Meet the Neighborhood: Columbia Village in Southeast Boise

Posted by Lisa Kohl on Tuesday, May 14th, 2019 at 3:52pm

On the far end of Southeast Boise sits a charming neighborhood with tree-lined streets, sprawling family homes, and a serene vibe.

One of the first master-planned developments in Boise, Columbia Village is a well-established and highly desirable neighborhood. This gem of a community is bordered by Amity Road to the north, Federal Way to the west and Highway 21 to the south, with next-door access to major local employer Micron and only minutes away from downtown and the freeway.

With homes built in the 1990s, Columbia Village real estate is highly sought after. Home-hunting hopefuls are drawn to this idyllic area built around top-performing schools and the expansive 161-acre Simplot Sports Complex.

Known as a particularly family-friendly neighborhood, Columbia Village boasts miles of walking trails nearby, stunning views of the hills surrounding Boise, and a tucked-away feel that belies the area’s accessibility. Unbeatable amenities combine with an ideal location to make Columbia Village one of the most alluring communities in Boise.

We Locals Love Columbia Village

Homes in Columbia Village don’t come up for sale often, and when they do, they’re snatched up quickly. When you look at the available amenities, conveniences, and nearby attractions, it’s easy to see why. Columbia Village is a neighborhood that tempts residents to put down roots and get to know their neighbors, send their kids to school on bikes and enjoy a short, pleasant commute to work.

One of a Kind Amenities

When it comes to neighborhood amenities, it’s hard to beat Columbia Village. The neighborhood is built around the enormous Simplot Sports Complex, meaning there’s an activity for the whole family happening almost every day.

With soccer and little league fields, the Simplot Sports Complex is a staple in Boise sports and serves as a massive open space for recreation right in the center of the Columbia Village community. In addition, Columbia Village Recreation Center amenities include:

Outdoor tennis court
Exercise and weight room
Indoor racquetball court
Four outdoor swimming pools with warm-weather operation
Disc-golf course
RV storage area available for residents to rent
A 90-person meeting room available for residents to reserve, complete with a full kitchen
Adult and children’s library

Lake and Outdoor Access

Columbia Village is nearly unparalleled in access to Boise’s own sandy beach and lake: Lucky Peak State Park. Only eight miles southeast of Boise, Lucky Peak is an enchanting oasis of outdoor recreation, with access for sailing, fishing, picnicking, swimming, and more. Lucky Peak includes docks and an open reservoir for boating as well as a swimming area and beach at Sandy Point.

Columbia Village residents have this Boise-area treasure in their own back yards with only 10 minutes of drive time between their doorsteps and the beach. Lake enthusiasts will be hard pressed to find a better spot to call home in Boise than Columbia Village, a place where they can enjoy quick access to downtown and the freeway and have their boat in the water within an hour at any time. Lease a boat slip at Spring Shores Marina and spend your weekends on the water.

Besides Lucky Peak, there are multiple other outdoor recreation opportunities near the Columbia Village neighborhood.

Oregon Trail Reserve: This 77-acre site offers scenic views and features preserved sites of the Oregon Trail.
Highway 21 access: If you hop on Highway 21 from Columbia Village, within 30 minutes you’ll hit the iconic pine trees of the Idaho mountains. If you’re the type who wants to spend your weekends getting into nature and taking a break from urban living, Columbia Village offers that escape just a short drive up the highway. Take a quick trip up to The Springs and Idaho City, or choose a hike along the North Fork of the Boise River.
Boise River Greenbelt: The Greenbelt is a leisurely bike ride or walk from Columbia Village, connecting the area to the rest of the city along the edge of the pristine Boise River.

Walkability and Serenity

If you take a drive through Columbia Village, you’ll quickly notice that many streets end in a cul-de-sac or a quiet loop. This prevents through-traffic and makes the area even more serene. On summer nights, you’ll hear the crickets clearly with no traffic noise, no city din, and little light pollution to block your view of the stars. Families love knowing their kids are safe biking, walking, and playing along the peaceful streets of Columbia Village.

If you’re looking for a home set against the backdrop of nature, Columbia Village may be the right choice for you. Some of the properties near Columbia Village in Oregon Trail Heights offer unmatched views of the Southeast Boise foothills and Tablerock. These homes on the rim rarely hit the market.

Living in Columbia Village

Many Columbia Village residents work at Micron Technology, one of Idaho’s largest employers, located just minutes from the neighborhood. This means most people in the area enjoy short commutes on low-traffic roads.

Given the access to amenities and outdoor recreation, you may see Columbia Village residents staying in their neighborhood during the week and on the weekends, attending soccer matches at Simplot Sports Complex or biking the trails in and around their area. As with any neighborhood this size, there are several shopping, dining, and banking opportunities nearby, making it easy for residents to stay close to home when it’s convenient.

During the summer months, you’ll likely find Columbia Village residents at Lucky Peak State Park, basking in the warm Idaho sun and relaxing on the beach at Sandy Point. If they’re taking a break from the water, they may hop on their bikes and head downtown on the weekend to the Capital City Public Market or the Boise Farmers Market, just a short ride down the greenbelt from them. Throughout the week, they may take in a show at Boise’s unique Idaho Shakespeare Festival in the outdoor amphitheater.

When the weather is chilly, Columbia Village residents won’t run out of entertainment. You’ll see them at the downtown Boise Edwards theater catching a movie, dining out at one of Boise’s best restaurants, or experiencing live music at a local hot spot.

With their proximity to downtown Boise, Columbia Village residents are always just minutes away from all the art, culture, and entertainment the city has to offer.

Columbia Village Real Estate

Columbia Village was developed in the 1990s, and many of the homes in the neighborhood have large floorplans and generous lots. This high-demand area sees homes for sale ranging in price from the low $200s to the high $500s. There are several neighborhoods in the Columbia Village area, including:

Oregon Trail Heights: This highly sought-after area was the very first development in this part of Southeast Boise, even pre-dated Columbia Village, and features homes built in the 1970s. Homes in this area rarely hit the market and are often competitive to purchase.
Silverado Ranch: On the southeast side of the development, homes in the Silverado Ranch neighborhood were built in the late 1990s and feature a bit larger lot sizes.
Cove East: The homes in the Cove East neighborhood are smaller than most Columbia Village homes, and some are nestled right into the hillside, giving a unique touch of natural beauty.

Columbia Village at a Glance

Location: South of Amity Rd, north of Gowen Rd with Federal Way on the western edge and Lake Forest on the eastern border.
Distance from Downtown Boise: 15 minutes
Walk Score: 3
Bike Score: 51
Median Home Value: $286,650
Average Rent: $1,185

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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