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Treasure Valley “Hot Spots Guide”

 Welcome to the Treasure Valley in Idaho! We hope your adventure here in Idaho helps you discover whether or not you want to call this home. Our team is a group of dedicated professionals with decades of combined real estate experience that’s made up of out of state transplants and born and raised Idahoans. We understand all of the intricate details involving your relocation and have prepared this “Hot Spots Guide” to help you get a better understanding of the valley. We are here for you and want you to have the best experience possible.

This is your second step in the process. Exploring the city and figuring out which areas are the best fit for your family. Feel free to venture outside of the suggestions, this is just a few of our favorite places and suggestions based on working with hundreds of clients and personal experiences.

 While you are touring the city, feel free to stop into any Open Houses and see what they look like. Just note, agents will ask you if you are working with another realtor, some are extremely pushy so just be prepared for this. If you’re going the new construction route please make sure you contact us for proper representation and guidance. Did you know that the buyers agent commissions are already built into the purchase price and builders won’t adjusted if you don’t have representation. The agents at the new home only represent the builder’s best interest, not yours.

 Treat this like a Treasure Hunt. Text us, call us, or email us and let us know how things are going!

  

  

Boise is the capital of Idaho that is located in the southwestern region of the state. This city is among the main cities that make up the Boise Metropolitan Area. Its population was 749,202 at the 2019 census, making it the third-largest city in the Pacific Northwest and the largest city in Idaho. Boise is known as the City of Trees, featuring several outdoor attractions and a rich history. The area was started by fur trappers and then became a gold hotspot. Today the area is known for their delicious foods, outdoor attractions, art and cultural events, and growing attractions.

 The Treasure Valley is divided into five counties consisting of : Ada, Boise, Canyon, Gem, and Owyhee. It is the states largest metropolitan area and consists of the three largest cities in the state ( Boise, Nampa, and Meridian), which contains over 40% of the total population.  

 I like to break up the valley by different landscape sections starting with the Boise River running through the center. Everything surrounding the river is very lush mature landscape with some of your highest real estate price points, great accessibility to head north for the popular vacation destinations (McCall, Garden Valley, and Stanley) and having the convenience to be very close to the popular Boise River Greenbelt. 

 The further north of the river you go, you’ll gain elevation and end up in the foothills. This will provide some amazing long range views over the entire valley as well as some larger acreage properties or equestrian options.

 Everything south of the river starts to flatten out more. The gap that’s south of the river to Interstate 84 is densely populated with tons of great communities, easy accessibility to shopping, lots of restaurant options and great proximity to medical facilities.

 As you work further south of the interstate you have a pleasant mix of subdivisions, abundant farm land, and minimal commercial space. This is definitely a little slower pace than compared to the rest of the valley.

 The valley’s infrastructure is a grid system that is relatively easy to navigate as well as taking back roads. Once you figure out your bearings with using the mountains, river, and sun as a guide you’ll have a good idea on how to navigate around fairly easy. There’s always GPS too :)

10 Cities of the Treasure Valley

Hot Spots 

  • Boise River Greenbelt - 25 mile stretch of beautiful community space that runs parallel with the Boise river.  This scenic pathway that you can walk, run, ride, or scoot connects tons of parks, restaurants and activities and begins in East Boise and runs all the way to Eagle, Idaho. Depending on your time of visit, we’d strongly recommend planing to float the river during your stay.
  • Boise Zoo - Great place to bring family or loved ones. It’s very interactive for kids too!
  • Idaho Botanical Garden - Come see the incredible indigenous plants, and Idaho landscapes year round at the garden. If you time it right, you could see concerts, fall festivals, or beautiful Christmas lights.  
  • Idaho Shakespeare Festival  - Looking to get your fill of the arts, come check out the beautiful foothill outdoor venue during the Spring, Summer or Fall.
  • Historic Egyptian Theatre - The Egyptian Theatre is one of Boise, Idaho’s most cherished historical landmarks. Built in 1927 and always showing some of America’s classic movies.
  • Bogus Basin  - If you’re visiting us in the winter and are up for a skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing check out our local ski resort. Located about 40 minutes north of Boise with epic views of the whole valley. Four wheel drive or all-wheel drive should be strongly considered.
  • Boise Parks and Recreation - Good opportunity to let the kids loose or to wind down with a picnic and beautiful views
  • Eagle Island State Park - Offering tons of recreational actives for very low cost we encourage visiting our local state park. Everything from paddle boarding, to hiking, to disc golf this is one of Idaho’s 27 state parks. The state parks passport cost only $10 annually for Idaho residents!
  • Boise Farmers Market and Capital City Public Market - If you’re visiting us during the spring and summer months and have a free Saturday morning, this is a great opportunity to enjoy and experience how great our local community is.
  • The Village at Meridian - Shopping, restaurants, year round activities 
  • Roaring Springs / Wahooz Family Fun  - They have a great birthday deal here bring birth certificate and get $40 credit to spend throughout the fun park.  They will also be expanding the amusement park.
  • Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell, Idaho. If you’re looking to wind down and get some dinner or enjoy some entertainment, this well designed courtyard area with shops restaurants and concerts and is perfect for everyone. We strongly recommend one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in the valley called Amano (make reservations!)
  • Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge and Lake Lowell - One of the oldest national wildlife refuges in the country that is a protected habitat for migratory birds, mammals and other wildlife. Perfect for a peaceful walk, photography or a picnic.
  • Sunnyslope Wine Tours - Make sure you have a DD

 Popular Restaurants

  •  Barbacoa - One of the most popular steakhouse restaurants in all the valley! Be sure to try the “Hot Rock” filet.
  • The Lively - Come enjoy an overall great dining experience.
  • Chandler's Steakhouse - A great downtown steakhouse option with live music most nights.
  • Goldy's Breakfast Bistro - Iconic downtown breakfast spot in the middle of it all! I’d recommend the corn beef hash.
  • Crave Kitchen and Bar - Know for the lively ambiance and great food. Come check out this Eagle gem.
  • The Wylder - If you’re looking for a great wood fired pizza, salad or great cocktail, this is the spot for you. I can’t say that I’ve had anything on this menu that I didn’t like.
  • Joe Mommas Eatery - In my opinion, they have some of the best breakfasts in the valley, with huge portions and great peppered bacon.
  • 830 Common - Located in the center of downtown Meridian, this well rounded gastropub offers some great selections that aren’t overly priced.
  • Brick 29  - This place puts Nampa on the map for me and I feel its one of the best all around spots in the valley for any kind of dinner or lunch that also has some great specials.
  •  - The BEST Mexican restaurant in the valley. Potentially the best restaurant in the valley as well. Must try and you must get reservations.

 All is this is really just scratching the surface. If you’re looking for any other specific options, please reach out with a call or text! We aim to please and were all foodies with tons of recommendations! 

 BSU River Bridge

 

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