Small-town feel with agricultural and railroad roots
Before it became the seat of Canyon County in 1892, Caldwell developed around the Oregon Short Line Railroad, which connected Oregon and Wyoming. The city was named after former Kansas senator Alexander Caldwell, a business partner of railroad executive Robert Strahorn. More than 100 years later, it’s evolved into a lively, modern city with a suburban feel and friendly neighbors. “You get a sense for the small-town feel,” says Janie Cypret of Silvercreek Realty Group. “You tend to have a lot more locals that are just really friendly, in general. We come from that vibe where greeting someone just walking by is just a habit for us.”
Caldwell has a population of 70,000, and residents represent a variety of ages, races and household sizes. “Caldwell is a popular place for retirees,” says Brittan Aebischer, marketing and strategic partnership director of Destination Caldwell. “There are lots of families, millennials who value the family and hometown sports. We have a 40% Hispanic population, so we have great Hispanic-owned businesses.”
Some of the area’s leading industries are manufacturing, agriculture and government. Its leading employers are the Canyon County offices and the two local school districts, located right in the city. “Our area is one of the large producers of corn, alfalfa and onion,” says Aebischer. “We have an up-and-coming wine industry with 20 wineries just around Caldwell. That’s why we’re becoming more of a destination for people from Boise.”
Caldwell Offers Single Family Homes with Large Yards and Three Car Garages.
The Courtyard at Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell.
Caldwell has deep roots and a rich history in the rail industry.
The Caldwell Train Depot is One of Many Focal Points Downtown.
1/4
Budget-friendly city 28 miles west of Boise
Caldwell’s housing market is slightly less competitive than the U.S. as a whole. Homes typically sell after 51 days, compared to the national average of 44. However, the area is growing, as more than half the city’s homes are new builds from 2024. Many of the newly-built homes are in planned subdivisions with two-to-three-car garages, and ranchettes on the outskirts of the city can have more than 30 acres. Midcentury modern homes and bungalows circle the downtown area. Caldwell is considered a budget-friendly city near Boise, thanks to its relatively cheap land. The median single-family home price is $399,990. Townhouses are scarce, and mostly located on the west side of the city. The median price for a townhouse hovers around $378,800.
Large Ranch Style Homes with Large Lots Are Common in Caldwell.
Charming Two Story Single Family Homes in Caldwell Idaho.
The Boise River runs right behind the campus of Boise State University.
You'll find quite a variety of classic and antique cars at the Boise Fathers Day Car Show.
1/4
Served by two school districts
Most students are assigned to the Caldwell School District, which earns a C from Niche. The district consists of nine schools and nearly 5,900 students. The district prides itself on its six university partnerships and 20 dual credit courses. Kids on the south end of Caldwell attend the Vallivue School District, rated B, considered one of the top five school districts in metro Boise. After high school, students can attend the College of Idaho or satellite locations of the University of Idaho and Treasure Valley Community College.
Lincoln elementary serves Caldwell students in grades K-6.
Caldwell Senior High School serves over 1,600 students.
Younger students can attend Lone Star Middle School.
Aerial context west at Lewis and Clark Elementary.
1/4
Home to 12 parks and near Lake Lowell
Caldwell operates 12 parks and two public golf courses. Luby Park has a Rose Garden, while Mallard Park has a disc golf course and an amphitheater. The city runs several youth and adult recreation programs, from sports to ballet and cooking classes. Just outside the city is the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, where people hike 10 miles of trails and boat, swim and fish on Lake Lowell. “Many people are cycling or hiking daily, which is huge,” Aebischer says. “When it comes to winter sports, the Boise Foothills is the closest ski resort.” The city is constantly looking for ways to improve itself; the Memorial Park Pool is under construction and scheduled to open in the summer of 2025.
Make a New Friend or Keep Up with Business Connections at Purple Sage Golf Course in Caldwell.
Grab the whole family for an evening skate at Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell.
Lake Lowell offers plenty of space for boating, fishing, picnics and more.
Caldwell has several golf courses in the area including Ridgecrest and Centennial.
1/4
Lots of activity at Indian Creek Plaza
Indian Creek Plaza acts as the city’s beating heart. It’s a walkable shopping plaza and a hub for locally-owned retail shops, trendy new restaurants and leisure activities. “Indian Creek Plaza is a mixed-use four seasons area. It takes the appearance of a European Square,” Aebischer says. “We refer to it as the living room of Caldwell.” This plaza always has something going on; during the summers, Tuesdays on the Creek concerts draw up to 1,200 people. “It’s come such a long way,” says Cypret. “We have people who come from all over Idaho who want to visit the Indian Creek Plaza. It’s such a hot spot; it’s always really packed.”
Indian Creek Plaza also serves as a relaxing recreation spot, with a splash pad in the summer and an ice-skating rink for 95 days during colder months. Caldwell hosts more than a dozen annual events, including the Indian Creek Festival, which celebrates the 2003 uncovering of the creek. The festival started as a small gathering in the parking lot but evolved into a two-day event with about 10,000 people. Every year, the Caldwell Night Rodeo sells out all its tickets. “It used to be a hometown rodeo, but more big names around the nation come out to complete it,” Aebischer says. “The rodeos are held in August, and the tickets sell out in March.” The Canyon County Fair is a three-day annual fair in July with carnival rides, concerts and a fun run.
Jam out to live music at Tuesdays On The Creek in downtown Caldwell.
Dance the night away at Tuesdays On The Creek in downtown Caldwell.
You can't miss the colorful Fresh Roasted Nuts food truck at the Farmers Market in Caldwell.
Grab the whole family for an evening skate at Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell.
1/4
Four seasons with high summers and mild winters
Caldwell has a typical Treasure Valley climate, with four seasons and minimal precipitation. Winters are cold; temperatures dip to around 23 degrees, and in the summer, temperatures can get into the 90s. Throughout most of the year, the city rates well in terms of air quality, but for at least ten days, the quality may be unhealthy for some residents. “The joke in Idaho is, ‘if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes,’” Aebischer says.
Wintertime is a festive time at Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell.
Kids enjoy all of the home made goods and locally grown foods at the Farmers Market in Caldwell
Hang Out with Friends by the Fire at Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell.
Rotary Pond Park in Caldwell is a local favorite for fishing and hiking.
1/4
28 miles to Boise
Caldwell is centrally located on multiple freeways and highways, including Interstate 84 and Highway 26. Both provide direct routes to Downtown Boise, which is 28 miles east. Drivers will most likely encounter traffic during peak morning and evening rush hours. Air travel is available through the Boise Airport, which offers direct service to 28 cities. In an emergency, locals can receive care from West Valley Medical Center.
BSU football stadium draws thousands of avid Broncos fans from around the city.
Ellie Shaw provides captivating swing music at the Toast to Tails fundraiser in downtown Boise.
Roadsters like this Ford Tudor make a lasting impression on auto enthusiasts.
Crowds listen to the spirited vibes at the Boise Soul Food Festival.
1/4
Crime offenses dropped 28%
Caldwell's crime rate is on a downward trend, with arrests dropping 20% and offenses dropping 28% in 2023. The largest number of reported offenses were destruction of property and simple assault. The city has several initiatives to help continue this downward trend, including a neighborhood watch program and a citizen’s academy.
Written By
Courtney Murphy
Photography Contributed By
Chad Jackson
Video By
Michael Carey
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brent Johnson,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Caldwell, ID sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Caldwell, ID over the last 12 months is $424,943, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this better-than-new, single-level gem in Northeast Caldwell! Located at the crossroads of Middleton Rd and Hwy 20/26, this location provides easy access to the entire Treasure Valley. This home is warm, welcoming, and ready to fit right into your everyday life, with vaulted ceilings and an open-concept layout that's rare to find in this price range. The kitchen shines with a
**BETTER THAN NEW + $10,000 SELLER INCENTIVE!** Welcome to 11194 Newton St, a beautifully finished 2023 CBH home offering 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2,025 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed single-level living. Offered at **$424,900**, the seller is also providing **$10,000 toward buyer closing costs or an interest-rate buy down** with an acceptable offer! The open-concept kitchen features quartz
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 2018 Single level Nampa 1845sf home! This move-in-ready home features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an open-concept living area, and kitchen with island, ample cabinetry, counter space, and pantry. Enjoy the vaulted ceiling. Enjoy a spacious primary suite with ensuite bathroom, walk-in closet, dual vanities. Large laundry room, beautiful landscaping, and a
Welcome home to this better-than-new, single-level gem in Northeast Caldwell! Located at the crossroads of Middleton Rd and Hwy 20/26, this location provides easy access to the entire Treasure Valley. This home is warm, welcoming, and ready to fit right into your everyday life, with vaulted ceilings and an open-concept layout that's rare to find in this price range. The kitchen shines with a
**BETTER THAN NEW + $10,000 SELLER INCENTIVE!** Welcome to 11194 Newton St, a beautifully finished 2023 CBH home offering 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2,025 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed single-level living. Offered at **$424,900**, the seller is also providing **$10,000 toward buyer closing costs or an interest-rate buy down** with an acceptable offer! The open-concept kitchen features quartz
Hilltop views, pristine, one-owner custom ranch home! While preserving its design heritage, many costly upgrades have been added. A very efficient new Hi-Tech Heat Pump, new well and irrigation pumps. Newer architectural roof. The kitchen has undergone a full renovation, keeping the open-concept layout and panoramic valley views top of mind. Featuring, hardwood, loads of soft close cabinetry,
SATURDAY 9/12 OPEN HOUSE 12pm - 3pm! Exceptional 8+ acre property in the rolling hills of North Middleton. Located in Gem County with a Caldwell address, this unique property offers breathtaking 360-degree views, wide-open skies, low property taxes, and the option of Emmett or Middleton schools. Custom built in 2020, the thoughtfully designed single-level modern farmhouse combines quality
Discover the freedom of living, working and enjoying downtown from one charming address. Just three blocks from Indian Creek, this remodeled single-level home puts restaurants, shops, parks, events and conveniences within easy reach. Its approved small-business use creates flexibility for a residence, professional workspace or a combination, subject to applicable requirements. Fresh interior and
Experience the best of both worlds, peaceful country living with the convenience of being just minutes from town. Situated on 1.14 fully fenced acres in Caldwell, this beautifully updated 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home with bonus room offers the ideal setup for those dreaming of space, privacy, and a small farm lifestyle. Bring your animals, start a garden, create your hobby farm, or simply enjoy
This stunning 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is just two years old, offering the perfect blend of modern design and thoughtful upgrades without the wait of new construction. Built in 2024, it feels brand new while featuring established landscaping and trees. The heart of the home is a bright, open-concept great room that flows seamlessly into a show-stopping kitchen. The kitchen boasts elegant quartz
**LAND NOT FOR SALE, HOUSE TO BE MOVED** Own a true piece of Canyon County history! Built in 1925, this charming farmhouse has been lovingly owned by the same family for over 100 years and is ready for its next chapter. As part of a 3-acre land split, the existing home must be removed from the property, creating a unique opportunity for someone to preserve and relocate this historic residence.
Move-in ready, thoughtfully updated, and priced to stand out. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath Caldwell home combines comfortable living with upgrades that can help keep ownership costs down. A recently installed high-efficiency whole-house heat pump provides efficient year-round heating and cooling, while fresh interior paint, stainless steel appliances, and ultra-durable laminate flooring throughout the
Rare Opportunity! Enjoy the best of country living in this beautifully designed single-level home featuring a desirable split-bedroom layout and open floorplan. The light-filled interior offers a spacious great room with vaulted ceilings, abundant windows, and durable solid surface flooring throughout (with carpet in one room for added comfort). The kitchen is a true centerpiece, showcasing
Built in 2024, this 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home has a layout that makes great use of the space. The main level is open and bright with a large kitchen, dining area, living room, fireplace, and plenty of natural light. The kitchen features Bosch appliances, a large island with seating, generous cabinet and counter space, and an expansive walk-in pantry with built-in shelving. There’s also a
Create your own private oasis on this 4 acre building site, currently with an existing driveway and building pad. Beautiful views of the Owyhee Mountains and a backdrop of the serene Map Rock Buttes. Enjoy fishing on the Snake River & boating access just 2-miles up the road or 24mins from the Owyhee Mountains and BLM providing plenty of fun with hiking, horseback, UTV, Motorcycle and 4x4'ing
Faith Landing Apartments - The address of the new clubhouse is 6819 Noah Court; Caldwell. Do you want to be a part of a friendly neighborhood? Faith Landing Apartments offers modern one-, one, two and three-bedroom floor plans within our community. We have updated, renovated, and brand new apartments. We offer a seasonal pool and playground facility for the little ones! Our residents have access
Welcome to Cougar Crossing, where luxury and comfort meet to create the perfect living environment. Our brand-new 2 & 3 bedroom town homes are now available for leasing, and we are excited to offer you an exclusive opportunity to become part of our vibrant community. Call us to learn more about our move-in specials and secure your new home today! Our town homes boast contemporary
A lifestyle of distinction awaits at The Jaxon with stunning one-, two-- & three-bedroom homes located off of Nampa-Caldwell Blvd, in Caldwell, Idaho. The Jaxon offers extraordinary spaces within a naturally inspired, sophisticated environment. Fine residence finishes, elevated amenities, and attentive service unite for an unrivaled level of luxury, comfort, and convenience.
Welcome to Novella Apartments, a brand new community thoughtfully designed to offer modern comfort and everyday convenience in Caldwell, Idaho. Our spacious apartment homes feature open concept floor plans, energy efficient appliances, in home washers and dryers, and contemporary finishes that make it easy to feel at home from day one. Residents also enjoy access to a fully equipped fitness
The Hawthorne Apartments bring custom home quality to Caldwell, Idaho - offering one, two, and three-bedroom homes with upscale finishes rarely found in apartment living.Every home at The Hawthorne Apartments feature quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, a soaker tub, in-unit washer and dryer, pre-wired internet, and a private patio or balcony. One and two-bedroom floor
Welcome to Stone Creek Apartments a BRAND NEW apartment community conveniently located in Caldwell. These luxury 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartment homes offer spacious well appointed floorplans with modern finishes throughout. All units include stainless appliances, granite counter tops and washer & dryer.
Modern, luxury homes for lease! Featuring brand-new townhomes and single-family homes that include attached two-car garages. Lock in a lease early to select from a few homes that feature additional space like a fourth bedroom, den, or workspace! Viera rental homes are a unique opportunity to live at Arbor, Brighton’s newest Lifestyle Community, in the heart of Nampa, Idaho.
Welcome to Mason Creek Apartments, where tranquility meets modern living in the heart of Caldwell. This thoughtfully designed community features 48 beautifully crafted apartment homes with premium finishes, open-concept floor plans, and large windows that bring in abundant natural light.Residents enjoy landscaped grounds and a community playground, creating a welcoming space for
Baycrest Village is a Quaint, Quiet, Clean 4 Building Complex on 1.3-acres in a quiet place. It's located off the Woodrow Wilson Soccer Fields just off 10th Street, close to College of Idaho, YMCA, 24 Hour Fitness, Lake Lowell, 2 miles to downtown Caldwell, more. Convenience stores and many amenities are within walking distance, or a short drive. Each 2-bedroom unit has central heat and A/C, and
Discover the comfort and freedom of living at Alante Homes at Spring Run. Our brand-new detached homes for rent in Caldwell, Idaho, combine modern design with everyday convenience, giving you the privacy of a single-family home without the long-term commitment. With spacious layouts, attached garages, and thoughtfully designed interiors, you'll have all the room you need to thrive. Located near
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.