Garden City is a small city right in the heart of Boise. The name “Garden City” comes from the Chinese immigrant farmers of the late 19th century who filled the land with gardens. These gardens have become a haven in recent years as new businesses and individuals relocate to this location. Garden City is also number one for breweries, cideries, and more wineries per square mile than all Idaho cities. You’ll love the vibrant arts scene and opportunities for outdoor recreation when living in Garden City Idaho.
Garden City is known for its thriving arts scene and creative spirit. Art studios, murals, and vibrant public art can be found all over town. The city is alive with numerous bars, restaurants, and coffee shops, and hosts many activities such as concerts, festivals, and markets. Garden City offers more breweries, cideries, and wineries per square mile than anywhere else in Idaho along its renowned Craft Beverage Corridor.
Garden City’s proximity to the Boise River offers plenty of outdoor adventure and fun. Popular attractions in Garden City include the Boise Hawks Baseball Stadium and the Western Idaho Fair. With a low crime rate and quality schools, Garden City is a great place for families.
Where Is Garden City, ID?
Garden City is a city in Ada County, Idaho, nearly surrounded by Boise, and is part of the Boise metro area. The scenic mountains of the Boise National Forest form a scenic backdrop to the north and east of Garden City. Garden City is about 2 miles from downtown Boise. However, Garden City Idaho, is its own city with a separate municipal government.
Map of Garden City
Find out more about living in Garden City Idaho with this map:
Garden City ID Population and Demographics
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, immigrants from China were living in living in Garden City Idaho, and played a pivotal role in Garden City’s agricultural growth. With their expertise in intensive farming, they turned the fertile lands along the Boise River into thriving gardens, producing onions, strawberries, and other fresh goods for local markets. Their influence can be seen today in “Chinden” Boulevard, a combination of “Chinese” and “garden”, which cuts through the city’s center. The Garden City population is 12,316.
Race & Ethnicity
- White alone 83.5%
- Black or African American alone 0.5%
- American Indian and Native Alaskan alone 0.2%
- Asian alone 0.7%
- Two or more races 4.5%
- Hispanic 10.4%
An overview of Garden City's demographics:
- Population density: 3,018 per square mile
- Median age: 44.0
- Sex ratio: 46.5% males, 53.5% females
- Median income: $66,859
- Educational attainment: 91.2% high school degree or higher, 38.4% bachelor's degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 5.5%
- Veteran population: 733
The Garden City Police Department, and its 8 sworn officers, provides highly skilled and compassionate law enforcement and promotes active participation within those living in Garden City Idaho.
The crime rate in Garden City is equal to the national average. There are about 2,285 crimes per 100,000 people in Garden City. Violent crime rates are 82% higher than the national average, with around 664 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Although the violent crime rate appears high, most crime is confined to certain areas that can be avoided, and is in the downtown area. Much of Garden City is safe.
Garden City ID Cost of Living
The cost of living in Garden City is 8% higher than the national average but about the same as the cost of living in Boise. Housing costs are the biggest factor to consider in Garden City’s cost of living. Housing costs are 18% higher than the state average. The median home value in Garden City is $479,000, and the average price per square foot is $320.
Take a look at the current houses for sale in Garden City ID. The average rent for an apartment in Garden City is $1,755 per month for a 903-square-foot apartment, according to RentCafe. By comparison, residents in Boise pay about $1,691 a month for rent. Check out the many apartments and homes for rent in Garden City ID on RentCafe.
Typical Garden City Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Domestic beer: $7.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.30
- Dozen eggs: $3.98
- 1 pound of chicken: $3.92
- Average Garden City monthly utility bill: $145.18
Source: Numbeo, Boise
The Best Neighborhoods in Garden City
Garden City has a variety of excellent and diverse neighborhoods to choose from when living in Garden City Idaho. Whether you’re looking for a community near schools, a quiet, peaceful neighborhood, or new construction, you can find it in Garden City. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Garden City:
TwoTown Parkway Station
A townhome community offering easy access to the Greenbelt, Riverfront Park, and the Boise River. The neighborhood is situated in the heart of the arts and cultural district. Restaurants, coffeehouses, shops, and parks are within walking distance or only a short bike ride away.
Fairview Acres
An established neighborhood that’s still growing. Located right in the Live/Work/Create District, the community features interactive walking paths, pet parks, and lots of natural beauty. Numerous restaurants and boutiques are minutes away.
A much sought after new, gated subdivision featuring an array of amenities, such as direct access to the Boise River, a private beach, community clubhouse, pool, and hot tub, community parks, and waterfront properties.
Garden City ID Weather & Climate
Garden City enjoys a mild and inviting climate year-round. Summers are warm and sunny, with average highs in the mid-80s. Winters are typically mild, with temperatures in the low 40s. Garden City sees occasional snow, but it rarely amounts to more than a few inches. About 11 inches of snow falls each year in the city.
On average, Garden City receives 12 inches of rain annually, well below the U.S. average of 38 inches. Garden City boasts approximately 209 sunny days each year, slightly above the national average of 205. The best time to visit Garden City is from late June to late August.
Things to Do in Garden City ID
Living in Garden City Idaho offers an array of fun and entertainment for all ages. In addition, enjoy convenient shopping at Boise Towne Square, Plantation Shopping Center, and The Village at Meridian. Here are some of the top things to do in Garden City:
Telaya Wine Co. is a family winery offering scenic views, an inviting atmosphere, and high-quality Washington and Idaho wines. Telaya includes a full production space and tasting room, where guests enjoy tasting flights, glasses, and bottles of their Washington and Idaho wines while overlooking the scenic river. It’s a must-see when living in Garden City Idaho.
240 E 32nd St, Garden City, ID 83714, (208) 557-9463
Freak Alley Gallery is the largest open-air, multi-artist mural gallery in the northwest. An impressive array of murals and graffiti-inspired artwork extends about two blocks through the length of the alley, the work of hundreds of artists. The gallery is ever-growing and changing all the time to the delight of those living in Garden City Idaho.
210 N 9th St, Boise, ID 83702
One of the premier climbing gyms in the country, Asana Climbing Gym is a 20,000-square-foot indoor training facility dedicated to bouldering and climbing. With over 4,000 square feet of bouldering and top-rope/lead climbing, Asana will test even the most experienced climbers. They also have a complete weight and cardio training gym, locker rooms with showers, a yoga studio, and more.
4977 N Glenwood St, Garden City, ID 83714, (208) 345-7625
Additional Attractions near Garden City, ID
There’s more to love while living in Garden City Idaho. Boise Whitewater Park is well known for kayaking, river surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The Boise River Greenbelt is a 25-mile pathway and a popular site for walking, jogging, and biking. The Boise River is popular for fly fishing. The river is stocked with rainbow trout, native whitefish, and brown trout. Heron Park is a beautiful riverside park to relax and enjoy nature. At Esther Simplot Park, activities such as fishing, swimming, bird watching, and more attract locals and visitors alike.
Garden City ID Restaurants
In Garden City, you’ll find a wide variety of dining options, including American, Italian, barbecue, family restaurants, and more. Here are some of the most popular dining establishments in Garden City:
More than a pizza place, Black Moon serves delicious pastries, beer, and wine in a cozy, casual atmosphere. All their pizzas and pastries are made fresh every day using only the finest ingredients. Check it out when visiting or living in Garden City Idaho.
3709 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City, ID 83714
Caffe Luciano’s is an Italian restaurant that takes authentic Italian dishes and adds a modern twist. All the food at Caffe Luciano’s is made from scratch, using only fresh ingredients. They also serve flatbreads, classic Italian desserts, and more.
3588 N Prospect Way, Garden City, ID 83714, (208) 577-6010
Ling & Louie's offers a fun and unique dining experience, blending traditional Asian cooking techniques with innovative approaches. The chefs at Ling & Louie’s deliver bold, mouthwatering flavors. Their dishes are inspired by Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and American cuisine. Check it out after moving to Garden City ID!
2288 N Garden St, Garden City, ID 83714, (208) 508-5464
Jobs in Garden City ID
There’s a great job market to choose from when living in Garden City Idaho. The major industries in Garden City include healthcare, technology, and retail. The city’s proximity to Boise offers many more employment possibilities. One of the major employers in Garden City is St. Luke's Health Systems, the largest private employer in Idaho, with about 6,000–7,000 employees in Boise and roughly 14,000–16,000 statewide. St. Luke’s operates 6 hospitals and over 200 clinics, offering services from emergency and surgical care to cancer treatment and pediatrics.
Other top employers in Garden City include Micron Technology, Saint Alphonsus Health System, Albertsons, and J.R. Simplot Company. If you’re looking for a job in Garden City, take a look at job openings on Indeed, and other online job sites.
Schools in Garden City ID
The great schools is a reason so many love living in Garden City Idaho. Most of Garden City is in Boise School District, although a portion is in the West Ada School District. The Boise School District is highly rated. Students in Garden City typically go to Garden City High, Garden City Middle, and one of three elementary schools: Garden City Park School, Stratford Avenue School, or Hemlock School. Their mission is to provide equal access to learning opportunities for all students, focusing on culturally and linguistically diverse learners, preparing them for a better tomorrow.
The West Ada School District is also highly rated and the largest in Idaho. The district strives to prepare students for tomorrow's challenges through a quality education that develops skills, knowledge, and character, enabling students to reach their potential and contribute to society.
Garden City has several great private and charter school options. Some of the top private and charter schools in Garden City include Riverstone International School, Bishop Kelly High School, and Cole Valley Christian Schools.
If you are looking for higher education options near Garden City, some of the top schools in the area include the University of Idaho, Boise State University, Northwest Nazarene University, and North Idaho College.
The Garden City Public Library is a great perk for those living in Garden City Idaho. The library has books, magazines, newspapers, ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music, and more. Check out the events calendar for a wide variety of weekly events for children aged 3 through seniors.
Garden City ID Statistics & Information
- Garden City county: Ada County
- Garden City area: 4.28 square miles
- Garden City zip code: 83703, 83714
- Garden City area codes: 208, 986
- Garden City elevation: 2,602 feet
- Garden City time zone: Mountain Time Zone (UTC-6 and -7)
- Closest airport to Garden City: Boise Airport (BOI), 5 miles away
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