MERIDIAN - A new national poll has Meridian sitting at the top of a list of the best cities to live in the country. A new 24/7 Wall St. study says the city's crime rate is down, jobs are up and the local economy is growing faster than most of the country.
"Our citizens are proud to be living in Meridian," Mayor Tammy de Weerd says. "They're proud that this is a safe community. They're proud that they can live, work and raise their family here, and that's important."
De Weerd was just re-elected to serve a fourth term as Meridian's mayor. She's held her post for over a decade and has seen the city transform right before her eyes.
Meridian's population is booming four times as fast as the national average - with a 28 percent growth rate - and the city is setting the bar high for how to keep up with all those people.
So what is it about Meridian that attracts so many wanting to raise a family and start a life here?
"We have a relatively affordable housing cost here," Community Development Director Bruce Chatterton tells KTVB.
"The people," Meridian Police Department Deputy Chief Tracy Basterrechea says, "From a police standpoint, it really is a great community to police. They are so supportive of us."
Violent crimes rates were reported very low, just over 20 percent of the national rate, which police say can be attributed to its strong bond with residents. City leaders say they're working on services to keep up with the population boom.
"Growth provides us with opportunities also to create the fabric of the community: neighborhoods, parks, schools, everything you need really to be a full service city," Chatterton adds.
We asked the city about infrastructure needs regarding expansion, and they said they're working with other agencies such as ACHD to make sure roads can keep up with the constant growth in Meridian. They also tell us they have a new Parks Master Plan underway.
