April in the City of Trees is a fresh and invigorating time of year. Spring has sprung in Boise, and across the Treasure Valley, exciting events are popping up alongside the daffodils. Whether this April brings showers or abundant sunshine, you won’t have to search far for entertainment, music, shopping, date nights, and more. Add a few of these area events to your calendar this month.

First Thursday | Downtown Boise

April 4

Every first Thursday of the month, experience downtown Boise in a new way. Vendors, merchants, and restaurants offer specials and discounts on First Thursday, and you’re likely to catch special performances, live music, and demonstrations as well. Stroll around downtown Boise this April on First Thursday and discover the

Boise's largest employers have seen significant business and economic growth over the past decade, particularly in the technology and innovation industries. It's not surprising, then, that Forbes ranked the Boise metro area as the number one fastest-growing economic area in 2017 and #28 in the nation for jobs and careers.

The technology, advanced manufacturing, food production, energy, and outdoor recreation industries all have a strong presence in the Boise economy. With nearby schools like Boise State University and the College of Idaho, there's no shortage of qualified workers to feed into the area's growing companies.

Unemployment in Boise is consistently below the national average, coming in at 2.6% in March 2019 with projected annual job

The Ridge to Rivers system is an interconnected labyrinth of trails, paths, and roads with the postcard-worthy Boise foothills as their backdrop.

Over 190 miles wind through these foothills, giving walkers, hikers, runners, bikers, and riders a chance to experience the calming beauty of the outdoors just minutes from downtown. The Ridge to Rivers Trail System cuts through some of Boise’s most stunning terrain and offers panoramic views of the city.

Maintained by a full-time staff, Ridge to Rivers trails are well-groomed and receive heavy use all four seasons of the year.

In 2016, the City of Boise collaborated with the Ridge to Rivers staff and management to create a 10-year plan for growth and sustainability. This plan included input from

When you think of Garden City, Idaho you might think of Chinden Boulevard, industrial warehouses, and auto repair shops. It’s time to think again.

Garden City’s Surel Mitchell Live-Work-Create District is breathing new life into the area right outside downtown Boise near the river, and the up-and-coming community gathering there is turning heads.

The Live-Work-Create District is named for late artist Surel Mitchell who chose Garden City for the location of her studio and home.

Today, Mitchell’s vision of a mixed-use neighborhood with an artsy twist is coming to life, giving Garden City a completely reinvented mystique. The Live-Work-Create District has an avant-garde, do-it-yourself, community-based feel that appeals to many residents:

Traffic was brisk at a recent open house in Northwest Boise. All told, 32 groups of potential home buyers made their way through the new listing in less than three hours.

Despite an ever-increasing supply of homes for sale, prices remain stubbornly high.

For the first time in more than four years, total inventory has increased for the fourth month in a row.

Helped by lower mortgage rates, the slight increase in available homes for sale has been met by strong demand from buyers.

The newest homes sales data shows the median single-family home price in Boise jumped to $314,500, setting a new record high.

This is an increase of nearly $20,000 from last month and 14.36 percent jump from 12 months ago. The previous Boise home price record of

Have you applied for your Idaho Homeowners Exemption for the 2020 tax year yet?

If you’ve recently purchased a house or moved to Idaho, you may be eligible for a property tax exemption. You’ll likely spend more money on owning a home than any other one thing in your life, so a tax break is a welcome relief.

A property tax exemption reduces the net taxable value of your home and up to one acre of your property. Instead of calculating your property tax percentage based on the full value of your home, the Idaho Homeowners Exemption subtracts $100,000 and determines your tax rate based on the resulting amount.

In 2019, the legislature set the exemption reduction at an even $100,000 (up to a maximum of 50% of the properties value), to remain in