We Know Boise Real Estate

Know the Neighborhood: Collister Boise, ID

Posted by Lisa Kohl on Tuesday, September 10th, 2019 at 5:51pm

Collister Boise, ID – Know the Neighborhood

A mixture of old and new, rural and urban, quiet days and entertaining nights, make the Collister neighborhood what it is: an uncommonly versatile community with a bright future.

The Collister Neighborhood is a quintessentially Boisean area, where urbanity and old school rural practices mesh to create a happy medium. This established and highly walkable neighborhood is known for its family-friendliness; on any given night, you’re likely to see residents walking their dog, tending their gardens, sipping iced tea on their front porches, or strolling the sidewalks with their kids.

This is an area where residents put down roots and spend weekends brunching with friends, holidays with family, and summers at the local pool with the kids.

One of Boise’s largest neighborhoods with just over 20,000 residents, Collister sits to the north of State Street along lush green lanes under a mature canopy of trees.

Although this area has grown considerably over the years, it has managed to retain much of its original historic charm. Large lots and historic structures and homes, community gardens, urban forest, nearby foothills, and even pasture land give this neighborhood that rural vibe many crave. And yet, this oasis is only a short 12 minutes from the downtown core of Boise and surrounded by convenient nearby shopping and dining.

What Locals Love About the Collister Neighborhood

Smack dab in the middle of the Boise River Greenbelt and the Foothills Ridge to Rivers trails system, the Collister neighborhood frequently draws in new residents to join the established community. Promises of nearby outdoor recreation, serenity, stability, and family-friendliness make this area compelling for home seekers.

The neighborhood holds a rich sense of history that has been preserved to the present day. The neighboorhood, as well as a street and elementary school, are named for Dr. George Collister, one of Boise’s early landowners and physicians. During the 1880s, Dr. Collister bought much of the area that is now Collister Neighborhood and planted some 11,000 trees to create one of the first peach orchards in the state.

This Boise neighborhood boasts several historic buildings and landmarks, such as the beautiful Collister Elementary School. Built in 1912, Collister Elementary was designed by famed local architects Tourtellotte & Hummel and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Outdoor Access

The Collister neighborhood has the whole of Boise’s magnificent outdoor playground at its fingertips. In the Collister-area foothills, you will find The Polecat Trails, a system over of seven miles of winding trails with astonishing views of the Boise ridgeline and surrounding Treasure Valley. Residents also enjoy nearby access to the Boise River Greenbelt, as well as the Hillside to Hollow trail system.

Serenity and Family-Friendliness

There’s a sense of old fashioned friendliness, safety, and community in the Collister neighborhood. Collister is safer than 67% of the cities in Idaho, while an overall crime rate that is half the national average. At $82,595, the area's median household income is nearly 50% higher than the national average. High school graduation rates are above the US average and test scores are 27% higher. The Collister neighborhood offers a home base for stability and growth for you and your family.

Collister Boise ID Neighborhood Map

The Collister Boise Lifestyle

The Collister lifestyle is a laidback one. During the week, Collister residents likely enjoy a short commute to a local employer. On the weekends, you’re likely to find Collister residents experiencing the benefits of their spacious lots and chill neighborhood: they’ll be tending their gardens and yards, walking their dogs, hitting the foothills trails, spending time with their families, and planning (or more likely appreciating) their home remodel.

Local Favorites

Although Collister has a sleepy, tight-knit vibe, there are plenty of local attractions and entertainment. There are retail hubs in and around Collister that make dining and shopping convenient. In the areas around Collister and State Streets, as well as 36th and Hill Streets, amenities and shopping abound. Grocery stores such as the Boise Co-Op and pharmacies such as Walgreens and Albertsons are minutes away, while local restaurants and hot spots are within walking distance.

A few of the neighborhood’s shopping, dining, and recreation hot spots include:

  • Library at Collister
  • Catalpa Park
  • Taqueria El Torito
  • Flying Pie Pizzaria
  • Boise Fry Company
  • Eddie’s Diner
  • Janjou Patisserie
  • 36th Street Garden Center & Bistro
  • Edwards Greenhouse
  • Plantation Country Club and golf course

Living in Collister Homes & Real Estate

While the street grid dates back to the 1940s-50s, most of the homes were built in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. The area is characterized by well-kept lawns, wide and quiet streets, and mature trees and landscaping. Homes here sit on quarter-acre lots and offer expansive back yards.

With a median home price of around $330,000, area homes are more affordable than nearby North Boise to the east of Collister, and Eagle, ID to the west, and a bit pricier than West Boise and Garden City to the south.

Sycamore District

Near Collister Elementary and bounded by Catalpa Drive, 39th Street, Taft Street, and Sycamore Drive, the area that is now the Sycamore District was originally laid out in the 1940s. Once called the “North End Agricultural District,” this neighborhood was designed as what we would today call a "sustainable community." The area was divided into 98 seven-eighths acre homesites offering enough space for a horse, cow, and 150 chickens. Although you may not be moving in with a menagerie of livestock today, the generous lot sizes and retro architecture of this area have maintained their charm.

With an average listing price of right around $500,000, you will find an eclectic mix of exquisitely remodeled Craftsman homes and newer construction with all the modern features. These homes sit just down the hill from 18-hole Quail Hollow Golf Course and local favorite, 36th St Garden Center & Bistro, and are a short bike ride away from half a dozen city parks including Camels Back Park.

Jordan’s Landing

Centered around John’s Landing Way just south of Hill Road and Cynthia Mann Elementary School, you will find the Jordan’s Landing subdivision. Developed between the late 70s and early 90s, this area is quiet, clean, and well kept, with a classic neighborhood vibe. Homebuyers love it for its location, nearby amenities, walkability, and at right around $300,000, its relatively affordable prices.

Belmar Estates

Situated just north of the 9-hole Pierce Park Greens and south of Hill Road, the Belmar Estates homes are perfect for anyone looking to join the Collister neighborhood but wanting newer construction. The single and two-story Belmar Estates homes were built between 2016 and 2019.

Briarhill

Even further into the foothills than the nearby Quail Ridge neighborhood, Briarhill homes offer views of the foothills and trails literally right outside your back door. This desirable area features charming 70s and 80s homes and townhouses, with gradual elevation gain and stunning views. You can’t beat the outdoor access of this quaint area.

Collister at a Glance

  • Location: The neighborhood is situated north of W State St and W Taft St and bounded by N Pierce Park Ln to the west and N 36th St to the east. Nearby Boise neighborhoods include Pierce Park, Quail Ridge, and Sunset.
  • Distance from Downtown Boise: 12 minutes
  • Walk Score: 34
  • Bike Score: 60
  • Median Home Value: $330,367
  • Average Rent: $1,370

Boise Real Estate Agent Lisa Kohl

Lisa Kohl

Lisa Kohl is a top Idaho Realtor and creator of WeKnowBoise.com. From Southeast Boise to the North End, up to Eagle and west to Meridian, or right in the middle of the Boise Bench and downtown - We Know Boise. Whether buying or selling a home, we provide full-service real estate solutions dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals.

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