Moving from Portland, OR to Boise, ID

Blend urban and rural living in an outdoor lover’s paradise 

Boise (pronounced “boy-see”) is the capital of Idaho and one of the fastest-growing cities in the Pacific Northwest. Located about 430 miles southeast of Portland, Boise is roughly one-third the size of the Rose City but offers easy access to both big-city amenities and natural attractions.  

Eager to learn more about the City of Trees? You’ve come to the right place! We’ll also tell you about an easy long-distance moving option that can save you time and money. 

 

High rankings capture attention 

New residents are often drawn to Boise (population: 230,000) because of what the long-timers already know: It’s a highly desirable spot to call home. Boise ranks just below Portland at No. 11 on the list of Best Places to Live by U.S. News & World Report. The publication also tabbed Boise as the country’s seventh-safest city along with being No. 16 for quality of life. 

 

Dry, sunny, cold and … smoky? 

Boise is 2,700 feet above sea level with a semi-arid climate and has distinct seasons. Unlike Portland, Boise is mostly dry and gets lots of sunshine – about 200 days per year – and has colder winters with about 18 inches of snow. In between the short summer and winter is “smoke season,” which typically happens around August when smoke blows in from wildfires in the surrounding states. Fortunately, it causes only a brief decrease in air quality, but it’s worth noting and preparing for. 

 

It's still affordable despite rising costs

Although costs are starting to reflect its growing popularity, living in Boise remains a bargain compared to the rest of the Pacific Northwest. The median sale price of a single-family home is $355,000 (compared to over $500,000 in Portland). Boise’s taxes, insurance rates and utilities also fall below the national average. 

 

Enjoy the best of both worlds 

In Boise, you don’t have to go very far to get away from it all. Cool off in the Boise River, which runs through the city (like the Willamette River runs through Portland) and explore more than 180 miles of public trails for hiking, trail running and mountain biking in the Boise foothills. Daylight can extend past 9 p.m. in the winter, offering more time for skiing and snowboarding at Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area. 

There’s also a number of artistic and cultural outlets to enjoy, including the Boise Art Museum, the Boise Philharmonic, Opera Idaho and the vibrant Basque Block neighborhood. Missing the electric atmosphere of a Portland Trail Blazers NBA game? Catch a football game on the bright blue “Smurf turf” at Boise State University. 

 

Get from Portland to Boise safely and easily with U-Pack® 

Long-distance moving is better with expert help. And with U-Pack®, that help is more affordable than you might expect. We provide a full-service experience at DIY prices and with service centers nationwide, we can transport your belongings from Portland to Boise in just a few days! Get your free quote today and we’ll customize a move to fit your needs.