Young Families Leaving Large Cities For Smaller Towns

A recent study of US population trends shows that young families are leaving major urban areas in search of a quieter, slower way of life.   Starting in 2020 with the shutdowns related to the pandemic, families with children chose to leave crowded cities and relocate to suburban and rural areas.  Populations of young children fell by 10% in large urban counties that make up metro New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago.   This preference for smaller towns and rural areas has continued over the last four years - Americans, ages 25 to 44, are increasingly choosing to settle in small metro areas instead.   As young adults and families with small children seek out a slower paced lifestyle and quieter environment to raise their kids, cities like Boise are at the top of their list.  Affordable housing, lower cost of living, access to recreational activities, quality education, and reduced crime rates all contribute to Boise’s attractiveness.   According to research published recently by the Idaho Business Review, there are many benefits to encouraging young families to call Boise home. This demographic contributes to the economy, the job market, and the overall investment in building and maintaining thriving communities. Families spend on housing, groceries, child care, health care, recreation, and education, often creating demand for family-oriented goods and services such as retail and education. Families with small children often advocate for high-quality public services such as schools, parks, libraries, and recreational amenities - amenities that benefit the entire community. And the presence of this demographic often means a more thriving, connected community - one where neighbors know each other, invest in the safety and cleanliness of the area, and contribute by volunteering and planning local events.      Especially for a smaller city, growth can be a touchy subject. Some people are pleased to see our city evolve, while others do not like the inevitable growing pains that come with change. Despite this difference of perspective, there is one thing we can all agree on - Boise is a lovable town that provides an extraordinary lifestyle. With safe neighborhoods, highly-ranked schools, friendly neighbors, and access to parks and outdoor recreation, it’s easy to understand why young people and families want to make our city home. 

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5 Events in Boise & Beyond - December 6th - 8th

Photo Credit to Jonathan Borba via Pexels 5 Events in Boise & Beyond 1. City Santa Where: The Grove Plaza - 827 W Main St When: Friday, Dec 6th - Sun, Dec 8th Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   2. Green at Heart Gala: Nowhere to Wear It Where: JUMP Room (5th Level) - 1000 West Myrtle Street Boise When: Friday, Dec 6th Time: 5:00 - 8:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   3. Washington Trust Bank Free Carriage Rides Where: Washington Trust Bank, 901 W Bannock St When: Friday, Dec 6th - Saturday, Dec 7th Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   4. Linen District Holiday Block Party  Where: 1420 West Grove Street When: Saturday, Dec 7th Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   5. Polar Express Storytelling + Photos with Santa Where: The Boise Depot - 2603 W. Eastover Terrace When: Sunday, Dec 8th Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE

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Boise’s Best Trick-or-Treat Spots

Photo courtesy of 107.9 Lite FM Halloween is just around the corner and it’s time to prepare for the tradition of trick-or-treating. Full of charming neighborhoods and bustling streets that go all out for this festive day, there is no lack of Halloween magic in Boise, Idaho. Grab your costumes and candy bags and try these trick-or-treating spots!   Harrison Boulevard: The pinnacle of trick-or-treating spots in Boise is Harrison Boulevard. Located in the North End, this street features stunning estates and historic homes whose Halloween decor is truly on the next level. On Halloween, Harrison Boulevard is closed to cars and gets an estimated 6,000 trick-or-treating kids and their parents visiting. This is a must-see Boise experience!    Warm Springs Avenue: Located in the East End, Warm Springs Avenue offers a similar but less busy experience as Harrison Boulevard. This street is lined with historic mansions and estates, and residents fill their yards with spooky decorations and even homemade haunted houses. Bring your candy-hungry children and check out the beautiful homes and decorations while trick-or-treating this year.   North End: The North End of Boise is sure to impress on Halloween. This prime neighborhood features charming craftsman and bungalow homes that date back to the early 1900s. Festive and spooky decorations are set up by the majority of residents, and there is an abundance of sweet treats for the young ones. While still busy, this neighborhood offers a much more spread-out trick-or-treating experience than the previous two options.    Harris Ranch: Nestled in southeast Boise is Harris Ranch, a newly established neighborhood sitting beneath the foothills and next to the Boise River. Full of families, this neighborhood is a wonderful place to trick-or-treat. Expect top-notch decorations, plenty of candy for the children, and a well-lit environment with minimal car traffic for a safe and exciting Halloween experience!   JUMP-or-Treat: Located in downtown Boise at JUMP (Jack's Urban Meeting Place), this is a family-friendly and fun event that transforms the campus into a world of wonder. Giant inflatables and local partners fill the plaza to hand out treats to costumed attendees. This event is on Saturday, October 26th from 5-8pm. View more details here.   More Halloween Fun! Another option includes Trunk-or-Treats, which are coordinated treat-or-treating events where multiple participants hand out candy in a specific public area. See a nice guide of opportunities here. Looking for more Halloween magic? Check out this map of epic Halloween displays throughout the Treasure Valley!   Some helpful tips and reminders for a safe and fun-filled evening: Trick-or-treating is observed on Thursday, October 31st this year. Some neighborhoods and trunk-or-treat events might host their events the following Friday or on other days. Trick-or-treating usually takes place from sunset to 8pm. Please be mindful of the time and try not to knock on doors in the late hours. Homes that have porch lights off are typically not participating in trick or treating Spot a teal pumpkin on someone’s porch? It may indicate that the house is participating in a ‘food-free’ treat. They may hand out non-food items like stickers or small toys. These are great options for those with food allergies. Check the candy haul for any odd items and tampered pieces. Boise is a beautiful and safe place for trick-or-treating, but it is always good practice to keep your family safe.  

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