Spring Cleaning Tips

Photo credit to Unsplash As the winter chill fades to a distant memory and the sun begins to warm our days, there's no denying now is the perfect time for a fresh start. Spring is the season for throwing open the windows, letting in the fresh air, and setting off on the age-old tradition of spring cleaning. Whether your house is mostly in order or needs a full deep clean, these simple tips will help you tidy up your home and have a fresh start for the spring and summer seasons.   Make a plan: Spring cleaning may feel overwhelming at first with so many different rooms and areas that need tidying. Splitting up your home into different sections and planning out which areas you will tackle first makes the task much less daunting. Do a quick walk-through of your house and assess which areas of your home need the most attention. Then, make a checklist to help you stay organized and ensure every room gets what it needs. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a spotless home! Photo credit to Unsplash   Declutter and Donate: Decluttering your spaces before you get gloves deep into cleaning will make the whole task much more manageable. Rid your home of any unnecessary items that have accumulated over the colder months. Donate or recycle items that are no longer needed, and don’t be afraid to be ruthless when deciding what to keep or donate. Here are a few local donation centers that would gladly accept your no-longer-needed clothing and items: Saver’s Community Donation Center. Located at 10475 W Fairview Ave and is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Saint Vincent de Paul. You can drop off donations at any of the five locations in Boise, Caldwell, and Meridian. Hours vary based on the location, so make sure you check before you go. Photo credit to Unsplash   Work from top to bottom: When cleaning a room, starting from the top and moving down will eliminate the need to go back and reclean. Start by dusting ceiling fans, light fixtures, and shelves before moving on to surfaces and furniture. This ensures that any dust or debris that falls while cleaning is captured and removed as you work your way down. Don't forget to pay special attention to often-overlooked areas such as baseboards, door frames, and behind appliances. Vacuuming the floor should always be your last step. Photo credit to Unsplash   Don't forget the windows: Clean windows can truly brighten up your house and give it a fresh, airy feeling. The insides of windows can build up dust and dirt over the months. Removing this gunk and brightening up a room is as easy as grabbing your window cleaner, a squeegee, and a microfiber cloth to remove dirt and grime. Don’t forget about the exterior too, as winter can lead to a build-up of dirt and streaks on the outside of your windows. Just as with the interiors, clean exterior windows are essential for enhancing the outward appearance of your home. Consider hiring a professional for second and third-story windows, or tackle them yourself with a ladder! Photo credit to Unsplash

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Best Neighborhoods for Outdoor Recreationists

Photo credit to Lysi Bishop Real Estate In Boise, outdoor adventure isn’t just a pastime, it's a way of life. With the backdrop of the Boise Foothills and the Boise River winding through the city, Boise encourages a vibrant outdoor lifestyle that beckons adventurers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. These neighborhoods are perfect for those who crave a life intertwined with the outdoors, offering easy access to hiking trails, cycling routes, river activities, and more.   North End, Highlands and Somerset Photo credit to Lysi Bishop Real Estate Hyde Park. Just minutes from these neighborhoods, Hyde Park is the perfect place to spend a morning or afternoon exploring. Stop by Java for breakfast, Parilla Grill for lunch, and Hyde Park Pub and Grill for dinner. Or, grab coffee at Hyde Perk (known for its special seasonal drinks) and wander around the local boutiques and stores that give Hyde Park its authentic feel.  Neighborhood walkability. All three of these North Boise neighborhoods feature high walkability, making it easy to leave your car behind and walk where you need to go. Cycling on Hill Road. Beloved by road cyclists, Hill Road is a popular bike route with rolling hills and beautiful views.  Foothills Trails. Located right next to the foothills, these North Boise neighborhoods have close access to the Ridge to Rivers trail system with biking, hiking, running, and equestrian trails. Camel's Back Park. Camel’s Back Park is an iconic Boise park, featuring a large playground, grass area, and a large hill with stunning views of Boise at the top. Camel’s Back also has a variety of hiking and biking trails which begin at the base of the hill.  Proximity to Bogus Basin. Bogus Basin is a recreationist's paradise all year round. With hiking and biking trails with chairlift access in the summer and acres of downhill skiing in the winter, there is always an activity to do at Bogus!   Hidden Springs Photo credit to Lysi Bishop Real Estate Hiking Trails. Hidden Springs neighborhood has access to miles of scenic trails for runners, bikers, and hikers to enjoy. Neighborhood walkability. This master-planned neighborhood has sidewalks and well-connected streets making it easy to walk instead of drive. Community pool & fitness center. These amenities offer residents a place to stay active, from leisurely swims to energizing workouts. Cycling on Cartwright Road & Seaman's Gulch. Cartwright Road is another popular ride for road cyclists, known for its steep hills and exhilarating downhills. Seaman’s Gulch is a small cluster of trails that wind through sagebrush and feature beautiful views of the foothills.   River Run Photo credit to Lysi Bishop Real Estate Access to the River/Greenbelt. River Run features close and easy access to the Greenbelt, an iconic paved path that follows the Boise River as it wanders through Boise. This is the perfect spot for running, biking, or walking.   Harris Ranch Photo credit to Lysi Bishop Real Estate Access to the River/Greenbelt. Harris Ranch is just a minute's walk or run from the 25 miles of paved Greenbelt path alongside the Boise River.   Barber Valley Photo credit to Lysi Bishop Real Estate Access to the River. Barber Valley is located right next to the Boise River, a beloved recreation spot for flyfishers, paddleboarders, and rafters.   NE Boise & East End Photo credit to Lysi Bishop Real Estate Access to Fort Boise. Fort Boise contains Old Fort Boise Park, a beautiful public park that has reconstructed buildings and interpretive displays allowing visitors to imagine the lives of early settlers in the Idaho Territory.  Access to Table Rock Trails. These neighborhoods have close access to plenty of hiking trails at nearby Table Rock, allowing residents to enjoy Boise’s scenic beauty and natural landscape. Natatorium. The Natatorium is a public aquatic center that features a large swimming pool, diving area, and waterslide. This is a beloved summer spot for families, and children love the exhilarating Hydrotube waterslide. Warm Springs Golf Course. This public 18-hole championship course is minutes from NE Boise and the East End. Perfect for beginner to intermediate skill levels, Warm Springs offers the chance to work on your game at a high-quality but affordable course.        

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Hidden Gems: Underrated Areas in Boise

Photo credit to Lysi Bishop Real Estate Boise contains a diverse tapestry of neighborhoods, from the famous North End to the breathtaking Highlands and historic East End. However, many wonderful neighborhoods often go unnoticed in the shadow of these well-known areas. While Boise is known for its friendly atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings, it's the lesser-explored neighborhoods that truly capture the essence of Boise's unique character. Dive into these underrated areas in Boise with us and discover Boise’s best-kept secrets!   Boise Bench: Photo credit to Lysi Bishop Real Estate Perched right above downtown Boise sits the Boise Bench, a historic area that has homed Boise citizens for over 100 years. The Bench has a unique, eclectic energy that is beloved by its residents. Homes in this area are a mix of mid-century modern, newly built residences, and longstanding homes with lots of character. Within these streets, you will find Spanish Mission, Colonial Revival, European Cottages, Cape Cods, and Tudor style homes, a testament to this spot's vibrant mix of cultures. Its central location is prized, sitting minutes from downtown Boise, the airport, the Boise River, the Greenbelt, and Boise State University. The culinary scene here is very active, with highlights including Wyld Child, Luciano’s Italian, Blue Bench Brunchette, and locally sourced handmade ice cream spot The Stil.   NW Boise/Sunset: Photo credit to Lysi Bishop Real Estate This charming northwest Boise neighborhood is known for its mature trees, long standing homes, and tight-knit community. With prime access to the foothills through the Hillside to Hollow Reserve, this neighborhood is full of active hikers, mountain bikers, and walkers. This area also has an abundance of public parks, from Veteran’s Park to Sunset Park, a 10-acre public park with a 4.3-acre off-leash dog area. Quail Hollow Golf Course is nearby, and there are plenty of locally-owned restaurants to grab dinner at. Residents often say living in Sunset is like the North End lifestyle without the price tag, and homes do not stay on the market long in this area.    Mountain View: Photo credit to Lysi Bishop Real Estate Located in West Boise and centered around Mountain View Road, this area contains a charming neighborhood with incredible homesites overlooking views of the Boise Front. This area features close access to the Boise River and Greenbelt trails. It is a short 9-minute drive to downtown Boise and about 15 minutes to the airport. Mountain View Elementary is only a few minutes walk, and homes in this area are mainly prebuilt, as well as a mix of remodeled or new construction. This neighborhood is beloved by families for its proximity to elementary and secondary schools.   Garden City: Photo credit to Lysi Bishop Real Estate Garden City is a vibrant neighborhood that is quickly growing in popularity. This neighborhood sits right next to the Boise River, Quinn’s Pond, and the Boise Whitewater Park, beloved recreation spots for paddleboarders, kayakers, and surfers. The Greenbelt runs right along the river, inviting residents out for a morning jog or an evening walk. With many trendy breweries and wine-tasting rooms on nearby Chinden Blvd and the popular venue the Revolution Concert House, there is plenty to do. Homes vary from newly built subdivisions, townhome complexes right by the river, and existing homes. There is an exciting culinary scene here, with favorites including Cafe Lucios, Push and Pour coffee, Wildflour Bakery, and Dickey’s BBQ Pit.

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