Fortune magazine has highlighted Meridian, Idaho as one of the top places for families to live. To learn about what makes this vibrant city so desirable, we caught up with Michael Moir, Managing Partner of The Agency Boise, to discuss the region’s appeal, the housing market and what draws families to Meridian.
What specific neighborhoods in Meridian are attracting buyers with families most right now?
Meridian is the fastest-growing city in Idaho, and new construction has really ramped up over the last two to three years. Some of the most coveted neighborhoods for families include subdivisions like BridgeTower, Spurwing, Paramount and Bainbridge.
What about these areas do you think appeal to buyers with families?
It’s a combination of things: the great schools, proximity to shopping, medical services, among other amenities. The abundance of outdoor activities nearby is a big draw for families of all shapes and sizes.
Overall, what are some of the region’s biggest attractions or amenities that appeal to young and growing families?
Whether you enjoy mountain biking or hiking in the foothills, playing or fishing in the Boise River, or are involved in sports, there are endless outdoor activities that are easily accessible from Meridian. The parks in Meridian are numerous and of high quality, featuring splash pads, sports courts, and walkways, many designed with inclusive and accessible playgrounds. We get a lot of sunshine in southwest Idaho, which means we have even more opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and play areas. There are also a number of local businesses that cater to family-friendly activities, such as Roaring Springs Water Park, Wahooz Family Fun Zone, several trampoline parks, indoor pickleball courts at The Flying Pickle and indoor racing at K1 Speed Boise, just to name a few.
Are there any industries or local employers that are attracting new residents with families?
Micron, a chip manufacturing company with Idaho roots, is investing $15B in expanding manufacturing to the Boise area. We also have two major hospital systems in the valley, St. Luke’s and St. Alphonsus, which are attracting medical professionals to the area. Meridian’s close proximity to Boise, outstanding amenities, and room for growth make it a natural choice for families relocating due to job opportunities with tech companies. Meridian is centrally located in the Treasure Valley and is also quietly becoming a tech hub with many startups and venture capital investments. As more of these businesses are established, we expect housing demand to increase in Meridian.
What home amenities or features are buyers with families seeking right now?
Buyers with families are prioritizing some “elbow room” in the backyard, whether it be for a trampoline, outdoor kitchen, basketball hoop or other activities to enjoy the nice spring, summer and fall weather. They are also looking for bigger garage spaces to store toys to maximize their enjoyment of the Idaho lifestyle. Community amenities such as a pool, clubhouse and open space are also very desirable.
Have you seen any increase in home buyers or renters from a certain region?
We continue to see people from nearby coastal states, such as California, Oregon, and Washington, make the move to Meridian. Recently, we’ve seen more people from Texas, where there has been tremendous population growth in recent years, relocate to Meridian for a quieter lifestyle.
Are there any emerging developments in this region that you foresee families being drawn to?
Valnova, a new development in the Eagle foothills north of Meridian, is currently in the works and I think it will attract a lot of buyers with families due to the location and community amenities. It will span over 11,000 acres, with 7,000 of those as titled home sites. It connects directly to Bureau of Land Management trails and will feature a three-acre lake, an 18-hole championship golf course, shopping, a commercial division, sports parks, a police department, a fire department, medical services and more. In south Meridian, a number of new home developments are underway, which will attract more people to this part of the city.
Do you have any stats or data about the Meridian market over the past year that are notable?
Meridian’s growth has been exceptional. It started as a sleepy dairy farm town, morphed into a bedroom community for the larger Boise, and is now the second-largest city in the state of Idaho. 44.6% of all Meridian home sales in the past year were new construction. When looking at the whole Boise area, only 36.7% of home sales were new construction, which shows how builders have stepped up to meet the housing needs of the rapidly growing city. Even with this growth, Meridian hasn’t lost its character. It’s currently seeing a revitalization of the downtown where The Agency Boise office is located, and still hosts an annual community event celebrating its roots in the dairy industry with “Meridian Dairy Days.”
Is there any particular advice you have been giving buyers with families most often these days regarding buying a home in Meridian?
When working with buyers with families, we share our local knowledge and expertise, but someone telling you about the different areas isn’t the same as experiencing them. We encourage our clients to visit the subdivisions and communities they are interested in, and then they’re better able to naturally and organically narrow down their search to find their next home. As they learn and experience the different parts of the city, they’re better able to focus on the areas that are the best fit for them and their family’s needs.
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