Living in Boise, Idaho | Thoughts on the “City of Trees” 🌳

One of my goals while living abroad was to explore which places in the U.S. are truly livable. I spent 20 days in Boise — known as the “City of Trees” — and here’s my take on the city, along with some personal impressions. ✅ The Good: 🏞️ Amazing outdoor access — mountains, rivers, hot springs, and skiing nearby. No wonder Americans find it so livable! The city is incredibly green, with the Boise River running through it and parks that rival Seattle’s (drone photos approved!). 🏙️ Downtown is clean and feels safe — I didn’t see a single homeless person, even under bridges or in parking lots. Coming from the West Coast, that was a shock. How do they do it? 🚗 The city is compact and easy to get around. Driving from suburban Meridian to the other side of town takes only 20 minutes — with no traffic! 🛝 Suburbs like Eagle are modern and family-friendly, with beautiful lakeside homes, top schools, and even playgrounds that look like water parks. Kids seem super happy here. 🌅 Gorgeous fiery sunsets are a regular sight. ❌ The Not-So-Good: 👥 Less than 2% of Idaho’s population is Asian — diversity is low. 🛒 Very few Asian grocery stores, and groceries are subject to 6% state tax. 🏠 Housing is expensive. The secret’s out — Idaho is more than just potatoes 😂 (though locals still love playing that card!). 📍 Must-Visit Spots: Old Idaho Penitentiary: A 100+ year-old abandoned prison with major movie vibes. Some say it’s haunted — it was a site of executions. 🌿 Parks & Nature: Esther Simplot Park – People actually surf here! My top park pick. Boise River Green Belt & Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial Lucky Peak State Park Boise Depot – A 1920s steam locomotive sitting quietly on old tracks. Together Treasure Valley Dog Island – A dog park surrounded by water. Perfect for pups who love to swim! 🏛️ Downtown Highlights: Freak Alley Gallery – Cool graffiti alley Capital City Public Market – Saturday market vibes Idaho State Capitol – Beautiful government building Hyde Park – A charming neighborhood in North Boise #DigitalNomad #Boise #Idaho #LivableCities #USATravel 🧳📸