Now That Boise Is The 6 th Best Place To Live in The Country, Where Is The Best Place In Boise To Live? Boise real estate specialists and lifelong Boise residents Mike and Erica Carr want to help you make a great decision when it comes to choosing what part of town to buy your new Boise home. If you are interested in and are planning to buy Boise Real Estate, this guide may help you decide where you will be happiest in the long term. 
If you are renting you can move across Boise much easier at the end of your lease. But those looking at homes for sale in Boise need to put a little more thought into how much windshield time they are willing to accept. Where then is the best place in Boise to buy homes? The answer of course is completely dependent upon the lifestyle you want to live. I can come up with great reasons to live in any and all parts of the Boise metro area. Check out the list and see which part of town is the dream for you. It is all about you. Where you work, where you play! Boaters rejoice when they back there trailer into Lucky Peak Reservoir, it is just a quick hop to the popular Harris Ranch area in east Boise. The denizens of Eagle blast down the might Payette river on class 3-5 rapids, pushing off into the maelstrom less than an hour after leaving the office. Are you a downhill skier? Bogus Basin is no slouch, with hi-speed quads and 1800 feet of vertical it is a character building 40 minutes from the Boise north end. Are you a Golfer or Fly fisherman,there is a place in town that gets you on more tees and trout in less time than others. Maybe you are interested in the arts or shopping? Read on and learn what opportunities abound in each part of greater Boise. I have characterized the areas as best, good and closest to/for any particular activity!
North End Boise
Best Community Feel- Hyde Park
What more can be said. Rated as top 10 neighborhood in the country recently! See my North End Boise page for more details!
Best For Downtown Access
If you fall down in the northend, you are almost in downtown Boise.
Best To Access Ridge To Rivers
While the trail network goes well beyond the north end, this is the epicenter for mountain biking and running on the trail system.
Best Access To Bogus Basin
For that rider who is going to go every weekend and 2 nights a week, save yourself about 100 hours a year and look at homes for sale in the north end.
Best For Greenbelts and Parks
Adjacent to the north end is by far the highest concentration of parks tied together by the greenbelt. From Willow Lane to Municipal Park the heart of the Boise park system is at your disposal. The Zoo, Bam, the library, the Idaho Historical Muesem and the Gene Harris Band shell are just a few of the attractions If you are a runner, biker or lover of green space it is hard to go wrong if you buy Boise north end real estate.
South East Boise & North East Boise
Best For Downtown Access
Just a short bike ride down the greenbelt or a buzz down Park Center Boulevard lands you at Bsu, in one of Boise’s great parks and the vibrant and always active downtown core.
Best For Power Boaters
Either of Lucky Peaks boat ramps are 20 minutes from Harris Ranch & Surprise Valley. Get off work at 5, be on the water by 615. Word to the wise if you are from afar it stays light enough to ski or board til after 930 in June and early July! See homes for sale in south east Boise, close to water skiing and downtown!
Best For Shakespeare Festival
Rotating 4 or 5 shows a summer including one or two that are written by someone other than the Bard. The green shows are a delight. Grab a pre made picnic basket on the way through the door or bring your own. Walking or riding to a play under the stars is heaven on earth for some. See homes for sale in South East Boise
Best For Rock Climbers
The cliffs along Hwy 21 are popular and challenging at the same. While all the indoor climbing walls in town are great when the weather is bad and the snow blankets the ground. There is no substitute for the feel of terra firma and the risk and challenges presented in the natural setting.
Best for Outdoor Concerts
Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical has hosted everyone from the likes of Willie Nelson, The Indigo Girls, Fun and many more. This summer feature Paul Simon and more.
Good For Airport Access
Fly a lot for work? A quick 10 minute run up Hwy 21 or along federal way lands you at the front door of the airport!
Best For Fly Fishing
The river from the Diversion dam, downstream through greater Boise is great fishing. You will find a mix of rainbows and brown trout, with the occasional giant wild brown trout . Ed Hedges caught the state record or near state record in the river near rainbow bridge in front of Boise State University. I think it was around 1997 or 1998.
Best For Youth Soccer Players
Thank you Mr. Simplot! The old Boise dump was not cleared for residential construction. Turning Lemons into lemonade is the key to becoming independently wealthy. I am pretty sure he got his money back three times over in tax breaks. That said with over 20 soccer fields of various sizes for all ages the Simplot soccer complex is a wonderful resource for a city the size of Boise. Just like the homes for sale in Columbia Village, this soccer facility in J.R. Simplot’s own words was a “rock solid value”.
Closest To Barbacoa
Hot rocks and the green peppercorn brandy sauce. Need I say more? How about s’mores and cotton candy. It really is an experience. If you are in town go for a drink and happy hour. If you don’t have a blast I’ll be a monkeys uncle!
The Bench Boise
Best for Parks & Greenbelt
For the close in bench it is actually the best location to get to Kathryn Albertson, Ann Morrison and Julia Davidson Parks. See homes for sale on the bench near the parks.
Best For Boise State University
If you are educating or tailgating, being close to campus is a big bonus.
Good For Downtown Access
If you fall down on the bench you are still on the Bench but you are probably looking over the rim at downtown. It is a quick hit in the car or on the bike and you are at your event. Alive after 5, First Thursday, The Twilight Criterium are all great events. But not all that downtown has to offer. Goldie’s has the best breakfast, Bar Gernicka is other worldly and the Steelheads ice hockey team is an affordable family favorite! All just minutes from the Bench in Boise. See Boise Bench homes for sale.
Best For Airport Access
You can’t get any closer.
Best For Close Shopping
The Boise Towne Square Mall and all the associated big box’s like Cabela’s are close by.
Best Central Location
Close to everything
Closest To World Class Fly Fishing
The South Fork Of the Boise and Owyhee River are both about an hour once you are on the freeway.
North West Boise
Good For Downtown Access
Enjoy all the happenings in downtown from The Komen Race For The Cure to Boise State Football, all just a 10 to 20 minutes’ drive.
Best for Parks & Greenbelt
Willow Lane and the new Ester Simplot park anchor the downstream end of the core park system.
Good Access To Bogus Basin
Northwest Boise is a great option for the skier and rider in you. You will be soaking in your hot tub a good 20 minutes before I will.
Good Access Payette River & McCall
Straight shot from here to the river. Not a rafter, also a quick run for a mountain hike or camping in Stanley or Bear Valley.
Best Access To Golf
There are 6 golf courses within 15 minutes. Quail Hollow, Eagle Hills, Shadow Valley, The Plantation, Banbury Golf Course, Crane Creek Country Club. See Northwest Boise Homes For Sale close to these golf courses.
South West Boise
Best For Close Shopping
Costco and the Mall are really close. Hit freeway and be downtown in no time.
Easy Airport Access
If you are a frequent flyer and want a newer home this is the best part of town for you.
Closest Newer/New Homes To Downtown
Work downtown and want a newer home without paying Harris Ranch prices? Want to see them click here. There are lots of developments from brand new to 10 years old that might work for you. See the new and newer homes for sale close to downtown.
Good Central Location
Easy access to freeway and centrally located mean you can visit friends in any part of town with ease.
Closest To World Class Fly Fishing
The 2 blue ribbon fly fishing rivers are both 1 hour away once you roll down the on ramp.
Closest To Desert Riding
There are literally hundreds of miles of trail in the desert between Kuna and the Snake River. Bike it, hike it or rip around in your Razor or 4 wheeler.
West Boise
West Boise YMCA
Tons of activities from yoga and rock climbing. Awesome kiddy pool, and all the traditional stuff too. See homes surrounding the West Boise Y.
Close to The Village-Eagle Rd.
The Village is the new hang for West siders. Movies, games, ice skating, restaurants, shopping. Waste an afternoon or a whole weekend here.
Good Access To Downtown.
Close in west Boise is Just a hop, skip and jump to all that downtown Boise has to offer.
Closest To World Class Fly Fishing
1 Hour to some great salmon fly action.
Good Access To Greenbelt
Like the bench, drop off the edge of the rim and you are greenbelt bound.
Meridian North Of Freeway
Close to The Village-Shopping, Entertainment.
The new Meridian Idaho downtown hang out for young and old alike. See Meridian homes for sale near The Village.
Great For New Amenities
Everything is new or newer. The schools are new, the stores are new, the restaurants are new and shiny and clean!
Easy Freeway Access
With the addition of the Ten Mile interchange getting around town has never been easier.
Closest To World Class Fly Fishing
The Owyhee river fish’s great year round. Midge in December for big browns and rainbows.
Gino’s Italian Restaurant
Moved from downtown Boise to Meridian about 8 years ago. Owns the west meridian dinner market. Outdoor dining, great wine list, yummy food!
Good For Water Park
Roaring springs season passes are actually pretty affordable.
Meridian South Of Freeway
Close to The Village-Shopping, Entertainment.
The fountain is great.
Best For Movie Lovers
The Majestic Theatre is surrounded by lots of restaurants.
Easy Freeway Access
3 freeway on ramps in 4 miles
Closest To World Class Fly Fishing
The new rapids in the South Fork of The Boise Canyon section make this the best combination whitewater rafting and world class fly fishing day trip in the nation.
Best For Water Park
It is right down the street.
Closest To Desert Riding
The Snake River Birds OF Prey natural area has loads of double and single track for gear heads of all ability levels!
Eagle
Best For Golf Courses
There are 7 golf courses within 20 minutes. Quail Hollow Golf Course, Eagle Hills Golf Course, Shadow Valley Golf Course, The Plantation Country Club, Banbury Golf Course, Spurwing Country Club, Lakeview Golf Course. See all Eagle Homes for sale.
Best For Rafters
The Payette river system is truly a world class training ground for white water rafting. Swirly canyon for beginners. Then working up the ladder of difficulty to The Main, Staircase, The Canyon run, and on to the class V North Fork. All Just and hour from Eagle.
Best If You Own A Cabin In The Mountains
Do you own a Cabin in central Idaho, if so get there and home again an hour sooner if you live in Eagle. Want to own a cabin in central Idaho, see recreation properties here.
Best For Waterfront Living
With the river and all the associated ponds Eagle homes for sale on the water abound. Eagle has more waterfront properties than any other part of town.
Best If You Want An Acre Of Grass
Eagle has seen a lot of 1 and 2 acre developments come online in the last few years. Executive style mansions and luxury homes with big yards are the norm in Eagle real estate.
Good For Ridge To Rivers Trails
The west end of the ridge to rivers trail system ends where eagle and Boise touch.
Best For Access To Greenbelt
The downstream end of the greenbelt starts in Eagle. For the motivated ride all the way into Boise in about 40 minutes. Have breakfast, do Saturday market.
Best For Quaint Downtown
Eagle's downtown keeps getting cuter all the time! Squares, markets, dining!
Posted by Mike and Erica Carr on
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