Meridian, Idaho, has transformed dramatically over the past few decades, evolving far beyond its former status as a quiet bedroom community. In the early 1990s, the city was home to just around 10,000 residents, a small suburb nestled west of Boise. Today, Meridian boasts a population exceeding 100,000, making it the second-largest city in Idaho and one of the fastest-growing in the United States. This explosive growth reflects its appeal as a vibrant, self-sustaining hub that offers a blend of suburban charm and urban opportunity, drawing families, professionals, and businesses alike to its expanding landscape.

No longer just a sleepy satellite to Boise, Meridian has become a powerhouse in its own right, with a footprint that now spans over 33 square miles within its city limits and an Area of City Impact covering 60 square miles. This growth has attracted major companies, cementing its economic vitality. Notable names like Scentsy, a global fragrance company, Blue Cross of Idaho, T-Mobile, and Jackson Food Stores have established headquarters or significant operations here, fueling job creation and community development. These corporate anchors, alongside a thriving commercial scene, highlight Meridian’s shift into a dynamic player in the Treasure Valley’s economy.

At the heart of this bustling city lies its historic Main Street, a charming nod to Meridian’s agricultural roots. Once a quiet stretch serving a dairy farming community, it now blends old-world character with modern vitality. The brick buildings, remnants of its past, house local shops, eateries, and businesses that give the downtown area a unique, small-town feel despite the city’s size. Events like the annual Dairy Days festival celebrate this heritage, while the street itself serves as a gathering place for residents, offering a walkable, welcoming core that balances Meridian’s rapid growth with a sense of history and community.