Life in the potato state can often seem somewhat lackluster. Between the general lack of excitement, illogical weather patterns, not to mention the stereotypes that go along with being an Idahoan, teenagers especially may often feel trapped in a world of rednecks and stale Napoleon Dynamite jokes.

But, anyone who has taken the time to venture out of the Meridian area and into downtown Boise might have noticed an emerging scene of entertainment, style, and nightlife that almost rivals that of larger cities.

Boise is growing rapidly, bringing in a slew of new people, cultures, and businesses. Boise’s population has increased by 48 percent since the early 90s, and the total population of the metropolitan area, including Boise, Nampa, Caldwell and Meridian, is over 525,000 people.

This growth has led to the development of a distinct culture of Boise. So what defines Boiseans and what does it mean to live in such a quickly expanding, ever-changing area? Like every other city, Boise had its own set of unique characteristics and exhibits its own distinct vibe.

“Boise is awesome. I love Boise. I like the lifestyle here,” said junior Sam Erickson who moved to Boise from New York City earlier this year. From the more artistic setting to the more open-minded and liberal politics, the city of Boise differs significantly from its Meridian counterpart.

Enter the North End and brace yourself for a world of independent coffee shops, urban boutiques, and eclectic style. With staple locations such as The Record Exchange, The Flying M, Camel’s Back Park and BoDo, the city of trees maintains its elegant yet earthy reputation. Whether one prefers to spend their time wandering through Hyde Park, on a bike of course, reading the latest issue of the Boise Weekly, or driving the extra miles to Table Rock, there’s always fun to be had in Boise.

Venture out of the city border, and find the contrasting Meridian and Nampa suburbs. While residents here are slightly more family oriented, have no fear, there’s more to the area than subdivisions and strip malls. Even here, one of a kind shops and restaurants can be found tucked away behind the local Wal-Mart. The Library Coffee House, Epi’s and Under the Onion are just a few local favorites. If all else fails, Boise is just a short commute away.

While some might complain about living in Idaho, according to Erickson, Boise is a much better place than other cities. The people are nicer and more courteous, there’s little traffic, and it isn’t dirty like many bigger cities. “Some people complain about living in Boise and I don’t understand. It’s not half as bad as New York,” Erickson said.

As Boise’s population grows, so does its character. With its small size, Boise offers a city setting as well as a safe place to reside. “It’s a very close community. It’s not exactly a small town, but you can get to know your neighbors,” junior Kaitlin Johnson said.

With its abundant individualism, Boise is a prime place to grow up.