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Justin Murillo | Amherst Madison

(805) 720-9197
A quiet Northwest Boise street lined with mature trees and larger lots, with the foothills behind

Boise neighborhood guide

Living in Northwest Boise

Larger lots, mature trees, and a quieter feel between the river and the foothills, about 15 minutes from downtown.

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The short version

Northwest Boise covers Collister, Pierce Park, and the neighborhoods between the Boise River and the foothills, north of State Street. It's known for larger lots, mature trees, and a quieter feel, with trails at Polecat Gulch and the Greenbelt nearby. The median sale price was about $499,000 over the three months through August 2026, below the Ada County median.

At a glance

Location
north of State Street, between the river and the foothills
Median sale price (Jun to Aug 2026)
about $499,000
Drive to downtown
about 15 minutes
Known for
larger lots, mature trees, Polecat Gulch
Schools
Boise School District

Where is Northwest Boise?

Northwest Boise sits north of State Street, between the Boise River and the foothills, west of the North End. Neighborhoods include Collister, Pierce Park, Sunset, and the Northwest and West Valley neighborhood areas. You can see where it sits on our neighborhood map of Boise.

How much do homes cost in Northwest Boise?

The median sale price in Redfin's Northwest Boise area was about $499,000 over the three months through August 2026. That's below the $595,000 median for single-family homes across Ada County, which makes Northwest Boise one of the better values close to downtown. Prices vary a lot between an older home on a small lot and a bigger property near the foothills. Text me your budget and I'll show you what it buys here.

What are homes like in Northwest Boise?

Expect established homes on larger lots, many with big yards, gardens, and mature trees. Collister is named for Dr. George Collister, who bought land here in 1897 and grew more than 10,000 fruit trees, and parts of it still keep a rural feel. You'll also find newer homes on the hillsides toward the foothills.

What's it like to live in Northwest Boise?

It's quieter, with more space and quick access to the outdoors. A few local favorites:

  • More than 7 miles of trails at Polecat Gulch Reserve in the foothills, including the 5.8-mile Polecat Loop. Dogs must be on a leash there.
  • Veterans Memorial Park: an 18-hole disc golf course, a pond, a nature playground, and access to the Greenbelt.
  • The Boise River Greenbelt along the river on the south side.
  • Quail Hollow Golf Course in the foothills off 36th Street, run by the City of Boise.

What should you check before buying in Northwest Boise?

  • Boise or Garden City: Garden City is a separate city surrounded by Boise, along the river south of State Street. The boundary is easy to miss, so check which city a home is in. Taxes, services, and rules can differ.
  • Walkability: there are fewer shops and restaurants within walking distance than in the North End or downtown.
  • Commute: State Street can back up at rush hour. Drive your route before you commit.
  • Larger lots: ask about irrigation, sprinkler systems, and what it takes to keep the yard up.
  • Flood zones: some homes near the river may sit in a flood zone. Check the FEMA flood map for any home you're considering.

Who is Northwest Boise best for?

Good fit if you: want a bigger yard, mature trees, and a quieter street inside Boise city limits, at a lower price than the North End.

Maybe not if you: want to walk to restaurants and shops, or want a newer home with low upkeep. Look at the North End or Meridian instead.

Northwest Boise: the short version

  • Northwest Boise covers Collister, Pierce Park, and the neighborhoods north of State Street, between the Boise River and the foothills.
  • It's known for larger lots, mature trees, and a quieter feel, about 15 minutes from downtown.
  • The median sale price was about $499,000 over the three months through August 2026, below the Ada County median.
  • Polecat Gulch trails and the Greenbelt are close by.

Northwest Boise: common questions

How much does a home cost in Northwest Boise?

The median sale price in Redfin's Northwest Boise area was about $499,000 over the three months through August 2026, below the Ada County median.

What neighborhoods are in Northwest Boise?

Collister, Pierce Park, Sunset, and the Northwest and West Valley neighborhood areas, north of State Street between the river and the foothills.

Is Garden City part of Boise?

No. Garden City is a separate city surrounded by Boise, along the river south of State Street. Check which city a home is in before you buy.

Where can you hike in Northwest Boise?

Polecat Gulch Reserve has more than 7 miles of trails, including the 5.8-mile Polecat Loop. Dogs must be on a leash there.

How far is Northwest Boise from downtown?

About 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic on State Street.

Nearby areas to compare

North End

Boise's most walkable neighborhood. Tree-lined streets, early 1900s to 1940s bungalows, and Hyde Park's coffee shops and restaurants a few blocks away. Camel's Back Park and the foothills trails sit at the top of the neighborhood.

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.

Eagle

Larger lots, a small walkable downtown, and a quieter, higher-end feel, with the Boise River along the south side of town.

Sources

Justin Murillo, REALTOR with Amherst Madison

Written by Justin Murillo, REALTOR® with Amherst Madison

Last updated: September 2026

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Justin Murillo, REALTOR® · Amherst Madison · (805) 720-9197

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