Garden City, ID Homes and Neighborhoods
Garden City is its own small city, with its own city hall and government, tucked almost entirely inside Boise along the Boise River. Its main street, Chinden Boulevard, takes its name from the Chinese gardens that once lined the river here, and the city still carries the garden name. Buyers look here for the Boise River Greenbelt along the river, an arts and tasting-room scene, and quick access to downtown Boise, all with a mix of older blocks and infill homes.
To see what has closed, browse the sold homes page. Garden City listings include land, manufactured homes and some multi-family and commercial property alongside single-family homes, townhomes and condos, so when you browse, filter by type to see the homes you're actually comparing.
The homes
Condos and townhomes sit alongside single-family houses in Garden City, with older homes on established streets and infill and riverside projects mixed in.
You can narrow your search by type: single-family homes, condos and townhomes, manufactured homes and new construction homes. Much of Garden City shares the 83714 ZIP code with parts of northwest Boise; the 83714 page covers that ZIP.
Flood zones along the Boise River
The river is a big part of Garden City's appeal, and it's also the most important thing to check on any home here. The city reports that a large share of its properties lie within the 100-year floodplain, and that the river reaches flood stage every few years. Flood maps govern building and insurance requirements, and FEMA revises them from time to time. Before you make an offer, look the address up on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, ask the city whether the property is in the regulatory floodplain, and get a flood insurance quote early.
Schools
Garden City has no public schools of its own inside city limits. Most of the city is served by the Boise School District, and part of it falls in the West Ada School District. Two charter schools, Future Public School and Anser Charter School, are located in Garden City. Because assignments depend on the exact address, use the Boise School District's Attendance Area Locator or contact West Ada to confirm which schools serve a home you're considering.
Living in Garden City
The Boise River Greenbelt runs along Garden City's side of the river, with paths on both banks that connect to downtown Boise. Boise Whitewater Park, with surfable waves built into the river, is reached from 36th Street in Garden City. The Surel Mitchell Live-Work-Create District, approved by the city in 2007, covers the blocks around Chinden Boulevard between 32nd and 37th Streets and is home to artists' studios and the Surel's Place residency. Nearby you'll find urban winery tasting rooms such as Telaya, Split Rail, Coiled and Cinder, along with breweries and cideries. Expo Idaho, at Glenwood Street and Chinden Boulevard, hosts the Western Idaho Fair each summer along with concerts and markets.
Garden City borders Boise, and Eagle and Meridian are a short drive west. If you're comparing the wider valley, Star and Nampa are farther out.
Questions to ask before you make an offer
- Is the home in the regulatory floodplain or floodway, and what would flood insurance cost?
- Is a FEMA flood map revision proposed that could affect this address?
- Which schools serve this address, and is it in the Boise or West Ada School District?
- Is the property inside Garden City limits, or in Boise or unincorporated Ada County? Listings and mailing addresses don't always match.
- For a home near the Live-Work-Create District, what home business or studio uses does the zoning allow?
- For a manufactured home, is the land included, or is there a lot rent?
Questions about Garden City real estate?
Not sure which part of Garden City is right for you, or what your budget will get you? Templeton Real Estate can help you sort through the options and narrow down your search.
Already own a home? We can help you get an estimate of what it might sell for in today’s Garden City market. Call or text 208.473.2203 or send us a message.
