Caldwell ID

Caldwell, ID – Nestled in the heart of the Treasure Valley, Caldwell offers small-town charm with big-time character. From scenic drives through wine country to strolls along Indian Creek Plaza, this friendly city blends natural beauty, rich agriculture, and family-focused fun. Whether you're exploring the Sunnyslope Wine Trail or taking in a rodeo under the summer sky, Caldwell welcomes you with open arms and genuine Idaho hospitality.

• Population: ~60,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons (25-90°F); cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers.
• Places To Visit: Indian Creek Plaza, Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Sunnyslope Wine Trail, College of Idaho, Caldwell Night Rodeo.
• Top Activities: Wine tasting, fishing at Lake Lowell, enjoying live music downtown, apple picking in fall, attending county fairs and rodeos.
• Famous Food: Farm-fresh produce, smoked Idaho trout, local wines, huckleberry treats, and classic diner-style burgers.

Caldwell, Idaho is a growing city with a diverse economy rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The city is known for its welcoming community and affordable living, making it attractive for both employers and job seekers. Below are some of the most sought-after careers in Caldwell today.

Top 5 Jobs in Caldwell, ID

Caldwell, Idaho, may not be the largest city around, but it's filled with laid-back fun spots perfect for students to kick back, relax, and unwind after a long day of classes. From parks to unique eateries, this small town offers plenty of ways to chill and have fun with friends.

Indian Creek Plaza – Located right in downtown Caldwell, Indian Creek Plaza is the go-to spot for events, outdoor entertainment, and hanging out with friends. Grab food from local eateries nearby, catch live music, or enjoy seasonal events like winter ice skating and summer markets.

Lake Lowell – Just a short drive away, Lake Lowell is ideal for fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing by the water. It's a peaceful place to catch some sun, chill out, and escape from campus stress.

Flying M Coffeeshop – Popular among students, Flying M offers outstanding coffee, tasty pastries, and comfy seating. Free Wi-Fi and a welcoming atmosphere make it perfect for hanging out with friends or studying together in a fun, relaxed environment.

Rotary Pond Park – Known for its peaceful pond, shady areas, and walking trails, Rotary Pond Park is perfect for picnics, reading, or just lying out on the grass. Bring some snacks, toss around a frisbee, or just lounge under the Idaho sky.

Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History – Located on the campus of the College of Idaho, this museum is fascinating and free. Perfect for a low-key day with friends or even solo exploration, it's an interesting and laid-back option to spend some downtime.

The Rollerdrome – Going retro is always entertaining. At this old-school skating rink, students can rollerskate to music, hang out with friends, and make memories in a casual, fun setting. They even do special events and themed nights, adding to the chill vibe.

Caldwell, Idaho, is a growing city that values education and offers both public and private higher learning institutions. Here, students can pursue a variety of academic paths including liberal arts, business, health sciences, and technical education. The city's colleges and universities are known for their supportive learning environments and commitment to student success.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Caldwell

College of Western Idaho (CWI) – With a campus near Caldwell, CWI is a top community college in Idaho. It offers affordable degrees and certificates in health sciences, business, technology, and trades. It is known for small class sizes and hands-on learning experiences.

Idaho State University (ISU) – Caldwell Center – This extension of ISU offers specialized programs such as health professions and continuing education. Students benefit from the resources of a large public university while studying in a smaller community environment.

Treasure Valley Community College – Caldwell Campus – This college provides transferable associate degrees and workforce training. It’s ideal for students starting their higher education journey or learning new career skills.

Northwest Nazarene University (Public Programs Partnership) – While a private school, Northwest Nazarene partners with public entities to offer dual-enrollment and continuing education opportunities, enhancing access to quality education for local residents.

Boise State University (Extended Education in Caldwell) – Boise State offers adult education, degree completion, and distance learning programs that serve the Caldwell population through satellite classes and online platforms.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Caldwell

Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) – A faith-based private university located in neighboring Nampa, NNU is widely respected in Caldwell. It offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in business, education, nursing, and theology.

The College of Idaho – Located in the heart of Caldwell, this is one of the top-ranked liberal arts colleges in the Pacific Northwest. It features a personalized learning environment, a strong core curriculum, and top programs in pre-law, sciences, and international studies.

Stevens-Henager College (Boise Campus – serves Caldwell area) – Though technically in Boise, this private college offers career-focused programs in medical, business, and information technology fields that attract students from Caldwell.

Paul Mitchell The School Nampa – Close to Caldwell, this private cosmetology school prepares students for careers in beauty and wellness. It is known for its high placement rates and professional training.

Milan Institute – Nampa Campus – A vocational school offering programs in dental assisting, massage therapy, and cosmetology. It's a popular choice for Caldwell residents seeking hands-on career training in a private setting.

Caldwell, Idaho, is home to a variety of high schools that support student success through academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and personal development. Whether you're looking for a rigorous public school experience or a supportive private school environment, Caldwell has excellent options for high school education.

Top Public High Schools in Caldwell, Idaho

• Vallivue High School – Located in the Vallivue School District, this school is recognized for its strong academics, career and technical education (CTE) programs, and a wide range of extracurricular activities.
• Canyon Springs High School – A smaller public high school offering alternative education paths, ideal for students looking for a personalized approach to learning.
• Caldwell High School – Part of the Caldwell School District, it offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, sports teams, and clubs, helping students prepare for college and life beyond graduation.
• Ridgevue High School – Although located in nearby Nampa, it serves some students from the Caldwell area and offers a modern campus with strong academic and athletic programs.
• Middleton High School – A public school just outside Caldwell that draws students from surrounding areas, known for its quality teaching staff and student involvement in community programs.

Top Private High Schools in Caldwell, Idaho

• Gem State Adventist Academy – A coeducational private high school offering Christian-based education, college prep courses, and a focus on values and service.
• Treasure Valley Seventh-day Adventist School – While primarily for younger grades, it also provides upper grade education options with small class sizes and individualized attention.
• The Ambrose School – Located nearby in Meridian, this classical Christian school serves some Caldwell families and focuses on liberal arts education and character development.
• Greenleaf Friends Academy – A short drive from Caldwell, this Quaker-based private school offers a faith-centered education with small class sizes and a supportive learning atmosphere.
• Centennial Baptist School – A private Christian school offering education through high school, emphasizing faith, academic development, and community service.

Caldwell, Idaho does not currently have any major professional sports teams from the top leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, or MLS. However, the city embraces its sports enthusiasm through minor league and regional teams, along with a vibrant college athletics scene.

🏈 Football – College Football at College of Idaho (NAIA)

• College of Idaho Coyotes – The “Yotes” football team competes in the NAIA and plays its home games at Simplot Stadium in Caldwell. After reviving its football program in 2014, the team quickly became a source of local pride, regularly drawing fans from across the Treasure Valley region.

⚾ Baseball – Idaho Horsemen (AWFC)

• Idaho Horsemen – Though based in nearby Nampa, this indoor football team represents the surrounding Caldwell area and plays in the American West Football Conference. Formed in 2018, the team has enjoyed early success by winning a league championship and is a popular local attraction.

🏀 Basketball – Regional and Semi-Pro Leagues

• Caldwell does not have a professional basketball team, but local interest is fueled by college games and youth leagues. Residents often support nearby college teams or travel to Boise to attend basketball events at Boise State University.

⚽ Soccer – Youth and Regional Play

• Soccer is growing in popularity in Caldwell through youth and semi-professional clubs. Residents take part in regional leagues and occasionally attend matches in the greater Boise area, including Boise’s semi-pro clubs, which compete in lower U.S. soccer tiers.

🎓 Other Sports and Highlights

• The College of Idaho – The Coyotes excel in several other sports including baseball, basketball, and ski racing. The college is a consistent NAIA national tournament participant and their student-athletes are well known in the region.
• For professional-level games, residents of Caldwell often travel to Boise, Meridian, or Nampa to cheer on minor league teams like the Boise Hawks (baseball) and the Idaho Steelheads (hockey).

While Caldwell may not host big-league teams, its tight-knit community and regional sports culture create a strong sense of local pride and athletic involvement. From college football to indoor football and community leagues, sports play an important role in Caldwell’s local identity.

Caldwell, Idaho is a charming and fast-growing city filled with rich history, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm. Located in the heart of the Treasure Valley, Caldwell has plenty of surprises even lifelong residents might not know. Here are some fun facts about this cozy Idaho gem:

1. Home of the College of Idaho – Caldwell is proud to host the College of Idaho, one of the oldest private liberal arts colleges in the state, founded in 1891.
2. The Sunnyslope Wine Trail – Caldwell is the heart of Idaho’s wine country, boasting more than a dozen wineries along the beautiful Sunnyslope Wine Trail.
3. Once Called "Bugtown" – Before it was called Caldwell, the area that became the city was once nicknamed “Bugtown” due to a brief issue with insects in the early railroad days.
4. A Railroad City – Caldwell was founded in the 1880s as a railroad town. It developed quickly when the Oregon Short Line railroad came through.
5. Winter Wonderland – It may surprise people to know that Caldwell has a festive annual event called the Indian Creek Plaza Winter Wonderland Festival, which turns the downtown into a glowing, light-filled holiday experience with over 1 million lights!
6. Farmers and Fresh Food – Caldwell is located in Canyon County, one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the U.S. You’ll find local produce at nearly every turn!
7. Cowboy Roots – Caldwell celebrates its western heritage with the Caldwell Night Rodeo, one of the top 20 professional rodeos in the country.
8. Skate & Soak – The city has something for all seasons including public ice skating in the winter and easy road access to nearby hot springs year-round.
9. City of Trees (and Canals) – Caldwell’s tree-lined streets and historic irrigation system are part of what gives it a beautiful small-town Idaho vibe.
10. Rapid Growth – In recent years, Caldwell has seen one of the fastest population booms in Idaho, thanks to its affordable housing and strong community spirit.