KUNA
Take a drive directly south of Meridian for about 10 miles, and you’ll run straight into the growing town of Kuna. Passing acres upon acres of corn as tall as your singlelevel home, you would never guess Kuna is one of the fastest growing cities in the Treasure Valley. A little farther down the road, however, a very different story is unfolding.
Home builders recognized Kuna’s potential years ago, constructing residential and luxury communities that are attracting a whole new demographic to the area. Home prices in Kuna are a touch lower than in neighboring Meridian, yet Meridian is just an easy 10 to 15-minute drive away. As the town’s housing market grows at a rapid pace, businesses are springing up just as quickly. Just in the past year, several chain restaurants and fast food establishments have opened in Kuna. Grocery and retail stores have taken the place of agriculture lots. Gas stations and convenience stores seem to be popping up on every major corner. As these businesses continue to arrive, Kuna will become more self-contained and residents will be able to find what they need in their own lovely community.
Despite the rapid growth, Kuna has a country setting and rural roots. The breathtaking scenery inspires families to get outdoors to walk the nature paths and explore neighborhood parks. Perhaps it’s the ambiance of the area that invites folks to be friendlier here, holding the door open for others, looking people in the eye, and saying hello to strangers. And because most of the developments are tucked in and surrounded by farmland, there is a peace and quiet you get that you won’t find in the larger cities.
The beauty of living in a small, growing town is that you are part of both the old and the new. Experience the old-fashioned fun of a country carnival at Kuna Days. Held every August (skipping 2020 of course), this two-day festival celebrates the history of Kuna. It’s an event the entire town shows up for. Vendors of every kind sell crafts and paint faces. There is a food-truck alley and a beer garden. Games and rides, musicians and performers entertain young and old. A parade marches through the heart of downtown, and the festivities close each night with a spectacular fireworks display. In December, residents come out in droves, embracing the cold to enjoy the Down Home Country Christmas Night Light Parade on Main Street. Floats are lit up in a holiday glow, tossing candy to kids and playing Christmas music as they pass by. The event concludes at Bernie Fisher Park where residents count down to the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree.
A revitalization is taking place in Kuna’s downtown area. City officials are transforming the area into a destination for both locals and visitors. City Council is also looking to add more art projects, make downtown more pedestrian friendly, and cultivate its hometown feel. As businesses on Main Street upgrade their exteriors, these mom-and-pop shops, unique restaurants, nightlife, and parades are sure to make people will want to visit downtown Kuna. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention floating Indian Creek, one of the best-kept local secrets in the Treasure Valley. Forget the long pump lines and crowds on the Boise River! Grab your tube and some friends and hop in the water at Strobel Road for a 45-minute float down this fun, fast-flowing river. Don’t let the word “creek” fool you: While the water is mostly calm and relaxing, there are also few rapids that will get your adrenaline pumping.
