What can you tell me about Meridian? (Boise, Eagle: houses, safe area)

[VolsFan2]

We know nothing about Idaho and were looking at a few Cities..What can you tell me about Meridian? Is it a safe area? How are the surrounding areas? What are the highlites as far as activities? How is the scenery there? How are the winters and how are the summers there? We come from the South and are not used to winter to much but will welcome it for sure.

Thanks for the info.

[MrGrumpy]

Idaho in general is much safer than most southern cities. Meridian and Boise are both great places to live if you are looking for a family friendly community with plenty of nearby outdoor activities. The scenery in Meridian and West Boise is desert-ish. East and Central Boise has a number of trees (that area might be more appealing if you are from the south). Winters and Summers can be extreme but not as bad as some might think. Winter temperatures are usually over 20 degrees and we do get Fog late in the year (as strange as that sounds) and we do get some snow although it usually doesn't last very long. The Summers can definitely get up there but not like the hot and humid you are used to in the south (it is dry heat up here). We do get triple digits in the summer but it is usually only for a few weeks. Most of the rest of the time it ranges in the 80s-90s in the summer.

[grmi66]

Meridian to me is just another collection of sprawling cookie cutter houses. If you want a newer house, there are some bargains to be had. Most of the national chain stores and restaurants are in Meridian along Eagle Road. Nothing really good or bad about Meridian, it's just there.

[VolsFan2]

What would you say is the nicest area?

[MrGrumpy]

The nicest areas are in South East or North East Boise. Closer to the river with plenty of trees and homes that have been around for a while (not cookie cutter). That is if you are talking about scenery and the best schools in the treasure valley. That being said if the cookie cutter homes don't bother you as much or your budget is more limited there is nothing wrong with Meridian, it is a safe area (this coming from someone who lives there). For the record though I spent my junior high and college and a few post college years in the East Boise area as well as the bench. I love the area but we just couldn't afford it and get what we wanted.