Meridian/Star vs. Boise (Nampa, Caldwell: real estate, house, neighborhood)

[skanman7]

Potentially relocating and I welcome peoples' general thoughts -- real estate, quality of life, schools, other pros and cons, etc.

I would NOT regularly have to trek to Boise during rush hour.

[Pushing60]

If you have kids I would look seriousley at Meridian. The schools are pretty decent and it just feels like a family oriented area. My son and his family have lived there for about 10 years now and love it.

[malagagirl]

Ive been exploring the area around Meridian/Caldwell/Nampa/Star/Middleton for several months. I have a job starting in Meridian in a couple weeks so it's time for me to get serious about where I will live. They all have their pros and cons.

Hoping I can find a neighborhood of moderately priced homes with big trees - maybe built in anywhere from late 70's to late 90's. I don't think finding a house will be that hard. My problem is narrowing down what TOWN.

I'll be relocating from Oregon - no kids so schools are not a top concern for me (although I'd rather live in a community with decent schools because I believe that both draws and supports the sort of people I prefer to hang with.)

I know I do not want to live in a cookie cutter subdivision. An older home on a cul de sac would probably be ideal.

I do not want more than a 10 mile commute.

Any tips for how to pick your neighborhood?