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Nampa, ID

Frequently asked questions

Nampa, ID

Nampa is the most populous city in Canyon County, Idaho, United States. Its population was 100,200 at the time of the 2020 census. It is Idaho's 3rd most populous city. Nampa is about 20 miles (32 km) west of Boise along Interstate 84, and six miles (10 km) west of Meridian. It is the second principal city of the Boise metropolitan area. The name "Nampa" may have come from a Shoshoni word meaning either moccasin or footprint. According to toponymist William O. Bright the name comes from the Shoshoni word /nampai/, meaning "foot".

Nampa is located at 43°34′29″N 116°33′49″W (43.574807, -116.563559). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 31.34 square miles (81.17 km²), of which, 31.19 square miles (80.78 km²) is land and 0.15 square miles (0.39 km2) is water.

Nampa had its beginnings in the early 1880s when the Oregon Short Line Railroad built a line from Granger, Wyoming, to Huntington, Oregon, which passed through Nampa. In Nampa there is a history museum marking the significance of the railroad company. More railroad lines sprang up running through Nampa, making it a very important railroad town. Alexander and Hannah Duffes established one of the town's first homesteads, eventually forming the Nampa Land and Improvement Company with the help of their friend and co-founder, James McGee. In spite of the name, many of the first settlers referred to the town as "New Jerusalem" because of the strong religious focus of its citizens. After only a year the town had grown from 15 homes to 50. As new amenities were added to the town, Nampa continued its growth and was incorporated in 1891.

Nampa's historic roads run perpendicular to the railroad tracks that travel northwest to southeast through the town. Thus, the northside is really the northeast side of the tracks, and the southside is really the southwest side of the railroad tracks. Founder Alexander Duffes laid out Nampa's streets this way to prevent an accident like one that occurred earlier in a town he had platted near Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In that town, a woman and her two children were killed by a train when they started across the railroad tracks in a buggy and the wheel got stuck. As the Oregon Short Line railroad originally bypassed Boise, Nampa has the fanciest of many railroad depots built in the area.

Nampa gives emphasis on health and wellness. Healthcare services are well-represented in Nampa, with the Saint Alphonsus Medical Center and West Valley Medical Center catering to the healthcare needs of the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Nampa Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include 3D Fitness, 43 Fitness Studios and Idaho Fitness Factory. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Nampa, such as the Wilson Creek Park, Lions Park and Midway Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and the enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Nampa, ID are Warhawk Air Museum, Ford Idaho Center, and Canyon County Historical Society's Nampa Train Depot Museum.

Population: 117,350 (2024). ZIP codes: 83651, 83653, 83686, 83687. Area codes: 208, 986. Elevation: 2,517 ft (767 m). Area: 32.97 sq mi (85.39 km²).

FAQs

Is Nampa, ID a good place to live?

Living in Nampa offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Nampa there are a lot of parks. Many families live in Nampa and residents tend to lean conservative.

Is Nampa, ID expensive to live in?

Nampa, Idaho gets a BestPlaces Cost of Living score of 104.6, which means the total cost of housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and other necessities is 4.6% higher than the U.S. average and 0.9% higher than the average for Idaho. A typical home costs $374,600, which is 10.8% more expensive than the national average of $338,100 and 15.8% less expensive than the average Idaho home, at $445,000. Renting a two-bedroom unit in Nampa costs $1,250 per month, which is 12.6% cheaper than the national average of $1,430 and 10.4% more than the state average of $1,120. To live comfortably in Nampa, Idaho, a minimum annual income of $71,640 for a family, and $40,400 for a single person is recommended.

What is special about Nampa, ID?

Nampa is located about 20 miles west of Boise along Interstate 84. Nampa is a principal city of the Boise-Nampa Metro area (Idaho's largest metropolitan area), and is centrally and ideally located to reach all western U.S. markets. Nampa is known for its successful food processing, agribusiness and manufacturing companies, but also has attracted a large mix of retail and restaurants. The City of Nampa's targeted industries of food processing, agribusiness, technology and manufacturing continue to flourish. Back office/shared services, recreation technology and healthcare are industries that are emerging quickly.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Nampa

Saint Alphonsus Medical Center 

West Valley Medical Center 

Nampa Parks and Recreation Department

3D Fitness

43 Fitness Studios 

Idaho Fitness Factory

Wilson Creek Park

Lions Park 

Midway Park

Warhawk Air Museum

Ford Idaho Center

Canyon County Historical Society's Nampa Train Depot Museum

Niche

Best Places

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