Kuna, Idaho

by Curtis Chism

Kuna is a small city in Ada County, west of Idaho, settled with a population of 25,771 according to the 2022 census report. The secret treasure of the valley enjoys a prime location, 2868 ft above sea level at the foot of the Boise Mountains. The city, situated on the river plain, is one of the fastest growing regions in the state.

Kuna is regarded as a metropolitan zone of Boise, about 18 miles southwest of the capital city of Idaho. Kuna has a coverage area of 47.09 km², with 46.83 km² of land and 0.26 km² of water. The city is primarily an agricultural community owing to the nutrient-rich land which is well irrigated by the Indian Creek and its offshoots.

The city is famous for its farmlands and scenic landscape with mountains, rivers, fields, lakes, and jungles. The land of opportunities is tempting new settlers every year contributing to the fast-growing population of the city. Kuna provides adequate provision to thousands of people who live a high standard of living in the peaceful and fresh air of the ecologically pure atmosphere of the city.

Let's study Kuna under a scope to understand it better:

Kuna’s History

The beginnings of Kuna were not ideal as the city faced several natural disasters and violent incidents taking many lives in the late 19th century. A task force was formed to restore peace in the region. For that purpose, a station was established in 1882 or 1883 by the name of “Kuna”. A thriving community prospered around that station moving goods and products to make a living.

However, the community did not sustain for long when the need for Kuna to be a depot ended. The only remnants of the area were a sign bearing the name Kuna and a burial site for epidemic victims, today known as Pioneer Cemetery.

The springing up of water in the region by a scientific wonder of irrigation revived the region for settlement. This means that the people of the city will no longer have to walk 20 miles away to the Snake river and carry water barrels all the way back for family and livestock.

The authorities advertised Kuna's proximity to the railroad as a lure for land homesteaders. Newspaper advertisement was used to promote 200 plots at a cheap rate of $100 each to help build the city. The campaign was a success with 144 plots sold while the rest got auctioned. People started to settle in Kuna and the townsite was established in 1905.

Upcoming years brought glad tidings to the region with an improved irrigation system to make 50,000 acres available for agriculture and the opening of the first community school enrolling 14 students in 1908.

Kuna was incorporated in 1915 when the region already had established a post office, bank, train dept, assembly hall, and offices. Kuna hosted the renowned US Chautauqua festival for a few years after that, welcoming speakers, singers, and other entertainers.

The following years came with a lot of development with growth in businesses and the establishment of companies and industries. By 1919, Kuna had all the basic amenities of life available downtown such as pharmacy, supermarket, restaurants, barber shops, meat shop, shopping mall, cinema, etc.

Kuna remained an agricultural hamlet with a slow but steady growth after World War II. The city was unaffected due to its remote location in the nation.

What is the City Like?

The famous phrase from the Lion King movie: Hakuna Matata meaning “there are no troubles” best explains why it has “kuna” in it. The city offers a welcoming fresh air and a quiet ambiance to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life. The low population of 23,937 in a relatively large region means low traffic, noise, and light pollution.

The night blankets the sky with bright shining stars and constellations clearly visible due to less light pollution. The residents enjoy a high-quality sleep in an extremely quiet atmosphere, especially in the residential area.

The city entertains everyone. The lush green fields and farmlands in the agriculture community produce many fun activities like fruit picking orchards and farmhouses to have a family get together in the lap of nature.

Kuna is an ideal city to settle in owing to its good schools, first-rate healthcare, entertainment opportunities, hiking trails, and a genuinely warmhearted community of people. Senior citizens revel in the golf sport in the luxurious facility at Kuna's Falcon Crest Golf Course, one of the best golf courses in the state.

Life here is simple and people are happy. They head to the Swan Falls Dam and Park to engage in fishing unique species, ride bikes along the greenways, and enjoy the beautiful birds at the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area.

The weather is mostly pleasant around the year with short and dry summers and cold winters. January comes with shivering when the temperature falls as low as -5 degrees Celsius with the city covered in a white blanket.

Real Estate in Kuna

Kuna has tempted people into settling in the city with the fantastic housing opportunities since its inception. The officials advertised the 200 lots for just $100 in Boise local newspaper back in 1909 and the story has not changed much.

Kuna offers a wide range of accommodation types including Condominiums, Single-Family Homes, apartments, and antique homes in downtown Kuna at very affordable rates.

The cost of housing in Kuna is 18.3% less than the country’s average. The city is a hidden gem in the west of Idaho offering the best real estate pricing in Ada County.

An average house price in Kuna is $414,700, appreciating at a rate of 14.9% per decade. Low real estate costs and high valuation prospects make it a great investment option for the people of Idaho and even other states.

The Kuna School District

The first school in Kuna was a 16 by 24-foot tent with 14 students in the first batch. Kuna emphasizes the importance of quality education, spending over $6,000 per student.

Kuna is a remarkable school district that was established on a rich legacy of sound history, traditions, and educational ideals. Kuna School District provides excellent courses in all academic disciplines.

The Kuna School District focuses on a concept-based curriculum, science, humanities, skills, and entrepreneurship, intending to encourage each student to shape a creative mind and be productive and successful citizens.

Each teacher is responsible for 19.4 students on average, allowing efficient attention to each individual while utilizing resources and parents' assistance to equip young learners with all the necessary equipment to achieve their dreams.

Elementary Schools

Middle School

Kuna Middle School

High School

The Economy in Kuna

Kuna is a land of opportunities expected to see job growth of about 50.8% in the upcoming decade, substantially higher than the country’s average of 33.5%. The farming community largely contributes to the flourishing economy of Kuna, offering employment to haulers, packagers, and helpers associated with logistics. Plus, the booming population growth of 29.25% from 2010-2017 opened vistas for new business opportunities mitigating the unemployment rate of 3.5% compared to the country’s average of 6.0%.

A Kuna inhabitant makes $19,319 on average per year which is substantially lower than the US average of $28,555. However, the resident's median yearly household income in Kuna is higher than in other states.

Things To Do In Kuna

Kuna has entertainment opportunities for people of all ages and types. Following are some of the must-visit places in Kuna if you are in the vicinity of Boise and looking for some fun:

Kuna Disc Golf

A lovely area with a couple of fun courses to revive the dying sports of Disc Golf. Play the 18-hole course next to the creek to engage in friendly competition.

Indian Creek

The famous Indian Creek flows through the city of Kuna to provide countless fun activities. People head towards it to play down the heat in summers and enjoy a peaceful time to themselves on float boats. Tides may give you a surprise so make sure to hold on tight or else be ready to swim.

Falcon Crest Golf Course

A deluxe golf facility with two courses, 27-holes and 9-holes respectively. Playing golf in scenic views and heavenly landscape takes the experience to another level.

Willows Edge Farms

The educational micro-farm to teach agriculture practices and animal buying guide to the locals and kids.The Norwegian Fjord horses and cute puppies in Willow Edge Farm will surely make your day.

Kuna Caves

To your surprise, the region where Kuna is situated has a history of volcanic activities. The remains of those exist in the form of Kuna caves where you will find underground tubes believed to carry lava all the way to the Snake River.

Bernie Fisher Park

Situated downtown, next to the water tower is this greenland area perfect for gatherings, picnics, and parties. The family park has shelters to book on a first come first serve basis.

Kuna Butte

The prehistoric volcanic activities shaped this unique landscape south of Kuna where people love to ride mountain bikes and 4-wheelers on weekends. The butte also makes a great trail for the hikers.

Kuna Greenbelt and Parks

The fervor peaks while walking, jogging, or biking on the greenbelt of Kuna which runs along Indian Creek. The 11 well-maintained parks are provision for fishing, jogging, playing sports, and riding bikes. The lawns and shelters are available for rent to organize parties and social gatherings in the panoramic view and scented fresh air.

Transportation and Commute Time in Kuna

A sparse population and an efficient network of wide roads allow easy accessibility around Kuna. Traffic and pollution issues are negligible right now but the rate of population growth can pose a problem in the next ten years.

It takes 25.5 minutes on average to commute around Kuna which is less than the US average commute time of 26.4 minutes.

The common transportation modes in Kuna are as follows:

Air

The Boise Airport (BOI) is 18.4 miles to the northeast of Kuna managing flights of eight leading airlines and serving around 4 million travelers annually. The capital city airport manages courier services of around 30 courier service providers.

Roads And Highways

State Highway 69 (SH-69) connects Kuna with Interstate 84 in Meridian. S Ten Mile Road also helps connect Kuna with I-84. State Highways 21, 44, and 55, as well as Federal Highways 20, 26, and 30, enable easy access to the area.

Rail Access

A Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) line passes through Kuna just south of the city's heart and runs parallel to Indian Creek, preserving the city's existing railway network.

Newest Kuna Homes

Sterling Ranch Kuna
Average House Price: $464,522

2 to 4 Bedrooms, 2 to 3 Bathrooms, 6,055 to 16,727 ft²

Sterling Ranch is best known for its tranquility and comfort. The housing society is secluded from all sorts of pollution and worries. The air fills you with peace with an eye-pleasing backdrop of the star-filled sky and exotic greenery. The entertainment zone is within walking distance with sports centers, shopping malls, restaurants, and all amenities of life you can imagine!

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Patagonia Subdivision Kuna
Average House Price: $675,000

2 to 5 Bedrooms, 2 to 4.5 Bathrooms, 5,633 to 16,550 ft²

People living in Patagonia Subdivision Kuna have easy access to the major attractions of Kuna. The newly established society is a luxurious sanctuary designed with a modish theme in mind. The homes come under a slightly expensive price tag since it offers a lavish lifestyle with swimming pools, green trails, fiber optics connection, and much more.

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Indian Creek Ranch Subdivision
Average House Price: $829,900

3 to 5 Bedrooms, 2 to 3 Bathrooms, 1,500 to 3,116 ft²

Indian Creek Ranch provides a luxurious lifestyle that is universally flattering. The neighborhoods are charming, eclectic, and safe. You have the option of choosing a busy metropolitan environment or a quieter neighborhood with amenities like a community pool, tennis courts, parks, walking paths, and a theater.

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Deserthawk Subdivision
Average House Price: $431,000

3 to 4 Bedrooms, 2 to 3 Bathrooms, 1,502 to 2,394 ft²

High-rise Single-Family Homes are prevalent in the Deserthawk Subdivision's urban core. It's a lovely place to call home because it has all the amenities of living, such as top-notch hospitals and quality educational institutions.

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Curtis Chism, Realtor
208-510-0427 | Mobile
boise@chismteam.com
Chism Team | NRDS# SP56593
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