Beyond Boise, Idaho: 7 Neighboring Towns on the Rise

Boise is a beautiful gem that captures the hearts of hundreds of thousands of Idahoans and newcomers, but what about all the other towns that make up Idaho’s Treasure Valley?  Beyond Boise, the Treasure Valley consists of the towns of Eagle, Meridian, Kuna, Star, Nampa, Caldwell and Middleton.

Here are some straight facts of Boise’s neighboring and bedroom communities, and what they are about:

EAGLE --

With 24,000 residents and continued growth, Eagle continues to be a highly desirable town nestled along the Boise River and Foothills.  Since 2000, Eagle has grown by 70% and has been named the Happiest Place in Idaho by Zippia.com!  Eagle is known for their annual Eagle Fun Days celebration along with winter and summer events at Eagle Island State Park.

Eagle Fast Facts
Eagle to Downtown Boise:  25 minutes
Work Force:  11,435
Median Household Income:  $79,781
82.07% Owners vs 17.93% Renters
Median Age:  41
Median Housing Value:  $327,700

MERIDIAN --

Meridian has not been standing idly by as Boise is growing in popularity; they have been making a name for themselves!  The U.S. Census recently reported on the top 15 fastest growing cities in America and Meridian ranked #13 with a population of 95,623.  And we can’t forget to mention the list 24/7 Wall Street published listing the best cities to live in where Meridian gained the #1 spot!!

Since 2010, Meridian has grown 15%.Meridian Mayor, Tammy DeWeerd, says that with their growth, “we have not lost sight of our priorities of strong schools, beautiful parks, and outstanding public services of police, fire, water and sewer.”  (City of Meridian Blog)

What is new in Meridian: “The Village” at Meridian is growing to become one of the most popular spots in the Treasure Valley with over 100 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.  Additionally, there is huge commercial and mixed use growth happening in Western Meridian, at the 10 Mile Crossing area.

Meridian Fast Facts
Meridian to Downtown Boise:  18 minutes
Work Force:  45,943
Median Household Income:  $65,528
78.57% Owners vs 21.43% Renters
Median Age:  35
Median Housing Value:  $204,900

KUNA --

150 years old, Kuna is a small, but mighty town with 17,756 residents!  A new city hall opened in October 2016 showing that Kuna doesn’t see their growth slowing down any time soon.  The flavor of Kuna is still rural, yet that is changing rapidly.

Kuna Fast Facts
Kuna to Downtown Boise:  27 minutes
Work Force:  8,386
Median Household Income:  $62,852
81.56% Owners vs. 18.44% Renters
Median Age:  30
Median Housing Value:  $148,600

STAR --

Star has historically been a small country town, but that is quickly changing.  Since 2000 Star’s population has grown from 1,800 to over 8,000!  With such a substantial growth in the last 16 years, it is no surprise that more businesses and builders are setting up shop in Star.  It is attractive to newcomers for it’s rural flair, while still being fairly close in to Eagle and Boise.

Star Fast Facts
Star to Downtown Boise:  30 minutes
Work Force:  4,144
Median Household Income:  $69,658
Median Age:  38
Median Housing Value:  $210,000

NAMPA –

Nampa is a happening quickly growing with more than 88,000 residents and is home to the College of Idaho and Northwest Nazarene University.  The Snake River Stampede is one of Canyon Counties two rodeos that regularly ranks in the Top 25 nationally.  If you visit Nampa, you will need to stop by the Warhawk Air Museum where their mission is to “preserve America’s history during times of war from the home front to the war front and aviation history from the advent of flight through the space age.”

Nampa Fast Facts
Nampa to Downtown Boise:  30 minutes
Work Force:  41,228
Median Household Income:  $41,420
Median Age:  31
Median Housing Value:  $136,100

CALDWELL --

48,000 residents call Caldwell home.  About 40 minutes from Boise, sits Caldwell, in Southwestern Idaho’s Wine Country.  Yes, we have some great wineries in our area.

Caldwell is also known to have Idaho’s oldest college, the College of Idaho, which is celebrating its 126th year!  The City is beginning to revitalize the downtown area spending between $5-$6 million on the Indian Creek Plaza.  The Plaza will be the hub for events and festivals encouraging more local gatherings.  Caldwell is definitely a town to watch.

Caldwell Fast Facts
Caldwell to Downtown Boise:  40 minutes
Work Force:  24,510
Median Household Income:  $42,294
Median Age:  30
Median Housing Value:  $126,300

MIDDLETON --

Middleton, Canyon Counties oldest town, is full of rich history as it was one of the stops along the Oregon Trail.  7,152 residents live in Middleton as it continues to improve and grow with new features like a splash pad, Trolley station museum, and a skate park.

Middleton Fast Facts
Middleton to Downtown Boise:  39 minutes
Work Force:  3,284
Median Household Income:  $46,314
77.53% Owners vs. 22.47% Renters
Median Age:  33
Median Housing Value:  $151,800

***Download our FREE E-Book created to for those looking to invest in or move to Idaho's Gem: Boise!***