Idaho’s capital has been making quite a name for itself lately. Over the last few years, Boise has been touted as one of the country’s top “up and coming” cities, labeled a unique urban getaway, called a hidden gem of the Northwest, named one of the best places to live in the country, and more by national travel and culture powerhouses. With the recent addition of Men’s Health “Healthiest Cities” ranking to the rural mecca’s success sheet, the accolades just keep coming.
But before you pack up your bags and head to Idaho to settle down in the City of Trees, there are a few things you should know about this big-little city before moving to Boise.
- THIS is always the quintessential photo of Boise. But there is so, so much more.
isven09/Flickr
- The Boise metro area houses nearly 1/3 of Idaho’s total population.
Sara Sims/Flickr While many sites continue to label our city as “quaint” and “rural” (which it totally is in comparison to other state capitals), keep in mind that many Boiseans are starting to feel like a can of packed sardines, which makes finding a new home quite the challenge.
- There will be hipsters. And lots of ’em.
David Selsky/Flickr All the skinny jeans and Doc Martens you can shake a plaid bowtie at. That’s just the culture, here!
- Coffee is life.
Sacha Fernandez/Flickr There are some incredible local coffee shops here, and many of them contribute to awesome local and overseas humanitarian causes.
- Have bike, will travel.
silent7seven/Flickr When you see a biker dressed in spandex, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve stumbled right into the middle of a marathon (although it’s a possibility). It’s actually a major mode of transportation.
- We love our parks.
Bill Williams/Flickr So much so, that there are literally dozens. Over 60, to be exact.
- If you don’t love Boise State football, we might have a problem…
CityofGlendaleAZ/Flickr But on game days, be prepared to be stuck in traffic for hours.
- Geese. Geese, everywhere.
Dustin Hoffman/Flickr Sometimes they’re just chilling, and other times they look at you with their dangerous, beady eyes. Know the difference and be prepared to switch on that Fight-or-Flight instinct.
P.S. They’ve also been known to cause major traffic jams.
- Hiking the foothills is a right of passage.
Ben Christenson/Flickr
- Eventually, you will become a trail runner, whether you like it or not.
Darren Rusinger/Flickr
- Fall is awesome, here.
Allen/Flickr They didn’t call us the City of Trees just for funsies. Le bois!
- Our capitol building is beautiful, wonderful, inspiring, and it’s impossible to not love it.
Kira Stewart-Watkins/Flickr
- Did we mention hiking?
Cosmo/Flickr Clearly it’s important enough to warrant two mentions.
- Be prepared for an incredibly diverse craft beer presence.
Quinn Dombrowski/Flickr Local breweries and distilleries make their name in nearly every Boise pub throughout downtown and beyond, putting a little Gem State love into every brew.
- Boise is doing some great stuff to help keep the environment clean.
cifraser1/Flickr Green bikes, geothermal energy throughout downtown, eco-friendly pavers… the list goes on.
- There’s no better place to be at night or on a weekend than BoDo.
Amy the Nurse/Flickr Whether shopping, dining, playing, or strolling, downtown Boise is just a fantastic place to explore.
- The Boise River Greenbelt is our pride and joy.
Devlyn/Flickr 25 miles of lush waterfront and wildlife? Yes, please.
- Anticipate spending at least 15 minutes at every stop sign waiting for the other person to go first.
thecrazyfilmgirl/Flickr “No, you.” “No, really, I insist.” “No, you go first,” said every Boisean ever.
- The Downtown Boise Connector can be a dangerous place, especially come winter.
Matt Williams/YouTube
- Boise has an EPIC music scene.
Rippin’ Brass/Facebook We’re not talking just Treefort and Alive After Five. We’re talking local jam bands in coffeehouses, swanky restaurants, and filling downtown with some sweet, sweet sounds. Pictured: Rippin’ Brass, a.k.a. the raddest jazz combo to hit this side of BoDo since… well, ever.
- Finally, there are hundreds of unique local restaurants in Boise. Make it your goal to try them all.
Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce/Flickr
Are you moving to Boise? All in all, Boise, Idaho is a beautiful place to call home. You just have to know what you’re getting into!
isven09/Flickr
Sara Sims/Flickr
While many sites continue to label our city as “quaint” and “rural” (which it totally is in comparison to other state capitals), keep in mind that many Boiseans are starting to feel like a can of packed sardines, which makes finding a new home quite the challenge.
David Selsky/Flickr
All the skinny jeans and Doc Martens you can shake a plaid bowtie at. That’s just the culture, here!
Sacha Fernandez/Flickr
There are some incredible local coffee shops here, and many of them contribute to awesome local and overseas humanitarian causes.
silent7seven/Flickr
When you see a biker dressed in spandex, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve stumbled right into the middle of a marathon (although it’s a possibility). It’s actually a major mode of transportation.
Bill Williams/Flickr
So much so, that there are literally dozens. Over 60, to be exact.
CityofGlendaleAZ/Flickr
But on game days, be prepared to be stuck in traffic for hours.
Dustin Hoffman/Flickr
Sometimes they’re just chilling, and other times they look at you with their dangerous, beady eyes. Know the difference and be prepared to switch on that Fight-or-Flight instinct.
P.S. They’ve also been known to cause major traffic jams.
Ben Christenson/Flickr
Darren Rusinger/Flickr
Allen/Flickr
They didn’t call us the City of Trees just for funsies. Le bois!
Kira Stewart-Watkins/Flickr
Cosmo/Flickr
Clearly it’s important enough to warrant two mentions.
Quinn Dombrowski/Flickr
Local breweries and distilleries make their name in nearly every Boise pub throughout downtown and beyond, putting a little Gem State love into every brew.
cifraser1/Flickr
Green bikes, geothermal energy throughout downtown, eco-friendly pavers… the list goes on.
Amy the Nurse/Flickr
Whether shopping, dining, playing, or strolling, downtown Boise is just a fantastic place to explore.
Devlyn/Flickr
25 miles of lush waterfront and wildlife? Yes, please.
thecrazyfilmgirl/Flickr
“No, you.” “No, really, I insist.” “No, you go first,” said every Boisean ever.
Matt Williams/YouTube
Rippin’ Brass/Facebook
We’re not talking just Treefort and Alive After Five. We’re talking local jam bands in coffeehouses, swanky restaurants, and filling downtown with some sweet, sweet sounds. Pictured: Rippin’ Brass, a.k.a. the raddest jazz combo to hit this side of BoDo since… well, ever.
Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce/Flickr
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