Money.com has released its best places to live in the U.S. in 2020, and Meridian, Idaho, was named the third best place to live. Money analyzed nearly 2,000 national locations to arrive at their Top 50.
They found Meridian to be among the nation’s best in livability, affordability, and career opportunities. Meridian also has 80 square miles of local and state parks within a 15-mile radius of the city, providing ample outdoor recreational opportunities.
According to their findings, Ada County is one of the hottest job markets in the country, with an unemployment rate of 5.6% in June of 2020, which was half of the national average. Over the last ten years, the number of people employed in the area has increased by more than a third.
The report states that the area shines when it comes to “affordability, healthy work-life balance, and the strong work ethic of Idahoans.” It also indicated that Meridian is the sixth-fastest growing large city in the U.S., according to the Census Bureau. With a population of 114,000 residents, up nearly 50% since 2010, Meridian ranks as one of the largest cities on the list and is the largest in their top 10.
Money’s analysis shows that Meridian’s median price is $340,000, which is up nearly 20% in just two years. And as area residents know, prices are continuing to increase with the most recent Treasure Valley market report showing the median home price for Ada County, reaching $400,000. According to Realtor.com’s data from March, the report states that one in every eleven home sellers in Meridian increased their home’s asking price.
Money’s recognition of Meridian casts an even brighter spotlight on the city as more people are moving to the area than ever before. With its convenient location providing access to recreation and career opportunities, coupled with the state’s low taxes and limited regulations, Meridian and other Treasure Valley cities are in high demand among homebuyers.
Receiving national recognition isn’t new for Meridian and has undoubtedly helped with its rapid growth in the last ten years.
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