2 0 2 4
IDAHO
Amy Phillips
eXp Realty
(208) 867-6637
208sold@gmail.com
208soldidaho.com
This Guide Compliments Of:
AMY PHILLIPS
Meet Your Local Real Estate Experts
Thinking of Relocating to Idaho? Let the
Phillips Team be your trusted guide. Amy and
Jon Phillips are longtime residents with deep
ties to Boise and the surrounding areas, and
offer invaluable expertise to ensure a smooth
and seamless move.
Amy, a proud native of Idaho, brings her
background in education and community
service to the table, providing a unique
perspective on the local landscape. Jon’s
extensive experience in construction and
management offers a keen understanding of
Idaho’s housing market, providing meticulous
attention to detail in every aspect of the
relocation process.
As passionate members of the Boise
community, Amy and Jon are committed to
helping newcomers settle in comfortably.
Their relocation guide offers insights
into Boise and its surroundings, covering
everything from neighborhoods and school
districts to recreational opportunities and
essential resources.
With the Phillips Team by your side, you’ll
discover the best that Idaho has to offer,
whether you’re drawn to the vibrant
downtown scene or the tranquility of its
natural landscapes. Trust Amy and Jon’s
dedication and expertise to help you find
your next landing place. Contact them today!
Amy Phillips
(208) 867-6637
208sold@gmail.com
/eagleidahohomes
@amy_phillips_realty
CONTENTS
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36
37
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46
48
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51
54
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What We Love About Boise
Idaho Culture and Seasons
Annual Events
Outdoor Activities
Hiking Trails
Golfing
Winter Recreation
Parks and Recreation
Hot Springs
Arts and Culture
Libraries
Family Fun
Sweets and Treats
Coffee Culture
Entertainment
Cocktails and Speakeasies
Local Sports
Treasure Valley Map
Boise
Higher Education
Garden City
Breweries
Eagle
Meridian
Farmers Markets
Kuna
Nampa
Caldwell
Wine Tour
Star
Middleton
Emmett / Mountain Home
In-State Destinations
School District Directory
Utilities & Contacts
Moving Tips
24
40
21
23
30
S
OUTDOOR RECREATION
COMMUNITY CHARACTER
CULTURAL EVENTS
LOCAL FOOD SCENE
QUALITY OF LIFE
BOISE’S URBAN AMENITIES
FOUR SEASONS
PROXIMITY TO NATURE
SENSE OF SAFETY
STRONG LOCAL ECONOMY
The Treasure Valley is surrounded by natural beauty,
offering abundant opportunities for outdoor activities. We
love hiking in the foothills, exploring scenic trails, and tak-
ing advantage of nearby rivers for fishing, exploring along the
greenbelt, and floating the river.
The Treasure Valley maintains a friendly and close-knit community atmosphere. Idahoans often appreciate the
strong sense of community and the welcoming nature of their neighbors. You’ll always find a friendly face.
Boise hosts a variety of cultural events, festivals, and local fairs throughout the year. These events provide
opportunities for residents to come together, celebrate, and enjoy the vibrant local culture.
From farmers’ markets to food truck parks to diverse dining options, the Treasure Valley is known for its thriving
local food scene. Residents enjoy access to fresh, locally grown produce and a range of culinary experiences.
The Treasure Valley offers a high quality of life with a relatively low cost of living compared to some other
parts of the country. This, coupled with a strong job market and good schools, makes it an attractive place for
families.
Boise, the capital city of Idaho located in the Treasure Valley, provides urban amenities without the
congestion of larger cities. Residents appreciate the vibrant downtown, cultural institutions, and recreational
opportunities Boise offers.
We enjoy experiencing all four seasons, from snowy winters, blooming springs, warm summers, and crisp
autumns. Each season brings its own charm and a variety of outdoor activities, contributing to a well-rounded
and enjoyable living experience.
The Treasure Valley is surrounded by natural wonders, including mountains, forests, and rivers. We value the
easy access to outdoor adventures, whether it’s a weekend camping trip or a day exploring scenic landscapes.
Many residents appreciate the overall sense of safety and security in the Treasure Valley. The area is known
for its low crime rates and the feeling of being in a secure environment.
The area has experienced economic growth, and those living here appreciate the job opportunities and
economic stability that come with it.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT
BOISE
IDAHO
FACTS
ABOUT
POPULATION
CAPITAL
1.94 Million
Land Area
River
Miles
Sq. Miles
Est. 1890
BOISE
STATE GEM
STATE BIRD
ELEVATION
STATE FLOWER
Star
Garnet
Mountain
Bluebird
Syringa
83,557
3,500
Highest 12,662 ft. (Mt. Borah)
Lowest 738 ft. (Lewiston, ID)
STATE FRUIT
STATE TREE
Huckleberries
Western
White Pine
STATE FOOD
Potato
(with fry sauce)
2024 Moving to Idaho Relocation Guide 3
TRANSIT
TIPS
ALL ABOUT ROUNDABOUTS
In Boise’s roundabouts, yield to traffic already in
the circle. When entering, choose the correct lane
early: right lane for right turns or straight ahead,
left lane for left turns or U-turns. The essentials:
Lane Choice: Select your lane before entering
and stick to it throughout.
Yield: Yield to both pedestrians and oncoming
traffic when entering and exiting the roundabout.
Don’t stop once inside; incoming traffic should
yield to you.
Caution and Speed: Slow down for safety,
staying alert for pedestrians, unexpected lane
changes, and large or emergency vehicles.
ZIPPERING 101: A QUICK OVERVIEW
The zipper merge, used correctly, counters
the issues of early merging at “lane closed
ahead” signs, which can cause traffic jams and
frustration. Using both lanes fully until the merge
point, then alternating turns to merge, much like
a zipper’s teeth. This technique balances lane
speeds, cuts traffic backup by up to 40%, and
smooths out congestion at freeway interchanges,
ensuring a fair and efficient flow for all lanes.
• Use both lanes until the merge point.
• Alternate turns merging for fairness and
efficiency.
• Best used in heavy, slow-moving traffic.
Driving culture is marked by courtesy and cooperation, evident in
behaviors like smooth merging and efficient roundabout use.
For those residing in Boise or its surrounding areas, having a car
is recommended, especially for those living outside the city. Public
transit, mainly provided by Valley Regional Transit, is available but
might not be sufficient for all travel outside of Boise city.
The Treasure Valley is characterized by its friendly and warm atmosphere, where manners, mutual
respect, and kindness are deeply embedded in the community’s culture. This welcoming nature
is expressed through everyday interactions like smiles, eye contact, holding doors, and friendly
conversations, reinforcing the Valley’s reputation as being hospitable and congenial.
The area has experienced an influx of newcomers. As the population grows, it brings a shared duty to
respect the environment. Keeping cities clean, preserving wildlife, and protecting natural habitats are
not just civic duties but are also essential to sustaining the quality of life that Idaho offers.
Despite the common misnomer “BOY-zee,”
locals lovingly correct it to “BOY-see,” also known
as The City of Trees. This moniker, rooted in its
French etymology meaning “wooded” or “forested,”
encapsulates the lush landscapes and tree-lined
streets.
Navigating the unique pronunciations of towns and
streets can be a challenge. For instance, Ustick is
pronounced “You-stick,”, Chinden Boulevard, “Chin-din”
a contraction of “CHINese garDEN,” pays homage to the
Chinese settlers and their bountiful gardens in what is
now Garden City. The town of Kuna, contrary to intuitive
pronunciation, sounds more like “Q-na,”.
THE POTATO
COMMUNITY OF COURTESY
TATER KINGS
TALK LIKE A LOCAL
Idaho isn’t just famous for potatoes; it’s the U.S. champion, producing a whopping one-third of the
nation’s spuds. Talk about being a potato powerhouse!
Soak in the SEASONS
Winter
Summer
Spring
DECEMBER
High 38°F | Low 25°F
JUNE
High 82°F | Low 55°F
MARCH
High 55°F | Low 36°F
JANUARY
High 38°F | Low 25°F
JULY
High 92°F | Low 62°F
APRIL
High 64°F | Low 41°F
FEBRUARY
High 38°F | Low 25°F
AUGUST
High 90°F | Low 61°F
MAY
High 72°F | Low 48°F
PRECIPITATION
5.1”
PRECIPITATION
1”
PRECIPITATION
3.2”
Boise’s winter brings crisp cool air and snowy days.
What the fog? Inversions with low fog can last
several days.
Boise’s summer welcomes increasing temperatures,
plenty of sunshine, and occasional refreshing
showers, resulting in warm and comfortable weather.
Autumn
Marked by dropping temperatures, an
invigorating atmosphere and breathtaking fall
colors, accompanied by cloud cover, humidity,
SEPTEMBER
High 80°F | Low 43°F
OCTOBER
High 65°F | Low 43°F
NOVEMBER
High 49°F | Low 33°F
PRECIPITATION
3.6”
Spring in Boise brings mild weather, with
abundant sunshine exceeding rainy days, offering
a predominantly clear and sunny climate.
Boise experiences four distinct seasons, with blossoming springs, warm summers,
colorful autumns, and serene snowy winters, each providing a varied and lively
atmosphere throughout the year.
2024 Moving to Idaho Relocation Guide 5
Spring
Welcome
to Boise: A
Year-Round
Playground!
EVENTS
Explore the Idaho Sportsman’s Show, offering
outdoor enthusiasts the latest in hunting and
fishing gear. Discover classic cars at the Annual
Roadster Show, find home inspiration at the
Boise Home Show, and browse one-of-a-kind
finds at the Treasure Valley Flea Market.
Fairy & Gnome House Exhibit
Idaho Botanical Garden - April
Explore the enchanting world of the Fairy &
Gnome House Exhibit where imaginative
creations bring the garden to life. This annual
event offers a magical escape for visitors of all
ages, making it a delightful experience for families
and nature enthusiasts alike.
Expo Idaho Spring Lineup
The Treasure Valley’s diverse and vibrant
seasonal activities reflect the community’s
spirit and the beauty of its surroundings!
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly
adventures or cozy date night spots, Boise
has something for everyone.
Gem State Comic Con
Expo Idaho - April
Gem State Comic Con stands as Idaho’s
premier pop culture event, uniting enthusiasts
from multiple fandoms. Recognized as Idaho’s
official and longest-running comic con and pop
culture convention. This expansive event caters
to fans of comic books, movies, celebrity guests,
video games, cosplay, toys, games, anime, live
entertainment, and more.
It has consistently built lasting memories
for families and friends, fostering a sense
of community through shared enjoyment.
Anticipating the return of avid fandom friends,
Gem State Comic Con 2024 is scheduled for April
at Expo Idaho.
Expo Idaho - March
6 2024 Moving to Idaho Relocation Guide
EVENTS
Race To Robie Creek
The Race to Robie Creek® is a challenging
13.1-mile course starting at Fort Boise Park.
The electronically timed race, with awards
based on gun time, takes participants
through various terrains, including a dirt
section and a descent into Robie Creek. The
festive post-race party is open to participants
and guests. With a history dating back to
1975, this event has donated over $1,200,000
to community causes, offering a unique
and charitable experience for participants,
combining the thrill of a challenging run with
the joy of giving back.
Speeding Through Spring
March - October
Firebird Raceway is a drag racing facility with
a quarter-mile-long track. Along with multiple
events and car shows, fans of all ages can come
to watch the races at this National Hot Rod
Association member track.
In the heart of the Treasure Valley, Meridian
Speedway is a premier racing venue that
draws enthusiastic crowds. Hosting a season of
exciting events, this family-friendly speedway is
a thrilling hub for motorsports enthusiasts in the
community.
8 2024 Moving to Idaho Relocation Guide