Where to move in Idaho? (Boise, Nampa: real estate, rentals, insurance)

[MAD King]

Hello,

we would like to move in the next month to Idaho but not sure anymore where.

We heard that Nampa and Meridian are the two towns with the worst criminals and biggest gangs and so not very safe places. Also some areas in Boise.

Can you confirm this and recommend some affordable places in Boise or arround? (not so far from Boise)

Thank you

[Torrie]

If you go over to the Boise thread you will see all kinds of information that will help you with your decision. Boise-Metro has consistently been voted one of the safest places to live in the country. Crime has decreased 37 percent in the last 10 years according to the statistics being followed. You can do a search and find that information under the Boise thread.

There are many affordable areas to look at in and around Boise. Meridian, Star, Kuna, etc....you have lots of possibilities. When you say affordable, what price range are you looking for??

[MAD King]

What about the crime rate in Meridian? And are there really Gangs in this town?

We would like to rent a house first for 12 month to see if there is the place we want to buy. Buying range is around $250.000.

[Torrie]

Meridian is a huge family oriented community, I've never heard of gang problems in Meridian, so I'm not sure why they're telling you that. As far as rent goes you can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $1200 a month depending on how big of a place you need. Look on craigslist for rentals.

You should be able to find something in your price range without any problems throughout the Boise-Metro area, some areas will be more expensive than others, especially as you get closer to the city, but you shouldn't have any problems.

[MAD King]

Thank you

[MAD King]

I just found this statistic about Merdian. Looks not so good.

http://www.meridiancity.org/police/images/Your_Uploaded_Images/june%202008%20net%20map%202.pdf (broken link)

[boi2socal]

For American cities these are considered safe places.

[Torrie]

Call the police department and talk to someone. If it was so bad, I don't think you would have as many families living there as you do. Compare it to other areas-keep population in mind - you'd want to compare it to a city of similar size. You will be hard pressed to find any area that is completely free of crime. Come for a visit and see for yourself, but I'm pretty confident that you will feel quite safe here.

Here's 2005
Second Annual Farmers Insurance Study Ranks Most Secure U.S. Places to Live; Richland-Kennewick-Pasco, Wash., Rated Number One | Business Wire | Find Articles at BNET

Here's for 2006
Study: St. George, Utah Ranked Most Secure Place To Live

Here's 2007
Fourth Annual Farmers Insurance Study Ranks Most Secure U.S. Places to Live | Reuters

Where Are The Safest Places To Live In The United States? | New Milford CT Real Estate

[MAD King]

I think I call the police departments over there.

[Torrie]

Let us know what they say. Call Boise too:
Contact The Boise Police Department