A Timeless Introduction to Somerset
If you’ve ever wandered up the rolling hills north of downtown Boise, there’s a chance you’ve stumbled upon one of the city’s best-kept secrets: the Somerset neighborhood. Known for its panoramic views of the Treasure Valley, peaceful streets, and deep sense of community, Somerset is more than just a scenic enclave; it’s a slice of Boise history, lovingly preserved and quietly celebrated by its residents. Let’s journey together through Somerset’s past, exploring how this unique neighborhood came to be and how it has blossomed into the vibrant community it is today.
Origins and Naming: Building on Boise’s Hills
Somerset sits nestled against the foothills, bordered by Hill Road to the south, N. 8th Street to the west, and the undulating edges of the North End’s greener climbs. But the area wasn’t always woven with cul-de-sacs and family homes.
In the mid-20th century, Boise’s population began to outgrow the original city grid, pushing new homes northward into the sage- and cheatgrass-covered slopes above the bustling downtown. The stretch that would become Somerset was originally ranchland, dotted with the remnants of old irrigation canals and the outlines of dusty trails that once catered to cattle and horseback riders.
The name “Somerset” was chosen in the 1970s by the original developers, inspired by the English county of Somerset, renowned for its lush countryside and tranquil villages. They saw echoes of those rolling hills and wide views in Boise’s northwestern rises — a fitting homage to the landscape’s gentle grandeur.
Key Milestones: From Rural Outpost to Residential Gem
- 1970s: The Somerset Ridge Vision
Developers proposed a new “suburban village” concept, with winding roads that hugged the natural curves of the hills. Construction began in the late 1970s, and Somerset Ridge quickly became a coveted address, thanks to its panoramic sightlines over Boise and proximity to downtown.
- 1985: The Creation of Hillside-to-Hollow Reserve
As interest in open space grew, neighborhood advocates partnered with the city to establish the 260-acre Hillside-to-Hollow Reserve, protecting native grasslands and creating hiking and biking trails that still serve as a recreation hub for Somerset families.
- 1990s: Civic Engagement and Community Growth
Residents formed the Somerset Ridge Homeowners Association (HOA), which took active roles in landscaping, park beautification, and neighborhood security. This period also saw the rise of community block parties along streets like East Somerset Ridge Drive, uniting neighbors new and old.
Notable Landmarks and Beloved Spaces
Somerset is defined not only by its comfortable homes and leafy streets but by its welcoming public places and distinctive architecture:
- Somerset Park
Tucked off N. Ridge Point Way, Somerset Park is a favorite gathering spot for picnics, children’s playdates, and summer evening strolls. With its well-kept playground, tennis courts, and sweeping valley views, it embodies the neighborhood’s spirit of togetherness.
- Hillside-to-Hollow WMA
Accessible by foot from nearly any Somerset address, this protected open space is beloved by birdwatchers, mountain bikers, and anyone seeking an early morning ramble among wildflowers. Seasonal wildflower blooms and native wildlife give residents front-row seats to Boise’s natural wonders.
- Architectural Gems
Somerset homes tend toward a blend of Northwest contemporary and classic Craftsman, with many properties sporting large windows to capture views along E. Ridgecrest Drive or tucked into leafy cul-de-sacs like Somerset Way. The use of natural stone, wood siding, and native landscaping is a nod to the surrounding foothills.
Evolving Over the Decades
Though Somerset has matured, its character remains rooted in stewardship and community, adapting with Boise’s wider changes while retaining its charm.
- Preserving Open Space
The neighborhood has consistently invested in green spaces, prioritizing safe wildlife corridors and preserving the rural edges that first defined Somerset. This commitment has influenced newer developments in adjacent neighborhoods, ensuring that Boise’s foothills remain accessible and protected.
- A Community of Traditions
Annual events like the Somerset Ridge Fourth of July Parade — where kids decorate bikes and neighbors gather for a block party — have become cherished rituals. The community garage sale each spring is less about clearing out attics and more about meeting newcomers for the first time.
- Connection to Boise’s Growth
Proximity to the downtown core means Somerset’s residents often have deep ties to city arts, education, and business. Many support Hyde Park’s shops, stroll the nearby Camel’s Back Park, or ride bikes along the Ridge to Rivers trail system, linking Somerset with the broader urban fabric.
What Makes Somerset Special Today
Ask any longtime Somerset resident, and you’ll hear about more than just the views or the open space. It’s about connection. Neighbors look out for one another, tending front gardens and gathering at the park after work. It’s about heritage, too—the sense that Somerset’s story is woven from decades of care, planning, and shared vision.
Streets like W. Ridgepoint Drive, with its canopied sidewalks and glimpses of mountain sunsets, remind us why generations have chosen to call Somerset home. The neighborhood’s stewardship of Boise’s hills, its celebration of nature, and its strong sense of belonging ensure Somerset will continue to be a cherished chapter in Boise’s ongoing story.
Whether you’re wandering a sun-dappled trail in Hillside-to-Hollow, sharing laughs over a potluck at the park, or simply pausing to admire the twinkling lights of the city below, Somerset offers a warm welcome — and a reminder that history and community truly thrive here.