Boise Idaho
Idaho's capital city, known as the City of Trees is located in Southwest Idaho's Treasure Valley. Here in Ada County, we enjoy four true seasons with hot summers and surprisingly mild winters for the elevation. Current population is around 250,000 and growing thanks to the affordable cost of living and fantastic outdoor lifestyle Idaho offers. The people are friendly and the economy is strong. Current unemployment rate for the Boise Metro is 3.3%. Idaho wages rose 3rd fastest in the nation in 2025.
The crystal-clear Boise River runs through town and features an extensive greenbelt & park system running from Lucky Peak Dam over 20 miles to Eagle providing outdoor activities such as walking, running, biking, trout fishing and rafting right in town.
The foothills offer many easily accessible trails with views including Tablerock, Hull's Gulch, Camel's Back & Military Reserve areas. If you're visiting, don't miss the MK Nature Center, Julia Davis Park, the Boise Zoo, The Sandbar, Telaya Wine Co, the Whitewater Park and the food truck park all along the greenbelt. Boise State University sits along the river in the center of town and the Boise State Broncos are wildly popular. The local restaurant scene is thriving with many nationally recognized chefs. Live music is available in many places, including the annual Treefort and several arenas for concerts.
Bogus Basin Ski area is only 16 miles out of town. Speaking of heading for the mountains, Cascade Reservoir & Tamarack Ski Resort are only 1.5 hours away, McCall, Payette Lake & Brundage Ski Area 2 hours, Sun Valley 2 hours, Stanley & the breathtaking Sawtooths 3 hours, Riggins 3 hours, Hells Canyon 2.5 hours, the latter three all offer salmon & steelhead fishing. Hunting, ATV/OHV riding, snowmobiling & boating opportunities galore also. If you like having a cabin or enjoy camping, there are many places a short drive away.
As for real estate, Boise has historic homes dating back to the late 1800s, many mid-century modern & ranch-style homes, view homes on the foothills, luxury homes near the river and golf courses, downtown condos, townhome developments as well as contemporary style homes with all the recent home-building.
Boise home prices have been rising quickly since 2010 and have just recently slowed to more normal appreciation rates. Existing home prices in Boise as of mid 2026 average $628,715, median $530,000. New construction is $30-40k higher. Basic 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car starter homes start at $389,900. The cheapest condo/townhomes start at $349,900.
The Boise housing market has been tight for the last decade with strong population growth and lagging new construction. The following chart illustrates the velocity of listings and contract signings each month.
After the great recession in 2008-2009, active listings in Boise declined and were outnumbered by pending sales for a time, especially after covid. This trend reversed in 2022 when interest rates spiked and supply has been slowly trending upward since then. At 1.9-months supply today based on the pace of sales, we are far from a 5-6 month balanced market where prices should be stable or slowly rising.
The following chart shows the breakdown of all homes for sale in Boise.
Regular sellers of existing homes make up 74% of all homes for sale in Boise. New construction accounts for 26% of current inventory. Only 2 foreclosed homes and 1 short sale available.
Here's the history of this pie chart breakdown of homes for sale in Boise.
This chart clearly illustrates regular sellers of existing homes trending upward each year since covid and the 2022 spike in interest rates. New construction levels in Boise reached an all-time high this spring.
To learn more about the Boise Metro real estate markets, see my Market Monitor updated monthly
Call or text me with any questions, for good local lenders or listings of homes for sale that meet your criteria.
