Explore: North Boise

North Boise is a vibrant and sought-after area that stretches north of the Boise River to the foothills, and east to west from Reserve Street to 36th Street. With a rich history, unique architecture, and a diverse community, North Boise has become a highly desirable place to live for people of all ages and backgrounds.

One of the most distinctive features of North Boise is the outdoor-centric lifestyle with tree-lined streets and an abundance of parks and green spaces. The foothills (of the Rocky Mountains) provide a beautiful backdrop, and many residents take advantage of the area's hiking and biking trails located just mere moments from North Boise neighborhoods.

North Boise is also known for its thriving local business scene. Many of the shops, restaurants, and bars in the area are locally owned and operated, giving the neighborhood a unique and authentic feel. From craft breweries to artisanal coffee shops, North Boise is the place for a more laid-back lifestyle.

Average home price in North Boise (as of March 1, 2023): $827,464

Popular Neighborhoods:

The North End

The North End is bordered by State St to the south, Hill Road to the north, Reserve Street to the east, and 28th Street to the west. This is North Boise’s most sought-after neighborhood for its flat geography, long-standing architectural charm, charming streets lined with old-growth trees, and incredible proximity to downtown, trails, and more. 

It is home to some of the city's oldest and most admired residences, many of which were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These include the extensive repertoire of homes on iconic Harrison Boulevard. Here, you’ll find a marvelous display of residential architecture from the opulent Queen Anne to the streamlined forms of the International Style. Most homes in this area feature large front porches, encouraging residents to spend time outside and to socialize with neighbors.

The neighborhood is also home to several parks, including Camel's Back Park, which offers a playground, picnic areas, tennis courts, and the iconic Camel Back hill. The park is also known for its popular annual event, the Hyde Park Street Fair, which takes place every September.

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The Highlands

The Highlands neighborhood borders the North End and extends up the foothills. It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including rolling foothills and scenic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Crane Creek Country Club (a private club) is nestled within the neighborhood, providing easy access for members in the area to a round of golf, clubhouse, pool, tennis courts, and dining hall as well as dozens of homesites backing to or overlooking the amazing golf course view.

The neighborhood is home to a mix of modern and traditional homes, with many large and spacious properties extending a quarter acre or more. Homes were typically built in the 70’s-80’s in most of the area, however, newer developments like Hackberry/Hackberry North and Highlands Cove highlight upscale homes with striking contemporary designs.

The Highlands is best known for its access to outdoor recreational activities, with many hiking and biking trails directly from the neighborhood and golfing at Crane Creek Country Club. Nearby Bogus Basin Ski Resort offers skiing and snowboarding during the winter months, and during the summer, the resort offers hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities that Highlands residents take full advantage of when being less than 35 minutes away.

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Other Foothills Neighborhoods

Living in North Boise is summed up to one feature, foothills lifestyle. The neighborhoods skirting along the hills each offer their own style and culture, but all adore highlight outdoor living with the trails nearby. Some other popular foothills neighborhoods include:

• Somerset/Orida Ridge - this upscale neighborhood seems to be a staircase to heaven, with grand residences sprawled on amazing view lots. Most of these homes are custom builds by luxury home builders, displaying some of Boise’s finest craftsmanship and construction quality. This community is rare in that it is one of the few neighborhoods that offer community amenities, including pools and tennis courts.
• Arrowhead Ridge and Arrowhead Canyon - cradled by foothills in between the Highlands and Northwest Boise’s prized foothills neighborhood, Quail Ridge, is Arrowhead Canyon. This quiet and steady area has both canyon floor and sky high views as streets wind up to remarkable mountain views. Quail Ridge Golf Course sits at the foot of Arrowhead, making this area popular with golfers. Access to Polecat Gulch and Harrison Hollow make this area a favorite for mountain bike and hiking enthusiasts.
• Boise Heights - one of Boise’s oldest foothills neighborhoods perched just above the North End and the Military Reserve, Boise Heights has some of the area's most distinctive Mid-Century Modern estates and views dating back to the 1950’s. This community is small, and because so, is favored for those seeking privacy in the clouds while being just minutes to downtown.

Downtown

For those who crave the hustle and bustle of city living, Downtown Boise has the urban lifestyle while maintaining a small town feel. Downtown Boise offers countless residential options from luxury condominiums/apartments in the middle of it all to charming historic single family residences located on the outskirts of the downtown core. The convenience of living downtown can’t be beat with shopping, dining, entertainment all just a hop, skip, and jump away. Grocery shopping is abundant downtown, with options like Whole Foods, WinCo Foods, and Trader Joes. Demand for downtown living has increased dramatically over the past few years, illustrated by all the new luxury apartments popping up.

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Attractions:

One of the most popular destinations in North Boise is Hyde Park, a neighborhood hub tucked into the heart of the North End at the intersection of 13th and Eastman Streets. Hyde Park is a historic commercial district located in North Boise that has been a beloved gathering spot for over a century. The area was originally developed in the early 1900s by Robert and Minnie Hyde, who built a small general store and post office on the corner of 13th and Eastman Streets. The Hydes' store quickly became a popular gathering spot for the residents of North Boise, who would stop by to pick up their mail and chat with their neighbors. Over time, the store expanded to include a soda fountain, a candy counter, and a small grocery section. Now, you  will find a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, including the famous 13th Street Pub and Grill, which has been a local favorite for over 40 years. Newcomers like Apericena on 13th and Lost Grove Brewing add to the diversity and ever-growing food and brew scene in Boise.

Another popular attraction in the North End is the Boise Co-op, a community-owned grocery store that specializes in organic and natural foods. The Co-op also hosts a variety of events and classes throughout the year, including cooking classes, wine tastings, and community meetings.

Some of the city’s highest performing schools are located in North Boise,  including North Junior High, Boise High School, and Longfellow Elementary. 

Some of Idaho’s largest employers, including St. Luke’s Medical Center, the State of Idaho, Simplot, and Boise Cascade, all are headquartered in North Boise making this area popular for employees and relocation for job transfers.

North Boise is continually looked at for would-be residents for high quality of life and proximity to the state’s capitol. With its beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, and thriving local business scene, North Boise is a true gem in the heart of the Treasure Valley.