Boise neighborhood guide
Living on the Boise Bench
More house and yard for the money, 10 minutes from downtown. Here's what the Bench is like and what to check before you buy.
Text Justin about the BenchThe short version
The Boise Bench is the raised area just south of downtown, above the Boise River. It's known for mid-century ranch homes on bigger lots, the historic Boise Depot, and easy access to downtown and the airport. It's a good fit if you want more house and yard for your budget without leaving Boise. Expect some busy corridors and older homes that may need updates.
At a glance
- Drive to downtown
- about 10 minutes
- Homes
- mostly 1940s to 1970s ranch and mid-century homes
- Best for
- more house and yard for the money, close in
- Watch for
- busy corridors and airport noise on some streets
What is the Boise Bench?
The Bench gets its name from the land it sits on. It's a series of raised terraces left behind by the ancient Boise River, so the neighborhood sits noticeably higher than downtown. Along the rim, streets like Crescent Rim Drive look out over the city.
Where is the Boise Bench?
The Bench sits just south and southwest of downtown Boise, above the river and north of the airport. It includes several neighborhoods: Depot Bench, Central Bench, Vista, Borah, Morris Hill, Hillcrest, Central Rim, and Liberty Park. Vista Avenue runs through it and connects downtown to the airport. See it on the neighborhood map.
What are homes like on the Bench?
Most Bench homes were built from the 1940s through the 1970s. You'll see ranch homes, mid-century designs, and classic bungalows, often on bigger lots than you'll find in the North End or in newer subdivisions. Many have full backyards, and plenty have been updated or are ready for it.
What's it like to live on the Bench?
The Bench feels like a practical, lived-in part of Boise. A few local landmarks:
- The Boise Depot: opened in 1925 and now owned by the city. It hosts events, and free tours run on Sundays. Platt Gardens, below it, has a koi pond and a view of downtown.
- Morris Hill Park: a 1-acre fenced dog park with a separate area for small dogs, plus a playground and an arboretum.
- Hillcrest Shopping Center on Overland Road, with a grocery store and the Hillcrest Library.
- Borah High School, which opened on the Bench in 1958.
- Hillcrest Country Club: a private golf club on the Bench that hosts the Albertsons Boise Open every year.
Downtown is about 10 minutes away, and the airport is even closer.
What should you check before buying on the Bench?
The Bench is a big area, and it varies street by street. Before you write an offer, I'll help you look at:
- Traffic: some homes sit on or near busy corridors like Vista, Overland, and Orchard. One block can make a big difference.
- Airport noise: homes closer to the airport can hear planes. Visit at different times of day.
- Older-home systems: roof, electrical, sewer line, and HVAC on homes from the 1950s through the 1970s.
- School boundaries: they depend on the exact address, so check the assigned schools for a specific home.
Who is the Bench best for?
Good fit if you: want a yard, a garage, and a single-level home, like being close to downtown and the airport, and would rather put your budget into space than a trendy address.
Maybe not if you: want to walk to coffee and restaurants, want a brand-new home, or need a quiet street no matter what. Look at the North End or Meridian instead.
The Boise Bench: the short version
- The Bench is the raised area just south of downtown Boise, above the Boise River, about 10 minutes from downtown.
- Most homes are 1940s to 1970s ranch and mid-century homes, often on bigger lots.
- It's known for the historic Boise Depot and easy access to downtown and the airport.
- Watch for busy corridors and airport noise on some streets.
The Boise Bench: common questions
What is the Boise Bench?
The Bench is the raised area just south of downtown Boise, built on terraces left by the ancient Boise River. It's known for mid-century homes on bigger lots and easy access to downtown and the airport.
Where is the Boise Bench?
Just south and southwest of downtown, above the Boise River and north of the airport. It includes neighborhoods like Depot Bench, Central Bench, Vista, Borah, Morris Hill, and Hillcrest.
Is the Boise Bench a good place to live?
For a lot of buyers, yes. You often get more house and yard for the money than in the North End or East End, and you stay about 10 minutes from downtown. The trade-offs are busier corridors and airport noise on some streets.
How old are homes on the Bench?
Most were built from the 1940s through the 1970s, with ranch and mid-century homes the most common.
What is the Boise Depot?
A historic train station on the Bench that opened in 1925. The City of Boise owns it now and uses it for events, with free tours on Sundays. Platt Gardens, below the Depot, has a koi pond and views of downtown.
Nearby neighborhoods to compare
Downtown Boise
Condos, lofts, and townhomes within walking distance of restaurants, the Capitol, BoDo, and Boise State.
Compare
Southeast Boise
Quiet streets near the Greenbelt and Boise State, plus Barber Valley and Harris Ranch farther east along the river. Older homes near Broadway, newer builds out east.
Compare
West Boise
Established neighborhoods from the 1970s through the 1990s, close to Boise Towne Square and the Connector. Central to both ends of the valley, and usually priced below the North End and East End.
CompareLife on the Boise Bench
Short posts on what's close by when you live on the Bench.
Sources
- Neighborhood boundaries: City of Boise neighborhood associations
- Geology: U.S. Geological Survey Boise Valley terrace study
- Boise Depot and Platt Gardens: City of Boise Depot history page
- Morris Hill Park: City of Boise Morris Hill Park page
- Borah High School: Borah High School website
Written by Justin Murillo, REALTOR® with Amherst Madison
Last updated: September 2026
Looking at the Bench?
Text me what you want to spend and which parts of the Bench you like. I'll tell you which streets are quiet and send you what's for sale.
Justin Murillo, REALTOR® · Amherst Madison · (805) 720-9197