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I visited a friend in Boise, and I loved the natural environment. Nothing in the New England area offers the same. My role just converted to permanent remote. I'm seriously considering relocating to Boise.
Community feel, ease of biking, access to nature, and an educated blue leaning area are priorities for me. It would be fantastic to avoid driving most days. Indoor parking for 1 car, at least 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2400 sqft or less. Thankfully, Boise seems far more spacious and affordable than Boston. My budget is $1.5 million, but of course happy if my wants can be met at a lower price point. Getting a great location is a priority if I need to compromise. Downtown Boise seems to fit my preference, but I've also heard about Meridian and Eagle.
North end is what come to my mind. Liberal, educated, bike-friendly, and foothill trails right out your door. The only issue would be finding off-street parking.
Eagle is more conservative, can't say much about Meridian. As a cyclist I can say, even though Boise boasts about being "bike-friendly", it's one of those cities where they think the only people that ride are lycra-clad racers. North end and the general downtown area are as friendly as you're going to get; the further you get from those areas, the more stressful it will be.
In addition to the Northend, look into the Foothills neighborhoods, the historic Eastend which is anchored by Warm Springs Boulevard, the Central Rim, Depot Bench, and Harris Ranch which is easily connected to downtown via the greenbelt.
Almost all of Boise is blue and liberal and turns more purple as you head into Meridian and definitely more conservative towards Canyon County, Kuna, etc.
Your budget should allow you to buy near downtown and there are also several condo buildings in the downtown area if you are ok without a backyard.
The Northend is my neighborhood and it's beautiful, historic and is like an extension of downtown. Most homes have garages and parking in the alleys as well as on street parking.
Thanks, that really clarifies that I should focus on downtown or north end. And drop Meridian and Eagle.
How would you describe the advantages of downtown compared to north end? I should be able to get an indoor or underground garage, right? I definitely don't want to shovel my car in the winter. Done that for too long.
In your price range you’re likely to be able to afford a home with a garage in the Northend and Eastend or sheltered parking downtown. Although most years the amount of snow we get doesn’t usually require much shoveling.
Advantages of downtown is easy walkability to nearby restaurants and downtown activities. It really depends how big of a space you want and if you want a yard or not. Yards in downtown are rare and small. Yards in NE are generally small, but your budget would probably get you a larger lot. Most locations in the NE are two miles or less to downtown. Somewhat walkable and easily bikeable.
If you do move to Boise just hope and pray that Boise never turns into a Portland. Otherwise I say go for it since it would appear you can afford Boise.
Sorry I have only lived in San Francisco west of the Mississippi River. What happened to Portland that is undesirable?
I'm seeing some homes in the north end meeting my needs for about $800k. Are homes selling well above list? 10-20%?
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