Eight years ago, as we were moving from Salt Lake to Seattle I distinctly remember turning to my then-boyfriend and saying as we clipped along I84 westward through Boise: "What a F*@#ing shithole - who would ever live here?" in a sneering tone of incredulity. As fate would have it (and perhaps as karmic retribution). . . I would eventually live here.
Unfortunately, what we beheld eight years ago along the 84 corridor is what still greets drivers headed west along the interstate: a scarred, barren, industrial landscape littered with boxcars, dilapidated train tracks, faded, windowless warehouses and vast stretches of pavement covered in semi-trailers. The image screams the Chamber's mantra: "Welcome to Boise - a great place to live, work and visit!"
Right?
Well, not really.
I am reminded of my initial impression of Boise EVERY time I drive home from visiting family in Utah, and each time I cringe at the impression we as a city are making on EVERY road traveler that glances at the landscape greeting them and chooses to drive on - never even giving the *real* Boise a chance to capture their hearts as it did mine 4 years ago. . .
After years in Seattle I was ready for a new adventure - thus I struck out in search of *greener* pastures (as if it gets any "greener" than Seattle).
My dad was actually the first to suggest Boise when I mentioned my quest for a new Western city to call home. I resisted initially - largely because of the impression the city had made on me that fateful day eight years ago when I drove through the first time. After hearing his oft-repeated praises of the city, however, I finally caved and agreed to "check it out". My dad - having experienced the Boise that many Boiseans fiercely love & defend to outsiders - wisely instructed me to "KEEP DRIVING from 84 all the way down Vista until you crest the hill . . . and reserve your judgment until then."
Lucky for me I listened to my dad for once. Sure enough, after the barren stretch of 84 (and after the run-down store-fronts along Vista), it was like an oasis appeared from the desert. The further I got into the heart of the city the more I fell in love with it.
Like they say about true love - when you fall, you fall hard: Four months later I closed on my new home in Boise's historic Hyde Park; Six months from taking Dad's advice and eight years after my initial impression of the city, I was a newbie Boisean (pronounced without a "z" for those of you who haven't yet called Boise home) and in the nearly four years since I've never been happier.
As much as I'd like to think of myself as unique (as those of you who know me can attest to), I highly doubt that the initial impression I had of Boise is something solely I can claim. I'm not a planner, and I'm not a politician, but I am a passionate citizen and the message that keeps ringing in my head upon reflection of my experience is: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”.
This is a mantra that I think we as Boiseans need to truly take to heart. As a community seeking to grow & thrive, we should ask ourselves everyday: "What impression are we making on outsiders?" While a lot of thought seems to be given to what impression our quality of life, schools, businesses, entrepreneurial spirit, tax incentives, etc. make on the world at large, we need to simultaneously direct some thoughtfulness to what impression our *looks* are making on outsiders.
If it looks like a duck but trumpets like a swan aren't we confusing people? If we want to be swans shouldn't we present ourselves as such?
Okay, well homes aren't REALLY free, but they're so cheap it's scary. . . You can buy a cute as a button, 2 or 3 bedroom, 1 bath home on the Bench for $0 down and $847/mo. or 3% down and $821/mo.* With the IHFA grants, FHA programs and all the incentives for first time home buyers, it's a no-brainer. Buy now!! Gain equity, get tax breaks and feel all warm and fuzzy inside from knowing you own your own home. Even better, if you're single, get a roommate and it's cheaper than rent!
Come to our FREE Home Buyer Seminar on Wednesday, December 3rd at 6pm at 6305 W. Overland, Boise 83709
To register: http://is.gd/7vnV
For more information contact us today! Don't let the opportunity of the current Buyer's Market pass you by!
Lindsay@UrbanAgentTeam.com 208.841.2263
Nick@UrbanAgentTeam.com 208.272.1933
Jen@UrbanAgentTeam.com 208.602.5372
*figures based on purchase price of $109,900
Like many of you, we here at The Urban Agent Team have been eagerly anticipating Phase 2 of The Aspen (on the SW corner of 8th and Front) in BoDo since we first saw the Sketch-up renderings for this forward-thinking, modern, architectural oasis in downtown Boise.
The Aspen is a condo project that embodies urban living in both price point and amenities. Released to the market in two phases, Phase 1 comprised 28 units on floors 10-17, ranging from $449k to nearly $1.5 million. With price point, amenities and finishes, this Phase was primarily targeted to the baby boomer urbanite and sold quickly. Only 8 units remain at the time of this posting.
In contrast, newly available Phase 2 comprises 50 units on floors 5-9, ranging from $179k to $499k, catering to the echo boomer urbanite to whom location and walkability matter more than size and finishes.
Interest in and excitement among the buying community looking for the convenience of urban condo living has been strong for both phases.
Many have questioned this unique project from the beginning and many more wondered whether developer Scott Kimball would be able to pull of a sell-out of the project in today's market.
After Urban Jen and I toured the project today, however, I believe that victory is firmly within his grasp. I can say, hands down, that Scott has nailed it with The Aspen. He not only understands but is catering to both of his target demographics - echo and baby boomers - as well as the pricing demands of today's market.
Scott we here at UAT applaud you and wish you all the best of success. We have no doubt that your project will stand as a testament to the fact that good design and a thorough understanding of your audience combined with competitive (and realistic) price points is the recipe for development success in any market.
For more information or to schedule a showing of The Aspen please contact us today!
Lindsay: 208.841.2263, lindsay@urbanagentteam.com
Jen: 208.602.5372, jen@urbanagentteam.com
Nick: 208.272.1933, nick@urbanagentteam.com
The Inc. 500 of fast-growing businesses lists these metro areas with the most companies on the list:
Washington, DC, 39 companies
New York, 31
Atlanta, 29
Chicago, 27
Los Angeles, 26
Dallas/San Francisco, 20
Boston, 18
Miami, 14
Philadelphia/Seattle, 13
Here's the other interesting list, metro areas with the most companies per million residents:
Provo, Utah, 14.2 companies
Austin, 7.5
Washington, DC, 7.3
Raleigh, NC, 6.7
Colorado Springs, CO, 6.6
Salt Lake City, 6.4
San Jose, 6.1
Atlanta/Scranton, PA, 5.5
San Franciso, 4.8
Now, I never expected to see a beacon of Boise light beaming at me from the first list; however, the second one would have been a boon to our spirits here in the Treasure Valley - and deservedly so. Instead, Provo - yes, THE Provo (where Brigham Young lives on) is on the list. And Scranton?? Sounds too close to another "s" word to make me pack my bags.
At least I know where we should be eyeing for expansion next. . .
Regional urban real estate expert serving Boise, Seattle & Portland! Well versed in New Urbanism, High Density, Mixed Use, Urban Living, Sustainability, Green Building, Energy Star, LEED, EEM's, LEM's
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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