The City of Meridian, Idaho has gained popularity in the past few years, it is the fastest-growing city in Idaho, with a 14.5 percent increase in population between 2004 and 2005. Meridian as the third-largest city in Idaho behind Boise and Nampa. In the past 2 years, Meridian has gained national recogniztion as a premier place to live: In both 2005 and 2007, Newsweek named Meridian "America's 100 Best Cities for Young People" and it was in Money Magazine's "Top 75 Best Places to Live" in 2005. The city is also gaining recognition for businesses and employers, in 2005 and 2006, Forbes Magazine named it "Best Places for Business and Careers" and Inc. Magazine ranked it as a "Top U.S. Cities for Doing Business" in 2005.
Meridian is at the center of the Treasure Valley, a fertile plain located between the Snake River and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The city preserves its unique identity as a place that treasures its past, appreciates the present, and looks to the future with a spirit of harmony and prosperity.
Economy
Once a fertile farming country for grains, vegetables, and fruits, the valley has seen explosive growth due to the influx of people who work in government, finance, business, professional, and technical fields. The City of Meridian is home to the corporate headquarters of United Heritage, Western Electronics, and Arnold Machinery. Other regional, national and international companies are headquartered in Boise include Washington Group International, Boise Cascade, Micron Technology and Hewlett-Packard’s printer division.
Education
Public schools in the Meridian School District and Cole Valley Christian, a private school, provide excellent educational opportunities. In addition, University of Phoenix and neighboring Boise State University, Northwest Nazarene College, and Albertson College of Idaho offer a wide range of courses and advanced degrees. There are also vocational and technical schools that offer numerous educational possibilities.
Recreation
In addition to golfing, hiking, fishing, and hunting, many enjoy kayaking or river rafting on the swift streams in the area. Thanks to the difference in elevation between the valley floor (about 2,600 feet above sea level) and the mountains (over 7,000 feet), there is excellent skiing within 1 hour of the city, even when the weather in the is too warm for snow in the valley. Bogus Basin is a popular destination for day trips. The new Tamarack Resort at Donnelly, Brundage at McCall and Sun Valley are less than 3 hour drive.
Meridian is a family oriented community with many youth oriented activities including Boys and Girls Club, PAL Soccer, Meridian Youth Baseball and Optimist Football.
Meridian is home to the Meridian Speedway, with stock car racing from April through September. For family fun, visit Roaring Springs Water Park and Boondocks Fun Center.
The Idaho Peace Officers Memorial is located on the grounds of the Idaho State Law Enforcement Headquarters. For history buffs, visit the Pine Street School, a restored one-room schoolhouse museum; winner of the Governor's Award for Historic Preservation. The Meridian Historical Society also supplies us with copies of their Walking Tour of Oldtown Meridian.
Source: wikipedia.org and meridiancity.org
Photo Source: Shelly Houston
Find homes for sale in Meridian Idaho
