The #1 Best Run City in America is This Peaceful Town in Idaho

Nampa, Idaho

Just 20 miles west of Boise, this former farming community has kept its friendly small-town atmosphere while developing into a modern city.

It recently ranked #1 in WalletHub’s Best-Run Cities Study for 2024-2025. The study looked at six factors, including:

• Financial Stability

• Education

• Health

• Safety

• Economy

• Infrastructure & Pollution

Nampa scored excellent marks in all of them, landing just ahead of Lexington, KY (#1) and Boise, ID (#3). Here are some interesting facts about one of the best places to live in the US.

Nampa Has Native American Roots

The name is believed to come from the Shoshone language, with some sources suggesting it means “footprint” or “moccasin.” The city is also famous for the discovery of the Nampa Figurine in 1889.

This small clay figure was found 300 feet underground while drilling a well. It is about 1.5 inches long and looks like ancient European figurines, such as the Venus of Willendorf. Geologist George Frederick Wright confirmed it was real, pointing out its lifelike details and the staining that matches ancient artifacts.

Loads of Natural Spaces and Recreation Opportunities

Wilson Creek Park, developed in 2000, features a walking trail and serves as an access point to the Wilson Creek Pathway.

The nearby Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge (open since February 25, 1909) spans 10,548 acres where people can hike, watch birds, and take photos. The Boise Foothills offer various mountain biking routes, such as Lower Hulls Gulch (5 miles) and 8th Street to Bobs (9 miles).

In winter, three ski resorts are within a two-hour drive. Sun Valley is renowned for its high-quality slopes and luxury accommodations.

Bird Enthusiasts Can Enjoy Many Trails

Nampa, Idaho, is a haven for birdwatchers in Spring (April to May). Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, covering over 10,500 acres, hosts more than 200 species of birds.

At Indian Creek Trail and Kestrel Trail, you can spot American Avocets, Eared Grebes, and Red-tailed Hawks. During migration, the refuge is an important stop for waterfowl like the Northern Pintail and Western Sandpiper. Wilson Creek Park, with its 1.5-mile trail, is also popular, attracting Great Blue Herons and Kingfishers along its wetlands.

Fantastic Fishing Scene

The Snake River, just minutes away, is renowned for its diverse fish species, including smallmouth bass, catfish, rainbow trout, and white sturgeon.

Fishing in the river is accessible, with popular spots like the Lake Lowell area within the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, which is only about 10 miles from downtown Nampa.

Idaho’s fishing license, available through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, provides access to these spots, with specific regulations that support sustainable fishing practices.

The Strong Local Economy

Nampa is one of Idaho’s fastest-growing cities with living costs staying 12% below the national average. Local enterprise Amalgamated Sugar Company (known for the best sugar beets grown in the area) is crucial to the local economy.

The city is also home to Treasure Valley Community College, contributing to educational and business development. Wilson’s Furniture and Idaho Pizza Company, both well-established, highlight the strong retail and dining sectors.

Nampa Has a Great Housing Market

Homes in Nampa can vary widely in price based on location and features, with many starting above $300,000 in affordable neighborhoods like Copper River Basin, Brookdale Estates, Franklin Village, and Southern Ridge.

As of March 2025, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Nampa is approximately $1,346 per month. You can also find restored houses from the 1920s in historic areas or new homes with modern features like high-speed internet and solar power.

Community-Centric Schools and Universities

The Nampa School District serves approximately 13,192 students across 27 schools. They offer special programs in science, technology, arts, and languages. Northwest Nazarene University teaches 2,000 students across 60 different programs.

At the College of Western Idaho, 15,000 students learn technical skills or prepare to transfer to universities. Students can get real work experience through partnerships with 150 local companies. The library system serves 40,000 members and offers 200 different classes for the community.

The Historic Downtown

The Nampa Train Depot, built in 1903, is a key landmark, reflecting the city’s railroad history. Originally a bustling station for the Oregon Short Line Railroad, now home to the Canyon County Historical Society Museum.

Stroll past the Gem State’s four-story building bustling, its Beaux Art style bustling with offices and retail spaces. The Warhawk Air Museum is known for showcasing historical aircraft and artifacts related to aviation history.

A Wonderful Food Culture

Farmers Market (a staple in the community since 1989) at Lloyd Square Park operates from April to October, specifically every Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM.

Downtown features 25 independent restaurants (like Brick 29 Bistro, Holy Cow Idaho, and The Tower Grill) that serve everything from Mexican dishes to burgers named after iconic WWII-era airplanes.

Nearby wineries Sawtooth Winery and Cinder Wines make world-class wines in Snake River Valley, and four breweries create special beers using local hops (Mother Earth Brew Co. makes 100,000 barrels of beer).

Lots of Places to Experience Art and Culture

The Nampa Art Collective collaborates with the Civic Center to display rotating exhibitions of member artists. The Nampa Opera House, built in 1903, once hosted vaudeville shows and silent films. Now it’s been beautifully restored to its former glory. The Dewey Palace Hotel mural in downtown Nampa was funded with a $7,000 donation from the Nampa Development Corporation.