Raising a family in Boise. (homes, subdivision, companies)

[gerbjones]

Hi. I wanted to ask anyones advice on raising a family in Boise. We are LDS so that is fine. We're in Portland and my wife is very concerned that it is so small of a city that there's nothing to do. She's worried that there a no concerts, plays, etc that come through there that there's nothing for a family to do.

I like so many things about Boise. The weather, geography, larger homes and neighborhoods. Boise is beautiful and very clean.

So what do you do? I told her I think if Boise was so small, families wouldn't be moving there.

[twinprism]

Boise proper has an estimated population of over 210,000, and the metro area over 630,000.

While the Portland metro area is more that 3 times bigger, Boise isn't really a small city anymore. There are occasional Broadway caliber plays that come through, and plenty of other things to do. I wouldn't worry.

The Idaho Statesman has a good listing of events that might give you an idea of some of the events and venues in the area.
Boise Entertainment – Things To Do - Idaho Statesman

and a list of mostly tourist type attractions but has some of the recurring festivals like Boise Shakespeare Festival and
Art in the Park.

Attractions and Things to Do in Boise - IgoUgo

[Anchorless]

Depends.

I have friends that have moved from Boise because there was nothing to do. I have friends who find plenty to do here.

It's not a landmark city - it's not really a place you can invite guests to and show them the sights. We have the river, the mountains, and downtown. That's it. If you're not an outdoor person, or if you need a fast-paced, exciting city, Boise may not be for you.

But if you like a slower pace, and are a bit more flexible on entertainment options, there is plenty you can find here.

[tootsiemolly]

Boise has a ballet, and they also have plays. If you want big broadway plays go to SLC it is only a 5-6 hr drive! That is not a reason not to move! The quality of life for your little ones to go out side and play and know they are safe is worth it.

[boi2socal]

Boise being in between Salt Lake and your home city of Portland allows many concerts and tours to make stops in Boise. You may not get the VERY biggest acts but you'll get most in Boise. Actually, I think Boise has a pretty decent concert scene. I'm not into plays so I can't speak about that but do know many Broadway tours often stop in Boise as well. Perhaps less frequently thant PDX or SLC.

[Syringaloid]

Boise is pretty much on par with SLC when it comes to city activities. There are a lot for adult activities and family activities in Boise, but neither Boise or SLC compare to Portland, but Boise is more inline with Portland than SLC imo. In SLC you run into issue with the art or plays being censored because of the religious dominance there.
Boise has the Idaho Shakespeare festival each summer, the opera, ballet, symphony orchestra, touring broadway plays, many smaller local acting companies who have facilities in downtown and around the city.

[STRMCSR]

Yep. Boise is getting better in better on things to do. Yes, more and more concerts and festivities. I miss the Boise River Festival as I thought that was a gem for our city and definitely brought the city together. Was at one point the seventh top festival in the country. Sure, there were folks that avoided it, but the majority loved it. Plus, it was one extra event that you could get plenty of great fair type food (corn dogs, onion blossoms, Idaho potato ice cream, etc.). Miss those days!!

[boi2socal]

Originally Posted by STRMCSR

Yep. Boise is getting better in better on things to do. Yes, more and more concerts and festivities. I miss the Boise River Festival as I thought that was a gem for our city and definitely brought the city together. Was at one point the seventh top festival in the country. Sure, there were folks that avoided it, but the majority loved it. Plus, it was one extra event that you could get plenty of great fair type food (corn dogs, onion blossoms, Idaho potato ice cream, etc.). Miss those days!!

Yeah, I miss the River Fest and I'm not one for crowds. But it was somewhat unique. Someone should bring it back or something similar or perhaps just a music fest in the park.

[kunacavegirl]

You will find plenty to do with your family in Boise, just check out the jam-packed soccer fields on any Saturday morning! And there's an LDS ward virtually on EVERY corner of every new subdivision. Boise is a fine place for culture, as well, theater, the arts -- only difference is: you will now be able to get a front-row seat in your favorite venue and save a little on parking!