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

Posted by Lisa Kohl on Tuesday, January 14th, 2020 at 10:46am

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 city’s most popular rides via Hill Road, while more casual bikers can get on the 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt through nearby Veteran’s Park.

When not out exploring on two wheels, residents can be found at Sunset Park, a popular 10-acre neighborhood park that features softball, tennis and basketball courts, a sheltered picnic area, a bike repair station, and a 4.3-acre off-leash dog area.

Throughout the seasons, you can see families strolling to and from the park, often with a leash in hand (and if the timing is right, during a picturesque sunset). Residents are even working with the city to install a walking path that runs straight from Sunset Park to the Albertson's marketplace on 36th Street and State Street. Once completed, the already popular path will make last-minute picnic runs more convenient.

Neighbors also love Lowell Pool – an Art Deco-style public pool open all summer – the Quail Hollow Golf Course, and adjacent to it, Hillside Park. The park connects to foothills trails and hosts little league fields, a meandering creek and, uniquely, a public equestrian facility.

In addition, the neighborhood is located just three miles from downtown and all the nightlife it has to offer. While Sunset is often combined with the historic North End neighborhood, homes here are newer – predominantly from the 1940s and ‘50s – interspersed with new development.

Most residents own their homes and tout the perks of living in the Sunset Neighborhood as “living the North End lifestyle without its price tag.” For this reason, available homes often spend less than two weeks on the market.

Sunset’s public schools are highly rated and its sleepy streets and park access make it a popular choice for outgoing families with small children. Here, neighbors who know each other, if not by name than by hobby (or dog). These are people who take “being neighborly” to heart and extend open neighborhood invitations to Thanksgiving dinner and other holiday celebrations, so that no one feels alone.

For these and many other reasons, residents have a strong sense of identity and pride in their neighborhood. Ask most Boiseans where they live and you will hear generalities – “northwest Boise” or “near the airport.” Ask folks in this neighborhood and they will tell you Sunset is their home. Tying into the area’s tight-knit sense of community, a number of well-attended events are organized by the active Sunset Neighborhood Association throughout the year.

Popular Sunset Neighborhood Shops & Restaurants

Residents have a diverse array of dining options within walking or driving distance, thanks to the State Street corridor and Hill Road. The Collister Shopping Center on State Street features locally-owned Mexican and Chinese restaurants, as well as a branch of the Boise Library. A few blocks down State Street is Kibroms Restaurant, a wildly popular family-owned Ethiopian and Eritrean restaurant.

Individuals with a taste for finer dining often find themselves at the 36th Street Garden Center and Bistro off of Hill Road, where you can enjoy a satisfying brunch and after, browse for new plants in the adjacent sun-filled conservatory. Speaking of plants, Boise’s beloved Edwards Greenhouse is also located nearby.

Boise’s Sunset Neighborhood at a Glance

Location: The Sunset Neighborhood can be found in North Boise and is bordered by 28th and 36th Streets to the east and west and Hill Road and State Street to the north and south. Nearby Boise neighborhoods include the North End, Collister, and Central Foothills.
Distance from Downtown Boise: 9 minutes
Walk Score: 47
Bike Score: 72
Median Home Value: $349,500
Average Rent: $1,529

Lisa Kohl

Lisa 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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