Change is a constant. And delicious coffee is a constant. But if the number of coffee spots per mile is an indicator of a growing town, then Meridian is definitely taking advantage of a brewmaster’s economy of scale.
Like so many of America’s growing communities, the Boise Metro Area is basking in modern Kaffeeklatsches, the quintessentially ultra-cool spaces that look more New York than Small(er) Town Idaho. Many of the customers are contractors, builders and home designers who order everything from a strong cup of joe to caramel lattes, a clear sign of the Treasure Valley’s thirst for America’s favorite drink.
One such transformation is the iconic double drive-through building on E. Williams Street off Franklin and Main, now occupied by Mountain Timber Coffee. Formerly the Moxie Java and Big Star, the new owners of Mountain Timber Coffee, Stacia and Matt Taplin, have created a cool-road-house-vibe mixed in with some brew specialties. Both owners have been serving coffee from their sister flagship, Mocha Moose, located in Boise and in 2018, they decided to jump into the Meridian market, hedging their bets on the insatiable caffeine needs of the Meridian community.
As the love for coffee seems unstoppable, so does the love for this growing community. Located in the heart of the greater Boise area, Meridian is destined to expand even further in 2020, with construction permits outpacing nearby Nampa and Eagle due in part to the close proximity to the city of Boise. As highlighted by Livability.com, Meridian has landed the 2019 top spot to raise a family among the Top 100 Best Places to Live ranking.
According to Brad Smith, chief deputy for the Ada County Assessor’s Office, there was in 2018 an average of 13 houses being newly occupied every day in Ada County. Five of those houses were in Meridian - double than in any other city.
Young families and retirees are drawn to Meridian because it’s one of the safest communities in the nation. Additionally, the area’s combination of work-life-pleasure balance, affordability and DIY spirit make it the perfect place for young entrepreneurs, tech startups and “working retirees” (those who retire and start new endeavors or are leisurely self-employed). And as many residents can attest, Meridian is certainly a community where kids can be kids, playing football and skateboarding past sundown at the McDevitt Park and where retirees can walk Fido to Storey Bark Park. The display of art and cultural acceptance is exhibited throughout the window displays of shopping centers and within galleries. And “it’s safe to walk to your car at night by yourself,” says a resident who recently relocated to Meridian from Syracuse, NY.
The main draw to Meridian are the many family offerings. The city has beautiful parks such as Settlers Park and Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, featuring frisbee golf and volleyball courts, beautiful seasonal landscaping, ponds and play areas for children.
In January Meridian welcomed a new mayor, Robert Simison, who takes over from Tammy de Weerd who served the community for the past 16 years. Traffic and transportation issues will be Mayor Simison’s two top priorities heading into the new decade. We can expect to see some healthy debates over property taxes, infrastructure funding, traffic and zoning issues in this coming year. Certainly, a fresh, strong pot of coffee may be exactly what’s needed as we welcome Spring in our beautiful community of Meridian!
The main draw to Meridian are the many family offerings. The city has beautiful parks such as Settlers Park and Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, featuring frisbee golf and volleyball courts, beautiful seasonal landscaping, ponds and play areas for children.
