Boise, ID, is more than just the capital of Idaho; it’s a city that seamlessly blends urban amenities with outdoor adventures. Nestled in the heart of the Treasure Valley, Boise offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, a thriving downtown area, and easy access to the beautiful Boise River and foothills. Whether you’re settling into a new apartment in Boise, hunting for homes in the city, or have been a longtime resident, this Redfin article will dive into some fun facts about Boise you’ll want to know.
Boise is known as the “City of Trees” because of its abundance of trees throughout the city. In fact, Boise has over 100,000 trees within the city limits, making it one of the most tree-filled cities in the United States.
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Boise has consistently seen its population grow over the years, and that trend has continued recently. Its population has been growing at a rapid pace, increasing at an average rate of 1.5% per year since 2010. 2020 saw the population increase by 6%. This trend has corresponded with Boise’s economic growth.
3. Boise is located in the potato capital of the US
4. The Idaho Shakespeare Festival is hosted in Boise
Boise is home to the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, which takes place in an outdoor amphitheater during the summer months. The festival features performances of Shakespearean plays and other classic works, attracting theater-goers from all over the region. The 2024 lineup includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Merry Wives of Windsor.
5. Boise is home to a large Basque community
Boise is home to one of the largest Basque communities in the United States. The Basque Block in downtown Boise is a vibrant cultural hub with Basque restaurants, shops, and a museum celebrating the Basque heritage.
6. Boise State University’s football team plays on a blue field
Boise State University is known for its iconic blue football field, which was introduced in 1986. The unique color of the turf at Albertsons Stadium has gained national attention and has become a symbol of the Broncos football program.
7. The World Center for Birds of Prey is based in Boise
Boise is home to the World Center for Birds of Prey, a conservation organization dedicated to the protection of birds of prey. The center offers educational programs and live bird demonstrations, making it a unique and educational experience for visitors.
8. The Boise River Greenbelt is a recreational hotspot
The Boise River Greenbelt is a 25-mile long pathway that runs along the Boise River, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for walkers, runners, and cyclists. It’s a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. A series of parks, known as the “Ribbon of Jewels,” run along the Greenbelt.
9. Boise has a notable outdoor mural gallery
Boise is home to the Freak Alley Gallery, which is the largest outdoor mural gallery in the Northwest. The alley features ever-changing murals and graffiti art, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts.
10. One of Boise’s museums is a converted prison
The Old Idaho Penitentiary is a historic site in Boise that served as a prison from 1872 to 1973. It is now a museum that offers guided tours, showcasing the history of the prison and the stories of its inmates.
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This might not be a surprising fact about Boise considering the prevalence of potatoes in the area, but Boise is home to the famous Boise Fry Company, a restaurant that specializes in gourmet french fries. With a variety of potato options and unique dipping sauces, the fries are truly the star of the show at this unique eatery.
Methodology: The median home sale price and average monthly rental data is from the Redfin Data Center. The Walk Score, Transit Score and Bike Score data is from Walk Score.
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Chibuzo is a Content Marketing Specialist on Redfin’s content marketing team. He’s been with Redfin for over two years and enjoys running and playing basketball when he’s not writing. His dream home is a Mediterranean-style house with a large kitchen and plenty of windows.
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