pat

I have the opportunity to relocate to Boise from Chicago. I am going out there next week to see the city, but am heading there somewhat skeptical. from the pictures, it looks like a barren wasteland -- no development. i am used to culture and city life. my biggest question: is there enough -- or anything -- to do there socially, culturally and sportswise. i am a very open-minded person, but this place seems very, very remote. help please.

J T Kirk

I think its remoreness is what attracts most people to the area. I'm not overly familiar with Boise proper. I fly in and out of there to get to Sun Valley and McCall.
Idaho is chockful of some great wilderness: Frank Church River of No Return is awesome in its beauty. Great white water rafting, hiking, horseback riding, skiing. Idaho, however, is not long on opera, or the au currant art show, or the latest broadway shows. But if you like nature and people who can fend for themselves, it's a great place.

mama

I grew up in Boise. It depends on what you are looking for. The town itself is clean and friendly. A river runs through town and there are many trees, but not like you are used to back east. The cost of living is low by Chicago standards. For a city of this size it is very arts oriented. Music, visual arts, performing arts on a local level. Be aware that this is a very conservative area. Very similar to Salt Lake. If this life style is appealing to you then you will fit right in. I am more of a liberal thinker and now live in Denver. I enjoy the small town life and would move back were in not for the conservatism.

Cindy

I have lived in Boise for 4 years, transferred with a computer company. Moved from a huge city.

Boise has its advantages: low crime rate, nice weather with a lot of sunny days and mild temps, skiing, tons of other winter sports, and resorts within a few hours and cultural events periodically. It is basically a very small town of 360,000 people. The whole state of ID has 1M people. Less than 1/4 of Orlando!! This means no traffic at all and easy access to everything.

Disadvantages: not many physicians compared to population, VERY expensive cost of living, VERY low wages on average, high poverty level, Very high income tax, desert environment, low education level.

Other: extremely religious town, anti-abortion billboards around town, church billboards plentiful, family oriented. Windy quite a bit.
Overall, it is a very nice place, but expensive.

xxx

What do you mean by "sportswise"? If you're talking spectator sports - you're right, there isn't much going on. If you mean actually participating, meaning you're active and/or athletic, there is plenty to do as noted above.

Kim

Boise is NOT an expensive place to live as compared to a lot of other places. There are plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, skiing, etc...