The Complete Guide to Boise, Idaho

Welcome to the City of

Boise, Idaho.

Man on mountain bike riding in the foothills
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Boise, Idaho Through a local lens.

History of Boise.

Founded in 1863 as a military outpost, Boise grew quickly after gold was discovered nearby. Its name, from the French word “boisé,” reflects the area's original wooded landscape. Today, Boise blends historic charm with modern vibrancy, boasting a rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural surroundings.

The Vibe of Boise.

Boise exudes a relaxed yet energetic vibe, blending a vibrant cultural scene with outdoor adventure. The city is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere, diverse dining and arts options, and easy access to nature, making it a perfect mix of urban liveliness and natural beauty.

Boise Activities.

Boise offers a wide range of activities, from exploring the Boise River Greenbelt and hiking in the nearby foothills to enjoying downtown's lively arts scene and diverse dining options. You can also visit the Boise Art Museum, check out local farmers' markets, or enjoy the city's vibrant festivals and outdoor events.

approximate population.

% Growth

over the past decade.

Years Old

median age range.

Education Options in Boise, Idaho.

Boise, Idaho offers a range of K-12 education options, including well-regarded public, private, and charter schools. The Boise School District features strong institutions like Boise High School and Riverside Elementary, while charter and private schools provide diverse curricula and specialized programs. This variety ensures that families can find educational settings that best meet their children's needs and interests.

Public Schools options.

Elementary Schools

Riverside Elementary School

Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools)

Joplin Elementary School

Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools)

Pioneer School of the Arts

Rating: 10/10 (GreatSchools)

Middle Schools

East Junior High School

Rating: 9/10 (GreatSchools)

North Junior High School

Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools)

Lowell Scott Middle School

Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools)

High Schools

Boise Senior High School

Rating: A (Niche)

Timberline High School

Rating: A (Niche)

Centennial High School

Rating: A- (Niche)

Charter, Private And Alternative Schools.

Charter Schools

Sage International School Boise

Rating: A (Niche)

Grade: K-12

Rolling Hills Public Charter School

Rating: B+ (Niche)

Grade: K-8

Private Schools

Riverstone International School

Rating: A+ (Niche)

Grade: PK, K-12

Bishop Kelly High School

Rating: A- (Niche)

Grade: 9-12

Foothills School of Arts & Sciences

Rating: A (Niche)

Grade: PK, K-9

Alternative Schools

Frank Church High School

Rating: N/A

Grade: High School

Eagle Academy

Rating: N/A

Grade: High School

Indulge in Boise, Idaho

Local Eateries.

Boise boasts a vibrant food scene that reflects its diverse community and local ingredients. The city offers a range of dining options from farm-to-table restaurants and eclectic food trucks to international cuisines and casual eateries. Local favorites include fresh seafood, inventive vegetarian dishes, and innovative comfort foods. Boise’s food scene is also known for its thriving farmers' markets and unique craft breweries, making it a dynamic destination for food enthusiasts.

Vertical image of Fork, a local restaurant in downtown Boise, Idaho

Our top picks for restaurants in Boise, Idaho.

Fine Dining

Barbacoa

Known for its elegant atmosphere and gourmet dishes like steaks and seafood. It’s a great choice for special occasions and refined dining experiences.

Barbacoa Website

Local Favorite

The Wylder

The Wylder features modern American cuisine with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients, offering a stylish setting for both casual and upscale dining.

The Wylder Website

Cozy Bites

Lemon Tree Co.

Boise's Lemon Tree Co. provides a fresh, farm-to-table dining experience with a focus on vibrant, seasonal dishes in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Lemon Tree Co. Website

Drive times from Boise, Idaho

Minute Drive

to downtown Boise.

Minute Drive

to Boise Airport.

Minute Drive

to I-84.

Minute Drive

to downtown Meridian.

Minute Drive

to downtown Nampa.

Hour Drive

to McCall, Idaho.

Available homes in Boise, Idaho.

Let's Find Your

Dream Home.

We provide concierge-level service to all our clients because real estate is about YOU! When listing your home, our goal is to sell your home for the most amount of money in the shortest amount of time. We will also do whatever it takes to find you a new home and make sure you’re satisfied with your home buying experience! You are not just a client through the transaction – you’re our client for life!