Overview: 
Meridian is centrally located in the Treasure Valley...and known for its quality of life, the Meridian area offers excellent schools, affordable housing, a growing business climate, and an active community life. A wealth of recreational opportunities are within easy access of the city. 
Just 10 miles from Idaho's capital city of Boise, Meridian residents can take full advantage of the cultural offerings and professional sporting events offered there. Meridian, however, retains 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. 

Meridian is immediately accessible from Interstate 84, the primary travel corridor through southern Idaho. The interstate highway links Meridian to Boise in the east and Nampa to the west. An excellent
system of primary and secondary roads connect residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Major national and regional airlines serve the area through the Boise airport, with daily connections to major U.S. cities.

Annual Rainfall:  11.7"

Average Wind:  9 m.p.h.

Altitude:  2,606 feet

Climate: 
Meridian is at the center of the Treasure Valley, a fertile plain located between the 
Snake River and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Once arid desert, the area surrounding 
Meridian is now irrigated cropland. A series of canals transfers mountain snowmelt held in 
Boise River reservoirs through Meridian and surrounding farm fields. Although Meridian 
experiences four distinct seasons, moderate temperatures and low humidity make for pleasant outdoor living throughout most of the year.

Education: 
The Meridian School District is the largest in the state, and is known for its 
progressive outlook. The elementary schools include years K-5, middle school 6-8, and high school 9-12. Year-round schools are available at the elementary level. The district also offers alternative middle and high schools as well as vocational-technical training. There are two charter 
high schools, one which focuses on technological training, and one on medical vocations. 

Excellence in education is a top priority in Meridian with parent organizations, civic groups and business leaders working with teachers and school administrators to constantly improve student motivation and achievement. 

• 27% of the adult population have attended college, which is higher than the 
  National average of 24.4%
• 92% are high school graduates, national average is 80%
• Education is a priority in this community 
• Boise State University, Northwest Nazarene University and Albertson College of Idaho, 
  as well as vocational and technical schools, are located in the Treasure Valley.

Local Job Search Websites:
BoiseIdahoJobs.com Employment Services
Career Builder through The Idaho Statesman Newspaper 

Labor:  

• The MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area-Ada & Canyon Counties) unemployment rate 
  for April 2004 was 4.0%, down from 5.7% in April 2003. 
• Female labor participation rate is 63.3%, which has been steadily increasing since 1970.

Cost Of Living:  

• Low property taxes, averaging one-half the rate of Boise, Nampa & Caldwel.
• Services; i.e. water, sewer and trash are lower than Boise
• 6% state sales tax 
• Business Inventory Tax: none

Medical:  

• 2 Major medical Centers with physician's offices, representing most specialties, 
  Breast Cancer Detection Center and outpatient services
• St. Luke's Meridian Hospital
• St. Alphonsus Meridian Health Plaza
• Various Medical Clinics 

View a complete list of the health care resources >>> click here

Parks and Recreation:  

• 6 Public Parks
• 156 Acre park site under development
• Public Swimming Pool
• Stock Car Racetrack 
• Facilities, leagues and classes available for many sports & recreational activities for all ages.
   
• GOLF COURSES:
  -BanBury Golf Club (EAGLE) 
  -Boise Ranch Golf Club (BOISE)  
  -Centennial Golf Course (NAMPA)
  -Cherry Lane Golf Course (MERIDIAN)
  -Crane Creek Country Club (BOISE)
  -Eagle Hills Golf Course (EAGLE) 
  -Falcon Crest Golf Course (KUNA)  
  -Fairview Golf Course (CALDWELL)  
  -Foxtail Golf Course (MERIDIAN)
  -Golf and Recreation Club (BOISE) 
  -Hillcrest Country Club (BOISE)  
  -Indian Lakes Golf Course (BOISE)  
  -Pierce Park Greens (BOISE)
  -Purple Sage Golf Course (CALDWELL)
  -Quail Hollow Golf Club (BOISE) 
  -Ridgecrest Golf Club (NAMPA)
  -River Birch Golf Course (STAR)
  -Shadow Valley Golf Course (EAGLE)  
  -Spurwing Golf Course (MERIDIAN)  
  -Warm Springs Golf Course (BOISE) 

Government:

• Mayor and four City Council persons
• 50 sworn law enforcement officers and 4 part-time ordinance officers,
• 12 administrative personnel
• 30 firefighters with full-time chief, and 2 deputy chiefs. 13 part-time, on call firefighters.
• EMT personnel 
• 1 Administrative Assistant

Schools: 
Meridian School District  

City Hall:  
City Of Meridian

Chamber Of Commerce:  
Meridian Chamber Of Commerce 

Library: 
Meridian Free Library District