Caldwell, Nampa Area?? (Boise, Meridian, Eagle: crime, houses, neighborhoods)

[MommyCrum2]

How is the Caldwell, Nampa area?? My husband and I really love Idaho and would love to move back. We've seen houses are cheap in Caldwell and Nampa. But we have also heard that these cities can be bad. I was raised in Los Angeles and my husband in Phoenix so we're not easily startled. I do want to raise my children in a safe city though. Please tell me how the housing market is and how the crime is. Is there really a huge gang problem in Nampa? Please give any info you feel I would want to know as a parent.


Thank YoU!

[boi2socal]

Nampa is better than Caldwell. Meridian may be a better option although not quite as cheap. Very family oriented and safe. I think most of the people on here check the Idaho forum too but you may want to post in the Boise Area forum.

Good luck.

[jufrbo]

You have to visit and guage it for yourself. There are so many threads on this topic and some people present Nampa as SC LA, and some act like it is Stepford. It is some where in the middle. There are some characterless sprawling middle class suburbs and some run down ghettos rife with Latino gangs, pick your poison.

Either way you'll need to visit, with a city like Nampa or Caldwell you can't trust an internet board.

If you can afford it, definately move into Boise city limits.

[Stephen K]

I just wanted to give heads up on anyone wanting to build a home in the Nampa and Caldwell area.
I am building with Hill Built Homes and my wife and I are really regretting it.
Actually after this experience I am thinking of starting a web site like Angel's List for new comers thinking of building. This site would be a place people can relate and share problems with others and rate the building companies or individuals for either their excellent or disappointment.
Maybe have some help sections for problems.
If this sounds of interest to anyone. Let me know.

[wackattack69]

I lived in Nampa for 8 years..thank goodness our realtor told us not to buy in Caldwell!! What a piece of crap city,and it's moving to Nampa. I really would not suggest either one if you have kids-the schools are awful. The poster who recommened Meridian is right on.

[stingraynm]

Originally Posted by MommyCrum2

How is the Caldwell, Nampa area?? My husband and I really love Idaho and would love to move back. We've seen houses are cheap in Caldwell and Nampa. But we have also heard that these cities can be bad. I was raised in Los Angeles and my husband in Phoenix so we're not easily startled. I do want to raise my children in a safe city though. Please tell me how the housing market is and how the crime is. Is there really a huge gang problem in Nampa? Please give any info you feel I would want to know as a parent.


Thank YoU!

If you go to Nampa or Caldwell, get a good feel for your neighborhood before you move in. It really does go in all directions, mostly from great to bad to worse. Personally, I love Idaho but wouldn't live in either of those towns. Too much poverty and the resulting deviance, relative to most Idaho towns.

What really makes you love/loathe an area? Tell some of that and most of us could tell you if it will either be just fine or awful for you.

[kimbercutes824]

My husband and I have made a vow that no matter how cheap Nampa and Caldwell are we will never move there. This is coming someone (myself) that is from a town right outside of Chicago.

They are trying to make Nampa better but its not working and it smells so bad because of the Sugar Beet Factory.

I suggest Boise,Meridian,Kuna and if you could possibly afford Eagle.

You will be so happy that you didnt buy a house in Nampa or Caldwell.

[andrewmba]

I live in caldwell, it is nice, but you need to find a well kept subdivison before you move. Meridian is better for your tastes.

[kristinl5]

You can get some really good deals in Nampa and Caldwell this is true, people who have posted before are right...you have to find good neighborhoods in these areas, Meridian is where I am and I like it due to the family-friendly feel you get from the neighborhoods and schools.

[stingraynm]

Yeah, Meridian is a lot better, for both access and the demographic. In Nampa and Caldwell, you'd have to be willing to invest in land to find a good neighborhood.