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Reasons to Move to Nampa, Idaho

Nampa is Idaho's third-largest city and one of the state's most populated. It’s also one of the country's fastest-growing cities. 

Nampa has become a popular destination for people looking for a fresh start away from the stressful metropolitan environments faced by residents in many parts of the United States. However, this is only one of the many reasons that more and more people are relocating to the city.

It's not surprising that Nampa has become a top choice for people who want to move to Idaho. The city is situated in a great location, has a low cost of living, great weather, is close to recreation and nature, has plenty of good schools and universities, a growing number of industries, and low house prices.

If you're thinking about relocating to Nampa and questioning if this city is right for you, keep reading as we go over all of the reasons why you should live in this charming city.

Ideal Location

Nampa’s proximity to Boise makes it one of the most coveted locations in Idaho and one of the best places to live in the state. The city is situated in Canyon County, and the best thing about Nampa is that it’s conveniently and perfectly positioned to reach all markets in the western United States; this is what makes it one of the fastest-growing in the United States. Over the last five years, Nampa has seen a steady increase in the number of new residents. 

High Livability & Low Cost of Living

The cost of living is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing where to live. 

Nampa has a low cost of living index of 91.5, compared to the national average of 100. 

The average monthly cost of independent living in Nampa is $1,824 USD. This is less than the $2,680 national average. So, if you want to live in a big city without worrying about the cost of living, Nampa is the place to be. 

Also, the cost of housing and utilities is about 22% less in Nampa than in most other cities. This means that Nampa's cost of living is lower than the national average and that of most other communities in the state, making it a very affordable place to live. That's another reason why many young professionals and families move here.

Although some areas in Nampa may be more expensive than others, the average cost of housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, health care, and other goods and services is less than it used to be. 

Nampa also has a higher-than-average livability score. The overall ranking of a city's quality of life is determined by how data points and city features are weighted. These statistical methods generate a total livability score that takes into account criteria such as education, safety, cost of living, and overall contentment of its residents.

Pleasant Weather

Weather is another very important factor to consider when moving to a city.

The annual BestPlaces Comfort Index for Nampa is 8.6 (10 is the best), which makes it one of the nicest places in Idaho weather-wise.

Here are some more weather statistics:

  • In a year, Nampa receives more sunlight than the rest of the United States. The city has 207 sunshine days each year on average. The average number of sunny days in the United States is 205. 

  • Nampa receives 9 inches of snow each year on average. The average in the United States is 28 inches.

  • Nampa receives 11 inches of rain each year on average. The average in the United States is 38 inches.

Nampa's summers are short, hot, dry, and mainly clear, while winters are cold, snowy, and partially cloudy. The temperature ranges from 23°F to 92°F throughout the year. It rarely drops below 8°F or goes above 100°F. 

Many Recreation & Nature Options

Nampa is the perfect mix of city and country. 

In Nampa, there is so much to do outdoors, and you will have access to world-class recreation just minutes away from any form of recreation you can think of: lakes, the Boise River, the Snake River, mountains, hunting, hiking, bike paths, greenbelts, you name it. If you need a taste of the city, Boise is around 30 minutes away.

To the northeast of downtown Nampa there are mountains, and to the west, you will find irrigated agricultural plains. More recently, the mountains, nice weather, and low cost of living compared to other West Coast areas have drawn a lot of people, many of whom are from California, as well as construction, real estate, and other service businesses to the area.

The pace of life in Nampa is often faster than it is in the surrounding suburban areas, but not as fast and hectic as life in more populated cities. This makes Nampa an ideal place for families with children since it is quiet, safe, and offers plenty of green space. Residents appreciate the city's wonderful community events, excellent weather, and diverse population.

Work & Key Industries

If you are thinking about moving to Nampa, you should know that the city is known for its successful agricultural, food processing, and manufacturing industries. 

Nampa has a strong job market that brings in young professionals and families and is home to some of Idaho's most important industries. The city is home to more than 7,000 businesses and companies, which means that people who live there have job options to choose from. 

Some of Nampa’s major industries include:

  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting 

  • Construction

  • Manufacturing

  • Trade in bulk 

  • Wholesale trade

  • The retail trade

  • Transportation and storage

  • Finance and insurance information

  • Real estate, rental, and leasing

  • Professional, scientific, and technical services

The unemployment rate in Nampa is 2% right now, which is less than in previous months. 

This shows that the town's economy is getting better and that it is doing well in getting back on its feet after the pandemic. 

Commute times for work are also shorter. The average one-way commute time in Nampa is 23.9 minutes, whereas the average commute time in the United States is 26.4 minutes. A shorter commute means more time for other things and your loved ones, which means that if you want to spend less time on the road, moving to Nampa can help you do that. 

As remote work becomes more popular, more people are leaving their high-paying job centers in search of lower-cost-of-living places, and Nampa is one of those areas. So, if you are seeking new work or considering starting your own business in Nampa, now might be a great time to get started.

Low Crime Rates 

If you’re considering relocating to Nampa, you might be curious about the city's crime statistics and want to know how safe Nampa is for you and your family. 

The following is a summary of the city's crime statistics:

  • Nampa’s crime rates are below the U.S. average

  • Nampa is one of the safest places to live in Idaho

  • The violent crime rate in Nampa is 18.9. (the average in the United States is 22.7)

  • The property crime rate in Nampa is 39.5 percent. (the average in the United States is 35.4)

  • Residents have a one-in-320.9 risk of becoming a victim of a violent crime.

  • A resident only has a 1 in 55.6 chance of becoming a victim of a property crime.

These crime statistics are relatively low compared to most other cities in the state.

Education & Schools 

Education and good schools are important to consider, especially for families with children. 

Fortunately, families that move to Nampa have a lot of public and private school options to choose from. The city has several high-quality schools; these include universities, colleges, high schools, middle schools, and primary schools. Also, it's important to point out that Nampa's public schools are above average. 

Niche.com ranks Nampa as the #6 Best Suburb for Young Professionals in Idaho and the #7 Best Suburb to Live in Idaho. The city also received high rankings for its diversity and inclusivity. 

Affordable Home Prices 

Affordable home prices are one of the main drivers that are encouraging people to move here. 

Nampa's real estate market is doing extremely well right now. 

Here are some statistics about the housing market:

  • The median home listing price in October 2021 was in the mid $400k level, representing a 40% increase over the previous several years.

  • In the last year, houses have appreciated by 42.8%. This means it's a great time to purchase a home in Nampa right now. 

  • Nampa homes receive two offers on average and sell in around 28 days. 

  • Last month, the average sale price of a property in Nampa was $425K, up 3.8% from the previous year. 

  • Nampa's average sale price per square foot is $246, a 0.4% decrease from the previous year.

  • Real estate experts believe that the market in Nampa is balanced, which means there are enough homes to meet demand. 

There are eight different suburbs in Nampa with a wide range of prices and many different kinds of homes to choose from. For example, you can buy a historic home in the downtown area with a stunning view of Lake Lowell and the Owyhee Mountains, or purchase a farm or ranch property, or even a starter home in a lovely modern development.

If you're looking to buy a property in Nampa, we can help. 

Rooftop Rentals is a full-service property management business based in Idaho Falls, and we offer a wide range of property management services. We can help you and your family find the perfect home in Nampa. We have been in Idaho long enough to know the land, the community, and the possibilities for growth, and we're committed to helping each of our clients get the most out of their investments. 

Contact us today and we’ll help you find the perfect home!


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