Hillcrest Real Estate in Boise: Mid-Century Modern Homes on the Boise Bench
- MCG Official ✓ Fact Checked by For The Writers
- Dec 31
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 2
Forget "Country Club Manor"—no one in Boise calls it that anymore. Around here, it’s simply Hillcrest, a neighborhood that has defined the city’s mid-century aesthetic for decades. Situated on the Boise Bench, Hillcrest offers a rare blend of architectural pedigree, mature landscaping, and panoramic valley views. Its central location, thoughtful layout, and distinctive homes make it a standout for those who value both historic character and modern livability.
Hillcrest’s reputation as one of Boise’s premier mid-century neighborhoods isn’t based on aesthetics alone—it’s rooted in vision and craftsmanship. Developed during the post-WWII housing boom, the area was designed as a showcase of progressive architecture and quality construction. The homes here reflect the best of the era: low-slung rooflines, walls of glass, open floor plans, integrated outdoor spaces, and natural materials like lava rock, brick, and wood paneling. Many were architect-designed or custom-built for Boise’s civic and business leaders, resulting in a level of detail and individuality that’s increasingly rare.
Anchoring the neighborhood is Hillcrest Country Club—Idaho’s first private golf club—long considered a symbol of the area’s prestige. The 18-hole course provides a lush, uninterrupted greenbelt at the center of the community, and many homes along the perimeter enjoy sweeping golf course views. Beyond the fairways, Hillcrest features wide, tree-lined streets, oversized lots, and an established sense of place. Pride of ownership runs deep: residents maintain and restore their homes with care, often blending original architectural details with updated interiors that meet the needs of modern life.
What truly sets Hillcrest apart is the lifestyle it offers. Just minutes from downtown Boise, the airport, and key medical centers, the neighborhood offers fast access to the city’s best dining, shopping, and cultural amenities. Yet perched slightly above it all on the Bench, Hillcrest feels removed—quiet, peaceful, and private. Its elevation provides sweeping, unobstructed views of the Boise Foothills, downtown skyline, and beyond, creating a sense of space that’s hard to replicate this close to the urban core.
For those drawn to timeless architecture, established neighborhoods, and a balance of elegance and convenience, Hillcrest continues to be one of Boise’s most compelling places to call home.
Hillcrest Home Market Trends
Hillcrest continues to be one of Boise’s most architecturally distinctive and sought-after mid-century neighborhoods. With strong buyer demand, limited inventory, and a consistent appreciation for its design pedigree and location, the neighborhood maintains a steady and competitive real estate market.
Median Sale Price: $445,000
Median Price per Square Foot: $272
Median Days on Market: 18
Highest Recorded Sale Price: $895,000
Lowest Recorded Sale Price: $46,500
Total Homes Sold: 52
According to Redfin, these figures reflect Hillcrest’s ongoing appeal among buyers seeking architecturally significant homes with close proximity to downtown. The neighborhood’s combination of timeless design, spacious lots, and community stability continues to drive strong and consistent market activity.
The History of the Hillcrest Community
Hillcrest was initially developed in the early 1950s under the name “Country Club Manor,” a nod to the prestigious Hillcrest Country Club that served—and still serves—as the neighborhood’s social and geographic centerpiece. The country club itself was founded in 1940, making it one of Idaho’s earliest private golf institutions. Situated on a gently elevated portion of the Boise Bench, the area was envisioned as a refined residential enclave for the city’s business leaders, professionals, and civic influencers. From the beginning, Hillcrest was designed to offer more than just housing—it was a lifestyle statement.
As Boise entered the post–World War II era, it faced the same demand for housing and suburban expansion seen across the United States. But Hillcrest set itself apart from emerging tract developments with a deliberate focus on design integrity, quality materials, and architectural distinction. Instead of mass-produced homes, many Hillcrest residences were custom-built to suit the needs and tastes of their original owners, often featuring the latest innovations in home planning and style. Builders and designers incorporated popular elements of the mid-century modern movement—open layouts, clerestory windows, stacked stone facades, and integrated indoor-outdoor living spaces—alongside more traditional ranch and split-level forms.
Generous lot sizes and curvilinear street planning gave the neighborhood an organic flow, while its elevated topography on the Bench allowed for sweeping views of the Boise Foothills and the downtown skyline. Hillcrest quickly developed a reputation for both prestige and privacy, attracting homebuyers who valued thoughtful architecture and a connection to the growing cultural life of postwar Boise.
The adjacent Hillcrest Country Club further reinforced the neighborhood’s allure. Offering an 18-hole championship golf course (later redesigned by noted golf course architect Robert Muir Graves), as well as swimming, tennis, and fine dining, the club became a hub for recreation and social life in the mid-century era. The ability to live steps away from such amenities—and often with views of the fairways—made Hillcrest a preferred choice for those seeking the full expression of leisure, community, and architectural sophistication.
Today, Hillcrest retains much of its original character. Many of the homes have been carefully preserved or renovated with respect for their mid-century roots. The hallmarks of the neighborhood—deep eaves, horizontal lines, natural stone, warm woodwork, and open interiors—still define the streetscape. Combined with mature trees, walkable blocks, and a strong neighborhood identity, Hillcrest continues to represent one of the finest examples of Boise’s mid-century residential design and community planning.
With Hillcrest's Boundless Mid-Century Architectural Charm, It's No Wonder This Is One Of Boise's Most Sought After Neighborhoods
What sets Hillcrest apart is the richness and range of its architectural fabric. While unified by a mid-century ethos, the neighborhood showcases an eclectic mix of styles that reflect both the innovation of the postwar period and the individuality of its original homeowners. Classic ranch homes with deep eaves and horizontal profiles sit alongside low-slung modernist structures that emphasize geometry, transparency, and indoor-outdoor flow. Many of these homes were custom-built in the 1950s and ’60s, resulting in one-of-a-kind designs that still feel intentional and livable today.
Original features such as stacked stone fireplaces, clerestory windows, breeze block walls, and sunken living rooms remain prevalent throughout the neighborhood. These elements aren’t just decorative—they reflect the era’s deeper values: simplicity, functionality, and harmony with the environment. Over the years, thoughtful renovations have introduced updated kitchens, energy-efficient systems, and modern finishes, yet they’ve done so with respect for the architectural language that defines the area.
The enduring appeal of Hillcrest isn’t just in the homes themselves, but in the care with which they’ve been preserved. Mature landscaping, original architectural details, and consistent investment in restoration speak to a community of residents who value both the past and the future. Whether it's replacing single-pane windows with high-performance replicas or refinishing original hardwood floors, homeowners in Hillcrest are often as committed to stewardship as they are to style—making the neighborhood not only a visual standout, but a cultural one as well.
Hillcrest Community and Lifestyle
Hillcrest Country Club is at the heart of the neighborhood, offering residents access to an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and fine dining facilities. This iconic establishment serves as a social hub for the community, hosting events and activities that foster a sense of connection among members.
The neighborhood’s central location makes it a prime spot for families and professionals. With easy access to downtown Boise, top-rated schools, and shopping centers, Hillcrest combines convenience with exclusivity. Residents can enjoy a peaceful walk along its quiet streets or take in sweeping views of the Treasure Valley from the neighborhood’s elevated vantage points.
Top Restaurants in the Hillcrest Neighborhood
Luciano's Italian Restaurant
Luciano's offers an authentic Italian dining experience in a cozy, family-friendly setting. Their menu showcases classic Italian dishes made from scratch with fresh ingredients, highlighting favorites such as Chicken Scaloppini, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Shrimp Scampi. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty pasta dish or a comforting Italian classic, Luciano’s delivers rich flavors and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.
CasaBlanca Cuban Grill
CasaBlanca Cuban Grill serves up authentic Cuban cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu features traditional favorites such as Ropa Vieja—tender shredded beef in Creole sauce, Puerco Asado—juicy roasted pork, and the iconic Sandwich Cubano, a perfectly pressed Cuban sandwich. Guests can also enjoy a variety of Cuban appetizers like crispy Croquetas and Mariquitas, thinly sliced plantain chips served with dipping sauce.
Garnacha Que Apapacha
Garnacha Que Apapacha specializes in vibrant Mexican street food, offering a casual dining experience full of authentic flavors. Their menu features tacos, quesadillas, and garnachas—open-faced tortillas loaded with flavorful toppings. Popular items include the Al Pastor Tacos, packed with marinated pork and pineapple, and the Quesadilla de Huitlacoche, a unique delicacy made with earthy corn fungus. The laid-back atmosphere and bold flavors make it a go-to spot for Mexican street food lovers in Boise.
Wyld Child
Wyld Child is a trendy eatery with an eclectic menu and lively ambiance, blending comfort food with creative twists. Their menu features crowd-pleasers such as the Griddle Burger, topped with house sauce, sweet onions, American cheese, and pickles; the Wyld Style Burger, which includes bacon jam, black garlic dijonnaise, and gruyere; and the Crispy Chicken Sandwich with pickles, Swiss cheese, sweet onion, iceberg lettuce, and malt vinegar aioli. With a focus on bold flavors and an upbeat vibe, Wyld Child is a favorite among locals looking for a unique twist on casual dining.
Mike's Hillcrest Restaurant and Lounge
Mike's Hillcrest Restaurant & Lounge is a cozy neighborhood spot known for serving classic American comfort food in a relaxed setting. Located at 5264 W Overland Rd in Boise, it offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere where locals and visitors alike can enjoy hearty meals and refreshing drinks. While the menu isn’t widely publicized, guests can expect familiar favorites such as burgers, sandwiches, and steaks, perfect for a casual dining experience in a comfortable lounge environment.
The Preservation and Growth of Boise's Most Iconic Mid-Century Neighborhood
Hillcrest remains one of the few Boise neighborhoods where mid-century architecture is not only preserved, but actively celebrated. As Boise has expanded and changed around it, Hillcrest has maintained its identity through a community-wide commitment to thoughtful preservation.
Homeowners regularly invest in historically sensitive restorations—replacing outdated systems without altering original floor plans, restoring façade materials like volcanic stone and Roman brick, and maintaining iconic design elements such as carports, cantilevered rooflines, and integrated planters.
Preservation isn’t just about architecture—it’s also about context. Hillcrest’s mature tree canopy, wide setbacks, and landscaped front yards contribute to a cohesive streetscape rarely found in newer developments. Residents and neighborhood advocates have supported zoning and planning efforts that discourage out-of-scale infill or teardown construction, helping to retain the neighborhood’s visual continuity and spatial rhythm.
At the same time, Hillcrest hasn’t remained static. Infrastructure upgrades, neighborhood association efforts, and proximity to revitalized retail corridors and public spaces have ensured the area remains relevant and connected. Development along nearby Vista Avenue and the Orchard corridor has brought new amenities and services within reach, enhancing livability without encroaching on Hillcrest’s architectural or cultural integrity.
In balancing preservation with progress, Hillcrest has emerged as a model for how legacy neighborhoods can evolve—retaining their historical character while continuing to thrive in a growing, modern city.
Typos? Not on our watch. This article has been fact-checked and finessed by the eagle-eyed editors at For The Writers. Have more to contribute or see something worth calling out? Let us know.
Comments