Middleton

 

Middleton is the oldest settlement in Canyon county and one of the oldest in the state, going back far as 1860 when it included a stage station along the Oregon Trail.  It was then located between Old Fort Boise and Keeney’s Ferry, where emigrants could cross the Snake River, and derived it’s name by serving as a midpoint between the two. 

 

Today, Middleton values and strives to preserve it’s past history and sense of small town community, while embracing progress and growth.  Residents are genuinely friendly and welcoming.  As you drive into Middleton on the road that shares its name, a sign advises visitors: “Our citizens practice tolerance and welcome diversity.” 

 

A close-knit community, Middleton is set among farmland with mountain views, just west of Star and north of Caldwell, and is home to roughly 10,169 people as of 2021.   However, Middleton is steadily growing as more people are discovering it’s local charm, opportunity for solitude, outdoor rec, and real country living; while still having quick access to the larger Boise metropolitan amenities as it’s location making commuting to Boise, Meridian, or Caldwell very easy.  Job growth is currently at 2.5%, but is predicted to jump to 48% over the next 10 years.

 

Despite the boom in growth though, Middleton maintains it’s safe-and-secure neighborhood feel.  Community events include everything from friendly but competitive chili cook-offs to unique events like the “Last Man Standing” dodge ball tournament and the Annual Middleton Show & Shine car show.  In the summer there are movies in the park, a Summer Kick off festival, a Harvest Festival in the fall, and the fire station has been known to host a date night catered by Texas Roadhouse and including live bluegrass music.

 

Middleton is also home to excellent schools with smaller class sizes and teacher/student ratios.  Students not only have the opportunity to excel in academics but to participate in school sports, music, and other extracurricular activities to a greater extent than is available in some of the larger schools in the surrounding area.  Middleton School District #134 includes three elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and one alternative school for grades 7-12.

 

If a warm and friendly atmosphere, spectacular landscape, and having all of the small-town benefits without sacrificing access to metropolitan perks appeals to you; Middleton is definitely a place you’ll want to call home.