Moving from Sacramento, CA, to Boise, ID

Gear up for an elevated adventure in Boise 

Located half a mile above sea level in southwestern Idaho, the mid-sized capital city of Boise exemplifies the rugged beauty of the American West while offering a unique blend of cultural experiences. Transplants from Sacramento, CA, will also find Boise relatively affordable — especially compared to larger Pacific Northwest neighbors Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR — and family-friendly. 

Keep reading to learn more about the City of Trees.

‘Basque’ in a unique cultural experience

Like downtown Sacramento, downtown Boise (known as “BoDo” by locals) is a vibrant, walkable cultural hub with more than 80 restaurants and 100 shops and businesses. At the heart of it all is The Basque Block, the centerpiece of one of the largest Basque communities in the U.S. 

Basques began emigrating to Boise in the 1800s for sheep herding jobs, working in an area like the Pyrenes Mountains in Spain. Today, Boise has a Basque community of about 16,000 people, and their neighborhood is a living tribute to Southwestern European culture. The Basque Block contains two boarding houses, a museum and cultural center, an indoor jai alai court, a bar, a restaurant, and a market. 

Prepare to be sun-kissed and snow-capped 

Dry air and higher elevation mean the Treasure Valley heats up and cools down quickly. Boise has more than 200 sunny days per year, with summer highs around 90 degrees. Fall colors are spectacular during peak leaf-peeping season from early October to mid-November. The average low in January is 24 degrees, but snow in the city melts quickly because of milder temperatures.  

Manage Boise’s winter weather with these 10 simple tips: 

• Dress in layers 
• Invest in a warm coat, boots and gloves 
• Build in time to defrost your vehicle before driving 
• Keep a windshield scraper and snow brush in your vehicle 
• Make sure your vehicle is properly serviced 
• Visit natural hot springs for a warm dip on a cold day 
• Find a favorite coffee shop (or several) to warm up 
• Increase your vitamin and supplement intake 
• Get plenty of sleep 
• Stay active 

Enjoy a taste of the area’s unique flavors

Sacramento and Boise are passionate about using locally sourced ingredients to elevate cuisine. Don’t be surprised to discover a diverse food scene in your new city — everything from fine dining and casual fare restaurants to globally inspired food trucks. Some local favorite items include finger steaks, ice cream potatoes (a potato-shaped ball of ice cream, not an actual potato!), Basque croquetas, fresh huckleberries, fries and fry sauce, scones, Idaho ruby red trout, Idaho sturgeon caviar (mix up the order) 

Let U-Pack arrange your move from Sacramento

Moving from one capital city to another — especially when they’re 550 miles apart — is easier with professional help. U-Pack® blends the convenience of full-service moving with money-saving DIY elements to boost efficiency and streamline your experience. Contact a service center near you or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 for a free quote and all the details!