Why Move to Meridian, Idaho?Meridian may have started out as a suburb and farming community of the Idaho state capital, but its years of quiet and gradual growth are behind it. Around 2004, the suburb graduated from suburb to "big city" status when its population reached 50,000. Plus, though the U.S. Census Bureau recently listed it among the nation's fastest growing large cities, Meridian remains one of the most family friendly cities in America. Yes, there are many substantial reasons for the tremendous desirability and growth!

For all the focus on Meridian becoming a metropolitan area, however, the city has managed to retain a small-town feel during its growth spurt, contributing to its family-friendly appeal. The residents are sociable, pleasant and full of civic pride, and the cost of living reveals that there aren't any big-city price tags attached to goods and services in Meridian. For families and anyone else looking to enjoy the simpler lifestyle of a smaller town, Meridian has it all. The icing on the cake is that, at roughly 10 miles west of Boise, it's close enough to the City of Trees if you get a yen for the sporting events, concerts, or other entertainment the larger urban area frequently hosts.

Affordable Living

Idaho has a reputation for having a lower cost of living than the national average, and Meridian is no exception. At time of writing this article the sales tax is 6 percent and property taxes for owner occupied homes is typically below 1 percent of assessed value.  Furthermore, everything from goods and services to the cost of transportation is less expensive in Meridian than overall nationally, and utilities and groceries are notably more affordable due to the plentiful hydropower available in the Gem State, as well as the abundance of agriculture including cattle and dairy farms and thriving crops like potato, wheat, barley, and others. 

The cost of housing in Meridian is affordable, too. Though prices are listed above the national average of $181,400, at $194,800 they are just barely above. Plus, that figure is a median price, so keep in mind that there are plenty of Homes in Meridian ID available in more expensive price ranges as well as less expensive ones, too.  

Employment Opportunities

employment opportunities in IdahoCaring for your family is tough if employment and income opportunities are non-existent. The average household income for Meridian residents--higher than the national average by an impressive 21 percent--is what makes it one of the most family friendly cities. The unemployment rate isn't too shabby, either, at just 4.8 percent compared to the national average of 6.2 percent. The strong job market is supported by the health sciences and a growing tech community in the area, as well as the many local businesses that have opened their doors in town such as insurance, finance, and education. 

Meridian is a great place to strike out on your own, too. In 2015, Meridian city planners embarked on a revitalization project to carry forward the momentum spawned by the construction of the outdoor mall, the Village at Meridian, and the multi-million dollar Scentsy campus. The plan to attract start-ups and young professionals is focused on creating a business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs.

Quality Health Care

Whatever stage of life you are in, access to quality health care is an essential issue. Meridian, ID properties have the advantage of not only being in the vicinity of one of the country's leading medical centers, St. Luke's Meridian, but it also boasts four urgent care clinics that treat both adults and children. Of course there are general practitioners and specialists in town, too, but with its convenient location near Boise, living in Meridian puts you only minutes away from exceptional emergency services and additional health care resources in the larger city, including a VA hospital, St. Luke's Mountain States Tumor Institute, and multiple long-term care facilities.    

Plenty of Amenities

The amenities in Meridian contribute to it being one of the most family friendly cities. As the city has grown, many restaurants, businesses, and retail establishments have opened their doors, so it has been a long time since residents have had to trek into Boise for entertainment, shopping, and quality dining. Meridian has its share of delightful diners and go-to burger joints, but the ethnic cuisine available in town is worth mentioning. Whether you want to dine on Basque food, have a craving for Italian, or would like to spend an enjoyable evening at an Asian bar and grill, Meridian has them all and more. 

The crown jewel of the town's amenities, however, is the Village at Meridian, a collection of shops and restaurants as well as entertainment opportunities that make the up-and-coming city as much of a desirable destination as it is a terrific place to live. The Village houses nearly 50 shops (and counting) where you can buy anything from apparel to home decor, mattresses, and organic foods. And talk about family friendly cities: there's something at the Village for everyone in the family--including the pets! It's also a great place to nosh, whether you want a frozen yogurt, handcrafted sandwich, Asian-fusion, or feel like going a little more upscale with bistro fare and a martini. 

But the Village is about more than shopping and eating. There is always something going on at Fountain Square and other locations throughout the shopping complex. From rubber duck races to a performance by the Meridian Firefighters Pipe and Drum Corps, to beer and wine tastings, and live concerts, whenever you lack something to do, the Village is the place to chase boredom away.

Low Crime Rates

Crime seems to be everywhere, but in the big scheme of things, Meridian has somehow managed to remain a low-crime area of the country and the state. Meridian is safer than 74 percent of all the cities in the U.S., with a crime rate that is 51 percent lower than the national average and it's 29 percent lower than other Idaho cities. Whatever Meridian Idaho properties you are looking at, you can't go wrong with any of the safe, friendly neighborhoods in the city. Residents feel safer in their homes in Meridian, ID, and knowing that you actually are safer just makes Meridian all the more family friendly and adds to the pleasant small-town feel it offers.

An Abundance of Entertainment

entertainment in meridian idahoIf living in the playground of the West isn't enough for you, Meridian has an abundance of tamer prospects to keep you entertained as part of its reputation for being one of the most family friendly cities. Naturally there are movie theaters, bowling alleys, and an outdoor dog park, but you could also choose to spend an afternoon at the Meridian Speedway, at Roaring Springs Waterpark, or playing mini-putt at the Wahooz Family Fun Zone. Get your RDA of culture and local artistry at the Initial Point Gallery, or take the kids to pet the animals and ride the ponies at Linder Farm. Plus, don't forget that Meridian is home to a historic creamery and that every summer brings the fun of the dairy festival.

Salt-of-the-Earth Neighbors

Meridian’s strength resides in its neighborhoods.  Most residents are good people and family minded that help watch out for each other and their children.  There are hundreds of small friendly Meridian Idaho subdivision neighborhoods within the greater Meridian Idaho community as a whole who help provide a peaceful and wonderful way of life.

Part of the small-town vibe Meridian puts out can be credited to the friendly, generous people who live there. Residents always have a smile ready to share and are up to the task when help is needed. In fact, the people are what Mayor Tammy de Weerd says are her favorite part of Meridian, citing the community's affinity for giving back. For instance, in 2012 when the food bank was in need of upgrading, an anonymous donor purchased a new location for it. Additionally, a $25 million park was gifted to the city by a local man in honor of his father.

Delightful Weather, Enviable Outdoor Lifestyle

skating on greenbeltThe abundant wilderness throughout the Gem State is typically one of the first things highlighted when listing Idaho's merits, and it helps make the case for Meridian being among the most family friendly cities. The family that plays together stays together and, with all the opportunities to enjoy the Idaho outdoor lifestyle with fishing, camping, hunting, biking, hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, boating, and more, families have superb opportunities to play. 

Starting with winter activities, Meridian is only about 30 miles from Bogus Basin, the area's popular mountain ski area. Bogus isn't just for downhill skiers, however. You'll enjoy tubing, snowshoeing or Alpine skiing on over 20 miles of groomed trails--and 4 miles of them are lit to accommodate night skiers.  A night skiing season pass price is truly amazing at just $99/year for the 2016-2017 ski season.

Families who enjoy ice skating can make the short drive to Idaho Ice World in Boise, but why spend the time and the gas when the Village at Meridian provides an ice skating rink for the public from mid-November through mid-February, depending on the weather of course? 

When there's no more snow for winter sports, there are still plenty of outdoor endeavors families can pursue together. Meridian homes for sale are plentiful and available in many different types of neighborhoods. Campgrounds abound, both nearby and as far as you're willing to drive in any direction. Families can fish and boat at Lucky Peak, Lake Lowell, Payette Lake and Cascade Lake as well as the Payette and Boise Rivers. If fishing is your thing, there are even more opportunities to fish than the lakes and river offer, with nearly 30 Sportsman Access locations within 12 miles of Meridian or less. In fact, you can even charter a fishing trip with a Meridian-based outfitter.  Kayaking and River Rafting is also a huge attraction on the Payette River, just 45 minutes north of Boise and on the famous Salmon River a little further to the north with day or multiple day rafting excursions down the “River of No Return”.

When we said Meridian, Idaho has it all, we meant it!  And just remember, winters here in the valley are fairly mild so you get the best of both worlds by living at the feet of the Rocky Mountains not in them, so you can enjoy the mild climate when you want and the extremes when you are feeling adventurous.  You don't need to leave the city limits for beautiful places to bike or hike, but families can always head out to scenic trail areas nearby such as Table Rock or the Boise River Greenbelt Trail for a great hike, mountain bike experience or just change of pace.

To find out more about Meridian or the rest of Southwestern Idaho give Jeff Stewart at Stewart Realty a call for a personal tour of the area and some great homes that fit your style and budget.

The team at Stewart Realty knows homes and they know Southwest Idaho real estate. To find out more about real estate in the Boise Region give Jeff Stewart at Stewart Realty a call to set up your personal real estate search, a personal tour of the area and find some great homes that fit your needs and budget.

Compose Your Personal MLS Search With Us:
http://StewartRealtyllc.com or http://HomesInMeridian.com

Jeff Stewart, Broker/Owner 208-602-1993 or jeff@stewartrealtyllc.com