8 Reasons Millennials are Moving to Nampa

It’s no secret that Boise is growing, but recently Nampa has caught the attention of millennials looking for a smaller, more rural based community to call home. The oldest millennials are entering their 40s, which places the majority of this generation in their prime home buying years. Traditionally, this generation has chosen to move to larger cities because of their rich culture and job opportunities, Boise is no exception. However, there seems to be a group of these adults choosing to move into rural areas such as Boise’s smaller sister-cities like Nampa, Meridian, and Caldwell. Why the move to Nampa? Nampa isn’t the only city experiencing the overflow of move-ins to the Treasure Valley, but as the second largest city in the area, it’s a growing hub for millennials who want a strong community without the big-city noise. Here are some of the strongest factors millennials consider before moving to Nampa:     Slower Pace of Life. Newcomers from the largest metropolitan cities around the country who say Boise has a slower pace of life would easily say the same about Nampa. With a population just short of 100,000, it offers big city opportunities while still maintaining a “small town” feel. The Nampa lifestyle prioritizes healthy work/life balance and taking time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.Lower Cost of living. The sudden stampede of move-ins to Boise from both local and out of state prospective homebuyers have consequently driven up the price of living in Boise in recent years, making the smaller, more cost-friendly city of Nampa more attractive. The average home price in Nampa typically costs between $50k to $100k less than Boise, and rent prices are often $200 to $300 cheaper than Boise as well.    Unique Job and Business Opportunities. The city is uniquely situated at the center of where Boise technology meets Nampa innovation, making it a perfect place for ambitious young business owners to take root. With a long history in agriculture and innovation, manufacturing is an up and coming industry here that is projected to grow by 40% over the next 10 years. The Boise-Nampa valley also boasts a strong network of recreational technology businesses, creating everything from camping gear, RV construction, to heavy duty textile design. Strong Agricultural Roots. Like much of Idaho, Nampa has a long history in agriculture. Longtime residents are notorious for their support of the agriculture industry and backyard gardens. Millennials with a green-thumb and passion for farming will feel very much at home here. Learn how one Boise resident moved to Nampa for this very reason: Listen Here   Close to Recreational Activities and Attractions.               Living anywhere in Idaho provides the benefit of living close to recreational activities, Nampa is no exception. There are over 24 parks, the Nampa  Recreation Center, and incredible golf courses. With Lake Lowell, fishing on the Snake River, Givens Hot Springs, and other outdoor recreation areas just a short drive away, residents can enjoy a wide variety of ways to get outside. Music enthusiasts are particularly fond of the Ford Idaho Center and amphitheater that boasts 10,500 seats. In addition, a 12,279 seat arena that often hosts events and pro rodeo circuits annually. Nick-named “The Heart of the Treasure Valley.” Nampa is about a 20 mile drive to Boise, and only 10 miles from smaller towns such as Meridian, Caldwell, Kuna, and Marsing. Not to mention it’s centrally located between the Owyhee mountain range and the Boise National Forest and foot hill         A Charming and Cozy Downtown Culture. Nampa’s historic downtown is a combination of new life and amenities seamlessly integrated into historic buildings. It offers a quaint yet vibrant atmosphere that is attractive to small business owners, merchants, and young adults seeking an environment to enjoy with friends and neighbors. Be sure to stop by the Farmer's market that runs every weekend throughout the summer months   A strong Wine Culture. Located in the heart of Idaho’s wine country, Nampa maintains a strong community of vineyards and wineries that are sure to send you home with some of Idaho’s finest wine. In fact, the fertile and rich volcanic soil once made this area the wine producing capital of the west and still holds the state’s heaviest concentration of wineries. Looking to do some wine tasting? Check out this map of the Sunnyslope Wine Trail.   Looking to make the move to Nampa? Not sure where to start? Ask the local realtors and we’ll help you get started! Contact Us  

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Spring Cleaning Donation Spots & Organization Tips

Spring is in the air, which means it’s about that time to do a little cleaning around the house. Cleaning your home is not only a great way to freshen up your home, but can help you feel more organized, and have a productive start to a new season. Here are a few tips to help you get your home cleaned up and organized just in time before the beautiful warm weather hits: Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Home 1. Start with a plan Credit: Freepik Before you start cleaning, make a plan of what you want to accomplish. Identify the areas that need the most attention and make a checklist of tasks to complete. 2. Declutter Credit: Freepik Spring cleaning is a great time to get rid of things you no longer need or use. Go through your closets, cabinets, and drawers and donate or toss anything that you haven't used in the past year (unless they are of sentimental value or emergency items). We’ve compiled a list of local charities and businesses you can make donations to: (**Going to talk about what gently used items to look for and what are the basic requirements for lightly used items to donate.) Assistance League of Boise Celebrating over 40 years of service in the Boise area, Assistance League of Boise has helped 19,800 people in the Treasure Valley, donated $596,000 dollars to the Treasure Valley, and has had 57.6 thousand volunteer hours thanks to the amazing people within the community. Located at 5825 N Glenwood Street in Garden City, this thrift shop is staffed and managed entirely by member volunteers who will be more than happy to take in lightly used items for donation. Check out the link below to view more details and their business hours. Link: https://www.assistanceleague.org/boise/thrift-shop/ Idaho Youth Ranch Since 1953, the Idaho Youth Ranch has been a beacon of hope for struggling kids and families. Their network of thrift stores throughout the Treasure Valley help fund programs and services for children within the community. Donations of lightly used household items are very much appreciated providing goods that are affordable and accessible to all people within the community. Link: https://www.iyrthriftstores.org/storedonations Goodwill Goodwill is another great resource to take lightly used items to with 4 different locations throughout the Treasure Valley area. Not to mention, they have an amazing services program when it comes to giving back to the community. In the year 2021, just in the state of Idaho alone, Goodwill’s donations helped 1,080 individuals with disabilities and disadvantages gain work experience and training within surrounding Goodwill stores. Not to mention, 200 individuals received job skill training and career coaching that helped them re-enter the workforce. The Goodwill community would not have been able to achieve these goals without the help of donations. Visit their website below for more details: Link: https://www.esgw.org/goodwill-stores/ Thriftology This charming vintage-style thrift store is located at 555 N Orchard Street is definitely one to visit! Check out their Facebook page below for more information on donations and hours of operation. Link: https://www.facebook.com/thriftologyboise Savers “Committed to making secondhand second nature,” Savers thrift store located at 10475 Fairview Avenue in Boise, has grown from a single shop to a global reuse champion. Savers truly thrives off helping the community find one-of-a-kind items and helping turn second hand goods into first-rate fashion. Savers is also committed to keeping one-of-a-kind finds out of landfills, to help protect the environment and the community. Check out their website to learn more about Savers and details on donations. Link: https://www.savers.com/donate 3. Clean one room at a time Credit: rawpixel.com on Freepik Instead of trying to tackle your entire house at once, focus on one room at a time. This will help you stay organized and make the task feel less overwhelming. 4. Use natural cleaning products Credit: Freepik Instead of using harsh chemicals, opt for natural cleaning products. Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are all great alternatives that are gentle on the environment and your health. Check out this article for all-natural cleaning recipes. 5. Don't forget the details Credit: Freepik While it's important to clean the floors and countertops, don't forget about the details. Dust light fixtures, clean baseboards, and wipe down window sills to make your home feel truly clean. 6. Use organizers/containers Credit: Freepik One of the best ways to organize any part of your home is to contain similar items. This also removes the look of cluttered surfaces. You can pick containers/organizers that fit your home’s decor to look more uniform. Good places to start are in your food pantry and bathrooms. 7. Take breaks Credit: Freepik Cleaning can be a physically demanding task, so make sure to take breaks as needed. Listen to music, take a walk outside, or enjoy a cup of tea to recharge before getting back to work. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to a cleaner, more organized home. Happy cleaning and Happy Spring!    

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Explore: North Boise

Credit: BluFish Photography for Lysi Bishop Real Estate 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 Credit: Doug Peteresen Photography for Lysi Bishop Real Estate     Popular Neighborhoods: The North End Credit: Doug Petersen Photography for Lysi Bishop Real Estate 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. Search for Homes in the North End   The Highlands Credit: BluFish Photography for Lysi Bishop Real Estate 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. Search for Homes in The Highlands   Other Foothills Neighborhoods Credit: Doug Petersen Photography for Lysi Bishop Real Estate 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 Credit: BluFish Photography for Lysi Bishop Real Estate 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. Search for Homes in Downtown Boise   Attractions: Credit: Doug Petersen Photgraphy for Lysi Bishop Real Estate 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. Credit: BluFish Photography for Lysi Bishop Real Estate   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.   Credit: Daniel Olson for Lysi Bishop Real Estate   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.    

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