Boise Idaho Rainbow

Boise, Idaho

Boise, ID- Live. Work. Play

Boise has ranked higher than 90% of the country for job and high-tech GDP growth plus reported some of the lowest unemployment and property crime rates for the metro areas. Those promising statistics are part of the city’s boom in popularity.
Boise is also a recreationist’s paradise with immediate access to rivers, mountains, canyons, deserts, and lakes. With all of these activities encapsulated herein—plus so much more, you may realize Boise just might be the place for you!

Curious if Boise, Idaho is right for you?

We’re 96% sure it is!

State of IdahoFour Seasons Create Year-Round Outdoor Enjoyment
Summers are sunny and hot, letting everyone enjoy the nearby rivers and lakes. Fall is colorful with warm days and cool evenings. Winters are cold, which means it's time to play at the local ski hill, Bogus Basin. Spring starts in March as we watch the flowers and trees bloom. We aren't called the City of Trees for nothing!

 

PerspectiveThe Terrain Offers Amazing Perspectives
Treasure Valley includes a wide variety of landscapes including waterscapes like Boise River, Snake River, and Payette River. There is also a multitude of areas like deserts, foothills, mountains, cliffs, canyons, and natural spectacles. We also enjoy square hundreds of square miles of open space, public lands, National Forests, and nature preserves.

 

Culture in IdahoAn Abundance of Culture
At any time, there are plenty of things to do: Ballet Idaho, Shakespeare, and local theatre, philharmonic orchestras, and independent movies for those seeking the fine arts. Enjoy music festivals, fairs, farmers' markets, and other community events throughout the year. There is also local history everywhere including Basque Block, Fort Boise, Idaho State Capitol, and multiple museums.

 

Move to IdahoIt's About Time for your Move to Boise
Enjoy where you live! We enjoy over 200 days of sunny weather. The average commute time is about 30 minutes, Short Commute = More Time for Yourself. Our incredible quality of life has attracted a thriving mix of people. maintaining a friendly vibe, which has helped us become nationally recognized as a great place to live, work, and play.

History of Boise ID

The land that would become Boise, Idaho, is thought to have been discovered by a group of French Canadian fur trappers. In the 19th century, these explorers looked over Bonneville Point and were immediately impressed with the land's expanse of trees. Today, the city is still commonly referred to as "The City of Trees."

Fort Boise was established in 1834, about 40 miles from where the city of Boise stands today. The location was chosen for convenience; it was situated at the mouth of the Boise River. Unfortunately, trouble with the local Native Americans prompted the military to abandon the original fort location.

A new fort location along the Oregon Trail was chosen, shortly after gold was discovered in the area in 1862. The lure of gold and the protection of the military attracted settlers to the Fort next to the town. As well, the Oregon Trail, a popular route running from Missouri to Oregon, brought many travelers through the area, increasing the need for trade and services in the town.

Boise was incorporated as a city within the Idaho Territory in 1864. At that time, the existing capital of the territory was Lewiston, but many believed Boise was a more desirable choice for the capital. A resolution was drafted to switch the capital to Boise in December of the same year.

The city's population contracted somewhat after the gold rush, but progress continued throughout the second half of the 19th century. Notable development projects of that era include the completion of the Capitol Building and a streetcar system. Idaho became a state in 1890 and Boise was again declared its capital. At that time, the city's population was about 88,000.

By 1910, the population continued to swell and the infrastructure was in need of expansion. The next year, construction was started on the Arrowrock Dam, which would be the tallest facility of its kind until 1932. Arrowrock was listed on the National Historic Register in 1976.

Boise built its first airport in 1926 and then expanded to a new facility in 1936. The larger facility, called Gowen Field, was leased by the Army Air Corps and used as a training base for the crews of B-17s and B-24s during World War II. After the war ended, the Idaho National Guard leased Gowen Field from the city and continues to use the site today.