Boise Idaho Real Estate Blog - Lisa Kohl

A Local’s Guide to North Boise’s Sunset Neighborhood

Quaint wooden signs greet visitors to this charming neighborhood known for its mature trees, modest brick homes and 1950s bungalows.

Boise's Sunset Neighborhood signs feature a family in silhouette walking their dog into a colorful sunset. They are a promise that deliver: Sunset is full of outdoorsy families eager to take advantage of the diverse activities the area has to offer.

This is a small, tight-knit neighborhood of do-ers: hikers, walkers, runners, gardeners, golfers and most predominantly, bikers.

Nestled up against the foothills, the neighborhood has direct access to mountain biking trails via the Hillside to Hollow Reserve – a 260-acre protected open space in the central foothills. Serious road cyclists also have access to the…

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Boise Market Kicks Off 2020 Even Hotter Than Before; Supply Hits Two Year Low

Miss the bidding wars of 2018? Based on current trends we may be headed for the hottest Boise real estate market in two years.

The Boise median single-family home price jumped $42,600 to $335,000 in the month of December, finishing out the year of 2019 with a 14.57 percent increase.

In Ada County and Canyon County, the cost for the typical home rose 8.02 percent and 13.08 percent, respectively.

While every city in the Treasure Valley is seeing higher prices, the lowest priced markets continue to appreciate the fastest. “Luxury” markets are seeing the smallest year-over-year price gains with Eagle up a relatively paltry 3.73 percent.

Compared to last year, total homes sales rose 18.76 percent in Ada County and 26.11 percent in Canyon…

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Things to Do in Boise in January 2020

Post-Christmas blues got you down? There are enough events on the Boise calendar this month to get your spirits back up, no matter what kind of activity floats your boat.

January in Idaho is the coldest month of the year, but it's also the month of classic events and entertainment like the McCall Winter Carnival, basketball games, film festivals, and many other reasons to get out of the house and experience Boise.

January is a popular month in Idaho to take in the beauty of winter, get outside (despite the temperatures), and savor a slower pace before the busy days of spring and summer. Here are the must-do events you should have on your calendar this month in Boise.

Skiing, Tubing, and the Gladerunner Mountain Coaster | Bogus Basin

All…

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Boise Housing Market Forecast 2020

As I write this, home prices are hitting new record highs as the Boise real estate market leads the nation in appreciation.

In the past year, Boise home prices have risen 11 percent while the supply of homes for sale has declined by 10 percent.

What will the new year bring?

By definition, a forecast is an opinion about future events. Even so, I’ve made a point to focus on the facts and current trends that are already in effect, avoiding any wild speculation. Read on for an insider take on the Treasure Valley housing market in the months to come.

Boise Home Prices Will Continue Rising

Today, one in six listings are seeing multiple offers. By spring, we expect that number to jump to one in three.

Driven by low interest rates and a…

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Things to Do in Boise in December 2019

There’s no place like home (in Boise) for the holidays! This month as the temperatures near their low point for the year in the Treasure Valley, the holiday spirit will reach its height with events, concerts, markets, and more. Whether you have family in town and want to show them why you love where you live, or you’re looking for a quiet date night event, you’ll find enough options here to fill your calendar and then some. Here’s your list of what to do in Boise this December.

Winter Wonderland Festival | Indian Creek Plaza, Caldwell

All month

Every year, Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell becomes a winter wonderland with over a million beautiful lights and holiday decorations to enjoy. For the second year, the addition of The Ice Ribbon—a…

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Booming Boise: Over 1,000 New Condos & Apartments Headed to Downtown

As more individuals seek to live near where they work, Downtown Boise has flourished into a sought-after residential neighborhood. In addition to several commercial projects in the works, almost 1,300 new multi-family housing units are planned for downtown and just to its south, along the Boise River.

In keeping with current trends and popular demand, many of these units will be part of mixed-use developments. Multi-family housing is planned above the ground-level commercial spaces that make urban neighborhoods both vibrant and viable: retail, restaurants, and coffee shops. With that in mind, here are the new Downtown Boise construction projects you should be watching in next few years.

Third and Myrtle

The Third and Myrtle mixed-use…

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An Insider's Guide to Southeast Boise, ID

One of Boise’s fastest-growing neighborhoods is Southeast Boise, a flourishing area with enviable access to the greenbelt, river, and the downtown core. One of Boise’s largest and most diverse neighborhoods, Southeast Boise is home to Boise State University and area landmarks such as Barber Park, Bown Crossing, and the Simplot Sports Complex.

The Southeast Boise vibe is one of casual comfort: close-knit neighborhoods look a bit like streets of the past with kids playing in front yards and families walking their dogs. Despite this old-fashioned community feel, the area is also experiencing a rapid renaissance with an influx of shops, restaurants, and attractions as the neighborhood grows. Trendy new brunch spots join established local haunts while…

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Top 10 Affordable Boise Neighborhoods for Home Buyers

Looking for an affordable neighborhood in Boise? You are not alone.

It’s no secret that Boise is a great place to live. The City of Trees routinely tops national “best of” lists for its low cost of living, quality of life, inner-city gems like the Boise River and Greenbelt, and its close proximity to outdoor adventuring.

While Boise is ranked as “more affordable” than the average city on a number of factors, such as healthcare costs and transportation, housing costs are now higher than the national average. Housing prices are also among the fastest-rising in the U.S., which can make finding your dream home at an affordable price challenging.

Fortunately for home buyers, there are still relatively affordable neighborhoods in Boise – you just…

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Things to Do in Boise in November 2019

Brrr, is that a chill we feel on the air? As November hits in the Treasure Valley, the temperatures take a dive with average highs in the 40s. It’s the perfect opportunity to break out your favorite cozy sweater, drink your hot beverage of choice, and enjoy the wonder of the season. November kicks off the holiday season in Boise with plenty to do, especially around Thanksgiving. If you have family in town, be sure to show them why you love living in Boise by bringing them to a few of these events.

Winter Boise Farmers Market | Downtown Boise

November 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30

Summer may be long gone, but Boise’s downtown farmers markets are still going strong! The Capital City Public Market transforms into the much-anticipated Holiday Market…

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Exploring the Best of Boise: Old Idaho Penitentiary

Whether you’re a history buff or not, it’s easy to see why the Old Idaho Penitentiary draws a regular crowd of visitors. When it first began operating in 1872 and throughout its 101-year history as Idaho’s state prison, it was home to some of the West’s most notorious criminals. Its infamous inhabitants included the man dubbed “Idaho’s Jack the Ripper,” the assassin of Idaho’s fourth governor, and even an alleged member of Butch Cassidy’s nefarious gang.

Built of sandstone from the nearby quarry by prisoners’ labor, the Old Pen building is a unique and fascinating sight. It finally closed its doors in December of 1973 after two destructive prisoner riots, and today, the cells, solitary confinement quarters, and gallows room still stand as a…

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