A town in conservative Idaho is bracing for an influx of hipsters after being named one of the coolest in the United States.
Boise has been attracting attention for something of a regeneration in recent years, driven largely by the expansion of tech jobs in the area.
Increasingly, the city of 237,000 is attracting cosmopolitan crowds eager to enjoy its small-town charm, while still being able to enjoy a matcha latte.
As a college town, Idaho’s capital has always attracted a young crowd. But between 2020 and 2023, its population has skyrocketed by 54,000 people.
The large number of bars and restaurants that have sprung up as a result has led to the city being praised as “the coolest town in the Pacific Northwest.” Wall Street Journal.
Boise, Idaho is bracing for an influx of hipsters after being named one of the “coolest” places in America.
In a profile of Boise, the outlet highlighted the newly opened Avery hotel and restaurant launched by chef Cal Elliott, who returned to his home state after success in Manhattan.
Several restaurants have been awarded prestigious culinary prizes, including Kin, which received a James Beard Award last year for its fine dining offering.
A popular craft beer scene, selection of wineries and regular farmers markets are increasingly attracting a metropolitan crowd as the city moves away from its reputation as a dive bar town.
Growth has been so rapid that the city was recently one of America’s top ten boomtowns.
But beyond urban pleasures, Boise is fortunate to be close to stunning natural beauty that residents can enjoy through hundreds of miles of trails accessible by a short drive from downtown.
The 25-mile Greenbelt, a paved path along the Boise River, also offers stunning waterside walks.
Meanwhile, the city’s parks and walkable layout make it perfect for those with an active lifestyle.
The city has seen its population increase by 54,000 people between 2020 and 2023
Residents praise the walkability, low crime rate and abundance of jobs
The city was also ranked the third best-run in the U.S., according to Wallethub research.
The study also highlighted the area’s relatively low crime rates and potential for growth.
Boise had the third-lowest outstanding long-term government debt per capita at $1,062, as well as healthy forecasts for business growth rate and home prices.
It is also a very safe city, with the fourth-lowest property crime rate and the tenth-lowest violent crime rate in the country.
It has the lowest number of car accident deaths per capita and a top-notch public hospital system.
Traffic is rarely a problem and the city enjoys a low employment rate.
However, property prices are now starting to reflect the increased demand and rose 3.2 percent in the year through August, according to Redfin.
A thriving food and drink scene coupled with easy access to stunning nature is drawing metropolitan crowds.
Homes sold for a median price of $490,000 in August, about $60,000 more than the national average.
While the city is Democratic and has Democrats on its council, it is located in the deeply Republican state of Idaho.
The state’s Republican reputation is so strong that conservatives in neighboring Oregon have launched a movement to secede from the state and join Idaho.