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11 FAQ's About Relocation to Boise
January 06, 2021 at 1:09pm |
Jonna Weber If you're looking to discover a place that offers four unique seasons, abundant access to the great outdoors, a booming and unique culture, and more affordable than most other U.S. cities, Boise might be just the city for you! Here is a roundup of some of the most frequently asked questions we get from people considering relocating to the booming Boise area.
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Where are the most desirable neighborhoods?
The answer to this varies largely based on your lifestyle preferences and unique situation. One thing we absolutely love about Boise is it truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an empty nester, an avid skier, a trendsetting techie, a soccer mom, a passionate hunter or a budding equestrian – there is a spot for you in the Treasure Valley. We love Esri’s ‘Zip Tapestry Tool’ which makes it easy to identify which areas would like be a great fit for you.
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![16099626457497213](https://s3.amazonaws.com/upload.firepoint.net/editor_image_uploads/16099626457497213.png)
What is the climate like in Boise, and what is the elevation?
Boise’s elevation is 2,730’ and it’s area lends itself to four distinct seasons. In the summer, temperatures range from the upper nineties to the lower sixties. Summers are dry and especially pleasant in the early evenings into the late mornings. Depending on where you’re from, winters are moderately cold with little or occasional snow. Spring and Fall are mild and the favorite times of year to go exploring much of Idaho, especially if mountain biking, camping, and fishing are at the tops of your recreational interests.
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![16099626585891082](https://s3.amazonaws.com/upload.firepoint.net/editor_image_uploads/16099626585891082.png)
What is the population?
As of the United States Census Bureau’s 2019 estimate, the Boise Metropolitan Statistical Area (which encompasses Ada, Boise, Canyon, Gem, and Owyhee counties) had a population of 749,202. At that same time, the population of just Ada County (which encompasses Boise, Meridian, Garden City, Eagle, Star and Kuna) was 481,587. The population of just the city of Boise was 236,310.
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What are the top 3 outdoor activities around Boise?
If your idea of recreation requires being outside, then Boise will exceed your expectations. Hundreds of miles of public lands surround the valley—from forest to high-desert, hills to mountains, calm streams teeming with trout to varied ranges of whitewater awaiting kayakers or rafters. Whether you love camping in remote areas or enjoy the amenities of well-stocked campgrounds, it’s all within your fingertips. Depending on the season, the following can be enjoyed: skiing, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and so much more. The outdoors is so much a part of Boise’s DNA that you’ll occasionally see men in business suits putting a fishing line into the Boise River during a lunch break.
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![16099627012136636](https://s3.amazonaws.com/upload.firepoint.net/editor_image_uploads/16099627012136636.png)
Are there any Idaho specific foods?
From delicious finger steaks and fries to hand-crafted chocolates, Idaho offers an array of delightful options! Here’s a list of some local favorites:
- Flying Pie Pizzeria’s legendary Habanero Pizza
- Westside Drive-In’s Idaho Ice Cream potato
- Koenig Distillery and Ste. Chapelle Winery both produce Ice Wine (created with grapes allowed to freeze on the vine)
- Finger Steaks – swing by Buster’s Sports Bar & Grill in Eagle to try out the finger steaks that made USA Today’s 10Best list
- Idaho Candy Company’s popular Idaho Spud Bar is a wonderful combination of a light cocoa flavored, soft marshmallow center drenched with a dark chocolate coating and then sprinkled with coconut.
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![1609962721165199](https://s3.amazonaws.com/upload.firepoint.net/editor_image_uploads/1609962721165199.png)
How did Boise get its name and how is it pronounced?
In the early 19th century, French Canadian trappers name Boise or the tree-lined river (boisé, is the French word for “wooded”) which provided respite for travelers crossing the Snake River plain. For Boiseans, we pronounce Boise(BOY-see), while most non-residents say (boy-ZEE).
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![16099627458924706](https://s3.amazonaws.com/upload.firepoint.net/editor_image_uploads/16099627458924706.png)
How friendly are the people there?
According to a poll by travel site Big 7 Travel Idaho is the 15th nicest state in the United States. And by and large, that is what we experience on a daily basis. People typically know their neighbors and are largely friendly to new faces.
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![16099627633786554](https://s3.amazonaws.com/upload.firepoint.net/editor_image_uploads/16099627633786554.png)
What is the average family income in Boise?
The most recent US Census reported that the median household income for Ada County residents (between the years of 2015-2019) was $66,293. To further dive into demographics, it’s interesting to peruse the aforementioned Esri’s ‘Zip Tapestry Tool’ which provides income information based on specific areas of the valley.
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![16099627768958461](https://s3.amazonaws.com/upload.firepoint.net/editor_image_uploads/16099627768958461.png)
Who are Boise's largest employers and companies?
From corporate headquarters to thriving tech startups, the Boise metro offers a wide variety of benefits for both businesses and their employees to put down roots and prosper. Here is a list of 15 of the valley’s largest employers:
- Albertsons
- Micron Technology
- St. Luke's Health System
- State of Idaho
- Saint Alphonsus Health System
- WinCo Foods
- Boise Cascade
- J.R. Simplot
- HP Inc.
- Idaho Power Company
- YMCA
- Ataraxis, Inc.
- Blue Cross of Idaho
- MWI Animal Health
- Employers Resource
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![16099628062031922](https://s3.amazonaws.com/upload.firepoint.net/editor_image_uploads/16099628062031922.png)
How many ski resorts are 3 hours or less from Boise?
Skiers love that Idaho offers 18 ski resorts. Here are six great options located within 3 hours of Boise:
- Bogus Basin
- Brundage Mountain
- Sun Valley
- Tamarack Resort
- Christmas Mountain
- Soldier Mountain
- Anthony Lakes------------------
![16099628232523522](https://s3.amazonaws.com/upload.firepoint.net/editor_image_uploads/16099628232523522.png)
What is Basque?
On a very high-level, Basque Country is an autonomous community in northern Spain and southern France, near the Pyrenees. The Basques are well-known for their unique culture, food, language and many traditions that differ greatly from their Spanish and French neighbors. With an estimated population (according to Boise’s Basque Block) of 16,000, Boise’s Basque community is one of the largest in the United States.
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There is truly so much to discover in the booming Boise area. Let us know what questions you have! We love helping people to discover and explore our booming area.
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