The Southwest has little retail, except on its northern edge where a new Wal-Mart has been built. Golfers play at Indian Lakes and Boise Ranch. Meridian This has become the chief bedroom community for Boise, where young families buy subdivision starter houses and take I-84 or one of the large avenues that run through town to work. About 30,000 people live in Meridian, and it is growing by 3,000 a year. By 2015 the population is expected to reach 80,000.
Overcrowded schools are a big issue here.
Bond elections for new construction are constantly coming up as the district struggles to keep up with its new families. The small town of Eagle recently got a bypass on Idaho Highway 44, but that's not preventing big spenders and others in search of space with a rural character from pouring in. New developments along the river and pricy estate-type properties have led to the construction of new high, middle and elementary schools that have an excellent reputation. Albertsons, McDonald's and First Security Bank are among the businesses that have moved in to serve Eagle's 7,000 citizens. Star, just west of Eagle, has about 1,000 people who are deciding if they want to incorporate.