Considering relocation to Boise area but wish to be in a fairly rural setting (Eagle: homes)

[placerstreet]

I am considering a move from central Arizona. Mostly I have lived in small towns in mountainous areas. Currently, I live in the Mogollon Rim area of AZ at 5000' elevation. I have a nice home in a quiet area that backs up to the NF.

Even at this elevation, it gets a bit too warm here during the summer. There are many restaurants, but only one or two good ones. And, though I am retired, I don't identify with most of my neighbors. The area feels "old".

In looking at the Boise area I am most interested in the homes to the North and Northeast. I would not care to live in the plains. My only concern about the homes I've found (on line) that are removed from the city is that they are a long commute to "civilization".

Any information about the more rural areas adjacent to the city, weather considerations, 4WD and motorcycling opportunities, gun clubs and shooting ranges, etc would be greatly appreciated.

[ILI.EB]

You aren't going to find much rural area to the north or northeast of Boise that isn't in a town further away such as Horseshoe bend, Idaho City, etc.

I'm sure it would feel slightly more rural if you lived on the outter fringes of some of those areas, but it still would not really be rural or semi-rural. It would be better described as slightly more sparse, older suburban.

You can find rural but with a quicker commute to Boise in Emmett (about the same distance as Horseshoe Bend ~20 minutes), Star, Eagle and Kuna. All but Emmett will be towns with nearly all flat land.

You may be able to find a home in a slightly more rural setting (though they are few and far between) near the Hidden Springs area.

[jas340]

Boise is hotter than Central AZ during the summer. My favorite place to live so far in my 50 years has been Dewey, AZ. I was at 4600ft and only had a swamp cooler. It only hit 100 1 time in the summer of 09. Central AZ gets numerous thunderstorms and clouds in the summer. Boise is for the most part cloudless and hot. I am currently moving back to Idaho from the Albany NY area (HATE NY). We are moving to the hills above Horseshoe Bend.
Personally if I were you I would just move higher up in altitude and stay in AZ. Munds park near Flagstaff would be nice. Another thought is to stay where you are. You could be down in the Valley and trully roast 6 months of the year. Also, I guarantee you can find some people who are less "old".

[Hp1167]

Horseshoe Bend is interesting. Expect bumper to bumper traffic on the one main road there on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

[REMiddleton24]

I would suggest some of the small towns Northwest of Boise. Emmett (as mentioned above) is a good one, Star, Middleton. All small towns of roughly 6,000. So we have that small town feel, yet we are less than 15 minutes to all the "big city" amenities. It is a great combination!

[Lacerta]

Yeah, if you don't like the heat, the immediate Boise area may not be the best choice for you. It gets hot here in the summer. 100+ for several weeks is the norm over the last decade.

I'm not following exactly what you are looking for, though. You want to be rural, but with a short commute to civilization. What do you define as rural, what is a short commute, and what is civilization? Those three answers will be vital in figuring out what you need.