For many longtime Bay Area homeowners thinking about their next chapter, staying in California isn’t the only option. Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley have become an increasingly interesting alternative for people looking for more space, a different pace of life, and housing options that can look very different from what they’re used to in Silicon Valley.
But moving to Idaho isn’t simply a matter of comparing home prices. Boise, Eagle, Star, Middleton, and Meridian each offer something different, from walkable neighborhoods and access to the Boise foothills to newer communities, larger lots, acreage, and custom homes. Understanding those differences is important when deciding whether the Treasure Valley could actually fit the lifestyle you have in mind.
I recently sat down with Boise REALTOR® Elise Wishlow to get a firsthand look at what California buyers are finding when they make the move. We talked about what they’re looking for, what homes cost in different parts of the valley, where buyers may have room to negotiate, and practical considerations such as commute times, hospitals, water, new construction, and the region’s continued growth.
We also toured several properties to see what different budgets can actually buy, from a character home in Boise’s North End to luxury construction in Eagle, acreage in Middleton, and a remarkable mid-century modern home overlooking Boise.
If you’re considering leaving California for retirement, downsizing, moving closer to family, or simply looking for a different lifestyle, Boise may be worth exploring. You don’t need to be ready to move today. Learning about the communities, costs, and tradeoffs now can help you decide whether the Treasure Valley belongs on your list when the time comes.
Sell As-Is. Sell Easy. Sell Smart!
From the Bay Area Wayback Machine
BART Begins Passenger Service in the Bay Area (September 11, 1972)
Bay Area Rapid Transit, better known as BART, officially began passenger service with its first 28-mile route between Fremont and MacArthur stations. The opening marked the beginning of a new era in Bay Area transportation, providing a modern rail alternative for commuters traveling through the East Bay. BART would soon expand across the region, eventually connecting communities throughout Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties.
This Week in Silicon Valley
408-Home Development Near Santa Clara University Moves Forward
A major housing project near Santa Clara University has cleared an important hurdle, advancing plans to replace aging commercial buildings with a new residential community. The proposed University Station development would bring 408 apartments and townhomes to 451–475 El Camino Real, directly across from the Santa Clara Caltrain station and near the future BART extension.
Developers Morley Bros. and Bixby Land Company are behind the proposal, which includes 62 affordable homes. The project is unusual because part of the roughly 5-acre site currently lies within San Jose, requiring about 0.94 acres to be annexed into Santa Clara before construction can proceed.
The development reflects Santa Clara’s broader push to add housing near major transit connections. With hundreds of homes planned within walking distance of Caltrain and the future BART station, University Station could transform an underused commercial property into a significantly denser residential neighborhood.
Tech Mentor
Date: Wednesday, September 9
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: King Library, San Jose
Get friendly, one-on-one help with everyday technology questions from volunteer tech mentors. Whether you need assistance with email, printing, Word and Excel, online security, or library digital resources, simply drop by with your device and questions—no appointment required.
Jesse McCartney
Date: Friday, September 11
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga
Enjoy an evening of pop favorites with Jesse McCartney, the singer-songwriter behind hits like “Beautiful Soul” and “Leavin’.” With more than two decades in music and entertainment, McCartney brings a mix of nostalgic favorites and newer songs to the stage.
San Jose Book Festival
Date: Saturday, September 12
Time: 10:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Eastridge Center, 2200 Eastridge Loop, San Jose
Celebrate the joy of reading at the San Jose Book Festival, featuring more than 100 local authors, independent publishers, and bookstores. Enjoy author signings, engaging panels, family-friendly activities, storytime, and more at this free community celebration of books and storytelling.
ANDREA BOCELLI “Romanza – 30th Anniversary World Tour”
Date: Sunday, September 13
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: SAP Center at San José, 525 W Santa Clara Street, San Jose
Experience the extraordinary voice of Andrea Bocelli on his Romanza – 30th Anniversary World Tour, celebrating three decades of his landmark album. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of beloved classics and romantic favorites from one of the world’s most celebrated tenors.
Time to talk to a REALTOR?
Senior Friendly Homes in Silicon Valley South
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