Boise's Warm Springs Mesa Neighborhood: An Insider's Guide
Posted by Lisa Kohl on Monday, July 1st, 2019 at 4:33pm
Two geological mesas tower over downtown Boise, both recognizable local landmarks.
One is Table Rock, a popular hiking destination. The other is Warm Springs Mesa, also known by locals as simply the “Mesa,” one of Boise’s most desirable neighborhoods.
Warm Springs Mesa is a well-established East Boise Foothills neighborhood that sits above Warm Springs Avenue on a natural plateau. Many homes in the area enjoy striking panoramic views of the Owyhee Mountains, Barber Valley, the Boise Front Range, and downtown Boise.
Right outside Mesa residents’ doors sit attractions like the historic Tram Trail and Table Rock. Families put down roots in this neighborhood with bike-friendly streets and backyard access to outdoor recreation.
When it comes to location, it’s nearly impossible to beat the Mesa. The Boise River and its famous miles-long greenbelt curls along the base of this community, while foothill trails frame it in. The neighborhood is connected to downtown Boise with quick access but maintains a set apart and serene feel.
Warm Springs Mesa has one of the highest home ownership rates in Idaho.
Warm Springs Mesa has a safe and quiet vibe, and residents know they’ve tapped into something special. They value their access to local parks and open spaces and take full advantage of nearby attractions such as bikeways, the greenbelt, and the Warm Springs Golf Course.
This neighborhood has a strong sense of community, with each property maintaining a sense of individuality—there are no “cookie cutter” homes in this neighborhood.
Let’s explore more of why Warm Springs Mesa is one of Boise’s best neighborhoods.
View from the Mesa @rita_and_toby_griffss/Instagram
Why Locals Love Warm Springs Mesa
With nearly 3,200 residents, Warm Springs Mesa is well-known as a “destination neighborhood.” One of Boise's most popular; local buyers want to live specifically in this area and ask for it by name. Houses are snatched up fast, and it’s easy to see why when you list out the many perks of this charming community.
Excellent Location
The term location, location, location was invented to describe neighborhoods like Warms Springs Mesa. Residents enjoy a lightning-fast commute to some Boise’s most frequently-visited destinations: 10 minutes to downtown, six minutes to Marianne Williams Park, five minutes to the Idaho Botanical Garden and Boise River Greenbelt, and just three minutes to the Warm Springs Golf Course. You get the idea: this location is sought after for a reason.
Privacy and Serenity
What do you think of when you hear “no through streets” and “quiet”? You should think of Warm Springs Mesa. Residents love that they can experience the conveniences of living near downtown while enjoying the tranquility of a truly serene neighborhood.
A Sense of Community
Warm Springs Mesa fosters a close-knit community. Area schools Riverside Elementary and Timberline High School are well-ranked according to GreatSchools.org, and many families bike or walk to school together. Community events bring neighbors out of their backyards and into the tree-lined streets every year, including an annual picnic, a yearly “Eggstravaganza,” and an annual neighborhood yard sale.
Unique Homes and Gorgeous Views
Many homes in the Warm Springs Mesa area were specifically designed to take in the view. Most homes have at least a partial view, while it’s common to see panoramic city, foothill, and valley views. This neighborhood was designed with individuality in mind, and most homes were semi-custom built with a unique floor plan created for the homesite.
Popular Nearby Recreation and Attractions
Warm Springs Mesa residents enjoy proximity to some of Boise’s most popular attractions.
- Boise River Greenbelt: Imagine having 25 miles of paved riverside trails within walking distance from your house. Warm Springs Mesa residents have that kind of access to the beloved Boise River Greenbelt.
- The Boise Foothills: On the northern side of the neighborhood, you will find unparalleled connectivity to Table Rock (a 20-30 minute walk for most residents) and Boise’s 150-mile Ridge to Rivers trail system including the Tram Trail, Table Rock Trail, Table Rock Loop, Rock Garden, Rock Island, Table Rock Quarry, and Quarry Trail.
- Bown Crossing: On warm summer days, locals can ride their bikes to the quaint nearby shopping and dining at Bown Crossing. Gelato, Italian food, a local library branch, and more are available at Bown Crossing.
- Warm Springs Golf Course: With riverside scenery and a prime location, the Warm Springs Golf Course is a popular local spot for Mesa residents.
- Idaho Botanical Garden: The Idaho Botanical Garden offers a peaceful escape from busy modern life and welcomes Warm Springs Mesa residents to slow down and smell the flowers.
Warm Springs Mesa Real Estate and Neighborhoods
The Warm Springs Mesa neighborhood is made up of three smaller subdivisions: Warms Springs Mesa Subdivision, Boulder Heights, and El Paseo. Throughout the area, the typical home has an average of four beds and three baths.
There’s an eclectic mix of home styles throughout the Warm Springs Mesa area, making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. There are fantastic examples of mid-century and 60s homes, as well as classic ranch-style houses and 70s “moderns.” You’ll see plenty of Northwestern Traditional homes in the style of the 80s and 90s with an upscale feel. There are also many contemporary designs in the neighborhood, featuring big windows, clean lines, and asymmetrical right angles.
Warms Springs Mesa Subdivision
The Warm Springs Mesa Subdivision has a classic neighborhood quality, with average home sizes around 2,600 square feet. Homes in this area were built between 1960 and 1990, and you can see the care of their craftsmanship. These homes are around twice the size of the typical family home of their time. Most homes in the Warm Springs Mesa Subdivision have been extensively updated and remodeled.
Boulder Heights
Most of the homes in the Boulder Heights neighborhood were built between 1992 and 2001, with some later infills. This neighborhood offers large lots, often just under a third of an acre, providing homeowner privacy. The typical home in Boulder Heights is likely to have many modern updates and be around 3,100 square feet. Many lucky homeowners in the Boulder Heights neighborhood have panoramic views of the city from downtown to Table Rock and the Owyhees. Some homes have double and even triple level decks, perfect for taking in the views.
El Paseo
Close enough to bike into downtown but defined by peace and quiet, the El Paseo community is a contemporary oasis. Development in this area began in 2005, and today the neighborhood is still growing and is about half complete. Homes in El Paseo are custom built and average around 4,100 square feet in size and typically sit on properties of around 0.3 to over one acre (13,068 to 43,560+ sq ft). Homes in El Paseo have a contemporary design, often featuring stunning walls of windows, ideally suited to the views they frame.
Warm Springs Mesa at a Glance
- Location: Warm Springs Mesa is situated east of Warm Springs Avenue just south of the East End and north of the Barber Valley neighborhood.
- Distance from Downtown Boise: 10 minutes
- Walk Score: 1
- Bike Score: 58
- Median Home Value: $613,472
- Average Rent: $2,115
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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