Family events make sense for Meridian, because many of the new residents are members of young families. Building lots cost less in Meridian than in Boise, and many of the new houses are starter homes. Thus housing costs are lower in Meridian than in most other areas of the county. Such roadways encourage use of automobiles, and many Meridian homeowners commute by private automobile to work sites in Boise. Despite the growth, though, district officials have used innovative programming to put the schools at the top of the ranks in academic achievement statewide.
Parents can choose to send their children to traditional schools or the popular year-round schools.
The increase in young families also has caused the city to put new emphasis on parks and recreation programs. A downtown park, Generations Plaza, opened in 1999. The city has purchased a 56-acre park site for future development, and a committee is considering other appropriate sites. Growth is expected to continue. Meridian's population is projected to reach about 80,000 by the year 2015.