UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
| liv score 636 How We Calculate Our Data |
|
|---|---|
| Civics | 65 |
| Demographics | 31 |
| Economy | 62 |
| Education | 46 |
| Health | 52 |
| Housing | 34 |
| Infrastructure | 44 |
#73. Meridian, ID
Meridian is one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation — and it’s easy to see why. This family-friendly city between Boise and Nampa in western Idaho is home to roughly 100,000 people, a number that’s climbing rapidly. Meridian’s strong economy, pro-business climate, affordable cost of living and low unemployment make it a great place to call home. Job growth in the Treasure Valley is strong and expected to continue rising in the coming years.
Top Industries and Employers: Construction, manufacturing, service and healthcare are some of the leading industries in Meridian.
Best Coffee Shop: Deja Brew Laugh A Latte, a women-owned coffee shop that also doubles as a wine bar and community hub with live music.
Best Local Beer/Brewery: Not exactly a brewery but Heritage Hop Haus is the place to go for craft beer in Meridian — it has dozens of beers on tap.
Must-Have Meal: You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at Epi’s A Basque Restaurant, but any of the lamb dishes or the halibut are local favorites at this traditional Basque spot.
Best Meetup Spot (When Meeting Up Is a Thing Again): Kahootz Steak and Ale House, a Meridian staple since 2002.
Creative Hub: Meridian Art Week, an annual week of events, workshops and gatherings held every September to celebrate the arts.
Favorite Weekend Activity: Hanging out at Roaring Springs Water Park, which has tons of waterslides, a wave pool and a lazy river — everyone can have a good time here!
Free Way to Have Fun: Playing basketball, wandering through the labyrinth, cooling off in the splash pad or bicycling around Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, a 58-acre local gem.
Local Dream Job: Bookmobile driver for the Meridian Library District, which means you can help connect Meridian residents to books, art and science activities and annual events.
Read More:
What a Budget of $300,000 or Less Will Get You in Meridian
5 Reasons to Move to Meridian, ID
Best Places to Live in Idaho
– Sarah Kuta