Meridian, Idaho is a thriving community with plenty of things to do and see. The city is home to a growing culinary scene, outdoor recreation, shopping, and cultural events. Meridian is also a popular place to live and work. It has a booming economy, and its residents are well-educated and healthy. In addition, the city has many family-friendly attractions.
Amid the modern skyscrapers and upscale retail centers of downtown Meridian is a historic district with mid-century bungalows and old brick storefronts. This charming neighborhood is an ideal spot for a relaxing getaway, and its proximity to Boise makes it an easy commute.
There are numerous hotels in Meridian that cater to business travelers. For instance, Oxford Suites Boise offers a fully equipped business center and rooms with large desks. The hotel also has a shuttle service to and from Boise International Airport. The shuttle service can be especially helpful for travelers with a long layover or those who are on a business trip to Meridian.
The most common way that people get to work in Meridian Idaho is by driving alone. On average, people in Meridian commute for about 23 minutes each day. This is much shorter than the national average of 26.8 minutes. The city’s public transportation system also provides an efficient means of getting around. The city is served by two main bus lines and a light rail transit line.
In Meridian, there are a number of parks and green spaces to visit, including Eagle Island State Park. This lakeside park features a beach, equestrian trails, and fishing. It’s also the site of the annual Eagle Island Kite Festival. The city also has a golf course and the Meridian Arts Center.
Meridian’s history began with the townsite being filed on homestead grand land in 1893. It was named after the Boise Meridian, the prime north-south line from which Idaho lands are surveyed. The first substantial building constructed in the city was an IOOF lodge hall. The town remained a quiet dairy community until it started to grow in the 1970s.
There are several schools in the area, including Meridian High School and Boise State University Meridian. The city is also home to the Meridian Youth Orchestra and the Meridian Dance Academy. There are also many private schools, such as the Meridian Montessori School and Meridian Learning Center.
People in Meridian are insured at a higher rate than the national average. In 2021, 81% of the population had health coverage. This includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. Those with Medicare benefits also receive prescription drug coverage.
Meridian’s restaurants can be quite diverse. Some of them are chains, while others are locally owned. The best way to find a great restaurant in the area is to check out Yelp. The crowd-sourced website crunches proprietary data to provide a list of the top-rated eateries in the city. The list may seem skewed, however, as it tends to be topped by newer businesses with very few reviews.