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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Josh Cormier,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Nampa, ID sell after 52 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 $420,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
From the moment you walk through the door, you’ll feel right at home. The space is light and bright, with vaulted ceilings, fresh paint and trim, and two inviting living areas. Thoughtful updates blend seamlessly with unique character features—like an extra pantry and a hidden alcove tucked behind a bookshelf for added storage or a cozy nook. Enjoy the peace of having no rear neighbors, plus RV
For the Next 30 days only, this beautiful home is being offered at a special reduced price. Once the 30 day period ends, the price goes back up. So take advantage of this limited time opportunity on this better than new home in desirable Brandt's Landing featuring stylish updates and a spacious, functional layout. Inside, you'll find well-sized rooms with fresh custom paint, new flooring, modern
One of a kind home in a great location in Nampa. This 3 bed and 3.5 bath home has it all. Updated flooring flows gracefully throughout the open-concept layout. Every room is its own suite with it's own bathroom and walk in showers and closets. House was completely gutted and built up in 2012 and freshly remodeled again in 2025 with a new roof, windows, updated bathrooms, granite counter tops and
From the moment you walk through the door, you’ll feel right at home. The space is light and bright, with vaulted ceilings, fresh paint and trim, and two inviting living areas. Thoughtful updates blend seamlessly with unique character features—like an extra pantry and a hidden alcove tucked behind a bookshelf for added storage or a cozy nook. Enjoy the peace of having no rear neighbors, plus RV
Assumable VA Loan at 2.875% Stunning custom home blends craftsmanship, comfort, and homestead living. Features rich stone and woodwork, walnut floors, cathedral/coffered ceilings, and custom molding, cabinetry, and blinds. 2024 updates: HVAC, carpet, interior paint, and refinished floors. Chef’s kitchen with chiseled granite, Subzero fridge, Wolf 6-burner/griddle cooktop, double ovens, pot
Situated in The Islands subdivision and has an open concept. Kitchen has flat top cook top, dishwasher, microwave and corner pantry. Wood type flooring on main level with tile flooring in laundry and half bathroom. Fireplace in the family room for warm and cozy evenings. The primary suite is located on the upper level as well as 2 other bedrooms and a hall bathroom. The primary suite offers
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,
Exceptionally maintained townhome in the heart of Nampa. Open concept. The main level boasts beautiful updated vinyl wood flooring and an abundance of natural light. Kitchen features stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar and a decorative glass tile backsplash. Refrigerator included. Master bedroom has en-suite bath and a walk-in closet. All bedrooms upstairs. Lots of storage space throughout
Asher Apartments brings comfort, convenience, and community to the heart of Nampa, ID. Enjoy a range of amenities including a year-round heated pool, fitness center with adjoining playroom, yoga room, and a stylish clubhouse. Work-from-home needs are met with a professional conference room, while our coffee bar adds a daily boost.Pet-friendly features include a pet spa, off-leash dog
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