Boise, Idaho
Boise is the capital and largest city in Idaho. The hub of commerce, banking and government for the state, Boise, Idaho offers the perfect blend of traditional sights and attractions for those moving there. In its August issue, Outside Magazine named Boise, Idaho the winner for best overall town in the West. Located along the Boise River, resting against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boise, Idaho provides many outdoor activities to local residents. From skiing at one of the city’s famed ski resort to biking on the Boise River Greenbelt to boating at one of the nearby reservoirs, this city has something for the outdoor enthusiast in all of us.
Economy:
Boise, Idaho started as a supply center for the mining industry located in the nearby mountains. Today, the city continues to be a significant commercial center for undeveloped establishments in the northern Rockies. Boise's educated and skilled work force remains diverse due to high numbers of immigrants. The city is above average in education, with 33% of the city’s residents having earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. In 2004, Forbes Magazine ranked the Boise metro area seventh in Best Place to do Business in the Nation. Today, the economy has shifted away from its traditional sources. Boise has moved to a more diversified base, relying heavily on tourism and the increasingly important high-technology industries. State government is one of the city's main employers, being that Boise is the state’s capital. Additionally, Boise ranks sixth in the nation for the number of corporate headquarters located in the city.
History:
Boise was incorporated as a city in 1864. The original territory was larger than Texas. However, following the creation of Montana Territory, Boise was made the territorial capital of a reduced Idaho in a controversial decision that overturned a district court ruling via a one-vote margin in the territorial Supreme Court along geographic lines in 1866. Approaching the twentieth century, Boise was still considered a remote location. The city became the state capital when Idaho entered the Union, and the Capitol building was erected in 1920. During the Second World War, the military became a strong presence in the Boise area. And in the 1960s, a new city charter was drawn up, and many of the suburban areas doubled in size. The 21st century has shown sustained population growth due to the city’s favorable climate, job opportunities and quality of life.
Tourism:
There is plenty to keep you entertained in Boise. The city contains countless first-rate restaurants and stimulating shopping districts. The city’s seasonal activities include cross-country skiing, white-water rafting and hiking. Many hotels are located in downtown Boise, providing convenient location to visitors and residences looking for a change. Discover the Idaho's Zoo, located in Boise this large facility is home to over eighty species of animals, special events and exhibits. Or check out the Botanical Gardens. A 30-acre garden that is as much a living history museum as it is a pleasant walk-through. See plants indigenous to different areas and gardens designed after the styles of certain eras, like the Heirloom Rose. In addition, Boise has a substantial sports scene that includes the minor league baseball team the Boise Hawks and the Boise State Broncos, who play their home games at Bronco Stadium – a 30,000-seat football facility featuring a blue AstroPlay field.
Colleges/Universities:
• Boise State University
• University of Idaho
• Idaho State University
• Brown Mackie College
• Boise Bible College
Interesting Facts:
• Idaho's population is around 1.5 million with about 600,000 living in the Boise metro area.
• In Boise it is illegal for a residents to fish from a giraffe’s back.
• Outside Magazine, in its August 2010 issue, named Boise the best overall town in the West.
Helpful Links:
• Boise Real Estate
• Boise Storage Facility
• Boise Insurance
• Boise Dental Offices
• Boise Moving Companies
• Boise Official Website