Choosing the Right Neighborhood for You

Neighborhoods are more than just a collection of houses. They are the place where you will establish roots and foster community. Educating yourself about the neighborhood prior to purchasing a home is crucial to making a well-informed decision. Explore your potential neighborhood by driving or walking around, joining an online Facebook or Nextdoor group dedicated to the neighborhood, or visiting local coffee shops and restaurants. Additionally, your real estate agent will have extensive knowledge of different neighborhoods so you can identify your perfect match.

What’s Your Budget:

While home values are individual to each property, neighborhoods have a large influence on the overall value of a property. You will want to start your search efforts on neighborhoods that fit within your specific budget and then branch out into lifestyle and proximity factors. Some neighborhoods may be valued higher due to proximity to attractions, like foothills or the river.

Consider Your Lifestyle:

Are you an avid mountain biker and want access to trails without having to load the car? Do you want a neighborhood pool to splash in all summer? Lifestyle choices such as these are important to consider. Envision yourself living in the neighborhood you are considering: Is there a nearby park? Is there a grocery store around the corner for those last-minute milk runs? Is it close to restaurants and entertainment? Consider the amenities you value being close to, and ensure the neighborhood you choose aligns with these desires. 

Proximity to Schools:

For parents or those planning to start a family, the quality of school systems is significant when choosing a neighborhood. Even for those without children, a home in a sought-after school district raises property value. There are many online resources to get information about the quality of schools in your potential neighborhood. Look at the National Center for Education Statistics or Great Schools for information.

Proximity to Work/Hospitals/Etc:

Consider how close a neighborhood is to your place of work and other services you may regularly need (like hospital visits, beauty services, daycares, etc). You may find that a neighborhood could be more appealing if these services are easily accessible.

Check out these popular areas in Boise! Thinking about relocating to the Treasure Valley? Learn more and receive our free guide here!

The North End

Northeast Boise

The Highlands

The East End

Southeast Boise

Downtown Boise

The Bench