30 Things People From Boise Have To Explain to Out-Of-Towners

1. There Is No “Z” in Boise

It’s pronounced “boy-see” not “boy-z.” Where does everyone keep getting the “Z” from?

2. You Should Never Ever Insult The Broncos

Everyone is Boise is a Boise State University Broncos fan. Boise residents who have never seen a football game in their lives are Broncos fans. Plus, the team passes around a sledgehammer to its hardest working players. As a rule, don’t insult people with sledgehammers.

3. Being In A City Doesn’t Mean Giving Up Nature

Boise is full of green space and parks. The River Greenbelt is a local favorite, with twenty-five miles of pathways along the river.

4. If You Think Boise Isn’t Hip, Just Visit The North End

Boise’s North End is full of local shops and restaurants, the heart of which is historic Hyde Park.

5. The Bus Is Literally Never On Time

It also doesn’t run after 6:45 PM, making it essentially useless to commuters. Some Boise residents are even skeptical that the bus exists at all. Perhaps the Boise bus travels in and out of this reality, like the plot of an episode of Welcome To Night Vale.

6. Rent Is Ridiculously Cheap

Most people who move to the area are surprised by how cheap it is, but Boise natives are used to the small town rent prices in a big city.

7. Biking Is A Way Of Life

Boise is on its way to becoming one of the best biking cities in the nation. Organized in part by groups like the Boise Bicycle Project, the cyclist community in Boise is definitely growing.

8. Treefort Music Fest Is The Best Thing Ever

Think Idaho doesn’t have an awesome music scene? Well, the Treefort Music Fest proves that wrong by bringing together local and national bands, with plenty of room for up-and-coming artists. It’s any indie music lover’s dream.

9. If You’re From California, You Will Be Hazed

Sorry, brah, but Boise natives are not too fond of Californians moving in. This might be a totally irrational stance, but be prepared to do a little extra work to fit in.

10. The Hyde Park Street Fair Is The Highlight Of Summer

The Hyde Park Street fair is just awesome. It doesn’t matter if you’re ten, or fifty—there’s something for everyone. Mostly, delicious food.

11. Everyone From Boise Must Own At Least One Built To Spill Album

If you’re new to the state, your taste in music is about to get a whole lot cooler. If you’re not too fond of the band… well then, you better keep it like a secret.

12. A New Brewery Opens Up Every Other Day

With local favorites Payette, Cloud 9, and Kilted Dragon, there’s plenty of quality beer coming out of Boise. They’re coming for you, Portland.

13. When The Boise Hole Was Filled, It Created A Hole In Every Resident’s Heart

The hole on 8th and Main Street, right in the middle of downtown Boise, has finally been filled. It feels good and less dangerous, but a little part of every Boise resident misses the landmark.

14. The Best Steak Is Finger Steak

Purportedly first served at Milo’s Torch Lounge in Boise, the finger steak is a beautiful invention. How can you make a steak better? Fry it in batter, of course.

15. There Are A Lot Of Potatoes In Idaho—Not So Much In Boise

The only place you’ll see potatoes in Boise is in the supermarket. And sometimes as a dessert—but no, potato ice cream isn’t actually a potato.

16. It’s Super Safe For A Major City

Boise is safer than 32.9% of all major cities in the nation. It’s so safe that your grandma just carries her purse instead of that cross body money belt she insists is essential in other cities.

17. Boise Residents Who Don’t Drink Beer Are Probably Mormon

Sure, a lot of people don’t drink for a lot of reasons. But with 34% of the religious population of Boise attending the Church of Latter Day Saints, it’s not uncommon to run into folks who turn down beer or a cup of coffee.

18. “I Was Stuck In Traffic” Never Works As An Excuse

Boise has an average commute time of 20 minutes, which is 20% faster than the U.S. average. So don’t even try that one.

19. You Don’t Sit On The Bench

But the elevated region is the best place for a great view of downtown Boise.

20. The Local Movie Theater Is A Democracy

The Egyptian Theater isn’t just a Boise landmark. The theater also allows patrons to vote on which classic movie they want to watch next. Whatever movie sells the most tickets is shown.

21. The World’s Best Paella Comes From The Basque Market

Boise’s Basque culture is unique and vibrant. A great way to get a literal taste of that culture is at The Basque Market, where paella is served on the patio every Wednesday and Friday.

22. Boise Still Has A Small Town Vibe

Boise has all the major amenities of a big city, but if you lose your cat, half your block will help you look. There’s a small town mentality that makes the city feel close knit, even as it grows.

23. Don’t Let The Trees Fool You—Boise Gets Desert Hot

Boise’s summer weather is desert weather—hot and dry, with clear skies. When the sun is high, it’s in the 90s. At night, it drops to the 50s.

24. The Idaho Shakespeare Festival Puts On Boise’s Best Plays Year Round

Boise’s theater scene may not big huge, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good. The Idaho Shakespeare Festival is one of the city’s most popular theater companies, for good reason.

25. Going Out To Breakfast Means Going To Goldy’s

Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a destination. Anyone with doubts should eat an order of sweet potato hash browns and French toast.

26. The Bulk Foods Section At WinCo Is So Good

Based in Boise, this supermarket chain has the best bulk foods section ever. It’s like Costco, minus the membership fees.

27. Neurolux Is So Much More Than A Bar

Neurolux hosts live music, poetry slams, and awesome dance parties. And no, you don’t have to be a hipster to go there—it just helps.

28. People From Boise Are Canada-Nice

Boise residents are really nice. They’ll smile at you, ask you where you’re from, and offer sixteen recommendations of things to do around town. This is all normal. Unless you’re from California.

29. There’s Nothing Like Watching A Sunset From Table Rock

Table Rock is a great urban hiking spot, and the view at sunset can’t be beat. Just avoid bringing up the giant cross—it can be a bit of a touchy subject.

30. Vinyl-philes Get Their Fix At The Record Exchange

Who said vinyl was dead? The Record Exchange in Boise is helping to keep it alive. The store also hosts all ages in-store performances. Feature image source: Flickr user Kenneth Freeman What do you have to explain to out-of-towners about Boise? Tell us in the comments below!