Your Guide to Moving to Boise, Idaho

Boise, Idaho - Travel & Storage Guide

Boise Moving Guide Table of Contents

Idaho Storage Connection Billboard | Idaho Storage Connection
Man Riding a Bike on a Trail with Boise Capital Building in the Background | Idaho Storage Connection

Are you thinking of relocating to the Boise area? The unique culture, mild weather, and the various regions for great outdoor activities make Boise, Idaho, an excellent place to visit, go to school, work, and live! Boise is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Pacific Northwest; one of the rare areas that offer amenities in big cities at a relatively affordable town price, and also boasts fantastic access to outdoor recreation. So, whether you're moving to the Boise area from out of state or other parts of Idaho, we've addressed all your queries and concerns by providing you with all the essential information about the Boise area in one convenient guide. We've derived the information from our fact-check, research, and interviews to ensure you get a clear understanding of where you're about to move and how to get various services.

Boise: A History of Idaho's Capital

Boise is the largest city, capital of Idaho, and the county seat of Ada County. It's believed the city got its name when French-Canadian fur trappers saw the valley and said, "Les Bois," meaning "The Woods." Fort Boise was established in July 1863, after the 1862 gold rush in the Boise River Basin, which led to the development of a community that provided services to the nearby mines.

Boise is situated about 41 miles east of the Oregon Border, on the Boise River in Southwest Idaho. Its location at the Oregon Trail crossroads and the routes that lead to the Owyhee mines and Boise Basin ensured Boise's growth before becoming Idaho's capital in 1864. This was followed by the development of the lumber industry and the expansion of agriculture, which further contributed to the rapid growth of Boise in the early 20th Century.

The growth in the high-technology industries in the Boise area accounted for most of the population increase in and around the 1990s, with more local employment opportunities. Now, Boise features a diversified range of industries, including agriculture, electronics, trade, and lumbering.

Population Statistics and Housing

Boise, well-known by its nickname, "City of Trees," has experienced a population increase of about 20%. The Idaho capital was also ranked as a great place to live, especially for Millennials, not forgetting the best US city to purchase a house. Even though Boise has recently become relatively popular, the population is somewhat smaller than some cities in the nation.

In 2020, Boise was regarded as the 97th largest city in the US, with a population of 234,576.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the average house ownership cost for a mortgage from 2015 to 2019 is $1,375 monthly. While the city still offers a very affordable cost of living, the cost of living is rapidly changing, just like the rental market. If you're looking for potential places to live and allow yourself to grow, Boise is the right place for you.

Wide Shot of Downtown Boise | Idaho Storage Connection
Aerial View of Storage Containers | Idaho Storage Connection

Utilities and Resources

Energy

Idaho Power provides reliable and affordable energy in Boise, Idaho. The Idaho Power price is among the lowest in the nation. Residential energy prices are approximately 20% less than the national average prices, while business energy prices are around 30% lower than the national average prices. For power services, contact Idaho Power at 208-388-2323. 

Other public services you'll need include: 

Boise, Idaho Storage Facilities for Furniture, Boats, RVs

Boise, Idaho, has been among the top city ranks in Forbes Magazine for the past few years. In 2017, it was voted as the second-best city to raise a family. As the most populous area and the capital of Ada county, Boise offers a vast range of services. Idaho Storage Connection offers storage units around Boise, providing you with the needed convenience. So, whether you want to store your furniture, boat, or RVs, you're all sorted out. The Idaho Storage Connection in Boise includes 3 locations: 

DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles)

If you're moving to Boise, you'll probably need to register a vehicle or exchange your out-of-state driver's license. You can also update your address with DMV on itd.idaho.gov. You'll need to register your boat at Idaho State Parks for the boat registry. And lastly, consider registering as a voter once you move to Boise.

Employment

Boise's job market or employment sector is not exactly booming, but you'll find plenty of job options here. According to US News, the city features a healthier job market than cities of similar size. Boise features several industries, including trading, technology, mining, finance, and farming. There are plenty of job opportunities in white and blue-collar industries with large companies. If you're looking to find a job in Boise, consider searching on the Idaho Works website for various job opportunities that suit your profession or skills.

If you're moving to Boise, you might want to locate jobs available across Ada County. Here are some of the largest employers in Ada County you can consider:

  • St. Luke's Regional Medical Center
  • Simplot
  • Micron Technology
  • Albertsons Companies
  • Saint Alphonsus
  • Battelle Energy Alliance
  • Amazon
  • Clearwater Analytics

Hospitals and Medical Centers

Do you need help finding the COVID-19 vaccine in Boise? Consider searching for COVID-19 vaccine locations around you. Also, you'll find several medical facilities in Boise, Idaho. Here are the leading medical centers located within Boise:

Treasure Valley Hospital

TVH is Idaho's number one physician-owned hospital that will offer you high-quality healthcare at a relatively lower cost.

Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center

The medical personnel here are dedicated to delivering advanced medical services, specialty care, and primary care physicians throughout Boise.

Saint Luke's Boise Medical Center

Saint Luke's Boise hospital is well-known as the top healthcare provider in Idaho, and you're sure to access highly skilled nurses and specialists.

Medical Center in Boise | Idaho Storage Connection

City of Boise, Idaho

Boise Metro Chamber

Boise Metro Chamber is the largest business-first organization in Idaho, which advocates for the advancement of businesses and the community. They're a membership-based, non-profit organization and collaborate with other organizations to ensure economic development, growth, and prosperity for Boise businesses. The Boise Metro Chamber offers programs, services, and events to ensure Boise becomes an excellent place to conduct business, work, and live. 

Education

Boise offers many high-quality education opportunities. You can browse through schools in the Boise School District to learn more about the K-12 public schools and see what options are best for you. The universities and colleges include: 

  • Boise State University
  • Stevens-Henager College
  • Boise Bible College

Government

Boise has a mayor-council government, where the Mayor works to manage the city's daily operations and provide policy and leadership direction to the Boise City Council. The Mayor also leads all the City Council meetings and votes only in the case of a tie. While the Mayor works full-time, the members of the Council work on a part-time basis and hold the policy-setting and budget authority for Boise. Boise elections are always held during each odd-numbered year. 

Boise State University Football Stadium | Idaho Storage Connection

Things to Do and See in Boise, Idaho

Boise offers an eclectic mix of museums, indoor and outdoor theaters, and ballet. Whether you like outdoor activities like taking walks in the park, great breweries, wineries, and great local restaurants, Boise is just the perfect place for you. Some of the things you can do and see in Boise, Idaho, include:

Discover Various Wildlife at Kathryn Albertson Park

Kathryn Albertson Park is one of the various riverside parks named after influential local women. The park features a variety of wildlife, paved footpaths, and gazebos. Here, you'll also explore ponds and a fountain.

Shop Local and Watch Special Events at Downtown Boise Markets

Capital City Market is a public market located on West Bannock Street and features local artisans, fresh local produce, and food. Apart from selling items like meat, vegetables, fruits, baked goods, and more, the Capital City Market also hosts special events such as Wiggly Worms and Bike to Market. The Capital City Market is always open on Saturdays. For more places to explore, visit TotallyBoise.com.

Learning About Animals at Zoo Boise

Zoo Boise is located along Julia Davis Drive. It's a zoological park that consists of various animal exhibits and other unique attractions. The zoo provides self-guided tours, and some of the exhibits found here include Conservation Cruise, Butterflies in Bloom, Giraffe Encounter, and more.

Explore the Boise River Greenbelt

The Boise River Greenbelt stretches through Boise and provides over 25 miles of scenic paths for jogging, biking, and hiking along both sides of the Boise River banks. The tree-lined path offers wildlife and fantastic panoramic views, a park loved by many. The Boise River Greenbelt is an excellent area to explore if you're an outdoor enthusiast.

Visit the Freak Alley

Freaky Alley is the most extensive outdoor gallery in the Northwest. It is located on the stretch between 8th St. and 9th St. The stunning multi-artist mural gallery is the best local art gallery in the area. It hosts a popular painting event held by the members of the local art community.

So, are you moving to Boise? You don't have to worry about storage, as Idaho Storage Connection provides storage facilities throughout the Boise area to ease your moving process. Contact us to get yourself a storage space near you!

Aerial View of Outside Market in Downton Area | Idaho Storage Connection