Being the capital and the largest city of Idaho, Boise is becoming a dream location for many for its many amenities, including low living costs, great sights, and infinite entertainment options.
With so many things to see and do in Boise, the town gets recognition as the cultural center for the state of Idaho.
But what are the pros and cons of living in Boise, Idaho? While many people leap at the first chance to move to the Idaho Capital, the majority don’t weigh the pros and cons of life in this city, making them face unheard problems later.
Stay tuned as we discuss some significant pros and cons of living in Boise, Idaho. So, let’s get going!
See: 6 Safest Places to Live in Montana
Pros of Living in Boise
Natural Beauty
Having some of the most beautiful naturistic sights in Idaho, the beauty of Boise is a sight for sore eyes. The town’s natural beauty is the biggest plus of moving to Boise and enjoying the scenic views.
The presence of scenic beauty accounts for the city’s high number of recreational sights. Living in Boise, you can partake in many adrenaline sports, including mountain biking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, skiing, birding, or many other things that suit your palette.
This town’s number of outdoor activities ensures no better place to spend your warm summer days than in Boise. So, with its quick and easy access to the outdoors, you can take a vacation anytime without having to commute far from your home!
According to TripAdvisor, some of the best outdoor areas in Boise include:
- Boise River Greenbelt
- Bogus Basin Mountain Recreational Area
- Ridge to River Trail System
Rich in Job Opportunities
Since Boise is the state capital, Idaho has come a long way in its development and has become a home to many companies. With many companies setting shop in Boise and the city having one of the country’s strongest agricultural markets, plenty of jobs are available here.
With the presence of so many employers, moving to Boise is a great chance for you to find a good job. Living here, you will be able to find a job that pays well and suited to your preferences. With Boise’s unemployment rate pummeling to 2%, one can easily conclude that the economy here is booming.
According to We Know Boise, some of the biggest manufacturers include:
- Albertsons, Inc.
- Hewlett-Packard (HP)
- Treasure Valley YMCA
Safety
While the national crime rates indicate a steady rise throughout the country, Boise residents feel relieved with the low crime rate upstanding for a long time.
One of the benefits of living in Boise is its friendly community. Locals here are very friendly and look out for each other. A vigilant police department and an active community ensure that crime rates remain in check.
Since Boise counts as the 8th safest city to live in the world, relocating to this town is a great move for those wanting to raise a family. With friendly neighbors and safe conditions, you won’t have to worry about taking precautionary steps to ensure your or your loved one’s safety.
Chilly winters
Despite being a northern intermountain city, Boise’s winters are fairly mild. With an average low of 24 Fahrenheit and an average high of 93 Fahrenheit, the weather in Boise doesn’t get unbearably cold, allowing the residents to enjoy the many different colors of winters blooming in Boise.
Winters bring along some activities, including skiing and trying out many delicious recipes of the winter season. Apart from the ideal winter conditions, the summer weather in Idaho also remains stable.
The ideal weather conditions of the town further enhance the natural beauty of the town and lets you witness everything great about the city.
Full of Entertainment Options
When talking about entertainment options, Boise answers with full force and brings a long-range adding aesthetic and upkeep of the city.
The downtown area is full of many things to do, including restaurants, shopping malls, cultural attractions, and landmarks, making the city a stellar option for foodies and extroverts. Boise also boasts the local zoo maintained with high standards and an active sports scene, courtesy of Boise state university.
With an active art scene, sports, and food options to try, life in Boise never gets dull!
More From Where to Live: 9 Pros and Cons of Living in Spokane, WA
Cons of Living in Boise
Mean Geese!
The City of Trees is ridden with many geese. While geese are seen as peaceful animals, geese in Boise are surprisingly mean!
Driving on the city streets, especially Parkcenter or Myrtle, you will notice the geese strolling through the roads. Unless you’re not a heartless person, you will have no choice but to wait for them to cross the road.
Apart from blocking the roads, these geese also hiss at the people visiting Greenbelt. Be careful because if you push them around a little, they might take a swing at you too!
Too many Potatoes
You may have heard people associating Idaho with potatoes. Ever wonder why? It’s because the city has a lot of potatoes and a massive amount of potato-themed businesses!
Expect to find potato hotels, potato drops, potato bowls, or any number of potato-named businesses here.
Be ready to bear a potato joke when you tell someone you are moving to Boise, Idaho.
No Major Cities Nearby
While Boise has plenty to offer, you must commute a long distance since no major city is nearby.
Choosing to move to Boise will isolate you from the remaining world, including the many major cities, making it difficult for you to have a variety of things to do.
If you grow bored of things to do and see in Boise, you better fill up your fuel tank and prepare for a long drive before you start to see any signs of civilization!
Weather
Boise’s weather can be a downside for some residents, as the city experiences a semi-arid continental climate with distinct seasons.
Summers can be hot, with temperatures occasionally exceeding 100°F, while winters bring cold temperatures, often dropping below freezing. Snowfall is common, which can lead to slick roads and icy conditions.
The dry climate also results in limited precipitation, making droughts and water shortages possible.
Education System
While there are a number of quality schools in the area, the state of Idaho consistently ranks low in terms of education funding and support.
This can lead to larger class sizes, outdated resources, and lower teacher salaries, which may impact the overall quality of education.
While Boise State University offers a range of higher education opportunities, the city lacks the breadth and diversity of educational options found in larger metropolitan areas.
This may limit opportunities for residents seeking specialized or advanced degrees.
Final Words
Here go all the pros and cons of moving to Boise, Idaho. While the Idaho capital brings a lot to the table, it has considerable downsides too.
Assuming that you are reading this guide as a potential new resident of Boise, it’s vital to know about the good and the bad that city offers.
Before you relocate, consider the pros and cons mentioned in this guide. Apart from the information in this guide, consider your preferences to ensure that the town is a good match for you or not.
We hope you found the information in this guide useful and helpful in finalizing a decision about Boise.
The post 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Boise, ID (2023) appeared first on Dollarsanity.