Buzz About Boise: August 2020

2020’s Best & Worst Cities for First-Time Home Buyers
Source: WalletHub

While we have seen prices across the Treasure Valley rise over the past several years (which we explore more deeply in our monthly market update newsletter), Boise remains among the top cities for first-time home buyers (#2 of 300 actually). Check out all the details and see how other cities fare, here.


Best Cities for Manufacturing Jobs
Source: Kempler

Ever since the Industrial Revolution, manufacturing has been key to rapid economic growth and in some cases recovery. Compiled by analyzing date provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau, this article identifies the top U.S. cities (Boise landed in the top 10) that offer thriving manufacturing sectors. Just another indicator of Boise's ability to recover from times of economic turbulence.

Welcome to Idaho - Welcoming Communities
Source: Boise Valley Economic Partnership

Here’s a great video put together by the great team over at BVEP that highlights the state of Idaho with a focus on the Treasure Valley (told by many of our areas mayors). Check it out for a quick snapshot of many of our cities!


50 Things to Do in Idaho That Prove This State is America’s Best Kept Secret
Source: PureWow

Here is a fun roundup of 50 top things to do in Idaho. As the author writes “As we keep things closer to home, it’s important to highlight the best the U.S. has to offer. Instead of jetting off to a far-off country, consider a road trip to Idaho, a state that doesn’t always get its due. Whether you are looking to explore the great outdoors or spend a great city weekend in Boise, Idaho has a lot to offer.” Check out the full article here.


With Mortgage Interest Rates Hitting Historic Lows, Demand for Housing in the Treasure Valley Remains High During Pandemic
Source: KTVB

 According to a recent report by Freddie Mac (which specializes in housing research and analysis) mortgage rates have hit historic lows across the country (falling below 3% for the first time since 1971). Even in amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Treasure Valley finance experts say the local housing market remains strong. Check out the full article here for all the details.

56.6% of Residents’ Dollars Left Kuna. This Market Hopes to Change That.
Source: Idaho Statesman

According to this Idaho Statesman article, with many residents traveling to Nampa, Boise and Meridian to shop a whopping 56.6% of residents’ retail dollars left Kuna. This article highlights an ambitious proposal (spearheaded by the team at Kuna Economic Development) to highlight the city’s small businesses in hope to bring that spending and commerce back.

US Firms Set to Shun Big Cities and Opt for Suburbs
Source: FDI Intelligence

According to this article which pulls upon a recent survey, the ongoing situation with COVID-19 has strongly pushed US corporations to consider relocating and expanding their operations to mid-sized cities and suburbs. Boise was listed as one of the cities recognized as being a “strong potential candidate” for new locations or expansion projects. For more details, read the full article here.


'A Shared Community Issue': How Meridian and West Ada are Working Together to Address Growth
Source: Idaho Press

Balancing rapid growth and adequate public schooling is certainly not an easy feat. This article outlines how the city of Meridian is working with West Ada School District to try to ensure that school planning is better prioritized.  This article highlights one recent public for on a subdivision planned for south Meridian - it's "one of several examples of the Meridian City Council, along with the city as a whole, taking a stronger stance on school planning, especially in high-growth areas, such as south and northwest Meridian". Check out the full article here.


How to Spend Three Days in Boise, Idaho (Yes, Boise!)
Source: San Diego Magazine

Here’s a fun piece put together by a San Diegoan in which chronicles his recent three-day trip in Boise. He notes “Idaho’s capital is no small potatoes – and the city is a lot cooler than you might think!” – and we agree with him. He highlights a number of our favorites spots, including the Freak Alley, Idaho Botanical Gardens,  Boise Basque Block,  Wild Root Café,  Inn at 500 Capitol,  Meriwether Cider Co., and many more! Check out the full article here.

What's Happening In and Around Boise: Calendar of Events
Source: Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau

While scheduled events have certainly been limited and reformatted to adhere to social distancing guidelines, our wonderful city is continuing to plan a variety of fun (and safe) events for us to enjoy. Here's a great calendar that outlines a number of events that are currently planned for August.

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