Neighborhood Spotlight: East Boise

by Lysi Bishop Real Estate

 

At the crossroads of the Boise River, Greenbelt, and foothills recreation… East Boise provides an integrated lifestyle that is rich in outdoor activities and area amenities. Two distinct areas stem off of the river, NE and SE Boise. Each offers their own unique appeal and attractions and neighborhoods that we’ll go over below.

NE Boise

 

This area is positioned between the foothills and river, just east of downtown. Cherished for its proximity to the Greenbelt, hiking/biking trails, and access to the city's best restaurants and shopping, NE Boise has a wonderful mix of residences from view properties to historic homes. Popular neighborhoods include the East End/Warm Springs Avenue, NE Boise Foothills, and Barber Valley. 

 

The East End/Warm Springs Avenue:

The East End is situated at the base of the foothills and adjacent to the downtown core. This quaint and flat neighborhood is distinctly covered in old-growth trees and dotted with amazing architecture, dating back to the early pioneer days when this area was just fields of wildland. Warm Springs Avenue is an arterial connection from downtown to the most eastern parts of Boise, and features the city’s most notable estates, including a castle! A unique feature of this area is the use of geothermal heating in some of the residences, offering efficient and low cost heating/water to homeowners. In this neighborhood, you’ll find a lot of history not just in the houses and mature landscape, but in the establishments spotted within, including the beloved Roosevelt Market, the Natatorium, the Old Idaho Penitentiary, the Idaho Botanical Garden, and Roosevelt Elementary. 

East End Properties for Sale

Foothills:

Meandering up the hills from the East End are communities like Foothills East, Candleridge, and Table Rock that all take advantage of how close the Ridge-to-Rivers trail system is. Homes date in the 70’s and 80’s and gradually modernize the further up the hills you go. Most often described as ‘tree-house’ like, these residences and neighborhoods are connected to the rolling setting and typically include walk-out basements and ample windows to take in the elevated vistas. The views from these neighborhoods are nothing short of extraordinary, spanning from the Table Rock landmark, over the valley, and beyond to the downtown skyline. Close access to the Military Reserve/Fort Boise recreation area provides residents a bike park, dog park, archery range, and miles of trails… literally out of some of their backyards. Further down Warm Springs Avenue on the other side of Table Rock, communities like El Paseo, Boulder Point, and the Warm Springs Mesa are poised above the river. This plateau neighborhood has a fine mix of older homes and brand new modern construction, and all enjoy the solitude of the open space and less-frequented trails there.

NE Boise Foothills Properties for Sale

Barber Valley/Harris Ranch:

One of Boise’s largest planned developments, Barber Valley provides a niche lifestyle formed around community. What the area lacks in yard size, makes up for in convenience to outdoor recreation. This area has awesome access to the Greenbelt, Barber Park, and trails for endless opportunities to get out and enjoy Boise’s mild weather. Harris Ranch is composed of several different micro-subdivisions that each offer something for everyone, including low-maintenance townhomes, larger estate lots, and view homes above it all in Harris North. Most of these provide community amenities including pools. A neighborhood hub off of Eckert Road has a convenience station/gas, a coffee bar, restaurants, and local businesses. Nearby attractions include the Idaho Shakespeare Festival (an open-air amphitheater), Riverstone International School (private), and Lucky Peak Reservoir for boating.  

Barber Valley Properties for Sale

SE Boise

 

The serene area of SE Boise is blanketed by lush tree cover from the fertile soil around the river. Located south of the Boise River and spanning from Boise State University to the I-84 and Hwy-21, this expansive area is home to some of Boise’s most prized residential pockets and affordable opportunities within moments to downtown.

SE Boise Properties for Sale

River Run:

Nestled along the banks of the Boise River, this long-standing and sought-after community takes in waterfront living in a relaxed and tranquil setting. Luxury condominiums blur into beautiful single-family homes (most are single level) as you wander the various pathways set along slow creeks throughout this area. A series of gated communities host Boise’s premier riverfront homes, where architectural integrity is honored in the finest of building materials and opulent amenities. A graveled pedestrian-only trail follows along the river, offering a leisurely stroll through a scenic and dense landscape of greenery, wildlife, and the river.

Bown Crossing:

Like a town within a town, Bown Crossing is a picturesque thoroughfare lined with businesses and restaurants located in the heart of SE Boise. This epicenter includes Riverside Elementary School, a public library, a St. Al’s urgent care clinic, and long-time dining favorites including The Tavern and Boise Fry Company. A candy shop has taken residence in Bown Crossing for years, although changed in ownership and name (now Cravin’s Candy Emporium), the experience of an old-fashioned candy store remains. The surrounding residential areas include townhomes for the carefree and large single-family homes with plenty of yard space for play. 

Lakewood:

This area offers quiet suburban living just outside the bustle of the city, yet is less than 15 minutes to downtown entertainment and close to freeway access for commuting. It may be simple in terms of attractions, but there is a dreamy stillness to the neighborhood that draws in folks of all ages. Dozens of cul-de-sacs and easygoing roads are lined by established homesites, making this area feel hidden and private. Plentiful schools, parks, and nearby shopping centers provide convenience for everyday routines. 

South Village/Boise State University:

Set adjacent to the campus and spreading south and east just a little ways past Broadway Avenue, various multi-family residences, apartment buildings, and darling single-family homes make up the South Village neighborhood. Due to the proximity to the university, the area is heavily utilized for student housing, making it prime for investment.

South Village Properties For Sale

 

Want to learn more about Boise's neighborhoods? Click here to explore other neighborhoods and download our comprehensive guide!

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