Friendly Tips for Boise’s New Transplants on the Block
Life is but a dream in Idaho's Treasure Valley.
The darling of the Pacific Northwest, word is out that Boise offers residents the comforts of country living coupled with the benefits of a blossoming metropolitan center. It's old news that Americans on the hunt for what we have here are exiting states like Illinois, California, New York, and Michigan in droves.
And many are finding homestead here.
While some natives and OG transplants are struggling to accept the changes taking place, there are just as many of us self-tasked and pleased to welcome our state's newest patriots.
If you're new to the Treasure Valley—hey, hi, hello—and most of all, welcome!
In truth, even the most welcoming among us hopes your goal is to preserve that which inspired you to move here. Now that we've gotten the obligatory 'please don't fix what ain't broken' caveat out of the way, we're here to make your transition to Valley living a breeze.
Check out the tips we would've appreciated back when we were the new transplants on the block.
Nestled in Star, the Star Mercantile is a one-stop shop for lumber, tools, groceries, and hooch. With a liquor license grandfathered in decades upon decades ago, the Merc's liquor inventory is there for you when no one else is. You're welcome.
Meat-lovers, download the Albertsons Deals & Deliveries app for killer deals on meat. Come summer time, Albertsons is especially generous with their meat sales. Don't miss out.
Be advised that valley municipalities can't be bothered to coordinate construction and expansion initiatives with each other. It's a thing. It's annoying. It'll easily tack 20 minutes on to your commute. Have an alternate route at the ready, and then another one...and another one.
Idaho is a lottery school state! Most people are unaware that we're free to choose where our kids go to school. Here's the thing: it's an actual lottery! If you've got big plans for your daughter to attend the area's most reputable STEM school, earn the good graces of its secretary. He or she can help guide you through the confusing-at-times process of lottery protocols. Check out West Ada School District's guide to School of Choice.
The Boise Green Belt is a way of life. A beltway that keeps the Valley's cities connected and engaged, the Green Belt is free fun and fitness for families and singles alike. Before summer hits, head to Big 5 Sporting Goods to pick up your own raft to float the Boise River starting from Barber Park and ending in Ann Morrison! They're some of the best times you'll ever have out here.
It's simple. Chinden sounds like "chin-den." Boise sounds like "boy-see."
Know your garden zone! If you've got a green thumb, prepare yourself for the at times finnicky gardening conditions of the Gem State. Zamzows is a great resource for helping residents understand their garden's needs and their soil's profile. They're Lawn Care Program is an affordable, five-step method for maintaining a beautiful lawn year-round. Just don't forget to pick up your bags!
Idaho Steelheads' games are AWESOME. For reasons I don't understand, newbie transplants overlook the fun found in grown men pulverizing one another on ice skates. The beer, the food, and the cheap tickets make it a local staple.
Boise loves brewing its own beer. Home to several breweries, Boise has two kinds of people: those who love micro brews and those who don't. Wherever you fall into the mix, there's a brewery that suits the suds you dig. Sockeye Brewing Company, Mad Swede Brewing Company, and Edge Brewing Company are just a handful of family-friendly bars Boiseans love.
We're proud patriots! We love our service members, Veterans, first responders, LEO's, farmers, doctors, nurses, teachers, the mail men and women, librarians, grocers, truckers, school bus drivers, and anyone else who takes care of our community. It's not political. It's just how we roll. Idahoans lead with an infectious attitude of gratitude. Wait until your first rodeo. I've seen newcomers so touched by our patriotism, that they start to cry during our anthem. It's totally amazing. It's totally Boise.
Welcome to Idaho, neighbor. She's a gem, so handle her with care.