Outdoor recreational opportunities are endless, and with mild winters, the area is popular with outdoor enthusiasts all year round. Combine that with a thriving arts community that includes museums, orchestras, galleries, and many local events each year, and the area becomes a recreational paradise. Another plus for Boise are the low real estate prices compared to other areas, especially in the West. Boise's average home price is $183,008, compared with an average among the "Best Places" list of $259,566. In addition, home prices have risen higher in the Boise area than in the other Best Places, giving real estate investors more return on their investment at a lower price. Home prices rose an average of 14.80% in Boise from 2004 to 2005, compared with an average of 9.26% in the other Best Places ("Best Places," 2006). This means Boise is a good location for young families just starting out, because homes are more affordable. It is also a good bet for retirees who want more value for their retirement dollars.

Boise is part of a larger metropolitan complex that includes Nampa, Meridian, and other suburbs (the complex is called the Treasure Valley), which means there are more recreational, leisure, and other activities available throughout the area. It also means that suburban residents do not have to travel as far to find recreational and leisure activities, or schools and shopping, because they are present throughout the community. Churches of many faiths are represented in the community, and there is a large Mormon population in the area.

Commuters also like Boise, because a large percentage of the population commutes less than 20 minutes to work, and only four percent have a commute longer than 45 minutes ("Best Places," 2007). It is easy to see why so many Southern Californians are moving to Boise just because of these statistics alone. Downtown Boise has undergone a transformation in recent years, and over 44,000 people work downtown now. This means recreation and leisure activities downtown have also grown, including restaurants and bars, theaters, galleries, and much more have opened, and there are...

The quality of life in Boise is attractive, there is a thriving arts community, and recreation is just a few miles in any direction. Boise is just a nice place to live!
Of course, not everything is perfect in Boise. The crime rates are higher than most of the other Best Places averages, and the income averages and buying power are lower. For example, the average family income in Boise is $58,489, while the average throughout the Best Places is $76,893 and family purchasing power is $64,133 in Boise, while it is $68,109 in other Best Places ("Best Places"). Crime rates are much higher in some areas, such as a 97 for overall crime rate, but that is still lower than the national average of 100. Some Boise residents complain about the low-paying jobs in the area, and the inability of some newcomers to find work. Some residents feel there is animosity toward newcomers, and that many firms hire local residents above newcomers or out-of-state applicants.

In conclusion, the weather, the recreational and employment opportunities, and the location all combine to make Boise a great place to live and work. It made the 2006 Money Magazine Best Places list after careful consideration, and it is easy to see why. Boise does have some minuses, but with a growing economy, high-quality education, low housing prices, and job opportunities, the city is desirable for many reasons, and it is no wonder more people are moving there every year.