Boise ID

Boise, ID – Nestled in the heart of the Treasure Valley, Boise blends vibrant city life with easy access to nature. With a warm, welcoming vibe and scenic mountain views, this capital city is perfect for outdoor lovers, creatives, and anyone seeking a peaceful yet lively community. From riverfront parks and indie coffee shops to a growing arts scene and bustling farmers markets, Boise offers a little of everything with lots of charm.

• Population: ~240,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; cold winters (20-40°F) with snow, hot dry summers (70-100°F), and mild spring and fall.
• Places To Visit: Boise River Greenbelt, Idaho State Capitol, Freak Alley Gallery, Old Idaho Penitentiary, Table Rock.
• Top Activities: Biking the Greenbelt, rafting the Boise River, hiking Camel’s Back, exploring local breweries, attending music and art festivals.
• Famous Food: Finger steaks, Basque chorizo, Boise Fry Company fries, Idaho trout, and locally roasted coffee.

Boise, ID is a thriving city with a diverse economy supported by industries like technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and education. With a growing population and a supportive business climate, Boise offers strong career opportunities across many fields. Below are some of the most in-demand jobs in the city.

Top 5 Jobs in Boise, ID

Boise is a perfect mix of relaxing parks, entertaining hangout spots, and a thriving downtown scene. Whether you're looking to unwind after class, enjoy great food, or explore outdoor fun, Boise has got you covered.

Freak Alley Gallery – Right in downtown Boise, this outdoor gallery is a student hotspot showcasing colorful murals and urban street art. Perfect for photos, casual strolls, and soaking in creative vibes.

Julia Davis Park – A fantastic green space near campus, offering picnic areas, walking paths, and river views ideal for relaxing with friends between classes or on weekends.

The Village at Meridian – Great for casual hangouts, this open-air shopping center features awesome eateries, cinemas, trendy stores, and seasonal events—perfect for chilling with buddies any time of year.

8th Street Downtown – Boise's lively heart with countless cafes, popular restaurants, and laid-back spots to gather with friends. Ideal for grabbing coffee, meals, or just enjoying downtown atmosphere.

Table Rock – A short hike leads you to amazing city views from above. It’s the perfect activity when you want fresh air, exercise, and some stunning sunset moments with friends.

Boise River Greenbelt – Enjoy biking, jogging, or a relaxing riverside stroll along this scenic pathway. It's a top choice for students looking to unwind outdoors and enjoy nature.

Camel's Back Park – Located in Boise's North End neighborhood, this park offers relaxing open lawns, scenic hiking trails, and volleyball courts. It's ideal for both active fun and peaceful hangouts with your squad.

Boise, Idaho is home to some of the region’s best public and private colleges and universities. These institutions are known for academic excellence in areas such as education, healthcare, business, and the sciences.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Boise

Boise State University – The largest public university in Idaho, Boise State is recognized for its strong engineering, business, and nursing programs. Known for innovation and research, it offers over 200 areas of study and a vibrant campus in the heart of the city.

– A two-year community college providing affordable and accessible education in areas such as healthcare, business, and trades. CWI is well-known for workforce development and transfer-ready programs.

Idaho State University – Meridian Health Science Center – A regional site of Idaho State University offering graduate and professional programs in health sciences, including pharmacy, nursing, and physician assistant studies.

University of Idaho – Boise Center – Serving Boise students with graduate and professional degrees, the Boise Center focuses on law, education, agriculture, and natural resources, contributing to critical public policy and legal discussions in the region.

Treasure Valley Community College – Caldwell Center – Located near Boise, this satellite campus offers associate degrees and workforce training programs that support the local economy and provide pathways to four-year universities.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Boise

Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) – A well-established Christian university located in nearby Nampa, NNU offers over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs, with strong departments in education, business, and theology.

The College of Idaho – A prestigious liberal arts college located in nearby Caldwell, it is known for its innovative PEAK curriculum, allowing students to graduate with multiple areas of emphasis. It’s highly respected for its programs in science, international studies, and the humanities.

Stevens-Henager College – Boise Campus – This private career college offers degrees in business, healthcare, information technology, and graphic arts. It is focused on adult learners seeking fast-track degree programs and job-ready skills.

Boise Bible College – A small, private Christian college offering degrees in ministry, theology, and Christian leadership. It trains students for service in churches and nonprofit organizations both regionally and globally.

Broadview University – Boise Campus – Though now closed, Broadview was once known for its career-focused programs in business, health sciences, and veterinary technology. It served the Boise community for many years.

Boise, Idaho is home to several top-rated high schools that offer strong academic programs and extracurricular opportunities. Whether you're looking for a public institution or a private school, Boise has excellent options that prepare students for college, careers, and life beyond the classroom.

Top Public High Schools in Boise

• Timberline High School – Known for its high academic performance and strong Advanced Placement (AP) program, Timberline offers diverse extracurricular activities and an engaged student body.
• Boise High School – One of the oldest and most prestigious high schools in Idaho, Boise High is recognized for its college-prep curriculum, International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and vibrant arts scene.
• Renaissance High School – Located in nearby Meridian, this school serves the Boise metro area and is known for its IB program, STEM focus, and partnership with local colleges for dual-credit opportunities.
• Capital High School – Offers a wide range of AP classes and career-technical education programs, with a strong emphasis on leadership and community involvement.
• Borah High School – A well-rounded school with strong academic support, athletic success, and a dedicated faculty that focuses on student growth.

Top Private High Schools in Boise

• Bishop Kelly High School – The leading private Catholic high school in Boise, offering a faith-based education with a strong college prep program and more than 20 AP and Honors courses.
• The Ambrose School – A classical Christian school that emphasizes critical thinking, Latin language learning, and the Great Books curriculum to prepare students for leadership and service.
• Riverstone International School – An International Baccalaureate World School, Riverstone offers a global curriculum with a strong focus on environmental education, outdoor leadership, and international travel opportunities.
• Foothills School of Arts and Sciences – Known for its progressive education model and small class sizes, this school fosters lifelong learning through interdisciplinary teaching and personalized academic paths.
• Cole Valley Christian Schools – A Christ-centered private school that provides academic excellence, small class sizes, and a nurturing environment focused on spiritual and personal growth.

Boise, Idaho, although not home to any major league teams from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, or MLS, proudly hosts several professional and semi-professional sports teams that bring excitement and community spirit to the city. These teams play a vital role in Boise’s sports culture and offer fans a chance to enjoy high-level competition in a vibrant and family-friendly environment.

⚾ Baseball – Boise Hawks (Pioneer League)

• Boise Hawks – The Boise Hawks are an independent professional baseball team playing in the Pioneer League. Formerly a part of Minor League Baseball as a Class A affiliate for teams like the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies, the Hawks shifted to the Pioneer League in 2021 when the MLB restructured the minor leagues. The team plays its home games at Memorial Stadium and offers exciting summer evening entertainment with affordable tickets and a strong local following.

🏈 Indoor Football – Idaho Horsemen (National Arena League)

• Idaho Horsemen – The Idaho Horsemen compete in the National Arena League (NAL)Ford Idaho Center in nearby Nampa. Founded in 2018, the team quickly gained popularity thanks to its fast-paced indoor football action and family-oriented atmosphere. The Horsemen were champions of the American West Football Conference in their debut season and have continued to be a major force in their league.

⚽ Soccer – Boise Cutthroats FC (UPSL)

🏀 Basketball – Idaho Select Basketball (Youth/Club)

🏒 Hockey – Idaho Steelheads (ECHL)

Boise, Idaho is a dynamic city brimming with charm, outdoor adventures, and a rich history. Nestled in the Treasure Valley at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the “City of Trees” has some surprising and fun quirks worth knowing. Here are ten fun facts about Boise:

1. Tree-Lined Treasure – Boise's name comes from the French word “boisé,” meaning “wooded.” Early French explorers named it for the thick groves of trees lining the river.
2. Basque Beat – Boise has one of the largest Basque communities in the U.S. The city has its own Basque Block, filled with traditional food, music, and cultural festivals.
3. The Blue Turf – Boise State University’s football stadium is famous for its blue field, known affectionately as “The Smurf Turf.” It was the first non-green field in college football.
4. Crime-Free Zone? – In 2011, Boise was named one of the safest cities in America by Forbes magazine. It regularly appears on lists of best places to live.
5. Great Outdoors – You can enjoy skiing in the winter, hiking in the spring, and riverside bike rides in summer, all without leaving the city.
6. Floating the River – Locals love to float down the Boise River during summer months. It takes about two hours and is one of the simplest ways to chill in the city.
7. Friendly Faces – Boise is known for being one of the friendliest cities in the U.S. Visitors often notice people smiling, waving, or making small talk.
8. Treefort Time – Every March, Boise hosts Treefort Music Fest, a five-day celebration featuring live music, film, food, and even yoga sessions.
9. Secret Underground – Some buildings in downtown Boise have underground tunnels that date back to the early 1900s. Rumors connect them to Prohibition-era activities.
10. Sunshine for Days – Boise gets an average of 234 sunny days per year, making it a great location for year-round outdoor fun.