The North End of 8th Street in Downtown Boise, is one of the oldest, and most unique neighborhoods of Idaho.
8th Street’s location is very convenient and beautiful to tourists and its local residents. Being close to central Downtown, where many people work, makes living quite convenient. They are also close to many market places located on State St. only minutes away. Gorgeous viewpoints are located everywhere on the North side of 8th Street, with many paths to walk pets, exercise, and to enjoy the scenery. The 8th Street is an extremely peaceful place to live.
The construction of 8th Street hasn’t changed much in the last few years, excluding the remodeling of older houses. Residents of the North End support keeping 8th Street in its original form, admiring its beauty that is quite different than Boise’s newest neighborhoods. Some of 8th Street’s most historical houses range in price from half a million to over a million dollars. A lot of 8th Street is also quite affordable to live on. Listening to the residents of the North End, I have learned that this area is a very artistic area. Many other Boise residents classify 8th street residents as “alternative people.”
Many artists and successful people populate the houses on this wonderful street. “Living on 8th Street has made a big impact on my life. Living here is like living in a dream, the people are great, the houses are beautiful, and the views are one of a kind,” said Vicky Champs, a current resident of 8th Street. From the 1890s to the 1950s Boise’s North End was remotely the first inhabited part of town.
Today, 8th Street and the North End is known as one of Boise’s favorite places to go sight seeing. This neighborhood is known as “The Heart of Boise,” drawing many tourists to admire its beauty. 8th Street is one of the most historical streets, of which we must preserve to keep Boise’s beauty.
(photos by Paige Anderson of Focus 208)