Looking to escape the stress-inducing pace of big-city life? Consider moving to Garden City, Idaho. Nestled in Ada County, it’s almost entirely surrounded by Boise. Whether you’re drawn by its intriguing history, its artistic energy, or the quiet charm of its riverside location, Garden City has much to offer.
In Ada County, nearly completely surrounded by Boise
Approximately 13,000 people live in the city
Suburban, artistic, lively downtown
Garden City is bursting with creative energy everywhere you look, from the large-scale wall murals depicting the city’s history to the colorful floral patterns on 36th Street utility boxes. Musicians, writers, and other artists have flocked to the city for its cheap real estate and abundance of places to practice their crafts. Many come from Boise, where skyrocketing rents have priced many artists out of the housing market.
Pets are allowed in most Garden City parks but must be leashed.
In recent years, Garden City’s appeal as a home base has increased greatly, prompting home prices to rise. Its housing market is currently very competitive, with homes selling quite quickly at or near asking prices.
If you’re looking to rent an apartment in Garden City, expect to pay between 1,500 and $2,000 per month.
Surrounded by Boise and Eagle, Garden City has become a popular place to live, increasing demand for housing and pushing home prices up.
Garden City is experiencing an urban revival, with many new housing developments underway that continually increase the city’s attractiveness.
There are just two elementary schools and one high school in Garden City. The city’s middle school students can attend junior highs in nearby Boise, and high schoolers can also attend Boise High. Garden City is also home to two popular charter schools and an alternative all-weather outdoor education program. While there are no colleges or universities in Garden City, nearby options include Boise State University and College of Western Idaho.Â
From unique shops and local art to craft breweries, wineries, and breathtaking river views, Garden City has something for everyone.
From local art to delightful festivals and celebrations, Garden City offers entertainment at every turn. Attractions include the Boise Music Fest, the Western Idaho Fair, and the annual Pollinator Party, which celebrates bees and butterflies. Surrounded by the stunning Boise National Forest foothills and the Boise River, Garden City also has much to offer nature lovers.
Garden City has a plethora of unique shops, especially on Chinden Boulevard, where you’ll find exquisitely made crafts of all sorts. If the city’s creative vibe inspires you to make your own art, you’ll also find many new and recycled art supplies. If you need a guide to the city’s artist studios and other shops, follow the colorful signs on the Garden City Artisans Pathway.Â
Garden City is home to a cornucopia of restaurants, from acclaimed coffeehouses to traditional steakhouses. You’ll find cuisine of all sorts, including Mexican, Thai, Greek, Italian, and BBQ. Garden City also boasts some of the best craft breweries in Idaho as well as several wineries that offer tours and flights, some with spectacular river views.
Valley Regional Transit runs bus routes that connect Garden City to Boise and other surrounding cities, such as Meridian and Nampa. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available. Biking is another great option, as the city has hundreds of cycle routes to explore.
If you’re seeking outdoor adventure, you’ll find what you crave in Garden City. Kayak or inner tube down the majestic Boise River. Or cycle the scenic Boise River Greenbelt, which spans approximately 25 miles, offering stunning views of lush greenery and access to numerous parks.Â
The community of Garden City is active and artistic year-round! You need not go to New Orleans to experience Mardi Gras because the celebration happens there each year. The city also hosts several other annual community events and activities that appeal to a variety of tastes and ages.
The median household income in Garden City is $61,548, with an unemployment rate of 3.5%. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the city’s grocery cost index (94) is lower than the national (100). While Garden City’s job market has decreased 1.6% over the past year, job growth over the next decade is expected to be 50.8%, higher than the US average of 33.5%.
It takes about 10–15 minutes by car and 20–30 minutes by bus to get to Boise from Garden City. Biking is a trek of 20-30 minutes.Â
CrimeGrade.org gives Garden City a B-. Crime levels, however, vary significantly by neighborhood. The northwest part is generally the safest. Most crimes occur in the city’s central areas, where around 247 crimes are committed each year. Property crimes like theft and vandalism account for most incidents; violent crimes are infrequent.
Below average
The Garden City Police Department is dedicated to fostering safety and pride in the city. It promotes active participation in safety initiatives among community members.
