Nampa

For many, living on a budget can mean missing out on some exciting experiences. But In Nampa, affordability equals access to a life where you can have a house with an acre of land, enjoy weekends out on the town, and still book a vacation or two.

Just 20 miles west of Boise, Nampa is one of the two main cities that make up the Boise-Nampa Metro area. Interstate 84 runs right through it, making Nampa known as a prime location for those looking to travel with ease. If you want to cruise with a view, skip the freeway and take rural roads where vast green fields and farmland will keep you company on your drive. Janie Cypret of Silvercreek Realty Group describes Nampa as a calm, soothing city where people feel relaxed.

“There’re really nice people here,” says Cypret. “You can tell who the residents are that have been here for a long time. From our driving, to the personalities of people— people just naturally say ‘hi’ and you don’t get that in a lot of places.”

Nampa’s industrial roots are undeniable. But if you forget, whistling from the occasional train chugging through the middle of the city and the smell from the sugar beet factory will jog your memory. At times, neighbors may consider them an inconvenience, but both have been around for more than a century and are key to the city’s evolution.

Homes in Nampa give you more bang for your buck. The average price of a home sits at $447,000, with the range starting in the mid $300,000s and most peaking just under $800,000. They typically sell at price point, which Cypret says is a key component of maintaining affordability in Nampa. In fact, she cautions against offering above price point for those considering an out of state move. Homes sold at price point spend a few weeks on the market, while homeowners who ask for an above-average price take longer to sell their properties. Neighbors in Nampa love doing life together, but many do appreciate a bit of breathing room. Houses with either half or a full acre of land are a hot commodity. If you do crave constant community, you’ll find several suburban neighborhoods lined with concrete sidewalks and fenced-in yards. Rural ranch-style homes with shops out back provide plenty of space for hands-on projects.

Two school districts serve nearly 20,000 kids and teens across Nampa. Families with younger children can explore opportunities at 18 elementary schools. The city’s four high schools invest in 28 career and technical programs to build upon Nampa’s workforce pipeline. Northwest Nazarene University and the College of Western Idaho are located within city limits with several additional institutions just beyond.

Historic Downtown Nampa is a prime spot for people watching and window shopping. Stop by Crescent Brewery for a cold beer, then wander over to Brick 29 where you can share pan fried oysters with your friends or indulge in a bacon wrapped beef tenderloin. On your way home, swing by Albertson’s or Fred Meyer to pick up groceries.

There’s no shortage of ways to spend you weekends in Nampa. Get up close and personal with WWII fighter planes at the Warhawk Air Museum or lace up your skates and hit the rink at the Rollerdome. The Ford Idaho Center is where you’ll find concert tours from major musicians, cheer on the Idaho Horsemen minor league indoor football team and catch the Snake River Stampede—one of the top ten professional rodeos in the United States.

Like most westerners, people in Nampa enjoy easy access to all that nature has to offer. Lake Lowell is scattered with boats, jet skis and paddleboards in the summertime. You can also enjoy view of the lake while playing a round at Redhawk Golf Course. Hiking trails cover 14 miles throughout Nampa’s 27 city parks. Your dog will feel a new sense of freedom with the wind flapping through its ears as it runs leash-free at Amity Dog Park. Amity boasts six acres of fenced in land, complete with a pond for your pup to splash around. If you’ve got a need for speed, head out into the country and hop on your ATV for some off-road action.

The laid-back vibe in Nampa helps neighbors rest easy knowing affordability is the key, not gatekeeper, to possibility in their city. Whatever the day may bring, if it’s not already in Nampa, the city’s location promises you’re already on the way.

“The thing about Nampa is that you can get anywhere you want within the day,” Cypret says. “It’s that place that you can go to that’s so tranquil, and yet it’s so close to Boise.”

Written By

Alexandra Sosik

Photography Contributed By

Chad Jackson

Video By

Becky Gaskill