If country living is your scene, the cities of Nampa, Caldwell, and Middleton located in Canyon County are where you want to be. Canyon County is about 30-45 minutes from the Boise metro area. Out here you’ll find plenty of active farmland and local governments dedicated to revamping the image of their towns.
NAMPA
Just outside of Meridian is the largest city in Canyon County: Nampa, Idaho. Nampa is home to one of the largest entertainment venues in the state – the Ford Idaho Center. It’s a hub for concerts, WWE shows, horse & rodeo events, local holiday markets, and more. Nampa is also home to a brand new Amazon facility! There are over 24 parks and recreation areas in the city of Nampa which includes the Nampa Rec Center which contains a six-pool aquatic center, gym, racquetball courts, a weight room, climbing wall, and a number of other activities.
CALDWELL
Located around the thriving and fertile Snake River, Caldwell is home to several local wineries. Enjoy a day of wine tasting surrounding by sprawling mountain and field views in every direction. The more urban areas of Caldwell have a small town atmosphere with modern amenities and a government dedicated to improving the city and quality of life of its citizens. Caldwell is also home to the College of Western Idaho and the College of Idaho. And since it’s still growing and changing, home prices in Caldwell remain extremely affordable.
MIDDLETON
Middleton is as small town living as small town gets in the Treasure Valley. Its placed along the rolling countryside with plenty of large open spaces. Large scale development, such a starter home communities, have just started popping up in Middleton. There’s a little downtown area with a few shops, a grocery store, restaurants, and a park/splash pad for the kids. Beyond that, however, you’ll be driving east towards Star, southeast towards Meridian, or south towards Nampa to do the majority of your shopping.
If the mountains are calling your name, Idaho mountain ranges are so close to the Boise area that if you spin a circle while standing anywhere in the Treasure Valley, you’ll see mountains all around you. In fact, it is a short 45 minute drive from the Boise area to prime winter skiing and summer hiking at Bogus Basin. Head north on highway 55, and you’ll find the beautiful lakeside towns of McCall, Tamarack, and Donnelly.
GARDEN VALLEY
White water rafting calling your name? Head up to Garden Valley – the white water capital of the world. It is the gateway to rugged and scenic beauty. You can adventure in the 5,000 miles of mountain trails, or raft the class 4 rapids of the Payette River. Plus, there is plenty of wildlife to enjoy and it’s only an hour outside of Boise!
MCCALL
Known as Lake Tahoe’s little cousin, McCall is mountain living at its finest. McCall is a resort town nestled two hours outside of Boise in mountains and along the shores of Payette Lake. In the summer, visitors and locals enjoying boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming in the lake. There’s miles of beautiful hiking trails, a golf course, and disc golf course to enjoy as well. But McCall really shines in the winter. There’s an annual winter carnival which draws thousands to the tiny town to marvel at gigantic snow sculptures and ski at nearby Brundage Mountain. McCall is a must-see for anyone looking to move to Idaho – or any local looking for a bit of an escape!
DONNELLY
Oh Donnelly, how we love you and your Huckleberry festival. Donnelly is about 89 miles north of Boise and about 20 minutes outside of McCall. Despite being located so closely to the fame of McCall, Donnelly has made a name for itself with their new ski resort: Tamarack. This resort has become a top destination worldwide for avid skiers and snowboarders. There’s a local lodge with a small market and restaurant, plenty of rental condos, cabins, and extravagant homes. Donnelly is known as the crossroads of recreation and is surrounded by mountains, meadows, hundreds of alpine lakes, and local hot springs.
CASCADE
Cascade is a beautiful mountain playground and rural town about 70 miles north of Boise. It has a friendly hometown vibe with a handful of local restaurants, shops, and flea markets. Skiing and snowshoeing will keep you busy during the winter, while swimming and water sports are abound in the summer. Cascade is the ultimate outdoor lover’s paradise.
If Canyon County doesn’t sound like home, check out our Ada County neighborhood guide.
When you’re ready to relocate to Idaho, or purchase your mountain escape, contact Data Driven Real Estate. Gabriel Gutierrez, REALTOR® and owner, has over six years of experience selling and buying real estate in the Treasure Valley. He is a top producer and has a proven track record of delivering 5-star customer service to all of his clients.
