Hillcrest Boise, ID

One of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest, Boise was named for the lush green trees that once filled the valley. It began its long history as a U.S. Army fort, became an important staging area for miners and was chosen as the territory's capital city in 1866. The timber and paper industries provided the means for Boise to grow into the thriving city it remains today. An increasing population led to the conversion of farmland into the modern neighborhood of Hillcrest. Boise devotes itself to the advancement of art and culture through a variety of seasonal events and public programs. The Boise Art Museum encourages residents to visit its exhibits with entrance fees under $5. View the contemporary pottery exhibit, then attend a Sunday afternoon demonstration of creative techniques and try your hand at sculpting. Classes for children and adults bring out the artist in everyone.

As an entirely residential neighborhood, Hillcrest lacks restaurants within its boundaries. Fortunately, the vibrant culinary scene of downtown Boise waits just minutes away. Satisfy every craving with nearly limitless options for international and American cuisine. Grab a quick bite on your way to work, or savor a lengthy brunch at Big City Coffee. Enter a world of heavenly smells, and walk straight to the bakery case brimming with scones, muffins, cakes, and cookies. Order the biscuits and gravy if you have a hearty appetite, or try the light Northender scramble with feta and spinach. Get to know your neighbors at communal tables, but be prepared to wait for a seat on weekends, as Big City could easily refer to the number of customers this restaurant attracts. The shabby exterior of Cucina Di Paolo hides behind its doors some of the city's most beloved Italian cuisine. The three-sausage fettuccine does not disappoint, but may leave you too full for homemade tiramisu. In addition to its sit-down menu, this restaurant provides a wide range of "take and bake" Italian classics freshly prepared each morning. When family comes to visit, convince them you've learned to cook with a pan of chicken and artichoke lasagna. Boise's nightlife varies as much as its restaurants. Find dance clubs, swanky martini bars, Irish pubs and everything in between. Wax philosophical over a cheap pint at Mulligans. A standard neighborhood dive, it offers pool tables, darts and delightfully greasy snacks to a friendly local crowd. Friday nights are never dull, but manage to avoid the rowdiness of the area's college bars.

In this area, you should presume you'll drive nearly everywhere. Schools, shopping and other necessities typically are further than walking distance, but Boise's free parking makes your drive hassle-free. When you can't drive, request an Uber car or call a taxi. The ValleyRide bus service offers limited routes between downtown Boise and the surrounding suburbs. Bicycling remains popular both as transportation and recreation. You can't pass a business in downtown Boise without seeing bikes chained outside. The city maintains a bike-sharing program and miles of paved trails to encourage residents to ride as often as possible. Your only choice for air travel is just minutes away at Boise Airport. Keep in mind that this airport does not fly internationally, and you will require connecting flights from larger airports.

Residents appreciate the carefulness with which the city maintains its many parks and nature preserves. Families with young children take advantage of the sports fields and playground equipment of nearby Owyhee Park and Cassia Park. Finding large parks with more amenities requires leaving the neighborhood, but locals feel that it is well worth the extra time and effort. Visit Ann Morrison Park to find the largest variety of recreational facilities in a single park. Free entrance to the park includes use of the 18-hole disc golf course and the tennis courts. Walk down shaded paths that lead to a spectacular spay fountain ringed with benches for quiet contemplation, and be sure to view the bronze sculptures on the way. Increase your strength and stamina at the 1,400-square-foot outdoor gym which visitors access year-round. From November through February, dogs run free in the fields east of the fountain; they must be leashed throughout the remainder of the year. During the spring and summer, spend Sunday watching lively games of cricket. Only Ann Morrison Park provides a venue for this quintessential British sport.

The cost of living in Hillcrest runs neck and neck with the Boise average. One-bedroom apartments rent for around $730 per month. Rde any of the bus routes for $3 or less. Gas prices, however, are ever so slightly less kind to your budget, running 1 percent higher than the national average. Expect to pay around $6 for a pint of beer at local pubs.

Several Albertsons and WinCo Foods locations adjacent to the neighborhood make grocery shopping easy. Bring home fresh produce, baked goods and other goodies from the Boise Farmers Market. Unlike farmers markets that close when the temperature drops, this market just moves indoors all winter long. The nearby Boise Towne Square contains popular upscale department stores as well as many specialty stores. Head downtown to avoid national chains and support small business. The customer service at the independent bookstore Rediscovered Books maintains a strong following. Let the enthusiastic staff help you lose yourself in a great story. If you don't love one of the store's "Guaranteed Reads," bring it back for a full refund. Feed your imagination while you get rid of clutter by bringing in your unwanted books for cash or store credit. The secret to successful running is the perfect pair of shoes, but finding that pair overwhelms many potential runners. Shu's Idaho Running Company provides personalized service and shoe fittings that promise you'll leave with happy feet. State-of-the-art technology analyzes your feet and gait to safeguard against injury. Additionally, find clothing and accessories for runners, and meet local enthusiasts at Shu's weekly group runs.