Best Suburbs Surrounding Boise, Idaho

Boise, the capital of Idaho, is on the radar of many new home seekers; it has also caught the attention of Forbes, which ranked the city in the top 10 on the list of best places for job growth. Many tech companies in San Francisco are relocating to Boise in pursuit of a lower cost of living. Thus, job opportunities abound. But life in Boise expands beyond business. In 2019, National Geographic Adventure named it the nation’s No. 1 “Adventure City.” If you love Boise but prefer to live away from the bustle of the city, keep reading; we have compiled a list of its top 10 suburbs. Several of those suburbs made our list of the safest cities in Idaho too.

10. Kuna

• Population: 20,746
• Median Home Value: $175,300
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 25 minutes
• School Ranking: C+     
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,735
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 270

Kuna is located southwest of Boise and has a vast array of amenities to ensure life here is never dull. You’ll find several excellent wineries, outdoor adventures and the challenging Falcon Crest Golf Club. Kuna is one of Idaho’s best-kept secrets. Discover your new home in Kuna today!   

9. Caldwell

• Population: 56,541
• Median Home Value: $136,200
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 24 minutes
• School Ranking: C+     
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,202
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 183

Sitting 30 miles west of Boise is the town of Caldwell. In the heart of the revitalized downtown, you’ll find Indian Creek Plaza, a multipurpose venue with plenty of nearby dining and retail options. In addition, seasonal festivities come to life in the Plaza’s amphitheater. Residents can take a leisurely tour along the Sunnyslope Wine Trail; it’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the land and the fruit of the vine. Check out the new home communities in Caldwell.

8. Nampa

• Population: 96,252
• Median Home Value: $149,700
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes
• School Ranking: C+     
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,424
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 268

Located 20 miles west of Boise is the sprawling suburb of Nampa. It’s an affordable community packed with shopping and dining destinations. Nampa is steeped in history and the arts and is also a highly productive agricultural area. Much to a nature lover’s delight, Nampa has 27 spacious parks. Children can enjoy playgrounds, and residents of all ages will appreciate the tree-lined trails. Nearby Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge is a watery oasis that is a magnet for wildlife and bird watchers. Choose your new home in Nampa today!

7. Ontario, Oregon

• Population: 11,080
• Median Home Value: $114,800
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 17 minutes
• School Ranking: C+     
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 577
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 56

Ontario, Oregon, is located along the Snake River, which forms part of the Oregon-Idaho border. This charming, affordable town is an ideal location for those wanting to keep their work and home life separate. It also has a low crime rate, which is just one more reason why people love living here.  

6. Emmett

• Population: 6,903
• Median Home Value: $118,600
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 28 minutes
• School Ranking: B-      
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 68
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 15

Located about 30 miles northwest of Boise, Emmett offers a carefree way of life and low crime rates. Residents enjoy gathering at the local coffee shop on Saturday mornings and strolling through downtown shops. Situated in Gem County along the Payette River, Emmett truly is a hidden gem. Browse through the new homes here.

5. Fruitland

• Population: 5,338
• Median Home Value: $140,400
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 19 minutes
• School Ranking: B-      
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 68
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 4

As its name implies, Fruitland has a strong agricultural heritage and is known for its apple orchards. Nearby AC&D Farms has a delightful market where you can grab mouth-watering fruit and fresh produce. Fruitland may be small, but it overflows with friendly people. Come pick out your new home today.

4. Middleton

• Population: 8,009
• Median Home Value: $163,900
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 29 minutes
• School Ranking: B       
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 35
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 11

If you’re looking for safety and a solid school system, look no further; Middleton is only about 30 miles west of Boise. This jewel is one of the oldest towns in Idaho, and the Lee Moberly Museum, part of the Middleton Historical Society, is packed with relics of yesteryear. However, this town isn’t stuck in the past; it is always thrilled to welcome new neighbors. Your new home is just around the bend in Middleton. 

3. Garden City

• Population: 11,911
• Median Home Value: $213,200
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 21 minutes
• School Ranking: B+     
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 354
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 82

Garden City, a place that nearly 12,000 people call home, is only about a five-minute drive to Boise. Artists tend to flock to the city, primarily due to its eclectic ambiance. And since it’s located along the Boise River, you can fly fish in the center of town. Families are pleased with the educational system and the low crime rate. Check out the listings in Garden City!

2. Eagle

• Population: 28,363
• Median Home Value: $383,700
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 22 minutes
• School Ranking: B+     
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 614
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 95

Located along the Boise River, the upscale suburb of Eagle is only a 20-minute commute from Boise. Residents are committed to creating innovative ways to improve the quality of life, while also exhibiting a healthy respect for the environment. Eagle Island State Park is a hiking wonderland and a disc golfer’s paradise—and even offers horseback riding trails. If you need to get away from the city and breathe in some fresh air, browse through these new homes in Eagle. 

1. Meridian

• Population: 106,804
• Median Home Value: $242,000
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 22 minutes
• School Ranking: B+     
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,260
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 165

Located 20 miles from Boise, Meridian is one of the larger cities in Idaho and offers spectacular views of the Boise Mountains and Owyhee Mountains. A popular spot is the Village at Meridian, an open-air mall filled to with restaurants and retail shops. Looking for a place to play? Visit the city’s amusement parks or check out the Meridian Speedway and cheer on race car drivers. Don’t let these new home communities whiz past you!  

Additional Suburbs

Suburb	Pop.	Median Home Value	Mean Travel to Work	School Rank	Property Crimes	Violent Crimes
Mountain Home	14,451	$135,400	17 minutes	C	260	38
Payette	7,527	$108,300	17 minutes	D+	99	16

NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.