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
Wendy Crawford,
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 56 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 $412,323, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to comfort, space, and functionality all wrapped into a well designed single level layout. Tucked into a quiet cul-de-sac, this property offers the kind of privacy and livability that is getting harder to find. Inside, you will find an open kitchen concept that flows seamlessly into the main living area, creating a space that is ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The
Welcome to your next home! This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and energy efficiency. From the moment you walk in, you'll love the bright, open floor plan featuring vaulted ceilings and an abundance of natural light that fills every room. The spacious private master suite is your personal retreat, complete with a luxurious soaker tub,
Welcome to your future dream home in the beautiful rolling hills on the outskirts of Middleton! This stunning new build by Waite Homes of Idaho, sits on over one acre and offers peaceful views of neighboring farmland while still being just minutes from Purple Sage Golf Course, freeway access, and local amenities. Designed with modern living in mind, this home features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, an
Welcome home to comfort, space, and functionality all wrapped into a well designed single level layout. Tucked into a quiet cul-de-sac, this property offers the kind of privacy and livability that is getting harder to find. Inside, you will find an open kitchen concept that flows seamlessly into the main living area, creating a space that is ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The
Welcome to your next home! This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and energy efficiency. From the moment you walk in, you'll love the bright, open floor plan featuring vaulted ceilings and an abundance of natural light that fills every room. The spacious private master suite is your personal retreat, complete with a luxurious soaker tub,
Better than new and thoughtfully designed for comfort, flexibility, and easy living! This beautifully maintained home offers 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, providing a layout that effortlessly supports multi-generational living, remote work, or hosting guests. Step inside to a bright, open floor plan featuring brand-new LVP flooring throughout the main living areas and a recently
3 bedroom 2.5 bath 2352+ SQ FT on 5 beautiful acres welcome to quiet country living with the charm and grace of a custom-built homestead. Perfectly positioned on higher ground, this home offers literal 360 views with sweeping mountain vistas, including the Owyhees and Bogus Basin. Enjoy peace, privacy, and wide-open space in a neighborhood designed to give flexibility for your lifestyle. The
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
Tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac on a beautifully landscaped 0.94-acre lot, this thoughtfully designed home offers space, flexibility, and exceptional functionality. With 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and nearly 4,800 square feet, the layout is ideal for multigenerational living, entertaining, or extended guest accommodations. The home features two kitchens and two separate living quarters, including
This Move in Ready two story home offers comfortable everyday living, with an inviting open concept great room and kitchen that are perfect for gathering and entertaining. The kitchen features granite countertops and a walk-in pantry conveniently located between the kitchen and garage, making grocery trips easy. Upstairs, you will find three spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms, including a
Escape to your private oasis in the heart of Idaho Wine Country! This stunning, completely updated 4-bedroom estate spans over 4 picturesque acres, offering unparalleled views of the Snake River and front-row seats to Idaho’s legendary sunsets. The thoughtful floor plan features a main-level primary suite for ultimate convenience, while the fully finished walk-out basement provides a flexible
If you’re looking for space, functionality, and something that doesn’t feel cookie-cutter—this is it. This 3 bed, 2.5 bath home + office has an open layout filled with natural light, a cozy living space with a fireplace, and a kitchen that screams WOW. This Kitchen has a large, beautiful quartz island, SS appliances, a built in gas range. The split-bedroom design adds privacy. The primary suite
Well-maintained and perfectly located, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,243 sq ft of comfortable living space in a desirable area. Recent updates include fresh interior and exterior paint, gorgeous tiled bathrooms, and a beautiful kitchen ready for entertaining. Enjoy extra parking with room for your RV, a covered patio, garden space, and storage shed, plus a fully privacy-fenced yard. Major
5108 Northrup Way, Caldwell, ID 83607 – Vallivue School District | 4 Bed + Bonus (5th Bedroom Option) | 2.5 Bath Spacious and versatile home in Caldwell’s desirable Vallivue School District, featuring 4 bedrooms plus a bonus room (optional 5th bedroom) and 2.5 bathrooms. This well-designed floorplan offers both a separate living room and family room with fireplace, providing flexibility for
Welcome home to this very clean and well maintained 2530 square foot home. This home has 4 bedrooms upstairs, two living room spaces down stairs and even has an office space with a door that can be used as a bedroom if you need. The beautiful kitchen boast quartz countertops and is light and bright! This home is in Peregrine Estates and it is centrally located in Nampa. Easy access to Karcher
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
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
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 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.
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, youll have all the room you need to thrive. Located near
The advertised rate of $4,711/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of April 26, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $3,469/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 24, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
The advertised rate of $7,148/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of August 27, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
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.