$566,734Average Value$165Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
A "prime" location in the Boise Bench
The Central Rim is the northernmost neighborhood in the Boise Bench, a cluster of enclaves just south of the Boise River. With access to the city’s primary commuter trail, the interstate and several prominent green spaces, residents can easily visit downtown or enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds it. “We consider this prime Bench,” says Elizabeth Campbell of Keller Williams Realty Boise. She’s been a local real estate agent for 10 years and works alongside her daughter, Bridget Crawford. “You can easily access two big parks and get downtown faster than you can if you were in the prime area of the North End.”
Interstate 194 — also called the Boise Connector — runs alongside the Central Rim to the north.
Locals can take the family for a picnic at the scenic Boise Depot in the Boise Bench.
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Immediate Greenbelt access and two parks nearby
Perhaps the neighborhood’s greatest asset is its immediate access to the Boise River Greenbelt. This 25-mile multi-use trail runs alongside the titular waterway, taking commuters downtown and outdoor lovers to a string of parks. Two are immediately east of the Central Rim: Kathryn Albertson Park and Ann Morrison Park. Kathryn Albertson Park consists of 41 peaceful, forested acres centered around a pond and offers birdwatching opportunities aplenty. Across Americana Boulevard, the 153-acre Ann Morrison Park features a dynamic collection of athletic and game facilities. Visitors can practice and compete in tennis, softball, soccer, football, volleyball, horseshoes, disc golf, cricket and bocce. Those who follow the Greenbelt to the northwest will soon reach Boise Whitewater Park, where surfers and kayakers can ride thrilling currents up the river. “If you go just south of the neighborhood, you’ll find some of the oldest historic local grave sites in Morris Hill Cemetery,” Campbell says. “People run in there because it’s green with lots of trees. It’s incredibly maintained by the city.” The Central Rim also offers indoor recreation at Emerald Lanes, a classic bowling alley with an arcade, pool tables and a café.
Central Rim has one of the most colorful entryways to the Boise River Greenbelt.
Kathryn Albertson Park features a pollinator meadow emphasizing the importance of bees.
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From two-bedroom ramblers to five-bedroom Craftsman designs
Most of the Central Rim’s roughly gridded, evergreen-lined streets are residential, with small lots often backing up to unpaved alleys. “This part of the bench is a little bit farther along in the transition of people upgrading homes,” Campbell says. “There’s been a lot of money poured into it. Some areas in the Central Rim are considered opportunity zones.” Many homes were built in the mid-20th century, including a considerable number of ranch-style houses. Some early-1900s Cape Cods and later bi-levels also appear in the neighborhood. A few new builds have emerged this century, including bungalows, Craftsman-style and New Traditional designs. Two-bedroom ramblers start in the low $300,000s for homes under 800 square feet. For $480,000 — around the neighborhood’s median price — homebuyers might find a four-bedroom bi-level home over 1,900 square feet. Five-bedroom 2000s Craftsman houses can approach 5,000 square feet and top $1.2 million, especially in the picturesque eastern section. “North of Emerald Street and past Jewell Street is considered a prime Boise area if you have views,” Campbell says.
Some Craftsman- and Prairie-style houses feature views in Central Rim's eastern section.
You can find rows of bungalows with modern touches in Central Rim.
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Pies, empanadas and more to munch on
A handful of independent businesses operate in and near the Central Rim along Orchard Street to the west. Boise Pie Co. and Eatery serves an array of pastries, including its Boise Traditional Pie, a New York-style cheesecake with a sour cream top. Customers can also buy savory meat pies and popular sandwiches like meatball sliders. Just south of the neighborhood, Tango’s Empanadas is an Argentinian eatery that’s served over 50 empanada flavors since 2006. Grocery stores near locals include Orient Market, an Asian supermarket in the southwest section, and Fred Meyer, about ½ mile south.
Boise Pie Co. and Eatery is open six days a week.
Authentic French pastries and paninis are made daily at Boex Sandwiches in the Central Rim.
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Three public schools within 2 miles
Three public schools in the Boise School District serve all Central Rim students. Jefferson Elementary and South Junior High operate within about 1 mile of the neighborhood. They have C-plus and B-minus Niche scores, respectively, while Borah High School has a B-plus. About 1,300 students attend Borah High’s five-building campus, where they can choose from over 30 Advanced Placement classes.
West entrance to Jefferson Elementary in the Depot Bench neighborhood.
South Junior High School serves students in Depot Bench.
Student front entrance of Borah High School in the Central Rim neighborhood.
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Bike, bus or drive around town
Bikers in the Central Rim have about a 2-mile ride from the neighborhood’s Greenbelt trailhead to downtown Boise. Bus stops appear along Emerald Street to the south, with Valley Regional Transit offering rides downtown every half-hour. Interstate 184 is immediately north of the neighborhood, taking drivers about 5 miles west to Meridian. Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, a 381-bed hospital, is less than 1 mile west on Emerald Street.
Catch the bus at Emerald street in Central Rim.
The Central Rim offers access to miles of biking and walking trails.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sarah Libengood,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Kathryn Albertson Park
Lake
Picnic Area
Trails
Bernadine Quinn Park
Fishing
Trails
Idaho Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park
Trails
River
Parking Lot
Rotary Park
Trails
River
Transit
Airport
Boise Air Trml/Gowen Field
26 min drive
Bus
N Orchard St & W Irving St Nec
Bus
W Emerald St & N Garden St Swc
Bus
W Emerald St & N Garden St Nwc
Bus
W Emerald St & N Wilson St Nwc
Bus
W Emerald St & N Stanley St Swc
Bus
W Emerald St & N Roosevelt St Swc
Central Rim Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central Rim, Boise sell after 2 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Rim, Boise over the last 12 months is $176,000, up 403% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully updated single-level home on a spacious ~0.22-acre lot in the Bench! Located just minutes from the Boise River, local parks, and downtown, this central location offers quick access to Boise’s best! The home has been fully remodeled inside and out - exterior improvements include fresh paint, new landscaping including peach trees, a brand-new fence, storage shed, extended patio/deck
Attention developers and builders, don't miss out on this package deal! This property has been split into 4 lots and is currently available now as a package subject to completion of plat map, projected for late June 2025. Perimeter fencing and required trees are currently being installed (as of 5/8/25) Water/sewer/power all stubbed up. This central quiet location is only 5 blocks from Greenbelt
Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home, ideally situated on The Central Bench just minutes from the heart of downtown, St. Alphonsus, and St. Luke's, as well as the Boise Greenbelt via Garden street just blocks away. This cozy residence offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for those seeking proximity to the city's best attractions while
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sarah Libengood,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,244
Median Age
42
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$86,507
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$100,992
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.5%
College Graduates
64.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
32.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
75.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
11''
Average Winter Low Temperature
25°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
18''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
94/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
61/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
33/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
