Boise, Idaho | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros

Welcome to Boise, ID!

Boise, the capital of Idaho, is a dynamic city nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Known for its vibrant downtown, rich Basque heritage, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, Boise offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. With a population of approximately 235,000, it provides a welcoming community for travel nurses seeking both professional growth and leisure activities.​

🌦️ Weather Overview: Month-by-Month Breakdown

Boise experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Here's what you can expect throughout the year:​

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Notes
January	38°F	24°F	Cold with occasional snowfall
February	45°F	28°F	Slightly warmer; still chilly
March	55°F	34°F	Transition to spring; blooming begins
April	63°F	40°F	Milder temperatures; ideal for outdoor activities
May	72°F	48°F	Pleasant and drier; perfect for exploring
June	81°F	55°F	Warm and sunny; peak of summer
July	91°F	62°F	Warmest month; great for festivals
August	89°F	60°F	Continued warmth; occasional thunderstorms
September	78°F	52°F	Cooling down; beautiful fall colors
October	65°F	42°F	Crisp air; increasing chance of frost
November	49°F	33°F	Chilly and dry; early snowfall possible
December	39°F	26°F	Cold and festive; holiday season

Boise receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 12 inches, with May and November being the wettest months. Snowfall is common from December through February.​

💰 Cost of Living

Boise's cost of living is approximately 4% higher than the national average, reflecting its desirability and amenities. Housing costs are relatively reasonable, with the median home price around $518,950, and a two-bedroom rental averaging $1,625 per month . While some expenses are slightly higher, travel nurses often find that the unique lifestyle and opportunities in Boise make it a worthwhile destination.​Payscale

🛋️ Furnished Housing Options

For travel nurses seeking short-term, furnished accommodations:

• Travel Nurse Housing – Boise: Offers a variety of furnished monthly rentals tailored for travel professionals.​

• HouseStay – Boise: Provides fully furnished rentals with flexible lease terms suitable for extended stays.​

• Boise Bliss Travel Housing: Features listings for apartments and homes, some of which may be furnished.​

Availability may vary seasonally, so it's advisable to secure housing well in advance.​

🏨 Extended Stay Hotels

For those preferring hotel amenities:

• Extended Stay America – Boise: Offers spacious suites with fully-equipped kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and a fitness center.​

• Candlewood Suites Boise: Provides modern accommodations with kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi, and a convenient location.​

• Choice Hotels – Boise: Features cozy rooms with home-like amenities and a complimentary breakfast.​

These hotels offer convenient options for short-term stays with the comfort of home-like amenities.​

🚐 RV Park Options

For travel nurses traveling with RVs:

• Boise Riverside RV Park: Offers full hookups, laundry facilities, and a peaceful setting near Boise.​

• Hi Valley RV Park: Provides spacious sites with amenities like a pool, playground, and proximity to Boise.​

• Mountain View RV Park: Features large RV sites, a heated pool, and family-friendly activities.​

These parks offer peaceful settings for those preferring RV accommodations.​travelnursehousing.com

🎡 Fun Things to Do in Boise, ID

Outdoor Adventures

• Boise River Greenbelt: Enjoy over 25 miles of scenic pathways along the Boise River, perfect for walking, biking, or jogging. The Greenbelt connects several parks and offers beautiful views of the river and city .​Boise Airport+2Reddit+2Tripadvisor+2

• Boise Foothills: Explore more than 190 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes .​Boise Airport

• Table Rock: Hike to this prominent local landmark for stunning views of the Treasure Valley. The trailhead is accessible from the Old Idaho Penitentiary .​Wikipedia

Cultural and Historical Sites

• Old Idaho Penitentiary: Tour this historic prison, operational from 1872 to 1973, to explore cell blocks, solitary confinement, and the gallows .​Boise Airport+2Reddit+2Tripadvisor+2

• Freak Alley Gallery: Visit this unique outdoor gallery in downtown Boise, known for its vibrant street art and murals .​Reddit

• Basque Block: Experience Boise's rich Basque heritage by exploring this cultural area featuring the Basque Museum, cultural center, and traditional eateries .​Food & Wine

Family-Friendly Attractions

• Zoo Boise: Located in Julia Davis Park, the zoo features a variety of animals and interactive exhibits, including an African Plains exhibit .​U.S. News Travel+3Wikipedia+3Reddit+3

• Discovery Center of Idaho: Engage with hands-on science and technology exhibits suitable for all ages .​Wikipedia

• MK Nature Center: Explore this 4.6-acre site along the Boise River Greenbelt, offering a unique wildlife experience with underwater viewing windows and educational exhibits .​Welcome to Boise and Beyond

Events and Festivals

• Treefort Music Fest: Attend this five-day indie rock festival held in late March, featuring various artists and events across downtown Boise .​Wikipedia

• Jaialdi Festival: Experience one of the largest Basque festivals in the U.S., held every five years in Boise, celebrating Basque culture with food, music, and sports .​Condé Nast Traveler

🚗 Nearby Weekend Trips

• McCall, ID: Approximately a 2.5-hour drive north, this resort town offers skiing in the winter and lake activities in the summer.​

• Sun Valley, ID: About a 3-hour drive east, known for its world-class ski resort and beautiful mountain scenery.​

• Shoshone Falls: Located near Twin Falls, about a 2-hour drive south, this waterfall is higher than Niagara Falls and offers stunning views.​

🧭 Summary

Boise, Idaho offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and family-friendly attractions, making it an ideal location for travel nurses seeking both professional opportunities and leisure activities. With its vibrant downtown, rich Basque heritage, and proximity to natural wonders, Boise provides a welcoming and enriching environment for healthcare professionals on assignment.

Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.