Train town turned growing city with central location
Located 20 miles from downtown Boise, Nampa is one of the three major cities in the rapidly growing Treasure Valley. The suburban area draws people who want a relaxed lifestyle and central location. “People are coming from Western states like California, Oregon and Washington,” says Mike Moir, managing partner at the Agency Boise, who’s worked in the region for more than ten years. “They’re coming for a lifestyle in that rural setting.” The city’s origin is similar to Canyon County's; Nampa was one of the many towns developed on the Oregon Short Line Railroad, a major route between Wyoming and Oregon. It officially became incorporated as a city in 1891.
Today, the city has a median age of 33 and a population of just under 110,000, making it the third-largest city in Idaho. Its low cost of living makes it an attractive spot for younger buyers, and some major employers in the city are the Nampa School District, Saint Alphonsus Medical Center and Plexus Corporation. Other employers in the Treasure Valley include Albertsons and Micron Technology, which both have headquarters in Boise.
Train tracks in Nampa pass through downtown.
Cargo trains deliver loads several times a day in downtown Nampa.
The Nampa Public Library is a Welcome Addition to Downtown Nampa Idaho.
St Alphonsus Medica Center is Nampas largest hospital.
1/4
Popular city for first time buyers
Nampa is playing catch up to its growing population, which is why a lot of its housing stock includes newly constructed homes. Planned subdivisions with traditional, contemporary and craftsman architecture line the outer edge of the city, and homes near Downtown Nampa are older builds with midcentury modern touches. Areas around Lone Star Road tend to have larger lot sizes. The city appeals to first-time buyers searching for affordability; the median price for a single-family home is $420,000, and townhouses near the city’s center cost between $250,000 and $400,000. The city is also starting to build more upscale housing. “Nampa has been underserved in the upper end of housing, but we are starting to see success there, too,” Moir says.
American foursquare architecture in the heart of Downtown Nampa.
Find a lovely cottage style home in Downtown Nampa.
The Nampa Library is packed out to see animal expert Corbin Maxi.
Crowds gather in anticipation for the annual Nampa tree lighting ceremony.
1/4
Two public school districts and two universities
Although Nampa is served by two public school districts, most kids attend Nampa School District, which earns a C-plus rating from Niche. The district promotes project-based learning, dual enrollment and STEM Programs. The district’s ICAT program (Idaho Center for Advanced Technology) is within each high school, and students can choose from 28 different pathways. Vallivue School District is the second public school district option, rated B.
The city also has two colleges, including the nearly 1,200-student Northwest Nazarene University, known for its engineering, nursing, education and business programs. The College of Western Idaho, also in Nampa, offers more than 120 programs and options like career training, associate’s degrees and flexible classes.
Welcome to Central Elementary School.
Columbia High School provides a stellar education to its students in Nampa.
Northwest Nazarene University sits just minutes south of downtown Nampa.
GEM Prep offers quality education for grades K-6
1/4
27 Nampa parks and growing miles of trails
People in Nampa use the city’s 14 miles of trails for hiking, walking and biking. Golfers practice their swings at Ridgecrest Golf Club and Centennial Golf Course, both public 18-hole courses. The Nampa Parks and Recreation Department runs 27 parks; the largest is Midway Park, which is 52 acres. The city is expanding the park to include more baseball fields and walking loops. The city parks department’s goal is to have four acres of green space for every 1,000 people and increase its number of trails.
The Harvard Recreation Center provides indoor programs for all ages, including weekly fitness classes, personal training and a fitness center, and hunters and birdwatchers use the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge. The wilderness area is also home to Lake Lowell, a popular spot for fishing and boating. Just south, the Owyhee Mountains offer challenging hikes. When winter strikes, people head nearly 40 miles to Bogus Basin for skiing and snowboarding.
Play a friendly game of basketball at East Side Park in Downtown Nampa.
Kingfisher trail traverses the southeast shoreline of Lowell Lake in Nampa.
Residents enjoy the duckpond at Lakeview Park near Downtown Nampa.
Venture outside of Nampa's the city limits to explore all that the area has to offer.
1/4
Revitalized downtown and regular farmers market
Nampa has made numerous improvements to its downtown district. Located between 3rd and Front Streets, downtown has trendy, locally-owned shops and eateries, including cafes, fast-casual restaurants and cocktail bars. The Nampa Farmers Market, where more than 100 vendors sell their produce, goods and crafts from April to November, has been around for more than 40 years. City programs attract new downtown businesses with incentives and help existing merchants with renovations. Treasure Valley Marketplace off Interstate 84 has more than 40 retail stores and restaurants, including national brands like Target and Costco. Nampa is located between the Western Treasure Valley and the Sunnyslope region, which has dozens of wineries.
Stellas Ice Cream in Downtown Nampa is always a hit with friends and family.
Shoppers step inside to warm up after shopping the Hip Holiday Market in Nampa.
Enjoy a tall cold one at Pre Funk Beer Bar in Downtown Nampa.
Kids will love all of the fun food samples at the Nampa Farmers Market in Downtown Nampa.
1/4
Home to the Snake River Stampede
In Nampa is the Ford Idaho Center, an entertainment complex hosting concerts and events, like the Snake River Stampede, one of the top professional rodeos in the U.S. Held during the third week of June, the stampede brings cowboys and cowgirls to Nampa to compete in front of often sold-out crowds. Nampa is also developing an art scene; the Nampa Civic Center auditorium hosts performing arts events and concerts. The Nampa Festival of the Arts brings more than 200 artists to the area for contests, live music and kids' activities. At the Warhawk Air Museum, residents can check out the country’s most extensive collection of war memorabilia and see the world's last World War II fighter planes.
Nampa is a lively and colorful place to live.
Nampa is home to the Snake River Stampede held at the Ford Idaho Center.
The Ford Idaho Center in Nampa is home to many events.
The Ford Idaho Center has stables and agricultural exhibits for the Snake River Stampede.
1/4
Trips to Boise using Interstate 84
I-84 connects commuters 20 miles east to Boise. Though the city was not initially designed for the population growth it’s experiencing, new roadway expansions and development are underway. “We have two seasons in Nampa: winter and road construction,” Moir says. People can also get around via ValleyRide, the Boise transportation system, and Treasure Valley Transit through Canyon County. The Boise Airport, 19 miles away, offers direct service to 28 cities, mostly in the Midwest and West Coast.
Nampa’s high desert location means residents enjoy a mild climate with an average of 210 sunny days per year. There are four seasons; temperatures can reach 21 degrees in January and 91 degrees in July. The area also has a high number of ozone days from nearby wildfires, which means air quality may be bad at times.
Slight uptick in Crime
Nampa has seen a slight increase in crime, most significantly in assault, weapon charges and robbery. Robbery went up 42% between 2022 and 2023, and aggravated assaults went up 18% during the same time period.
Written By
Courtney Murphy
Photography Contributed By
Chad Jackson
Video By
Timothy Cerva
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jennifer Horsley-Stacey,
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 Nampa, ID sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Nampa, ID over the last 12 months is $425,900, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home in one of Nampa's most desirable neighborhoods, just minutes from the interstate, schools and shopping. This stunning corner lot property features hard surface floors throughout, an updated open-concept kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a spacious living area perfect for entertaining. The primary suite offers a walk-in
$10,000 seller concession offered! Receive up to 1% of loan in closing credit w/sellers preferred lenders, inquire for more info. Welcome to the Durango RV by Riverwood Homes! 4kW Solar System included. Built on just under 1/2 acre, providing picturesque setting highlighting a spacious fully fenced and landscaped backyard and large covered patio. Spacious RV Bay with 13' tall door & approx. 50'
$10,000 seller concession offered! Receive up to 1% of loan in closing credit w/sellers preferred lenders, inquire for more info. Welcome to the Venetia by Riverwood Homes! 4k Solar System included. Built on just under 1/2 acre, providing picturesque setting highlighting a spacious fully fenced and landscaped backyard & large covered patio. RV Bay with 13' tall door and approx. 39' deep.
This beautifully maintained, move-in-ready home sits on a tastefully landscaped large lot with no back neighbors. Featuring a 3-car garage and coming complete with all appliances, this home is truly ready for its next owners. Inside, the living room boasts high vaulted ceilings and bay windows that flood the main level with natural light. Laminate flooring with minimal carpet offers a stylish,
Brand new from the ground up, this beautifully renovated 2-bedroom home is located in downtown Nampa, Idaho and offers true move-in-ready living with extensive upgrades inside and out. Thoughtfully updated from top to bottom, this property provides peace of mind with all major systems replaced and high-quality finishes throughout. Exterior improvements include all-new siding, exterior paint,
What a beauty! A stunning new single-story luxury floorplan designed for both beauty and function. This thoughtfully crafted home features designer-selected finishes and a seamless open-concept layout that’s perfect for modern living. At the heart of the home, the well-appointed kitchen shines with builder-included premium features such as quartz countertops, shaker-style cabinetry, and LG Smart
Located within the Vallivue School District, this thoughtfully upgraded single-level home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1,699 sq ft of intentional living. The open layout invites connection while maintaining smart separation of space. A fully remodeled kitchen (2025) features new cabinetry, quartz countertops, updated flooring, and an under-counter sink — designed for gathering, cooking, and
11.87 acres and is a corner lot with access from Victory Rd & Pit Lane. The property is currently in canyon county but can be zoned into the City of Nampa. The property does have TWO HOMES on it first home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two living rooms, one entertainment room, dinning room. Walking closet lots of storage. 30x30 garage Second home is 4,241 sq ft and has five bedrooms, two
Charming Creekside Townhome in Wilson Creek Subdivision Location: Nampa, Idaho | Subdivision: Wilson Creek | Access: Direct Nampa Greenbelt Access Property Overview Experience pride of ownership in this meticulously maintained townhouse located in the highly sought-after Wilson Creek Subdivision. Positioned just off the Nampa Greenbelt, this home offers a unique blend of suburban comfort and
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home in one of Nampa's most desirable neighborhoods, just minutes from the interstate, schools and shopping. This stunning corner lot property features hard surface floors throughout, an updated open-concept kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a spacious living area perfect for entertaining. The primary suite offers a walk-in
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Nampa, Idaho, offering 1,860 square feet of comfortable and functional living space. This move-in-ready 2021 built home features an open-concept layout perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen is well appointed with ample cabinet space and includes the refrigerator. The washer, and dryer are also included making
A must-see! Feel the openness that the 9 ft ceilings bring. Discover stylish, low-maintenance living in this beautiful townhome located in the quiet, well-kept community of Covey Run. Enjoy the ease of no yard work while taking advantage of fantastic amenities, including a community park and exclusive pool. This home features 9ft ceilings in an open great-room floor plan highlighted by a gorgeous
Single-Level Dream Home on a Corner Lot in Nampa, Idaho! Welcome to this beautifully designed single-level home, perfectly situated on a spacious corner log and featuring a three-car garage. This inviting layout offers a private master suite with a walk-in closet, while two additional bedrooms and a versatile flex room are conveniently located nearby - ideal for a home office, playroom, or a
This is a beautiful home in Gated Bay Hill Subdivision with ponds and water ways throughout subdivision. Home is on .30ac and is 2739sqft with Cherry Hardwood floors and Cabinets. Large Walk-In pantry with lots of shelving. Great room with Gas fireplace. Large Main level Primary suite and bath with jetted tub and beautiful walk-in shower with new glass doors. Walkin closet with natural light.
Single Home Seeking New Family Hi there! I’m a turnkey beauty living my best life in Brandts Landing, and I’m ready to settle down with the right people. I offer 3–4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 1,686 sq ft of well-designed living space—because everyone needs room to grow. My open family room loves hosting game nights and movie marathons (and yes... I come with a brand-new 75” LG Smart TV
Founder’s SpecialLIMITED-TIME OFFER – 6 WEEKS FREE!Be among the first to call Asher Apartments home — Nampa’s newest luxury community delivering brand-new apartment homes in phases.Our clubhouse and model units are still under construction, but early residents get exclusive pricing and 6 WEEKS FREE RENT when they lease by 1/31/26.Early Resident Perks:- 6 Weeks Free
Brand New Home Exquisite, one-of-a-kind 5-bedroom, 3-bath south-facing home situated on a desirable corner lot. Four of the five bedrooms are on the first floor. Large covered back patio w/an oversized sliding glass door, fully fenced backyard, w/full sod and sprinklers. Extensive upgrades throughout. Stunning fireplace in the living room, luxury plank flooring, and beautiful quartz countertops.
This is District 208 apartments, a fresh, new vibe in Nampa, Idaho. Our garden-style apartment community is all about convenient access to everything you need and providing modern, upscale style and comfort. With a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences, our homes are the perfect complement to your active lifestyle. District 208 is close to everything you need. Groceries, shops, and
Newly Remodeled Executive 5 bedroom, 2.5 bath 2983 sq ft two story home with RV Parking and 3 car garage. New LVP flooring throughout, new windows, new paint. huge home on large, low maintenance lot. Park your RV behind the fence on a concrete driveway. Huge primary bedroom with ensuite bath with separate shower and soaker tub. All bedrooms have large walk-in closets.
Experience modern luxury at The Logan Apartments in Nampa, IDnow leasing brand-new one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes near Boise. Each spacious floor plan features quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, smart home technology, and high-end finishes throughout. Enjoy luxury living with resort-style amenities including a sparkling pool and spa, outdoor lounge with grills, 24-hour
The Station at Gateway is changing the way you'll live in Nampa! These luxury apartments are unlike anything in the area! Enjoy quality finishes and options such as granite counters, black or stainless appliances, tile backsplash, huge pantries, built-in entertainment centers, fireplace, garden style tubs, and large walk-in closets. You'll love our sauna, steam room, tanning and massage beds,
This stunning brand new construction property in Nampa features 1 and 2 bedroom luxury floorplans, with no detail left out. Surrounded in designer finishes and quality materials, you will love coming home to Franklin Lofts. All stainless steel appliances are included. Select units will also feature storage closets off of the private patio or balcony. Nothing is out of reach, as the fantastic
The Farmstead Apartments are beautiful, in Nampa's Best Location! From our Spacious Floorplans to the Sleek Black Appliances included in Every Apartment, you're sure to find the perfect Apartment Home here at The Farmstead.
These unique apartment homes feature stunning one of a kind, designer finishes in every home! From gorgeous chandeliers, to custom tile in the bathrooms, granite countertops and everything in between, you will never want to leave! All appliances are included, master bedrooms include walk in closets, each full bath has a large soaker tub with high custom shower heads and tons of storage! The
Move in by 1/31/2026, and get 1 MONTH FREE RENT!This is a Look & Lease Special! To qualify, your application must be submitted within 24 hours of your showing.- Availability is limited.- Schedule your tour now.- Apply fast and lock in your new home before this deal disappears.- This special only applies to our 2bed/2bath stacked flats apartments.Welcome to
Exciting and NEW! White Pines Apartment Homes will be opening soon in Nampa, ID. Select a one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartment and create a living space that reflects your individual style and creativity. Inside our thoughtfully designed apartment homes, you’ll enjoy fully appointed kitchens, expansive living areas, spacious walk-in closets, a private patio or balcony, and more. Step outside
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.
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
