Boise State University neighbourhood guide
Living in North End as a student
North End is a stronger neighborhood-lifestyle choice than a pure campus-convenience choice. Students who pick it usually want tree-lined streets, local cafes, and a more established community feel than the apartments closest to Boise State. It can be a great fit if you want your home life to feel a little less like living in the middle of student housing, while still staying within a manageable trip to campus.
$600-$760/mo
Shared with roommates
18-28 min
To Boise State University
Character + cafes
Boise, Idaho
Student decision guide
Best if you want...
Students who want a stronger neighborhood identity
Upperclassmen who care about cafes, character, and quieter streets
Renters who are happy biking to campus
Know before you sign
Less of a true campus-edge walk than Southeast Boise
Older housing stock can mean more variation in quality
Student fit
What North End feels like day to day
This page is meant to help a Boise State student decide whether the area actually suits their routine, not just whether a single property looks good. Think about commute, housing style, daily convenience, and what you want home life to feel like after class.
Weekday rhythm
Best for students who do not mind a slightly longer commute in exchange for a more local Boise feel.
After-class life
Hyde Park and nearby cafes give the area more neighborhood personality than the campus core.
Housing feel
Expect less purpose-built student stock and more individual homes or smaller multifamily properties.
Commute
Getting from North End to Boise State University
North End can still work without a car, but it is more of a bike-or-short-drive neighborhood for most Boise State students than a true campus-edge walk zone.
18-28 min
8-12 min
15-22 min
7-12 min
Budget
How to read pricing in this area
North End often feels less standardized than student apartment areas, so pricing can vary more by house condition, parking, and whether utilities are bundled.
$600-$760/mo
Typical student share in a roommate setup
$1,150-$1,450/mo
Typical solo monthly rent
$1,850-$2,650/mo
Total unit rent before splitting
Daily life
What students usually like about North End
These are the practical things that shape the experience once you have actually moved in: what is close by, how the area feels after dark, and whether it supports the kind of off-campus routine you want.
Cafe culture
A better match if coffee shops and neighborhood hangouts matter to you.
Local feel
Feels less student-dense and more mixed than Southeast Boise.
Outdoor access
Good base for students who like parks, walking, and a quieter home setting.
Errands
Daily-life stops are easier to fold into the neighborhood than in the campus core.
Honest take
Where this area is strong, and where students should be careful
The best neighbourhood choice is usually about tradeoffs. This section keeps the guidance practical so students can compare convenience, cost, and lifestyle more realistically.
Strong fit if you want...
Students who want a stronger neighborhood identity
Upperclassmen who care about cafes, character, and quieter streets
Renters who are happy biking to campus
Watch for...
Less of a true campus-edge walk than Southeast Boise
Older housing stock can mean more variation in quality
Listings can be less standardized than large student apartment communities
Common questions
Questions students ask about North End
These are the quick answers students and parents usually want before they spend time browsing individual listings.
Do Boise State students live in North End?
Yes, especially students who want a more residential Boise feel. It is a common step up for upperclassmen who care more about the neighborhood experience than being right next to campus.
Is North End cheaper than living closer to campus?
Not always. Some shared-house setups can be competitive, but the area often trades pure convenience for character rather than lower rent.
What is the main tradeoff with North End?
You get more charm and a stronger local feel, but you usually give up the easiest walk-to-class experience.
Compare
Nearby alternatives worth looking at
Students rarely choose a neighbourhood in isolation. These nearby areas are the most useful comparisons if you want to trade off commute, price, atmosphere, or day-to-day convenience.
Southeast Boise
Switch here if the shortest campus commute is your top priority.
Downtown Boise
Switch here if you want a more urban and apartment-led setup.
East End
Switch here if you want a quieter outdoor-leaning balance.
Listings
Places in North End
185 places currently available, with prices in this sample starting from $355/person.
Cedar Townhomes
College Heights
Campus Village
Cedar Apartments
Campus Row
Heritage Terrace
Beacon Gardens
River Commons
College Court
Lakeview Flats
Falcon Pointe