Meridian, IDBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Meridian’s location in the Treasure Valley means residents have hit the jackpot. A friendly community, excellent schools, family-focused events, and abundant parks and outdoor spaces contribute to Meridian’s high quality of life and close-knit community feel.
Meridian, ID, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Originally founded as a dairy farming community, Meridian, ID, is more commerce than cows these days. The city has a healthy economy with plenty of successful businesses and has been ranked the fastest-growing city in Idaho and one of the fastest-growing in the country. But Meridian is more than just metropolitan. Located 12 miles west of the state capital of Boise, amid the famed Treasure Valley, Meridian has all the advantages of city life, plus beautiful surroundings full of outdoor splendor — which help make it one of the best places to live in the U.S.
The Treasure Valley has diverse terrain that includes desert, mountains, forest, rivers and lakes, providing outdoor opportunities galore in and around Meridian. There’s everything from hiking to biking, swimming to skiing — both on the water and the slopes (there are three ski resorts in the area). There’s also great fishing, boating and camping.
But beyond the treasures of the Treasure Valley, Meridian also has good schools, reasonable prices, attractive parks and an excellent safety record (and they are continuously trying to lower crime rates even further through programs such as Neighborhood Watch). The city is also chock-full of entertainment options, such as shopping, great restaurants, museums, live music venues and art galleries. In addition, Meridian fosters a real sense of community, sponsoring various events throughout the year in the spirit of bringing people together and giving them even more to love about their city. For instance, the city puts on movie nights, open-air concerts and a farmers market in the summer. Fall brings a Halloween parade and a community art party, and Meridian goes all out for the winter holidays.
Meridian, ID Quality of Life LivScore
Meridian, ID Top Categories
Environment
Health
Safety
Meridian ranks highest for environment, health and safety.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Meridian, ID
With its semi-arid climate, Meridian gets hot, dry summers with temps that can reach the triple digits. In the winter, it sometimes snows. But it doesn’t rain much here, and spring and fall are usually comfortable. The average highs and lows are 85°F and 57°F (summer) and 32°F and 21°F.
The average annual snowfall in Meridian is 10 inches per year.
The average annual rainfall in Meridian is around 12 inches.
Meridian averages 212 sunny days a year.
Just about everything! Meridian’s vast natural resources combined with its parks (including a state park and a water park) and ski areas allow endless possibilities for outdoor adventure, from active sports to just relaxing in nature.
Meridian Weather
212 days
Average Annual Sun
12 inches
Average Annual Rain
10 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things to Do in Meridian, ID
Bring the little ones to The Village at Meridian, a mall with a European feel and so much more – it also has movies, restaurants, an arcade, a play area and a “show fountain.”
Artisans of Idaho is all about Idahoans supporting Idahoans. This self-professed “local artisan community marketplace” brings together area vendors to sell their handcrafted gifts and artwork to fellow locals.
Stroll hand-in-hand along the scenic paths of Fuller Park, or spread out a blanket and share a picnic pond-side because what’s more romantic than waterfront dining? Enjoy the views of nature — and your companion.
Downtown’s Eighty Thirty Common offers a happy hour five days a week, including $5 glasses of wine, $3 beers and $5 cocktails.
The Local and State Economy in Meridian, ID
Health care, education, and retail and manufacturing are three key industries in Meridian. For example, Scentsy, a wickless candle and fragrance company, is headquartered in Meridian. Other major employers include Blue Cross of Idaho and Jacksons Food Stores.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Meridian is 6%.
Yes, Idaho has a state income tax.
Meridian is part of the Boise metropolitan area, and the city has several top-tier health care facilities, including Saint Alphonsus Medical Center-Meridian and St. Luke’s Meridian Medical Center.
There are several smaller colleges and universities in Meridian, including Boise State University West Campus and the College of Western Idaho. In addition, there are other colleges nearby, including the Boise State University flagship campus in Boise and the University of Idaho in Moscow.
Quick Facts About Meridian, ID
- Median Household Income
- $85,019
- Median Home Value
- $461,489
- Average State Property Tax
- $1,682
- Total Population
- 123,900
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,240
- Average Commute
- 20.99 minutes
Meridian’s healthy economy helps make it one of the best places to live in the U.S., along with good schools and an excellent safety record. Learn how to best experience Meridian and discover its excellent education systems. Another good resource as you consider a move: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.
