Nestled along the banks of the Boise River, Garden City, Idaho, is a vibrant community that blends urban amenities with a laid-back atmosphere. Known for its eclectic charm, thriving arts scene, and scenic views, Garden City offers a lifestyle that’s as unique as its name.
With easy access to Boise and outdoor recreation opportunities right at your doorstep, this small city has become a popular choice for families, artists, and professionals alike.
What Makes Garden City Unique?
Garden City stands out for its creative spirit and dynamic community. The city is home to the vibrant Surel’s Place artist residency and a growing number of local breweries, wineries, and galleries. The Boise Greenbelt runs through the heart of Garden City, offering residents access to miles of walking and biking trails along the river.
The River District has become a hub for innovation and culture, attracting new businesses and fostering a sense of connection among residents. Garden City’s small-town charm combined with its modern developments creates a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Rental Market Overview
Garden City’s proximity to downtown Boise, combined with its affordable housing options and growing popularity, makes it an excellent choice for property investment. The rental market is thriving, attracting tenants who value the city’s unique character and convenient location. Urban City Property Management is here to help you navigate this dynamic market, ensuring your property is well-maintained and consistently occupied.
- Pricing: The average rent for an apartment in Garden City is approximately $1,978 per month, reflecting a 7% decrease compared to the previous year. Overall, Garden City’s rental market is characterized by relatively high rent prices, a diverse range of rental options, and a dynamic housing market with notable year-over-year price increases.
- Availability: The rental market comprises various property types, including apartments, condos, and houses. As of March 2025, there are currently 43 rentals available in Garden City
Pros of Living in Garden City
Garden City, Idaho, has a lot to offer for residents. Here are some of the top pros of living there:
- Walkability: Garden City, Idaho, has moderate walkability, but it largely depends on the specific neighborhood. Some areas, especially near the Boise River Greenbelt and the Live-Work-Create District, are more pedestrian-friendly.
- Bike Friendly: The city is very bike-friendly, especially with the Boise River Greenbelt, which connects to downtown Boise.
- Proximity to Boise: Garden City is just minutes from downtown Boise, offering easy access to jobs, entertainment, and cultural events while maintaining a quieter suburban feel.
- Outdoor Recreation: Nestled along the Boise River, Garden City provides excellent outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking.
- Thriving Arts & Brewery Scene: Home to multiple craft breweries, wineries, and artistic hubs like the Surel Mitchell Live-Work-Create District, making it a haven for creatives and craft beer lovers.
- Lower Cost of Living Compared to Boise: While home prices have risen, Garden City is generally more affordable than Boise in terms of housing and overall cost of living.
Age Distribution & Household Composition
- Age Distribution: The median age in Garden City, Idaho, is 46 years, which is higher than the national median age of around 38 years. This suggests that the city has a more mature population, with a mix of retirees, professionals, and long-time residents, rather than a predominantly young demographic. However, with its growing arts scene and proximity to Boise, younger professionals and families are also moving in.
- Total Households: Approximately 5,479 households. The average household size is 2 persons per household. Family households is approximately 58% of households, while 41% are non-family households.
These statistics indicate that Garden City has a diverse household composition, with a mix of family units, single-person households, and a notable percentage of residents aged 65 and older living alone.
Lifestyle
The lifestyle in Garden City is a mix of outdoor adventure, arts & culture, and small-town charm, with easy access to the amenities of Boise. Here are some highlighted attractions:
- Boise River Greenbelt: A scenic 25-mile trail running through the district, perfect for biking, walking, and jogging.
- The Boardwalk: Is a brand new, mixed-use development along the Boise River, with apartments, restaurants, and a future hotel, as well as a new commercial building with office space. With vibrant onsite restaurants and retail options on the plaza.
- The Waterfront District: The Waterfront District is a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood along the Boise River, known for its walkability, outdoor recreation, and modern housing. It’s one of the most desirable areas in Garden City due to its riverfront access, upscale townhomes, and proximity to the Boise River Greenbelt.
- Esther Simplot Park: A beautiful park with ponds, walking trails, and picnic areas. Great for paddle boarding, birdwatching, and relaxing by the water.
- Telaya Wine Co: A riverside winery with a cozy tasting room and outdoor seating. Offers locally made wines with a relaxed, scenic vibe.
Dining
- Barrigas (Nick’s top pick): Barrigas is a local owned family Mexican restaurant. The menu has traditional style Mexican food with a unique style of presentation. Patrons appreciate the friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere, with many reviews highlighting the good food and service.
- Caffe Luciano’s: A riverside Italian café offering a modern twist on classic recipes. The intimate setting features a bar and dining area, with a menu that includes appetizers, entrées, pizzas, and desserts, complemented by a selection of wines and beverages. Patrons praise the garlic-infused bruschetta, hearty lasagna, and flavorful tiramisu.
- The Stagecoach Inn (Dusty’s top pick): The Stagecoach Inn has been a favorite dining destination in the Boise area since 1959. Serving up the Boise Area’s famous prawns, steaks, house-made desserts, cocktails, and warm hospitality.
- Cobby’s Sandwhich Shop: Serving the community since 1978, offering a variety of sandwiches made with fresh-baked bread, premium deli meats, and all-natural cheeses sliced daily. Known for its cozy atmosphere, stellar soups, and a salad bar that covers the basics.
