During the Civil War, gold was discovered in the area surrounding Caldwell, enticing thousands of gold-hungry settlers to descend on the sleepy little community. Some, deciding that gold mining was too competitive, started businesses in Caldwell instead, and the town was born.
In Canyon County, about 27 miles west of Boise
Approximately 68,000 people live in the city
Friendly, vibrant, close-knit
A big perk of living in Caldwell is its extraordinarily friendly people, who warmly welcome strangers. Residents look out for others and take the time to get to know one another. This camaraderie is a defining feature of the town. The pace of life is relatively slow in Caldwell, so there’s adequate time for leisurely chats with neighbors and a greater appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
Caldwell is canine friendly; many hiking trails and restaurants permit leashed dogs.
The housing market is heating up in Caldwell, fueled by growing demand.
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Caldwell is about $1,260 per month, 19% below the national average.
Home prices are increasing in Caldwell, showing a 1.1% year-over-year increase.
Many new subdivisions, including those for 55+, are cropping up all around Caldwell to meet the growing demand for housing in the area.
Caldwell has 28 schools serving about 13,700 students. Five are private. Public schools in Caldwell have an average math proficiency score of 30%, substantially lower than the Idaho public school average of 42%. Reading proficiency scores are 47%, significantly less than the statewide average of 55%.
The city is also home to College of Idaho.
Caldwell is a vibrant and friendly community that offers a burgeoning wine region, a variety of culinary delights, and a whole lot of outdoor adventure.
For a small town, Caldwell has great recreation. Explore the Sunnyslope Wine Trail of 19 wineries. Or join the AgVenture guided tour, picking fresh produce and enjoying world-class farm-to-fork meals. Those looking for lively entertainment will find rodeos, festivals, and live music.
Caldwell’s highly walkable downtown retail district has something for every shopping taste. Its bustling plaza offers dozens of independent retailers that sell locally made goods from candles and pottery to clothing and hand-made moccasins.
For generations, Caldwell families have produced fresh foods for local eateries—from quaint cafes to gourmet restaurants. You’ll find various cuisines in town, including authentic Mexican, savory brunches, and mouth-watering burgers, as well as nationally acclaimed wineries.
Caldwell has a fairly decent public transportation system for its size. Valley Regional Transit provides essential services. However, coverage and frequency are less extensive than in larger metropolitan areas. Ride-sharing services, such as Lyft and Uber, are also available.
If you’re seeking outdoor adventures, Caldwell is right up your alley. At Lake Lowell, you can enjoy everything from boating and swimming to fishing and bird watching. Or take a leisurely walk along the dam or watch the abundance of wildlife from the observation deck at the nearby Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge.
Caldwell maintains its close-knit community through a variety of community events. Caldwell Night Rodeo, a city tradition for 100 years, is among the top five outdoor rodeos in the country. The Caldwell Farm to Fork Farmer’s Market runs every Tuesday from May to September, offering an impressive selection of fresh foods and handcrafted gifts.
Caldwell’s economy is booming, creating lots of new jobs in both the industrial and business sectors, especially at the Sky Ranch and North Ranch Business Parks, which have brought thousands of high-paying jobs to the area. In 2022, the median household income rose by over 9%. The biggest industries in Caldwell are healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.
Caldwell is 27.5 miles from Boise, about 30–45 minutes by car (depending on traffic). By bus, the commute takes 40–60 minutes.Â
CrimeGrade.org gives Caldwell a C+, indicating that the city’s crime rate is on par with the national average. It ranks in the 49th percentile for safety, which means that 51% of US cities are safer. However, most crime in Caldwell is non-violent. The violent crime rate is relatively low at just 2.466 per 1,000 residents.
Average
The Caldwell Fire and Police Departments provide a variety of safety services and community outreach programs, including station and vehicle tours, crime prevention tips, and neighborhood watch programs.
