The capitol city is nestled along the edge of the mountains giving over to amazing views.  While you have moderate temperatures along the desert like edge of the area, you only have a few minutes to drive to get into the snowy mountains for skiing in the winter, or fishing and hiking in the summer.  With a population of just over 214,000, Boise offers some of that big city feel wrapped up in a small-town attitude.  From the beauty of the Northend to the rural areas south of town, you always have a place to go and to meet people.  Farmer’s markets, first Thursday events downtown, concerts, theater shows at the Morrison Center and of course the BSU blue turf are just a few of the entertainment possibilities to experience. 

Boise’s neighbor to the west, Meridian, has recently been claimed the Wall Street’s best U.S. city to live!  With a population of just over 88,000 people, it’s a safe, ever-growing city where you will find a great mix of new construction as well as established neighborhoods and even some farmland. Meridian offers an array of activities for just about anyone! You can find great shopping and dining options at the busiest intersection in Idaho, Crossroads.  The newest addition, The Village is a great outdoor shopping experience with a beautiful new park, Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, located behind it where you can catch live events throughout the year. Check out the many parks through the town that have ponds for fishing, fields for soccer, football and other sports, there are also several skate parks scattered around the city!

Eagle is a refreshing, friendly, and active community. With some 24,000 residents this beautiful city is a great place to live, work, shop, dine and much more.  With modern suburban living you have access to some great local shops catering to the small town feel of the community.   With homes ranging from smaller town homes up to acreage horse properties, the charming community is a great place to call home. 

With a population nearing 7,000, Star is an up and coming town in Ada County. This is a quiet, quaint town with a bustling main street where you can find several local dining experiences.  The rural suburban community gives way to many agricultural properties along with the activities associated with such. This tight knit community holds several annual events such as Fall Festival and the Christmas Bazaar & Extravaganza. A visit to this delightful Idaho town is a must.  

The great community of Caldwell is nestled just a few minutes west of Nampa, its sister community.  With a historical downtown area housing the College of Idaho, the Canyon County Fairgrounds, and the meandering Indian Creek.  It’s population of around 48,000 all love the surrounding rural feel of this rich farming land. Spend a great day touring some of the local vineyards or take an air tour at the Silverhawk Aviation academy.   

Boise’s Treasure Valley, the population of Kuna tripled in size between 2000 and 2010 and has since steadied out around 17,000.   With more rural areas, there are a lot of farms and fields, but a large percentage of the population lives in the more suburban communities surrounding its quaint downtown area. Kuna is considered progressive, vibrant and welcoming, and got its start with a long period of agricultural growth and stable production. Lately it has had sustained population growth along with growth of businesses, schools, and churches. Kuna has a beautiful greenbelt, many parks and walking and biking paths, Indian Creek and a performing arts center. 

20 minutes from the capital city is lovely Nampa, it is Canyon County's largest city with a population count of around 82,000.  Nampa is where you will have the best of relaxed country life without being too far from amenities such as great schools, shopping, dining, etc.  There is always something to do in Nampa, whether it be growing your own produce for the downtown farmer's market, going to a rodeo, fishing, teeing off at one of many golfing greens in the area, delving into the history of the train museum, or sipping Merlot with friends at one of the picturesque local vineyards. It is truly a special place and community.