Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Garden City, North End, Kuna, Oh my!! But Where in the Treasure Valley Should I Buy???

When my wife Sara and I first started talking about leaving California, we had no idea how much our lives were about to change. We were living just outside Sacramento—solid careers, a good house—but once we had kids, we re-thought our lives entirely. Suddenly, safety, community, schools, and space to grow became our priorities.

Around that time, Sara’s stepbrother had moved to Boise. When he told us about it, we said what most Californians say:
“Boise, Iowa?”
***Cue facepalm** 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

Eventually, we decided to visit—just to see what it was all about. And that visit changed everything. From the moment we landed, we knew. The mountains on the horizon, friendly people waving as you passed by, great schools, and a slower rhythm of life... it just felt right. Boise wasn’t a fallback—it was exactly what we were looking for. Texas was still on our list, but we never made it there. Boise had us from the start.

But picking Idaho was only the beginning. The real question quickly became:
Where in the greater Boise area should we live?
Eagle? Meridian? Boise proper? Garden City? Kuna?

We were overwhelmed at first.

Now that we’ve been here eight years, I want to help you answer that same question. Whether you’re relocating from across the country or just trying to find your next neighborhood, here’s what I’ve learned about these parts of Ada county—and how to choose the one that fits your life best.

Eagle: The Polished Suburban Dream

This was one of our top contenders early on. It's got that peaceful, quiet vibe with wide streets, well-kept parks, and top-tier schools. People love Eagle for:

• Low crime, high-end living

• The Boise River and trails right in your backyard

• Great restaurants and boutiques without the city bustle

If you want that polished, “I can breathe here” feeling, Eagle’s got it.

Boise: City Life With a Mountain View

We were originally drawn to Boise’s North End—classic homes, tree-lined streets, and walkability to downtown. It’s got:

• Nightlife, art, breweries, and music

• A strong job market—especially in tech and health

• Endless cultural options with museums, theater, and BSU sports

It’s a vibe, no doubt. If you love being where the action is, this might be your zone.

Meridian: Family Central

We didn’t really understand how dialed-in Meridian was until we had toddlers. It's one of the fastest-growing cities in Idaho, and it’s built for families. Think:

• Top-rated schools and parks

• Brand-new everything—from Costco to community centers

• Quieter neighborhoods, but still close to Boise

A practical choice—space, value, and a ton of resources for raising kids.

Garden City: The Artist’s Escape

If you’re a little more artsy or just love something a bit offbeat, Garden City might be your jam. It’s nestled along the river and full of:

• Art studios, indie coffee shops, and breweries

• Riverside living without breaking the bank

• A tight-knit creative vibe you can’t really replicate elsewhere

This one almost stole our hearts. 

Kuna: Country Roads, Take Me Home

When you need space to spread out, but still want to be 20 minutes from Costco, you check out Kuna. It’s grown fast, but it still feels like small-town Idaho.

• Affordable homes with land

• Horse property, hiking trails, and space to play

• Safe, simple living without giving up amenities

If you dream of chickens in the backyard and a slower pace of life, Kuna’s calling.

So… Where Did We Land?

We chose Eagle. It had the right mix of affordability, location, and family-friendly lifestyle. We live just around the corner from Gallileo STEM K-8 school, so my kids get to walk to school every day. We're also around the corner for Eagle Highschool, so we don't feel the need to worry about our teen requiring a car to drive to school. Now, years later, I don’t regret it one bit. But I still drive through the North End and think, What if…

Thinking of Making a Move?

I’ve lived it. From state-jumping decisions to city-hopping dilemmas, I know what it’s like to try to pick the “perfect” place. The good news? You can’t go too wrong in the Treasure Valley.

If you're thinking about moving here—or already live here but want a change—let’s talk. I’d love to hear your story, and help you figure out your next chapter.

Thomas Tubbs
Director of Operations, Agents With A Smile
📧 thomas@agentswithasmile.com
📞 208-400-5769
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