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Are you looking for a laid-back city with interesting attractions and an affordable cost of living? Maybe you should consider moving to Meridian, Idaho.
Meridian, ID, is a fast-growing suburb of Boise known for its strong economy, top-rated schools, and family-friendly atmosphere. Residents living in Meridian enjoy a mix of urban convenience and outdoor recreation, with easy access to parks, trails, and the amenities of nearby Boise.
It consistently ranks among the best places to live in the US by top publications like USA Today and Money Magazine. In 1891, settlers established a town called Hunter on the Onweiler farm just north of Meridian's current location. A few years later, an I.O.O.F. lodge was organized, and the town was renamed Meridian due to its location on the Boise Meridian. The city of Meridian was formally incorporated in 1903.
Today, Meridian Idaho is a good place to live for families and young professionals seeking affordable housing, outdoor activities, and a close-knit community. Think this might be the perfect place for you? Here is a look at the benefits of living in Meridian, Idaho.
Meridian is in Ada County in the north-central part of the Treasure Valley. Natural beauty surrounds the city. The Boise River flows along the northern edge, while the Snake River runs through the south.
Living in Meridian offers breathtaking scenery. The Straw Butte is visible to the south, while the Shafer Butte is visible to the northeast, and the Owyhee Mountains are visible to the far south. Five Mile Creek runs through Meridian. Eagle Island State Park is directly north of the city, and the Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge is a few miles west. Other major cities nearby include Boise, Star, Eagle, Nampa, and Kuna. Meridian, Idaho is 12 miles or a 16-minute drive from downtown Boise, Idaho.
Meridian Population & Demographics
More and more people every year are moving to Meridian. According to the 2020 census, the population of Meridian, Idaho, is 117,145, making it the second-largest city in Idaho after Boise. It's a vibrant and growing city, and the number of people living in Meridian increased by 56% between 2010 and 2020 alone. It has a fairly urban/suburban atmosphere with a population density of 3,657 people per square mile.
It's an affluent city with many families and young people living in Meridian. In Meridian, 25% of people are under 18, and 29% are between the ages of 20 and 40. Married couples make up 70% of households, and the median household income of people living in Meridian is $100,307, which is 34% higher than the rest of Idaho.
It isn't the most diverse city; 84.3% of residents living in Meridian are white (81.4% white, non-Hispanic). However, 9.5% of residents are Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% are Asian, 1.6% are Black or African American and 9.2% are two or more races. Notable residents who have spent time living in Meridian include businessman William Agee and Indy 500 driver Davey Hamilton.
Other Meridian Demographics:
The Meridian ID population is exactly 50% male and 50% female
The median age is 36.6 years old
95.8% of residents living in Meridian have a high school diploma, and 41.1% have a bachelor's degree or higher
The foreign-born population is 4.4%
Living in Meridian, Idaho is safe. The total Meridian crime rate is only 771 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 34% lower than the rest of the Idaho crime rate and 66.8% lower than the national average. Violent crime is 42% lower than in the state and 62% lower than in the rest of the country.
Even property crime is 32% lower than the statewide average and 67.7% lower than the national average. So moving to Meridian is the perfect option if crime concerns you.
The Meridian Police Department handles crime in the city with the help of 132 officers and 38 civilian employees.
Cost of Living in Meridian
Another fantastic benefit of living in Meridian is the affordability. A great way to assess the cost of living in Meridian Idaho is to reference the cost of living index, which compares the prices of typical consumer goods to the typical US city.
The COLI for the Boise area is 104.6, which means living in Meridian is about 4.6% more expensive than the average US city. The Family Budget Calculator is also a great resource. It indicates that the typical family of four with two adults and two kids needs to make $112,757 per year to afford the cost of living in Meridian.
*numbers reflect the general Boise area but will be similar in Meridian
Meridian real estate is slightly more expensive than the national average but on par with the rest of Idaho. Redfin indicates that the median listing price of Meridian Idaho houses for sale is $549,950. That makes Meridian Idaho real estate 30% more expensive than the nationwide median but 0.2% less expensive than the rest of Idaho.
Although most people living in Meridian own a home, there is a decent population of renters. Census data shows that 73% of homes are owner-occupied, while 27% are rented out. According to Rentcafe, the average rent in Meridian, Idaho is $1682 per month.
Large-scale buildings with 50+ units make up 8% of rentals, while 51% are small-scale buildings and 39% are single-family houses for rent in Meridian, Idaho. Rent prices start at $1000 for a studio and go up to $5800 for three or more bedrooms.
Meridian Neighborhoods | Where To Live in Meridian
Anyone planning on moving to Meridian will find a great selection of beautiful neighborhoods offering walkable streets and low crime. While most areas have something to offer, specific communities stand out for their unique amenities and atmosphere. Here are the most popular communities among people living in Meridian.
Paramount | A Family-Friendly Subdivision With Shared Amenities
Paramount is a quiet subdivision in Northwest Meridian offers well-designed single-family homes ranging in price from $430,000 to $880,000 and shared recreational amenities such as multiple swimming pools, a fitness center, and a clubhouse. Perfect for affluent families living in Meridian.
Bridgetower | A Breathtaking Neighborhood With Unique Home Designs and Outdoor Recreation
Bridgetower is another family-friendly subdivision in northwest Meridian that features homes designed with open spaces designed to accommodate a "casual Mediterranean lifestyle". It also features 56 acres of open space and close proximity to local businesses.
Tuscany | A Master Planned Community With New Homes and Sophisticated Features
Tuscany is a brand new master-planned community situated alongside Ten Mile Creek that’s popular among families living in Meridian. It features moderately priced homes and desirable amenities such as an upscale clubhouse with a chef's kitchen, four swimming pools, and an 8-acre public park.
Meridian Climate & Weather
The weather in Meridian ID is fairly typical of what you might expect of a mountainous region in the northwest. According to the Koppen classification system, it has a semi-arid climate with four seasons, including hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters.
The Meridian temperature typically stays between 23°F and 92°F, although it can drop to 9°F in the winter and get up to 100°F in the summer. That means the best time to visit someone living in Meridian is typically in July or August. Due to its low level of pollution, Meridian Idaho’s air quality is generally known for being very good.
Although it tends to be fairly dry, anyone moving to Meridian should still prepare for precipitation. It averages about 11 inches of rain and 10 inches of snow every year, so it may be wise to bring an umbrella and snow boots.
Things to Do in Meridian
Residents will find a wide variety of fun things to do in Meridian, Idaho, from outdoor recreation to car races. You'll find a thriving business center at The Village at Meridian, Meridian Crossroad, and Meridian Marketplace. Other than shopping, here are a few fun things to do in Meridian.
Wahooz Family Fun Zone is one of the best things to do in Meridian, ID, with kids. It features go-karts, mini golf, arcade games, and other fun attractions, including snacks and concessions.
Settlers Park is a 58-acre public space and one of the best things to do in Meridian, Idaho, on the weekends. It offers playgrounds, basketball courts, disc golf, tennis, horseshoes, and more.
Racing fans living in Meridian should check out Meridian Speedway, a 0.25-mile motorsports track that hosts late model, modified, and other local-level racing events throughout the year.
Food lovers will also find an interesting selection of restaurants in Meridian, Idaho. From Basque cuisine to upscale American fare, here are some of the best places to eat in Meridian, Idaho.
Dedicated to serving fresh, creative dishes, Vintage '61 is one of the top Meridian, Idaho restaurants if you're in the mood for a glass of wine and a charcuterie board in a relaxed yet upscale setting.
For those craving something different, Epi's is one of the most unique Meridian ID restaurants. It serves classic Basque dishes like lamb loin chops and beef tongue in a restored bungalow.1115 N Main St, Meridian, ID 83642(208) 884-0142
Big Daddy's is hands down one of the best barbecue restaurants in Meridian, ID. Its menu includes ribs, brisket, burgers, chili beer, and other favorites.
Living in Meridian also offers fantastic job opportunities in many exciting fields. Historically an agricultural community, there has been a major increase in jobs in Meridian Idaho in fields such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and professional services.
The Meridian Economic Development Agency is responsible for attracting new businesses to the community. Several notable companies have a presence in the community and provide high-paying Meridian Idaho jobs, including Blue Cross of Idaho, Jackson Food Stores, and Scentsy. The Idaho State Police is also headquartered in Meridian.
Beyond companies located directly in the city, job seekers living in Meridian also have access to opportunities in Boise and the rest of Ada County.
Workers living in Meridian are well compensated. According to Payscale, the average salary in Meridian is $69,000 per year. From graphics installer to store associate, you'll find a wide range of fantastic Meridian jobs available if you're looking for work. City of Meridian job opportunities are also available if you want to work with the local government.
Meridian Schools
Students living in Meridian will have access to excellent schools. The West Ada School District serves most of Meridian, which features some of the highest-rated public schools in Western Idaho.
It's not only the main Meridian school district; it's also the largest in the state and serves over 40,000 students across 58 schools. However, a small part of Meridian extends into the Kuna Joint District #3.
There are five elementary schools (pre-K through 5), three middle schools (6-8), and three high schools in Meridian, Idaho.
Renaissance High School is regarded as the best of all the Meridian high schools. It ranks #4 in the state of Idaho and #97 out of all magnet schools in the country, with a 99% graduation rate and 100% reading proficiency score. So, parents living in Meridian can feel confident their kids will get a great education.
Explore more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Meridian with this map.
What’s Living in Meridian Really Like?
Ready to find out what living in Meridian is really like? When it comes time to plan your relocation, our reliable Meridian ID movers will gladly help make the transition smooth and simple. Call (208) 557-3328 today for a free quote.
BustNMoves Moving Company
Taylor Kerbs, Founder of BustNMoves:
Taylor Kerbs founded BustNMoves Moving Company in 2021 after identifying a growing need for professional moving services in Southeast Idaho. His journey in the moving industry began in his teenage years, where he gained hands-on experience coordinating and executing numerous residential relocations. This practical background, combined with his detailed market research and business planning, established the foundation for BustNMoves.
Under Taylor's leadership, the company has grown from a weekend operation to a full-service moving business with three dedicated trucks and year-round staff. He has personally overseen moves ranging from single-bedroom apartments to 9,000-square-foot homes throughout Idaho. Taylor's commitment to transparent pricing and customer service has helped establish BustNMoves as a trusted moving solution for residents in Pocatello and surrounding communities.
As a local business owner who has lived in the region since 2014, Taylor brings both professional expertise and community knowledge to every moving project.
