Meridian

 

 

Sprawling out across the north-central plains of Treasure Valley, the rural-yet-residential Idaho suburb of Meridian hums with activity. Framed by the Owyhee Mountains to the south and bookended by its proximity to the central city hubs of Boise and Nampa, Meridian is attractive to a wide array of people, from families to individuals of any age.

 

Incorporated in the late 1800s, Meridian earned its name from its location on the Boise Meridian. Following its founding, the city flourished because of its fruit farming and eventually its connection to the Interurban rail line, which lasted until 1928. Stemming from its origins of local, family-owned businesses, Meridian bloomed into the third-largest and fastest-growing city in all of Idaho. 

Fast forward to today, and the streets of Meridian are stippled with newly-built single-family homes and townhouses. The fact that Meridian has consistently been voted a top place to live in all of America has helped the city boom, but it still remains affordable compared to the busy coastal metropolitan suburbs. 

 

With the feel of a close-knit community, Meridian appeals to those searching for a homespun vibe without the frustrating isolation. Between the mild weather, green spaces, and inviting neighbors, Meridian expertly walks the line between rural and residential.

 

Not to mention the fact that Meridian is less than a 20-minute drive from both Nampa and Boise, making it a prime location for any resident. The population of Meridian is composed of highly educated people, and a majority of its residents hold white-collar jobs in fields like healthcare, marketing, and management. It’s the perfect location for professionals to enjoy an idyllic environment without losing access to urban luxuries.

 

Meridian prides itself on thoughtfully designed community spaces that lend themselves well to the growing arts and entertainment scene. Capture sight of these at Meridian’s heart, the downtown district, where artful signage and graceful gardens adorn the many shops and eateries.

Enjoy the splendor and convenience of The Village at Meridian, a deluxe plaza home to movie theaters, restaurants, world-renowned and local retail shops, gyms, and a gorgeous open-air fountain that’s bordered by charming outdoor seating. The Meridian Crossroads is another must-visit destination outfitted with a plethora of shops and restaurants for the whole family to appreciate.

Once that appetite’s been worked up, head on over to Idaho Pizza Company, where the pizza is famously recognized to be “as good as the great outdoors.” Or try out Lucky Fins, a seafood restaurant that’s been voted best seafood restaurant by both the Boise Weekly and the Greenley Tribune for seven years running.

 

When it comes to festivals, parks, and activities, Meridian’s attentive city planning becomes apparent. The town places emphasis on increasing livability and scenic streets without sacrificing sustainability and green living. 

One of the leading annual festivals, Meridian Dairy Days, boasts activities abound. The organization prides itself on growing support for local 4H groups as well as putting on massively entertaining parades, pageants, and festivals for the whole community to enjoy. Cool off at Roaring Springs Waterpark, a marvelous waterpark that’s constantly expanding and changing.

Or take a day trip to any one of Meridian’s choice parks, such as the Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, which not only hosts a plethora of sports arenas and courts but also a splash pad, arboretum, playground, concessions, and more. Or unwind at Settlers Park, over 58 acres of rental event fields, courts, interactive fountains, and more, all perfect for any occasion.

 

Meridian is home to numerous excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include: