Seven cities. Seven different answers.

Boise

Ada County · the capital

Idaho's capital and the heart of the valley. Boise has a walkable downtown, Boise State University, and a mix of older neighborhoods with tree-lined streets alongside newer homes toward the edges of town.

The foothills sit right at the edge of the city, with the Ridge to Rivers trail system for hiking and biking, and the Boise River Greenbelt runs through town for walking, biking and floating in summer. Bogus Basin ski area is in the mountains just north.

Meridian

Ada County · west of Boise

Meridian sits between Boise and Nampa along I-84, with a lot of newer subdivisions and plenty of new construction. It's where I live.

You'll find The Village at Meridian for shopping and dining, a revitalized downtown, Roaring Springs water park, and quick freeway access east to Boise or west to Canyon County.

Eagle

Ada County · northwest of Boise

Eagle sits along the Boise River northwest of Boise, with a small downtown full of local restaurants and shops. Homes range from established neighborhoods to larger lots and foothills communities.

Eagle Island State Park is on the river, the Greenbelt and foothills trails are close, and the city's events bring people downtown through the summer.

Star

Ada County · west of Eagle

Star is a smaller town west of Eagle along Highway 44, and one of the faster-growing parts of the valley. Much of what's for sale here is newer construction.

It keeps a small-town feel, with easy drives to Eagle, Meridian and the Boise River, and room to spread out on some properties.

Kuna

Ada County · south of Meridian

Kuna is south of Meridian, with a quieter, more rural setting and a growing number of new communities.

It's the gateway to the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, with Kuna Cave and wide-open desert country nearby.

Nampa

Canyon County · west on I-84

Nampa is the largest city in Canyon County, west of Meridian along I-84. Buyers often find more home for the money here, with a mix of established neighborhoods and new construction.

There's the Ford Idaho Center for concerts and events, Lake Lowell and the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, and a historic downtown.

Caldwell

Canyon County · the west end

Caldwell is the Canyon County seat, home to the College of Idaho and a downtown built around Indian Creek Plaza.

It's close to the Sunnyslope wine region along the Snake River, with farmland, orchards and wineries a short drive away.