Boise is the capital and most populous city in the state. It is located on the Boise River in the southwestern region of Idaho. Downtown Boise is a cultural center and the home to a significant number of small businesses. Boise does not have the same retail/dining focus that can be found in cities such as Seattle or Portland, but there is a large variety of shopping and dining options nonetheless. The neighborhood near 8th Street contains a pedestrian zone with several cafes and sidewalk restaurants. This neighborhood is also one of the best in the area for nightlife activity. Basque Block will allow visitors to learn more about Boise’s heritage. Some of the main attractions downtown include the Egyptian Theatre and the Boise Art Museum. Boise State University is located just south of downtown. The North End of Boise is the area that contains most of the city’s most historic homes. This area contains tree-lined drives and quiet neighborhoods. The North End is the location for the annual Hyde Park Street Fair.
Several large corporations have headquarters in Boise, including J.R. Simplot Company, Idaho Pacific Lumber Company, Idaho Timber, and Clearwater Analytics. The state government is one of the city’s largest employers. Other important aspects of the economy include technology investment and high-tech industry. Some of the city’s other top employers include St. Luke’s Health System, Walmart, Micron Technology, and Simplot.
