I felt I had to share Idaho with my friend from New York because he'd shared New York with me, so I was going to share the beauty of nature with a man who went to museums and clubs late at night. -- Mariel Hemingway
Garden City, Idaho, is one of the suburbs of the state capital, Boise. Located in the southwest corner of the Gem State, Garden City is home to about 11,000 residents, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. This small city offers a great mix of small-town homeyness, cultural attractions and beautiful parks and outdoorsy activities. Because Boise is only two miles away, the amenities of the city are just a hop, skip and a jump from Garden City.
Moving to Garden City
While places to rent are abundant in nearby Boise, they tend to come up less frequently in the small community of Garden City. If you are planning on renting an apartment in Garden City, you'll need to do some legwork ahead of time. First, check for rental properties regularly online, where available listings are updated regularly. Secondly, try calling a local rental agency or a real estate agent. They can help you find specifically what you're looking for, whether you need to see pet-friendly apartments or those with all utilities paid.
Before applying for an apartment or house to rent, make sure that your credit report is correct and that you have some references on hand from your current landlord. Prove you're not a moocher by showing your new potential landlord canceled checks or get a letter saying that you pay your rent on time. If your credit is on the iffy side, it might be better to go in expecting to pay an extra month's security deposit; this can help persuade a private landlord that you are serious about making good on your commitments from now on.
Neighborhoods in Garden City
The city of Garden City is shaped a little like a wide-brimmed cowboy hat that's been through the wringer. The "crown" part of the hat is the area around West State Street and North Bogart Lane. You'll find restaurants such as Bob's Texas Style BBQ, Applebee's and Quizno's.
The western side of the lopsided "brim" of the hat is situated around Boise Bible College. Some favorite restaurants here include Cobby's and Skipper's Seafood and Chowder House. After you down some lobster bisque, head over to Winstead Park or Veterans Memorial Park to walk off some of those calories!
The eastern side of the hat's "brim" is the City Center of Garden City. Enjoy dinner at Mustard's Grill, then go to the Northgate Reel Theater to see what's playing.
Things to Do in Boise
When you live in Garden City, you'll probably spend a lot of time in nearby Boise. Boise offers an eclectic mix of activities to try and places to see.
The Boise River itself, which borders Garden City, allows outdoorsy folks to get their fill of nature with hiking and biking trails, wildlife sightings and good old-fashioned fresh country air. There's also the World Center for Birds of Prey and the Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center for a more structured look at the natural wildlife of Idaho, as well as the Idaho Botanical Garden for those who love annuals, perennials and all other types of flora and fauna.
If indoor activities are more your style, you won't want to miss the art deco-inspired Egyptian Theater, where you can see everything from opera to film and musical events. Sport-lovers will have a great time cheering on Buster Bronco at Bronco Stadium, the arena at Boise State University.
With so much to do just a stone's throw away, Garden City, Idaho offers an active lifestyle at reasonable rates in southwest Idaho. Start looking for your dream apartment or home to rent now and begin planning your move!