The Buzz About Boise: February 2021

As we continue to keep a close eye on our valley's real estate market, we're also always making note of various news stories that highlight changes and happenings in our local area. Here's our monthly high-level recap of many of those stories. Intended for life-long Boiseans, newcomers, potential relocators and out-of-state investors alike - there's something for everyone.

If you'd like to receive the full monthly e-newsletter, click here, otherwise keep reading to get a quick highlight of what's happening across our community...

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Experts Predict What the 2021 Housing Market Will Bring
Source: The Washington Post

The National Association of REALTORS ® recently identified ten cities that have both shown resilience during the pandemic and are predicted to continue to perform well. Boise was among those highlighted (along with Atlanta, Spokane, Charleston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Des Moines, Indianapolis, Madison, Phoenix, and Provo).

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The Two-Track Jobs Recovery: Idaho Actually GAINED Jobs
Source: WSJ

This article highlights U.S. states that saw the most dramatic job losses between December 2019 and December 2020. Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, Idaho (along with Utah) were the only states that gained jobs. Read the full article here.

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Boise Housing Market Tripled in Value Since 2011, Largest Increase in the Nation
Source: KTVB

According to this recent KTVB news story, over the past decade the Boise metro's housing market has more than tripled in value. And that growth has boosted the state of Idaho's housing stock by an incredible 149%. Pulling upon information released in a new report by Zillow, KTVB attributes gains "to strong demand and intense competition, which caused homes to fly off the market at the fastest pace [Zillow] has ever recorded." Read the whole story here or view the video below:

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Cities With the Best Work-Life Balance – 2021 Edition
Source: SmartAsset

Finding the balance between earning the money you need to live the lifestyle you desire - and then having the time to actually enjoy it - isn't always easy. And that's certainly true in our current environment. Thankfully, Boise is among our country's top 15 cities that foster it. Read the full article here.

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The Most Affordable Cities and Metro Areas for First-Time Homeowners
Source: Move.org

While it's no secret that first-time homebuyers are currently facing new challenges to secure homeownership across the Treasure Valley; Boise is still ranked among the top 5 most affordable metro areas for first-time homebuyers. To learn more - and/or to see what other cities made the list - check out the full article here.

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Idaho, the Movie
Source: Directed by Tom Hadzor (available on Amazon Prime)

"If you're tired of Idaho, you're tired of life." If you haven't watched it, the Emmy Award-winning documentary Idaho, the Movie (available on Amazon Prime) beautifully highlights many of Idaho's well-known and hidden treasures. Check it out to tour our gorgeous state's mountains, rivers, deserts, landscapes, lakes and more.

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Looking to Try Something New for Dinner Tonight?
Source: BoiseDev

Bored of relying on the same old menu? The struggle is REAL. Here's a fun guide (complete with menus, phone numbers, websites, etc.) featuring local restaurants that offer delivery across the Treasure Valley.

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Best Cities to Work From Home in 2021
Source: SmartAsset

Remote learning and working has become the norm for many Americans. According to this article, in the late spring of 2020, approximately 50% of American workers were working from home - to date that percentage has increased significantly. Unsurprisingly, Boise landed among the top 20. Find out about the methodology that went into this ranking (and see how other cities compare) here.

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Fun Boise Tidbit: The Legend of the Bogus Basin Road Trolls
Source: KTVB

If you have ever been driving up to Bogus Basin and witnessed a driver quickly open and close their car door while going over a cattle grate - there's a fun reason behind it! TROLLS. "I've heard it that you let the troll in cause he's good luck on the way up," Greg Keyes, manager of Bogus Basin Pioneer Lodge is quoted as saying. "So when you ski, then the snow will be good. The trolls make the snow good." Check out this amusing KTVB article (and video) to learn all about the legend (and if you're so inclined to adopt this little habit, please do so safely).

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