Meridian, Idaho has been gaining attention as a desirable place to live but is it really good for you? Known for its rapid growth and family-friendly environment, Meridian is the second-largest city in Idaho. Since it offers a mix of urban amenities and suburban charm, people all over the country move here to make it their new home. So if you are planning to move here and have questions like ‘Is Meridian Idaho a good place to live’, this article has got you covered.
Pros of Moving to Meridian Idaho
If you’re wondering why move to Meridian, here are some pros that make this city worth living in.
1- Affordable Cost of Living
The affordable cost of living is one of the benefits of living in Meridian. And if you compare it to national averages and other metropolitan areas, this city offers a budget-friendly lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of key factors that contribute to Meridian Idaho cost of living:
- Housing
Housing is one of the major expenses for any household. Meridian offers a range of housing options for different budgets and lifestyles. And the good thing is that the houses are more affordable compared to many other cities. As per Zillow reports, the average Meridian, ID home value is $526,037. If you look at the RentCafe reports, the average rent for an apartment in Meridian is $1,628.
- Utilities
Utility costs can also impact your monthly budget, that’s why it’s important to manage them properly.
Here are basic utilities costs as per Livingcost’s reports:
Utility Bill for one person – $116
Utility Bill for a Family – $178
Internet plan – $64.9
- Transportation
Your transportation costs can be higher or lower depending on various factors such as usage, vehicle maintenance, and fuel prices. While public transportation options are limited, bus fares are affordable.
Here are basic transportation costs as per Livingcost’s reports:
Local transport ticket – $1.66
Monthly ticket local transport – $44.3
Taxi Ride (5 mi) – $16.5
Gas / Petrol (1L) – $0.95
- Food and Groceries
You will have to spend money on food and groceries daily, that’s why it’s important to know their costs to budget effectively. You can easily find many local grocery stores like Walmart and Albertsons. If you need fresh, locally sourced produce and artisanal goods, you can go to farmers’ markets.
Here are basic grocery costs as per Livingcost’s reports:
Milk (1l) – $0.88
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) – 2.75$
Rice (white), (1kg) – 3.15$
Eggs (regular) (12) – 3.17$
2- Strong Job Market
Another great thing about Meridian is that it has a robust and diverse job market. Whether you are in healthcare, education, technology, retail, or any other sector, you can easily find great employment opportunities. The major employers in the healthcare sector include St. Luke’s Health System, and Saint Alphonsus Health System, which ensures a steady demand for medical professionals. The tech industry is growing in Merdian, so you can expect great opportunities in software development, IT support, engineering, and data analysis. Scentsy, Clearwater Analytics, and HP Inc. are some of the major employers.
3- Excellent Education
If you’re making a list of Meridian Idaho pros and cons, then you should keep education in the pros list. It features schools for students of all ages and the city’s commitment to education is reflected in its high-quality schools, innovative programs, and supportive community. You can easily find good public institutions like The West Ada School District. If you need middle school, then you have options like Heritage Middle School, which offers robust academic and extracurricular programs to help students transition smoothly from elementary to high school. For higher education, you have the Boise State University and College of Western Idaho where you can easily get two-year degree programs, certifications, and workforce training.
4- Low Crime Rate
One of the most appealing aspects of living in Merdian is its low crime rate. When you think of moving to a different place, safety should be one of the main concerns. The best thing is that the violent crime rate in Merdian is much lower than the national average. For instance, the city’s violent crime rate is around 1.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is pretty low if you compare it to the national average of about 4.0 per 1,000 residents.
5- Outdoor Recreation
If you love the outdoor life, Meridian will feel like paradise as it offers a variety of recreational activities that cater to all ages and interests. The Settlers Park is a great spot to get access to playgrounds, tennis courts, a fishing pond, and open fields for various sports. This park also hosts numerous community events throughout the year, such as outdoor concerts, movies in the park, and seasonal festivals.
If you like biking, hiking, or walking, the Ridge to Rivers Trail System offers various levels of difficulty for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts. You can also visit the Lucky Peak Reservoir if you feel like boating or enjoying different water activities. The reservoir also offers designated swimming areas and picnic spots, making it a perfect place for a family outing.
Cons of Moving to Meridian Idaho
1- Limited Public Transportation
If you want to live in Meridian, your life will be more dependent on personal vehicles. Since it has limited public transportation, people have to spend more on car-related expenses such as fuel, maintenance, insurance, and parking costs. This increases traffic congestion, especially during peak commuting hours, and can also lead to longer travel times and added stress for drivers. Apart from this, limited public transportation can restrict mobility and freedom for those who cannot or prefer not to drive, impacting their overall quality of life.
2- Seasonal Weather
Merdian experiences a variety of weather patterns throughout the year, which can be both a positive and a negative aspect of living in the area. If you like the changing seasons, you might enjoy the change. However, some people can find certain aspects of the weather challenging. You should know that summers in the area can be very hot and temperatures can occasionally go over 100°F (38°C). The heat waves can also make outdoor activities uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Apart from this, summers in Merdian are typically dry, with minimal rainfall, which can lead to drought conditions. So you should be ready with some water backup as the weather can affect the water supply and the health of lawns and gardens.
Meridian ID Neighborhoods
1- Sienna Creek
Sienna Creek is one of the best Meridian ID neighborhoods. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, and beautiful homes, it is an ideal place for people looking for a welcoming community and great amenities. You can go to the community pool to enjoy water activities. The Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park is another good spot to get access to walking and biking trails, a playground, and a fishing pond.
2- Paramount
If you are looking for a well-planned community in Meridan with quality homes and layouts, Paramount can be a great place. You have access to various community pools, playgrounds, and walking paths for outdoor fun. The education system is excellent with options such as Heritage Middle School and Rocky Mountain High School. The good thing is that the community regularly hosts events such as block parties, holiday celebrations, and seasonal festivals, which helps you socialize with others and foster relationships. If you want to shop, dine, or enjoy other entertainment activities, you can also drive to The Village at Merdian.
3- Spurwing Greens
Known for its upscale and modern environment, Spurwing Greens is perfect for those who appreciate a high-end lifestyle and beautiful surroundings. The SpurWing Country Club is a perfect place if you want a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience. The clubhouse is another hub of activity that offers dining options, a fitness center, and social spaces for members to relax and connect. You will also get access to lakes, ponds, and popular parks. So if you are moving to Meridian Idaho, you can choose this place.
4- BridgeTower
If you like to spend time with family and friends, then BridgeTower features various spots for family outings, community gatherings, and outdoor activities. You can take your kids to the playground, or use picnic areas to enjoy meals together. If you like to engage in physical activities, The BridgeTower Tennis Courts provide a great place for residents to stay active and enjoy a friendly game of tennis.
Meridian is known for offering a blend of affordability, quality education, safety, and outdoor activities, which makes Meridian ID quality of life excellent. However, you should consider factors like rapid growth and limited public transportation. Overall, living in Meridian Idaho will feel like living in a community-focused city with plenty of amenities and a strong job market. Since this city offers a blend of small-town charm and modern conveniences, it is perfect for people of all ages. Whether you’re moving for work, family, or retirement, this guide will help you decide if Meridian is the right place for you.