empty nesters, culture lovers
The Vibe:
The River Myrtle–Old Boise District sits at the eastern edge of downtown and blends historic character with modern downtown living. It includes some of Boise’s oldest commercial buildings, former warehouses now converted into offices and lofts, and a growing number of high-end apartment and condo developments.
This is a walkable, energetic neighborhood close to the Greenbelt, Julia Davis Park, and the city’s biggest museums and event venues. Residents can walk to downtown restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, and performance spaces. It’s a favorite for people who want an urban lifestyle with Boise’s laid-back personality.
Zoned Schools:
-Garfield Elementary
-North Junior High
-Boise High
Median Home Price: ~$525,000 (mostly condos and townhomes)
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Downtown Boise – same walkable vibe, slightly more compact
- Logan (Spokane) – historic and near universities
- Bend’s Old Mill District – revitalized, near river and trail
The Bench
Families, first-time buyers, young professionals
The Vibe:
The Bench is named for its elevated position above downtown. It’s a mixed, affordable, and evolving neighborhood that spans several small districts, including Depot Bench and Vista. You’ll find quirky homes, mid-century designs, and growing diversity in both residents and businesses.
Parts of The Bench are seeing investment and revitalization. People like it for the short commute to downtown, modest home prices, and community vibe.
Zoned Schools:
-Monroe Elementary
-South Jr. High
-Borah High
Median Home Price: ~$395,000
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Garden City – quirky and affordable
- South Perry (Spokane) – similar revitalizing neighborhood
- Sunnyside (Denver) – a bit more urban but similar transition
West Boise
Families, tech workers, longtime residents
The Vibe:
West Boise is suburban but central. It includes family-oriented neighborhoods, shopping centers, and newer subdivisions. Homes here are larger and newer than in the city core, and you’re close to Boise Towne Square Mall, HP’s Boise campus, and major roadways.
It’s a comfortable, convenient part of town with parks, trails, and schools that make it a favorite for families who don’t want to be too far from anything.
Zoned Schools:
-Joplin Elementary
-Lowell Scott Middle
-Centennial High
Median Home Price: ~$450,000
Similar Neighborhoods:
- Meridian – newer, farther out
- Northwest Boise – similarly suburban, with more natural access
- South Hill (Spokane) – quiet and family-friendly