Boise’s Market Strength & What It Means for Your Estate Plan

Boise’s economy and real estate market continue to hold strong in 2025, making it an increasingly important factor in estate planning for Idaho families. Home values remain stable, demand continues to be driven by in-migration and job growth, and the area’s relative affordability (compared to many western metros) keeps Boise on the radar for retirees, families, and investors alike.

The median sale price for a single-family home in Ada County is around $565,000, while in Boise proper, the average value is just over $500,000. With more inventory available this year compared to last, personal representatives or trustees now have more flexibility when handling real property held in an estate. This is a welcome shift from the extremely tight market of prior years.

Job growth is a major driver of Boise’s real estate stability. From 2012 to 2022, Boise ranked among the fastest-growing metro areas in the nation, with over 40% job growth. Industries like technology, health care, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy continue to expand, with major employers like Micron investing heavily in the region. Boise’s tech sector alone now includes thousands of firms and contributes billions to the local economy. Strong employment prospects attract new residents, which keeps housing demand solid and prices firm.

As for the cost of living, Boise remains relatively affordable, though it's slowly rising. Housing and groceries are slightly above the national average, while utilities and transportation costs remain lower. Groceries in Boise are about 3% higher than the national average, but the area benefits from competitive pricing and access to lower-cost retailers. The overall cost of living in Boise is about 2–3% higher than the U.S. average, not extreme, but worth accounting for in any long-term planning.

So what does this mean from an estate planning perspective? First, real estate is often the most valuable asset in an estate. If your home has appreciated significantly since your estate plan was created, the current distribution outlined in your will or trust may no longer be fair or tax-efficient. You may want to re-evaluate how that property is handled, especially if one heir is set to receive the house while others receive cash or investment assets.

Second, timing matters. Trustees or personal representatives need clear authority in your documents to manage the property based on market conditions. If the market softens or if interest rates spike, being forced to sell immediately could reduce your estate’s value. Similarly, your heirs may benefit from being allowed to rent out the property for a time if needed.

Third, if you own multiple properties or out-of-state real estate, your estate plan should be structured to avoid multi-state probate. This often means using a revocable living trust or forming an LLC to hold investment properties. Without this, your heirs could face a lengthy and expensive legal process in multiple jurisdictions.

Lastly, titling matters. A home in your name alone may require probate, even if you have a will. Transferring your home into a trust or using a transfer-on-death deed may allow for a smoother, faster transfer upon your passing.

Boise’s real estate market shows no signs of collapse, instead, it’s maturing. This is good news for homeowners, but it also means your estate plan should evolve along with the market. What worked five or ten years ago may no longer fit your situation, your assets, or your family’s needs.

If you own real estate in Boise or Ada County and haven’t reviewed your estate plan recently, now is a great time to do so. Whether it’s adding flexibility for future market changes, rebalancing how property is passed down, or simplifying the process for your heirs, thoughtful planning today can prevent costly complications tomorrow.

Sources

1. BoiseDev – “Boise metro adds jobs at one of the fastest rates in the U.S.”

2. Payscale – Boise Cost of Living Calculator

3. RealtorDelaney.com – Boise Housing Market Update

4. XORealEstate.com – Boise Tech Boom Forecast

5. EvermoreBoise.com – Ada County Housing Market Update

6. Blog.CityofTreesRealEstate.com – Boise Market Update

7. IdahoLife.com – Real Estate Trends in 2025

8. GoodNewsRealtyGroup.com – Boise Market for Investors