The Highlands Real Estate in Boise: Mid-Century Modern Homes in the Boise Foothills
- MCG Official ✓ Fact Checked by For The Writers
- Dec 4, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 2
Nestled against the rolling backdrop of the Boise Foothills, the Highlands neighborhood stands as a hallmark of mid-century modern design and one of Boise’s most historically significant residential developments. Initiated in the late 1950s and rapidly expanding through the 1960s, the Highlands was Boise’s first large-scale foothills subdivision—pioneering not only hillside residential planning but also introducing a new architectural vocabulary to the city. Spearheaded by visionary developers and architects responding to Boise’s postwar growth, the neighborhood attracted professionals, educators, and civic leaders who were drawn to its integration of form, function, and landscape.
Unlike more uniform suburban tracts of the same era, the Highlands was designed with both topography and individuality in mind. Lots were shaped by the land itself, resulting in a patchwork of custom-built homes that took full advantage of the area’s dramatic elevation changes and expansive views. The architecture reflects the best of mid-century modernism: flat or low-slung gable roofs, horizontal lines that echo the foothills, wide eaves, clerestory windows, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions. Open floor plans prioritize both flow and functionality, while extensive use of glass invites natural light and panoramic vistas into everyday living spaces.
Many of the original homes were built using natural materials such as local stone, redwood, and brick, creating visual cohesion with the arid high-desert terrain. Instead of dominating the landscape, these homes are set into it—an architectural decision deeply aligned with the mid-century ethos of environmental harmony and minimal visual disruption. This sensitivity to site and scale continues to distinguish the Highlands as one of Boise’s most thoughtfully developed neighborhoods.
What truly sets the Highlands apart is the enduring connection between its architecture and its natural surroundings. Perched just above the city yet minutes from downtown, the neighborhood offers winding roads, mature trees, and immediate access to foothills trails and green space. Designed for livability and aesthetic restraint, the Highlands maintains the spatial rhythm, material authenticity, and design principles of its original era—making it a rare and remarkable example of postwar planning that continues to evolve without losing its soul.
For those drawn to mid-century modernism, the Highlands provide a curated intersection of history, architecture, and landscape—an enduring reflection of Boise’s postwar expansion and the modern ideals that shaped it.
Mid-Century Homes and Architecture Influenced by the California Modernist Movement
The Highlands was conceived during a transformative period in American residential architecture, drawing direct influence from the California modernist movement that emerged in the mid-20th century. Developers and architects in Boise looked to the pioneering work of figures such as Richard Neutra, Rudolph Schindler, Joseph Eichler, William Wurster, and William Krisel, whose designs in Southern California emphasized openness, integration with the natural environment, and simplicity in form. Their philosophies profoundly shaped the architectural identity of neighborhoods like the Highlands, where homes were designed not just as structures, but as intentional experiences of light, space, and land.
In particular, Joseph Eichler’s vision of accessible modernism—open floor plans, walls of glass, indoor-outdoor continuity—served as a guiding reference for many of the speculative and custom homebuilders in Boise during the 1950s and ’60s. Similarly, Neutra’s devotion to site-specific design and Krisel’s practical yet visually striking post-and-beam construction had a lasting impact on how mid-century homes in the Highlands were conceptualized and built.
Rather than impose a rigid grid, the neighborhood’s layout reflects these modernist values. Streets follow the rolling topography of Crane Creek and the Boise Foothills, creating organic, curvilinear patterns that give each lot a unique relationship to the land. This planning approach—reminiscent of William Wurster’s community-scale sensibilities—resulted in homes that feel nestled rather than placed, with positioning and elevation optimized for privacy, light, and sweeping views.
Architecturally, the homes in the Highlands showcase essential mid-century traits: flat or low-pitched rooflines, cantilevered overhangs, clerestory and floor-to-ceiling windows, natural materials like lava rock and cedar, and central hearths that anchor open, flowing interiors. Many structures reflect Krisel’s belief in modest materials and modular repetition, while others bear traces of Schindler’s sculptural simplicity and bold spatial experimentation.
These design cues weren’t incidental—they were part of a deliberate effort to bring the elegance and functionality of West Coast modernism to Idaho’s capital. Today, the Highlands remains a living record of that movement’s reach, adaptation, and enduring relevance, and one of Boise’s most explicit expressions of the mid-century ideals that reshaped how America lived, built, and imagined the home.
The Highlands' Mid-Century Design and Architectural Significance
The selection of homes in the Highlands truly showcases mid-century modern architecture, a style rooted in simplicity, functionality, and a deep connection to nature. Developed in the post-war era, many of the homes in this neighborhood reflect the Modernist movement that began in Pennsylvania, California, and Michigan, blending organic materials with open, airy layouts that maximize space and light.
Key mid-century design elements found in Highlands homes include:
Integration with Nature
More than just a design philosophy, the "indoor-outdoor living" concept is a central theme in The Highlands. Homes are positioned to complement, rather than dominate, the landscape, often featuring natural materials like wood, stone, and brick that harmonize with their surroundings. Many properties also include courtyards, patios, and atriums, creating private outdoor retreats that extend the livable space beyond the walls of the home.
Flat or Low-Pitched Rooflines
A defining feature of mid-century design, these rooflines emphasize horizontal planes and clean architectural lines, creating a sleek, minimalist profile. Many homes in The Highlands feature deep overhangs that provide shade in the summer and help regulate indoor temperatures—an intentional design move to improve energy efficiency before it was even a buzzword.
Expansive Windows and Glass Walls
Homes in The Highlands feature floor-to-ceiling windows, clerestory windows, and sliding glass doors, which allow natural light to flood the interiors. These windows aren’t just about aesthetics; they provide a seamless visual and physical connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces, framing views of the Boise Foothills, Crane Creek Golf Course, and the city below.
Open Floor Plans and Multi-Use Spaces
Unlike the compartmentalized homes of earlier decades, mid-century modern design prioritizes open, flowing spaces. Kitchens, dining areas, and living rooms blend into one another, creating a sense of spaciousness and flexibility. Many Highlands homes feature sunken living rooms, a signature element of mid-century architecture, designed to enhance intimacy while maintaining an open feel.
Minimalist Aesthetic with Functional Details
Mid-century homes in The Highlands balance form and function with thoughtful details such as built-in shelving, brick fireplaces, and exposed post-and-beam construction. The emphasis is on practicality and clean, unembellished lines, allowing the architecture itself to be the standout feature.
These architectural elements collectively create a neighborhood that feels both timeless and contemporary, making The Highlands one of Boise’s most architecturally significant and sought-after
communities. Whether you're a mid-century purist or simply drawn to thoughtful, well-crafted design, The Highlands delivers a living experience that merges history, innovation, and the beauty of the natural environment.
The Highlands Provide Access to Boise Parks, Scenic Golf Courses, and Year-Round Outdoor Activities
The Highlands is a dream location for those who love the outdoors, offering a seamless blend of scenic beauty, recreation, and convenience. Whether it’s golfing, hiking, biking, or skiing, residents enjoy access to some of Boise’s best natural and recreational amenities—all just minutes from their doorstep.
Quick Access to Bogus Basin
One of the biggest perks of living in The Highlands is the short drive to Bogus Basin Ski Resort, a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In the winter, residents enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, while warmer months bring mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, hiking, and alpine coaster rides. The proximity to Bogus Basin makes The Highlands an ideal home base for those who love the mountains but also want the convenience of city life.
Crane Creek Country Club
A defining feature of The Highlands, Crane Creek Country Club is a private club offering championship-level golf with breathtaking foothill views. The meticulously maintained course blends naturally with the landscape, providing both a challenge and a stunning backdrop for players. In addition to golf, the club offers tennis courts, a swimming pool, fine dining, and social events, making it a hub for recreation and community connection.
Hillside to Hollow Reserve
Residents of The Highlands have direct access to Hillside to Hollow Reserve, a sprawling 260-acre natural area with miles of hiking and biking trails winding through the foothills. Whether you're out for a casual morning walk, a sunset trail run, or a challenging mountain bike ride, the reserve provides unmatched access to Boise’s rugged beauty. Wildlife enthusiasts will also appreciate the chance to spot deer, hawks, and other native species in this protected area.
Nearby Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Beyond these major amenities, The Highlands is surrounded by beautiful parks and green spaces perfect for picnics, sports, and family outings. Several parks in the area feature playgrounds, open fields, and shaded walking paths, ensuring that residents always have a place to unwind outdoors.
With direct access to these premier outdoor amenities, The Highlands offers a rare combination of foothill serenity and urban convenience, making it a top choice for those who want an active, nature-connected lifestyle without sacrificing proximity to downtown Boise.
Community and Lifestyle in the Highlands
The Highlands is known for its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and strong community ties, making it one of Boise’s most desirable neighborhoods. With its combination of top-tier schools, local businesses, and stunning natural surroundings, it offers a lifestyle that blends convenience, community, and outdoor adventure.
Access to Boise's Top-Tier Schools
The neighborhood is home to some of Boise’s best schools, including Highlands Elementary, which consistently attracts families seeking excellent education and a strong sense of community.
Local Shops, Restaurants, and Services
At the intersection of Bogus Basin, Harrison, and Hill roads, The Highlands offers an array of shops, restaurants, and essential services. This vibrant hub provides everything from dining to daily necessities, creating a connected and convenient neighborhood experience.
Breathtaking Scenic Views and Outdoor Living
Many homes in The Highlands boast breathtaking views of the city skyline, foothills, and Crane Creek Golf Course, offering a serene backdrop for daily life. The neighborhood’s proximity to hiking and biking trails, along with easy access to golf and ski resorts, makes it an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
Designed for connection, The Highlands encourages neighborly interaction with its walkable streets, community events, and outdoor gatherings. Whether it’s a casual meet-up at a local café, a hike through the foothills, or a round of golf with friends, The Highlands offers a lifestyle that embraces both nature and community.
Preservation and Legacy
Although not officially designated as a historic district, the Highlands holds significant cultural and architectural value.
Architectural Heritage: Its mid-century modern homes reflect a defining period in Boise’s architectural evolution, preserving a unique piece of the city’s design history.
Community Involvement: The Highlands Neighborhood Association actively works to preserve the neighborhood’s charm and protect its mid-century character through community events, conservation efforts, and architectural advocacy.
These collective efforts ensure that the Highlands remains a treasured community for future generations.
The Highlands neighborhood stands as a premier example of mid-century modern design thoughtfully integrated into Boise’s natural landscape. Its rich history, iconic architecture, and unparalleled outdoor amenities make it one of the city’s most desirable places to live. With its blend of cultural heritage, stunning views, and strong community spirit, the Highlands continues to be a cherished part of Boise’s legacy—offering a unique balance of timeless design and modern living.
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