B oise is not only the capital of Idaho, but the state's largest city and its center for commerce, banking and government. With its scenic location on the Boise River and the picturesque Rocky Mountains as its backdrop, Boise is a paradise for its residents and visitors alike. The city and its surrounding area encompass mountainous regions, desert, rivers and lakes, greenbelts and reservoirs, creating recreation and relaxation options for every taste.

Boise has been nationally renowned for its quality of life, and there is nearly no limit to the number of awards and accolades bestowed upon the city. Forbes magazine recently named Boise the "Number Seven Metro Area in the Nation to Do Business". KPMG concurred, listing the city as its Number Five choice for "Favorable Cost of Doing Business". The Wall Street Journal named Boise an "Oasis for Retirees", and Travel Tips Magazine deemed it the "Jewel of the West". Sunset Magazine listed the Boise River as one of the West's Top Twelve, and Sports Illustrated named it "Idaho's Sportstown". Both Mountain Bike Magazine and Bike Magazine named Boise the "Number One Mountain Biking Town in America".

Boise supports a current population of nearly 186,000 residents, whose median age is 33. The average household income in the area is approximately $43,000 per year. The median home value for the Boise area is around $264,000. For school-aged children, the area has a number of exceptional public and private schools. Boise also has two major centers of higher education. Boise Bible College is in the heart of the city, and Boise State University is Idaho's largest university. This school in particular contributes to the city n a number of ways. It is a major employer in the area, and its numerous schools offer artistic and cultural activities and presentations, often at little or no cost to residents.

The city also benefits from an incredibly strong economy. Manufacturing and retail are large employment sectors here, while professional services and finance round out the top employment opportunities. Because of its business-friendly environment and affordable cost of living, several major employers are headquartered in the area. Hewlett-Packard, Simplot Corporation, Micron Technology, Albertsons and Boise Cascade all maintain headquarters in Boise.

Thanks to its spectacular location, Boise has a wealth of recreational activities. Bogus Basin Ski Resort is a popular wintertime destination. In the spring and summer, locals enjoy biking along the Boise River Greenbelt. There is arguably no other place in America that can compete with Boise for its fly fishing. Every aspect of this sport is elevated to a fine art in Boise, from fly tying to choosing just the right location. Folks in this area love to fish, and find casting into the rushing river a rejuvenating activity.

There is also no shortage of festivals and community events for residents. In the summer, locals enjoy the Alive After Five series at The Grove. This plaza in downtown Boise comes to life with local musicians, entertainers and food, and is a popular place to gather after work every Wednesday evening. The Annual Idaho Shakespeare Festival has drawn national acclaim. Each summer, the Festival Outdoor Amphitheater hosts a rotation of Shakespeare's classics. The Western Idaho Fair caps off the summer season, and brings together the best offerings in the state. Year round, Boise maintains excellent attractions such as the City Zoo, Idaho Botanical Garden, and the unique World Center Birds of Prey.

With a thriving city set against a spectacular backdrop of rugged outdoors, Boise offers the best of both worlds. Its strong economy and affordable cost of living make it an attractive home to businesses and residents alike. If you are thinking of moving to Boise, Idaho, our relocation packet is yours for the asking!