Boise Idaho Real Estate Blog - Lisa Kohl

Where to Live in Boise – Comparing the Cities and Suburbs

For decades, Boise and the surrounding suburbs were the Northwest's best-kept secret, however, with the area's population growth projected to hit one million residents by 2040, it's clear the secret is out. Whether you crave expansive desert solitude, big-city bustle, tranquil farmlands, sleepy suburbs, or rolling foothills, there's a home in Boise, or a nearby suburb, waiting for you.

The Boise metro area, also known as the Treasure Valley, includes small towns and big cities. Each offers unique strengths and vastly different housing options (and prices). Whether you're relocating from another state or considering a local move, the biggest question on your plate is likely, "where is the best place to live in the Boise area for me?"

You're in…

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25 Best Things to Do in Boise With Kids

A family-friendly guide to the City of Trees.

Boise may have a national reputation as an outdoor recreation city with a flourishing craft brewery scene, in other words, an adult's paradise. As you probably already know, it's also one of the best places to raise a family. Kid-friendly trails, acres of parks, and a healthy array of science centers and museums designed to spark curiosity and inspire young minds are just a few of the reasons families plant roots in the Treasure Valley.

And it must be said: one of the best ways to explore a city is through a child's eyes. So whether you're a Boise native or just visiting for the weekend, we've compiled a list of the best activities for families with kids, as recommended by the locals who love them.

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Boise Homebuyers’ Options Grow As Listings Leap for the First Time in a Year

Treasure Valley buyers can finally come up for a breath of air, as housing inventory rose to its highest level in more than a year in both Ada and Canyon counties. Canyon County listings hit 607 in July, a 76% increase over last year’s 344 listings. Ada County saw active listings rise to 1,014 last month, up from 768 the year prior – or a 32% increase.

Also for the first time in over a year, both counties boasted more than one month’s supply of current inventory. The sudden influx of homes for sale is partly due to seasonal factors. It’s also thanks to the rush of homeowners who put off selling last year but are now ready to list.

While one month of inventory is still a far cry from the four to six months typically seen in a balanced market, the…

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Should You Buy a New Construction or Existing Idaho Home?

With inventory low in every Treasure Valley housing market, homebuyers are considering new builds more than ever before. But are they right for you?

If you love to watch HGTV, most of the houses you see people hunting are resales--homes that have been built by and owned by other families. Much of the drama in these shows (think House Hunters) derives from the terrible taste in home decor of the previous occupants and whether the new couple can overcome the "hardship" of an ugly paint color or unattractive carpet.

But with many markets across Idaho, and the country, experiencing inventory shortages, it’s becoming harder for buyers to find a home they love in many neighborhoods. That’s why more and more homeowners are turning to new construction.…

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Boise-Area Home Prices Were on Fire in June, Thanks to Short Supply

Every major housing market in the Boise metropolitan area set a new median sales price record in June, thanks to a decades-in-the-making housing shortage and voracious buyer demand.

Ada County hit its 12th consecutive month of record-setting prices in June with a median sales price of $524,950, a 40% increase over the previous year. Canyon County also set a new sales price record of $424,000, which marks a 49% annual increase. It’s also the 11th price record the county has set in the past year.

All of the Treasure Valley’s largest housing markets also set new records:

• In Eagle, the median sales price hit an eye-watering $849,000, a 56% annual increase.
• Boise’s median sales price hit $500,000 for the first time, a 39% jump.
• Meridian’s…

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An Insider’s Tour of Boise’s Most Walkable Neighborhoods

Ask a dozen Boiseans what makes their neighborhood “walkable” and you’ll likely get a variety of answers. That’s because walking is like meditation–while everyone might look similar doing it, their motivations can be vastly different. Some people want convenient access to great food and coffee; other people can’t live without a park nearby for their kids; while others just enjoy a serene sunset stroll as a way to unwind from a long day.

If you’re looking for a new home in Boise, you might already have a list of nearby must-haves in mind–and if not, it’s never too early to make one. To help you get off on the right foot, we’ve developed this insider’s guide to Boise’s most walkable neighborhoods. Our list includes something for every type of walker,…

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Boise Metro Median Home Price Tops $500,000 for First Time Ever

The newest sales data shows that prospective buyers in the Treasure Valley who hesitate are costing themselves dearly, with home prices up more than $36,000 in Ada County just since last month. The year-over-year data paints an even starker picture of this once-in-a-lifetime seller’s market.

Treasure Valley home prices blew past two new records in May. The median sales price in Ada County hit a record of $518,215 (up $156,000 or 43% from last year). This marks 12 straight months of pricing records and the first time across the half-million-dollar threshold. Meanwhile, Canyon County also set a median sales record of $407,225 (an annual increase of $131,500 or 48%). The county marked new price records for every month except one in the last year.

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9 Great Day Trips From Boise Idaho

Spend the day exploring, mountain biking or enjoying Idaho’s wine region without having to pack a bag. Boise is a place we love to call home. Sometimes, though, we just want to get out of town! Here are some great day trip ideas that allow you to explore and in most cases still be back in time for dinner.

1) Bogus Basin in Summer

No longer just a winter destination. The Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area also offers biking, hiking, disc golf, live music, hiking and running events. Only 45 minutes from Downtown Boise, the trip up the mountain has long been worth it just for the spectacular views of Boise and the Valley.

Starting in June, there will be a mountain bike shuttle between the Simplot Lodge and Pioneer Lodge every weekend. Mountain…

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Top Major Employers and Largest Companies in Boise, ID

Idaho’s population and economy are booming – we were the second fastest-growing state in the nation last year, according to the U.S. Census. That influx of new residents has also helped make us No. 1 in the nation for economic growth, according to the 2021 U.S. News Best States rankings.

Not only are we outpacing the nation when it comes to job and career growth, we’re especially dominating in industries like technology, advanced manufacturing, food production, energy and outdoor recreation, all of which have a strong presence in our local economy.

In addition to attracting out-of-state talent, local colleges like Boise State University and the College of Idaho ensure future generations of skilled professionals will be ready to step up and lead…

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Housing Shortage and Rising Construction Costs Plague Boise Market

Boise area home prices hit new highs in April, thanks to strong demand from homebuyers and continued near record-low supply.

If you’ve spent any time online looking for homes, or have taken a drive looking for “For Sale” signs, you’ve noticed: we are suffering from a stark lack of inventory in the Treasure Valley. This continues to limit the number of homes for sale – and help drive prices up.

While the number of available homes is slowly recovering from the height of the pandemic, total home sales remain well below levels you’d expect to see. Especially when you take into consideration that Ada and Canyon counties added 23,890 residents in the past year.

The combination of record-high prices, record growth, and near record-low sales is…

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