I spent a long weekend in Boise, Idaho, earlier this year and learned why people are moving there en masse right now

I spent five days in Boise to see why it's become such a hot spot.Sophie-Claire Hoeller/Insider

• Boise, Idaho, was named the fastest-growing city in the US in 2018, according to Forbes, and was ranked as the best place to live for millennials in 2019.
• Idaho's popularity hasn't let up during the pandemic: Moving marketplace HireAHelper reports that 194% more people moved into the state than left it since March.
• I spent five days there back in February to see why it has become such a popular place.
• I saw a bustling downtown filled with trendy cafés and restaurants, and locals who enjoy easy access to hiking, biking, and skiing.
• However, I also saw a severe lack of public transportation, and longtime locals said they're getting priced out by the influx of newcomers.

Boise is so hot right now.

The Idaho capital was the fastest-growing city in the US in 2018, according to Forbes, and was ranked as the best place to live for millennials in 2019. But even during a global pandemic, Idaho's popularity hasn't waned: Moving marketplace HireAHelper reports that 194% more people moved into Idaho than left it since March.

The state is attracting throngs of millennials primarily from California, Washington state, and Utah. And with these transplants come trendy new breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants that wouldn't be out of place in Brooklyn or Los Angeles. However, its explosive growth has also brought with it some growing pains.

Back in February, I spent five days in Boise to see why it's become such a hot spot. Here's what surprised me the most about the booming city.

Editor's note: Our travel correspondent visited Boise in February. Some places mentioned in this article may no longer be open or open with limited capacity, so it's best to check before you visit.