Meridian ID

Meridian, ID – A hidden gem in the heart of the Treasure Valley, Meridian blends small-town charm with modern living. With its family-friendly neighborhoods, stunning mountain views, and a thriving local scene, it’s easy to see why this Idaho city is one of the fastest-growing in the nation. Whether you're attending a summer concert at the village or enjoying the outdoors on a scenic trail, Meridian offers a welcoming lifestyle for all.

• Population: ~130,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters (20–90°F).
• Places To Visit: The Village at Meridian, Roaring Springs Water Park, Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, Meridian Speedway.
• Top Activities: Family outings at parks, shopping at The Village, water slides at Roaring Springs, farmers markets, hiking and biking local trails.
• Famous Food: Local Idaho trout, fry sauce with just about everything, Basque cuisine, and craft brews from local breweries.

Meridian, Idaho is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. With more people moving in, the demand for jobs across several key industries is rising. From healthcare to technology, Meridian offers a variety of career opportunities with competitive salaries and strong job stability.

Top 5 Jobs in Meridian, ID

Meridian, Idaho, offers plenty of cool spots for students who want to unwind, relax, and have fun after class. Whether you enjoy hanging out in nature, grabbing delicious bites, or exploring local gems, this friendly city has something special for you.

The Village at Meridian – This lively outdoor shopping area is perfect for students to stroll around, catch a movie, sample tasty food, or simply relax by the fountains. Don't miss their fun, seasonal activities throughout the year.

Wahooz Family Fun Zone – Need a break from studies? Challenge your friends to mini golf, arcade games, laser tag, or even go-kart racing. Wahooz has endless fun to help you relax and laugh together.

Settlers Park – This green space is great for enjoying the outdoors with friends—featuring sports fields, walking paths, plenty of grassy areas to lounge, and even a splash pad for hotter days.

Big Al's – Known for its laid-back atmosphere, Big Al's is a top spot for bowling, billiards, arcade games, and catching your favorite sports match. Plus, the food here is definitely worth trying.

Kleiner Park – A favorite spot among local students to gather, picnic, or just chill. There are basketball courts, scenic walking paths, a pond, and plenty of shady spots ideal for hanging out.

Roaring Springs Water Park – Beat the Idaho summer heat by heading here with friends. Enjoy thrilling slides, a lazy river, and wave pool—perfect when you're looking for an exciting yet relaxed day out.

Downtown Meridian – Explore this welcoming neighborhood to find charming coffee shops, tasty eateries, and cozy spots perfect for chilling after a long day of classes. It's an ideal area for catching up with friends and enjoying city vibes.

Meridian, Idaho is a growing city in the Treasure Valley region, recognized for its strong focus on education and workforce development. Although it does not have a large number of colleges directly within the city, Meridian is part of the Boise metropolitan area and benefits from convenient access to some of the region's top public and private colleges and universities.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Meridian

College of Western Idaho (CWI) – Located in both Nampa and Meridian, CWI is a highly regarded community college offering affordable associate degree programs, technical training, and certifications in healthcare, business, technology, and skilled trades.

Boise State University – This major public university is just minutes from Meridian. It’s known for strong programs in engineering, business, education, and health sciences. Boise State is a recognized research institution with a growing national profile.

Idaho State University – Meridian Campus – Located right in Meridian, this branch campus offers graduate and health science programs, including pharmacy, physician assistant studies, and public health. It's a key resource for healthcare training in the state.

Treasure Valley Community College – Caldwell Center – Though based in Oregon, TVCC’s Caldwell campus near Meridian offers academic and vocational programs to Idaho students, serving the needs of local communities.

University of Idaho – Boise Center – While its main campus is in Moscow, the Boise Center offers graduate and professional programs accessible to Meridian residents, especially in law, education, and public administration.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Meridian

Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) – Located in nearby Nampa, NNU is a respected Christian liberal arts university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing, education, business, and theology. It emphasizes academic excellence and spiritual growth.

The College of Idaho – Based in nearby Caldwell, this private liberal arts college is known for its high academic standards, personalized learning environment, and strong programs in science, pre-med, and the humanities.

Stevens-Henager College – Though no longer enrolling students, this private career college had a campus in Boise near Meridian and provided accelerated programs in business, healthcare, and technology for working adults.

Carrington College – Boise Campus – Located close to Meridian, Carrington College is a private institution focused on health care education. It offers certificate and associate degree programs in medical assisting, dental hygiene, veterinary technology, and more.

Brown Mackie College – Boise (Closed) – Previously operated in the Treasure Valley area with programs in business, health sciences, and legal studies. Although now closed, it served many Idaho students during its time.

Meridian, ID offers a growing number of high-quality schools that prepare students for success in college and future careers. With a focus on academic excellence and community involvement, students here receive a well-rounded education.

Top Public High Schools in Meridian, ID

• Mountain View High School – With strong academics and a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Mountain View provides excellent college prep opportunities.
• Rocky Mountain High School – Known for its strong academic scores, dedicated teaching staff, and active athletic and arts programs.
• Renaissance High School – A top-rated magnet school offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and dual-credit college courses.
• Meridian High School – One of the oldest schools in the area, it provides a diverse curriculum with career-tech electives and strong student support services.
• Owyhee High School – A newer school with modern facilities, strong STEM coursework, and a commitment to student growth and leadership.

Top Private High Schools in Meridian, ID

• The Ambrose School – A classical Christian school offering a rigorous liberal arts education with strong emphasis on moral and spiritual development.
• Cole Valley Christian Schools – Provides a supportive Christian-based education with college-preparatory academics and a range of extracurricular opportunities.
• Centennial Baptist School – Offers a Christ-centered education with small class sizes and strong community values.
• Bishop Kelly High School – Though located nearby in Boise, it's a leading private Catholic school many Meridian families choose for its academic excellence and values-driven culture.
• Grace Lutheran School – Serving grades PK–12, it offers a faith-based program with emphasis on character, academics, and service leadership.

Meridian, Idaho is a rapidly growing city located just west of Boise. While the city itself does not host any major league professional sports teams, it is part of the Boise metropolitan area, which offers access to exciting semi-professional and minor league sports that foster a strong local sports culture.

⚾ Baseball – Boise Hawks (Pioneer League)

• Boise Hawks – Although based in nearby Boise, the Boise Hawks are a favorite among Meridian baseball fans. The team plays in the Pioneer League, an MLB Partner League. The Hawks were previously affiliated with teams like the Colorado Rockies and Chicago Cubs. They play home games at Memorial Stadium and provide an affordable, family-friendly baseball experience.

🏈 Football – Idaho Horsemen (AIFA)

• Idaho Horsemen – The Idaho Horsemen are part of the American Indoor Football Alliance (AIFA)Ford Idaho Center in Nampa, just minutes from Meridian. The team debuted in 2019 and quickly made a name for themselves by winning a league championship. Their games are fast-paced and exciting for sports lovers of all ages.

🏀 Basketball – No Local Professional Team

🏒 Hockey – Idaho Steelheads (ECHL)

⚽ Soccer – No Major Team, But Growing Interest

While Meridian, Idaho may not yet have its own big-league teams, its strong connection to the greater Boise area gives sports fans access to thrilling games and growing local talent. The community continues to support and celebrate its athletes, creating a homegrown sports scene full of pride and potential.

Meridian, Idaho is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., and it’s no surprise why. From its lively community spirit to its outdoor charm, this city is packed with character and surprises. Here are 10 fun facts about Meridian you’ll want to know:

1. Fastest-Growing City – Meridian has ranked among the top 10 fastest-growing cities in America several times since 2010.
2. From Farmland to Fame – Originally a small farming town, Meridian has grown to become Idaho’s second-largest city.
3. Idaho's First Dairy City – Meridian’s nickname used to be the Dairy City due to its history of dairy farming and creameries.
4. Kleiner Park Fun – Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park in Meridian is a 60-acre gem with outdoor concerts, art displays, and peaceful walking paths.
5. A Shopping Destination – The Village at Meridian is a sprawling outdoor shopping hub with fountains, lights, and an ice skating rink in winter.
6. Family-Friendly to the Max – Meridian constantly ranks as one of the best cities to raise a family thanks to its schools, safety, and parks.
7. Food Truck Paradise – The city has a popular seasonal event called Food Truck Fridays that brings out local flavors and fantastic eats.
8. Meridian Speedway Pride – Since 1951, the Meridian Speedway has been home to fast cars, roaring engines, and weekend excitement.
9. A Splash of Art – Public art projects are all around the city, from painted utility boxes to murals, making local art part of everyday life.
10. Tech is Booming – Meridian is part of the Boise metro area’s growing tech scene and is a tech-friendly city for startups and innovation.