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Guide
Boise, United States πΊπΈ
#65
,
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Boise is the capital of Idaho and is known for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor activities, and friendly community. |
π₯ Population | Approx. 235,000 |
π» Internet Speed | Average download speeds of 120 Mbps |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 USD is the local currency; banks include Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, and Idaho Central Credit Union |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable, sourced from the Boise River |
π Power | 120V, 60Hz, π Type A/B sockets |
πΆ SIM Card | Major providers include Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile |
π³ Banking for Expats | Chase Bank, Bank of the West, and local options like Idaho Central Credit Union are popular |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Vrbo, and long-term rentals through Zillow or Craigslist |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and HomeAway dominate the market |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Fish, rates start around $30/night |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Boise for easy access to attractions and nightlife |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | North End for a vibrant community and proximity to parks |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Work {Space} Boise, offering dedicated desks and meeting rooms |
β Best Cafe for Work | Downtown's Push and Pour is known for its great coffee and work-friendly atmosphere |
πΌ Networking Events | Monthly Boise Tech Meetups held at Treefort Music Fest |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Visit the Boise Expats group on Facebook for meetups and social gatherings |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft are widely used for on-demand transportation |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Boise GreenBike is available for bike rentals |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Lucky Peak State Park, a 30-minute drive away |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Alaska Airlines offers numerous regional flights |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Delta Airlines connects to major U.S. hubs |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Interstate 84 runs through Boise, providing easy highway access |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Boise does not have a train station, public transport via ValleyRide buses available |
π Public Transport Passes | ValleyRide monthly passes cost approximately $60 |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Bus service to nearby cities like Nampa and Meridian via ValleyRide |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | St. Luke's Boise Medical Center, a leading healthcare facility |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Center offers classes suitable for all levels |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Boise Rock Gym provide diverse fitness options |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundry on the Fly, offering drop-off and self-service options |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | DoorDash and UberEats serve most of Boise |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Finger steaks, a local delicacy, best found at The Basque Market |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Nice Slice Pizza offers a variety of vegan options |
π« Best Dessert Spots | The Chocolate Bar for gourmet chocolates and desserts |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Boise Farmers Market is ideal for fresh local produce on Saturdays |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local options like Idaho Microgreens for fresh produce |
π Grocery Delivery | Instacart and Walmart Grocery deliver to Boise residents |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Downtown Boise is the hub for nightlife with bars and live music |
π» Local Brewery | Payette Brewing Company offers local craft beers and tours |
π· Wine Bars | The Wine Gallery features a curated selection of local wines |
π² Street Food Stalls | The Basque Block has vibrant street food options on weekends |
π Popular International Cuisine | Lardo serves amazing sandwiches inspired by global dishes |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Idaho State Capitol Building and Boise River Greenbelt are must-visits |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Boise Art Museum showcases regional art and hosts events |
π° Historical Sites | Old Idaho Penitentiary offers historical tours |
π Religious Sites | Cathedral of the Rockies is a notable landmark |
π Annual Events | Boise River Festival held every June celebrates arts and culture |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The Basque Block highlights Boise's unique cultural heritage |
π Theater Venues | The Morrison Center hosts theater performances and concerts |
ποΈ Local Markets | Boise Farmers Market is popular for local crafts and produce |
πΌ Music Scene | Concerts at The Knitting Factory and live music at local bars |
π¨ Street Art | Downtown Boise has vibrant murals and street art installations |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Idaho Culinary Collection offers sessions for food enthusiasts |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Cinder Wines hosts local art displays alongside wine tasting |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Idaho State Historical Society showcases local history |
π΄ Local Heritage | Boise's Basque heritage is celebrated through festivals and events |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Bogus Basin provides year-round outdoor activities like skiing and hiking |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Yellowstone National Park is about 4.5 hours away |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Boise River Greenbelt offers scenic paths for walking and biking |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Harrison Hollow provides breathtaking views of the Boise skyline |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Morrison Knudsen Nature Center for local wildlife observation |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Lucky Peak State Park allows bonfires in designated areas |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | UPS and FedEx services available throughout the city |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Boise Laptop Repair offers quick service for gadgets |
π Table Tennis Spots | Boise Parks and Recreation often hosts table tennis events |
π§βπ« Language Classes | The Spanish Language School offers classes for various levels |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Ada Community Library is a great place for reading and studying |
ποΈ Community Centers | The Boise Community Center hosts a variety of local events |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Cyber City offers high-speed gaming and VR experiences |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | The Boise River Casino provides a range of gaming options |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 35 mΒ² = $87,500) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,300 per mΒ² (e.g., 35 mΒ² = $80,500) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $168,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $156,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $240,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,700 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $216,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 5% for LLCs and corporations in Idaho |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | No tax on dividends for residents |
π¦ Tax System | Idaho has a progressive tax system for residents based on income |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Max personal income tax rate is 6.5% |
π§Ύ VAT | There is no VAT; sales tax is 6% in Idaho |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Idaho follows federal guidelines on foreign income taxation |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax rates around 1% of assessed value |
π Property Transaction Tax | No specific property transaction tax in Idaho, but local fees may apply |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Ignores foreign earned income up to the first $100,000 qualifying for tax exemption |