With over 130,000 residents, Meridian is Idaho’s second-largest city. Named for the Boise Meridian, a survey line that guided land mapping and ownership, the city grew from fertile farmland into a thriving hub in the Treasure Valley. Today, it blends its agricultural roots with modern amenities.
In Ada County, about 12 miles west of Boise
Approximately 130,000 people live in the city
Cosmopolitan, spacious, convenient
Once upon a time, Meridian was a quiet, rural community. Nowadays, it’s a busy metropolis with amenities like those enjoyed by residents of New York, Los Angeles, and other big cities.
The city boasts world-class restaurants, trendy retail stores, and state-of-the-art entertainment venues. However, despite pulsating with cosmopolitan energy, Meridian hasn’t lost touch with its rural roots.
Meridian has many pet-friendly parks, including Storey Bark Park, a popular off-leash park for both large and small dogs.
Meridian is experiencing a housing boom thanks to its proximity to Boise, top-notch schools, and expanding job market. The city encompasses a variety of neighborhoods to suit every taste—from the tree-lined streets of Old Town Meridian to the rustic charm of the Oaks to the low-maintenance 55+ community of Heritage Grove—making it one of Idaho’s most desirable places to live.
The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Meridian is around $1,657.
The rapidly expanding population of Meridian is creating demand for new housing options and pushing prices upward.
As an evolving community, Meridian is strategically planning for future growth through many new construction developments.
The City of Meridian is home to an array of top-rated K–12 educational institutions, including public, charter, and private schools.
The Meridian Health Science Center, part of Idaho State University, offers over 30 undergraduate and graduate programs, including nursing, pharmacy, and physical therapy. Though the main College of Western Idaho campus is in Nampa, the school—a fast-growing community college serving students throughout the Boise metropolitan area—also has locations in Meridian.
When most people think of Idaho, they think of farms and potato fields. But with its urban sophistication and modern amenities, Meridian completely reshapes this image.
From speedways and waterparks to sports courts and walking paths, Meridian has something to offer everyone. A popular green space is the 58-acre Settlers Park, which houses pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts. The Five Mile Pathway, a scenic pedestrian and bike route, is the city’s longest public path, spanning eight miles along the Five Mile Creek.
Meridian offers diverse shopping options, from big box retailers to unique locally owned shops. At the open-air Villages at Meridian, shoppers can fulfill virtually all their shopping and entertainment needs. It includes a cinema and a variety of stores and restaurants around a central fountain. Retail options range from chic boutiques to well-known brands.
You’ll find in Meridian many beloved casual restaurants, some family owned, serving up both traditional and unique dishes from a variety of cuisines, including Mexican, Italian, and Asian. There are also several fine dining options as well as a range of breweries and fast food restaurants.
Valley Regional Transit, the public transportation authority for Ada and Canyon counties, operates several bus routes that connect Meridian to neighboring cities like Boise and Nampa. However, buses don’t run as frequently as in comparable cities, and coverage can be sparse. Ride-sharing is another popular way to travel around the city.
Meridian offers abundant recreational opportunities at parks that feature sports courts, splash pads, and climbing rocks. Discovery Park, which spans 64 acres, is the largest green space in Meridian. Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park hosts concerts at its amphitheater and is perfect for leisurely strolls. For adventure seekers, Roaring Springs Waterpark and Wahooz Family Fun Zone provide thrilling activities for all ages.
Though a larger city, Meridian maintains a small-town feel through several annual community events. One of its biggest summertime gatherings is Sparklight Movie Night at Settlers Park, during which residents watch classic films underneath the stunning Idaho night sky. But movies aren’t the only entertainment. Before the show begins, activities like games and face painting keep young ones busy
Meridian’s economy has evolved from a “bedroom community” to a thriving job market, with over 60,000 employed across industries like education, healthcare, and corporate services. The city is home to several major employers and offers diverse career opportunities, though many commute to Boise for work.
The drive from Meridian to Boise is approximately 15–20 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
With an annual crime rate of 771 per 100,000 people, which is significantly below the national average of 2,324, Meridian is among the safer places to live in the US. The southern part of the city is generally viewed as the safest, while crime rates in northeastern neighborhoods are slightly higher.
Below average
The Meridian Police and Fire Public Safety Academy provide community members a behind the scenes, in-depth look at Meridian public safety.
