New to Boise or moving across the valley? Here is what locals wish someone had told them: who to call for utilities, how the neighborhoods break down, and what to handle in your first 30 days. Download the printable Newcomer Guide (PDF).
Your first 30 days in Idaho
- Get an Idaho driver’s license within 30 days of living here: Idaho DMV.
- Register your vehicle once Idaho has been your home for 30 days. Some counties require a VIN inspection: titles and registration.
- Ada and Canyon counties no longer require vehicle emissions testing.
- Register to vote after you have your Idaho license: voteidaho.gov.
- The state’s own checklist: idaho.gov/moving.
Utilities: who to call
| Service | Who provides it |
|---|---|
| Electric | Idaho Power serves most of the Treasure Valley. |
| Natural gas | Intermountain Gas. |
| Boise water | Most Boise homes are served by Veolia Water Idaho. Some areas use other water companies or wells, so check your address. |
| Boise sewer, trash, recycling, compost | Billed by City of Boise Utility Billing, (208) 608-7460. |
| Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Kuna, Garden City | Water, sewer and trash are generally set up through the city’s utility billing office. |
| Eagle and Star | Providers vary by address (city, district or private water company). Call city hall with your address. |
| Internet | Varies by street. Check your address on the FCC National Broadband Map. |
Boise neighborhoods at a glance
| Area | What locals mean |
|---|---|
| Downtown and BoDo | The city center: restaurants, the Capitol, events and the seasonal Saturday Capital City Public Market. |
| North End | Historic, tree-lined streets north of downtown, close to the foothills and Hyde Park shops. |
| East End and Warm Springs | East of downtown near the foothills and Table Rock, with older homes and geothermal history. |
| The Bench | The raised plateau south and west of downtown (Central, West and Depot Bench). Central, established neighborhoods. |
| Depot Bench | Around the historic Boise Depot, with views back over downtown. |
| Boise State and South Boise | Near the university, the river and the Greenbelt. |
| Southeast and Harris Ranch | Southeast Boise and the Barber Valley along the river. Harris Ranch is a newer planned community. |
| South Boise (“Southside”) | South of I-84 toward Lake Hazel Road: newer subdivisions with quick access to Meridian and Kuna. |
| West Boise | Suburban neighborhoods around Boise Towne Square and the Boise Spectrum. |
| Northwest and Collister | Foothill and river neighborhoods north of State Street. |
Around the valley
| City | Quick take |
|---|---|
| Meridian | Idaho’s second-largest city, just west of Boise. Shopping at The Village at Meridian. |
| Eagle | Northwest of Boise along the river, with larger lots and foothill views. |
| Star | A growing community west of Eagle. |
| Kuna | South of Meridian, with a quieter, more rural feel. |
| Nampa and Caldwell | Canyon County, west on I-84. Home to Nampa Gateway Center and the Idaho Center. |
| Garden City | Its own small city, surrounded by Boise, along the river. |
“West Ada” usually means the West Ada School District, Idaho’s largest. It covers Meridian, Eagle, Star and parts of west Boise and Kuna. Always confirm your school by address.
Schools
- Boise School District
- West Ada School District
- Kuna, Nampa, Vallivue and Caldwell school districts serve their areas.
- Use each district’s boundary lookup to confirm schools for an address.
Hospitals and healthcare
- St. Luke’s: Boise Medical Center (downtown), Meridian and Nampa medical centers, and St. Luke’s Children’s.
- Saint Alphonsus: Regional Medical Center in Boise, plus Nampa and other locations.
- West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell.
- Boise VA Medical Center for veterans.
- Urgent care clinics are throughout the valley. For emergencies, call 911.
Shopping and everyday
- Boise Towne Square (west Boise)
- The Village at Meridian
- Downtown Boise and BoDo
- Hyde Park (North End)
- Boise Spectrum (southwest Boise)
- Nampa Gateway Center
Getting around and getting outside
- Boise Airport (BOI) is minutes from downtown.
- Bus service: Valley Regional Transit.
- The Boise River Greenbelt runs for miles along the river through Boise, Garden City and Eagle.
- Foothill trails: Ridge to Rivers. Skiing: Bogus Basin, about an hour up the mountain.
- Road conditions: 511.idaho.gov.
More free planners and checklists: Moving Resources and Cleaning Resources.
Details change. Confirm providers and requirements with the agency for your address. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.