Boise neighborhood guide
Living in Boise's North End
Historic homes, tree-lined streets, and Hyde Park a few blocks away. Here's what it's like to live here and what to check before you buy.
Text Justin about the North EndThe short version
The North End is Boise's most walkable neighborhood. It sits just north of downtown, runs up to the foothills, and is known for historic homes from the early 1900s through the 1940s, the Hyde Park shops on 13th Street, and trail access from Camel's Back Park. It's a good fit if you want to walk or bike to most things. Expect older homes, smaller lots, and prices near the top of the Boise market.
At a glance
- Drive to downtown
- about 5 minutes
- Homes
- bungalows, craftsman, Victorian, and Tudor-style
- Best for
- walking, biking, and trail access
- Watch for
- older-home repairs and small lots
Where is the North End in Boise?
The North End sits directly north of downtown Boise, running from around State Street up to the foothills. Harrison Boulevard runs through the middle of it, and Hyde Park and Camel's Back Park anchor the north side. See it on the neighborhood map.
What are homes like in the North End?
Most North End homes were built between the early 1900s and the 1940s. You'll see craftsman bungalows, Victorians, Tudor-style cottages, and some newer infill homes where older ones were replaced. Lots are narrow, many garages sit off the alley, and front porches are the norm.
Harrison Boulevard is the showpiece: a wide, tree-lined boulevard of larger historic homes.
What's it like to live in the North End?
Daily life here happens on foot. Hyde Park on 13th Street has coffee, restaurants, and a few local shops. Camel's Back Park sits at the top of 13th, with a big lawn, a playground, and trailheads into Hulls Gulch and the Ridge to Rivers system.
On Halloween, Harrison Boulevard turns into one of the biggest trick-or-treat nights in the city. Plan on crowds if you buy on it.
What should you check before buying in the North End?
Older homes are the draw here, and they come with older-home questions. Before you write an offer, I'll help you look at:
- Electrical: some older homes still have original wiring that insurers and lenders ask about.
- Sewer line: a camera scope is worth the cost on a home this age.
- Foundation and basement moisture.
- Historic district rules: parts of the North End are in a local historic district, so exterior changes and additions go through city design review.
- Parking: many homes have alley garages or street parking only.
Who is the North End best for?
Good fit if you: want to walk to coffee and dinner, ride a bike downtown, hit the trails after work, and like the character of an older home.
North End Boise: the short version
- The North End is Boise's most walkable neighborhood, just north of downtown and about 5 minutes away by car.
- Most homes were built between the early 1900s and the 1940s: craftsman bungalows, Victorians, and Tudor-style cottages on narrow lots.
- Hyde Park on 13th Street has coffee, restaurants, and shops, and Camel's Back Park has trailheads into Hulls Gulch.
- Parts of the North End are in a local historic district, first designated in 1994 and expanded in 2004, so exterior changes go through city design review.
- Before you buy, check the wiring, the sewer line, the foundation, and parking.
North End Boise: common questions
Is the North End walkable?
Yes. It's the most walkable neighborhood in Boise. Hyde Park, Camel's Back Park, and many downtown spots are within walking or biking distance of most North End homes.
Is the North End expensive?
It's one of the pricier parts of Boise, because of the location and the historic homes. Smaller homes and ones that need work come up too. Text me for current prices.
How old are the homes in the North End?
Most were built between the early 1900s and the 1940s, with some newer infill homes mixed in.
Are there historic district rules in the North End?
Parts of the North End are in a local historic district. Exterior changes, additions, and demolitions there go through City of Boise design review. I'll tell you before you buy if a home falls inside the district.
How far is the North End from downtown Boise?
About 5 minutes by car, and a short bike ride. Some homes on the south edge are a 10-minute walk from downtown.
Sources
- North End Historic District: City of Boise North End Historic District page
- Historic design review: City of Boise certificate of appropriateness
- Camel's Back Park: City of Boise Camel's Back Park page
- Trails: Ridge to Rivers Camel's Back and Hulls Gulch reserves
Nearby neighborhoods to compare
East End
The historic homes along Warm Springs Avenue, some still heated by Boise's geothermal water, with Table Rock and the foothills right behind them. Quieter than the North End and just as close to downtown.
Compare
Boise Foothills
Neighborhoods like the Highlands climb into the hills north of the city, many with views across the valley. Homes tend to be larger and newer, on bigger or hillside lots.
Compare
Downtown Boise
Condos, lofts, and townhomes within walking distance of restaurants, the Capitol, BoDo, and Boise State.
Compare
Written by Justin Murillo, REALTOR® with Amherst Madison
Last updated: September 2026
Looking at the North End?
Text me what you want to spend and which streets you like. I'll send you what's for sale and what's about to be.
Justin Murillo, REALTOR® · Amherst Madison · (805) 720-9197