Meridian, Idaho barely boasted 30,000 population when I arrived on September 1, 2000.

There were working farms everywhere within a mile of downtown Meridian, and the old creamery building with its magnificent, towering smokestack presided over downtown alongside the old grain elevator next to the railroad tracks.

Meridian, Idaho is now ranked as the fastest-growing city in the U.S and Idaho is ranked as the fastest-growing state in the U.S.

Meridian’s population now exceeds 100,000, the old creamery has been replaced by the new Meridian City Hall, and it’s apparent that Meridian is undergoing tremendous planned growth.

Meridian is home to new shopping centers, numerous beautiful master-planned communities, and several new city parks ~ thanks to its quality of life and a healthy local economy.

Although home prices have risen substantially in recent years, homes in Meridian remain a bargain compared to other similar communities around the country.

You can still find a nice, smaller home for less than $250,000.

Larger homes in beautiful planned communities with lushly-landscaped common areas are available for $350,000 and up.

Millions of square feet of new retail space are opening, planned, or under construction throughout Meridian.

The new Village at Meridian lifestyle mall includes a theater complex, numerous restaurants, upscale retail space, and office space.

Check out the Meridian Chamber of Commerce website for more information about Meridian.