Beyond Ada County is the rest of Idaho! Emmett, in Gem County, lies about 30 miles from Boise (about a 40 minute drive), and there are plenty of people who commute from friendly, smaller Emmett into Boise for work. Other substantial Treasure Valley cities include Nampa and Caldwell, but of which sit in Canyon County. Nampa, in particular, has become a big magnet for folks looking to buy a new home near a golf course for more affordable prices than you’ll tend to find in Ada County (in Meridian, for example). On average, homes in Caldwell are more affordable than comparable homes in Nampa, but the crime rates in Canyon County, and especially in Caldwell, tend to be higher than those in Ada County.

There are also stunning second home and vacation home destinations, such as McCall which sits about 2.5 hours drive from Boise, or the Sun Valley, Hailey and Stanley areas up in the Sawtooth Mountains, also about 2.5 hours drive from Boise. Even if these areas aren’t of interest as a second-home destination – maybe because you’re not looking for a second home! – they are beautiful locations to visit, to vacation, and perhaps to dream about for the future.

I would be very happy to provide more detailed information on all of these areas if you’re interested in learning more about them. Just ask!