Kuna, ID

When buying your country property, one thing to keep in mind, is your route to work. That is one trip you have to make on a daily basis and should be a major consideration when you choose your property.

Though we do not have traffic jams here in Kuna, every year we see more traffic on our roads. Properties in the Kuna area have two challenges you should be aware of.

1. South of the railroad tracks. Unless you are taking a route that runs due east or west, you have to cross the tracks to get to the highway that takes you north to the interstate. I have been stuck at the tracks for what seems like forever, sometimes shutting off my engine to conserve fuel. This would be a major source of frustration for me.

2. Getting on to Meridian Road. We were all sad to see the introduction of the first traffic light into our small community, but it has been a life saver. If you have to get onto this major highway without the help of a computer controlled traffic cop, you are taking an additional traffic risk every time.

…..There is one subdivision on Meridian road that is having trouble selling homes and I believe access to Meridian road is one big reason. The entrance to this subdivision is directly off the highway right below a little hill. Entering and crossing the highway, to head into Boise, is extremely difficult and dangerous.

…..The intersection of Columbia and Meridian road has the worst accident rating on Ada County Highway Districts list of intersections scheduled to get a traffic signal.

This intersection has been scheduled to get a traffic signal for the past four years. Because of a change in design, the project will not start until 2010. That could change but probably only because of an increase in serious accidents, not what anyone wants to see.

…..The Ten Mile Interchange planned for 2010 will definitely give some alternative routes for traffic to get to the interstate.

Of course these concerns are worst during certain times of the day. And if you have young drivers in the household, another worry to add to the already long list.

Your real estate agent should be looking out for your best interests. If they do not talk about the traffic issues, bring it up to them. If they are not familiar with that area, they should be able to give you a source for you to check it out. Visit that property during rush hour, at night and early morning, check out your route to work and school.

Of course, if the realtor helping you actually represents the seller (like in a model home open house), you may never know until the first day you drive to work. Remember it doesn’t cost you, the buyer, anything to have a real estate agent promote your best interest and keep in mind all the necessary details when considering your next investment.

Even though the weather was not the greatest, I’m sure Kuna’s auction this year will be a success. Just knowing the generosity of this small community, proceeds will surely top last year’s $44,000.

Why are smaller communities so generous? Probably because there is a real connection between people that need the help and your efforts.

Last year 13 local families, people that we know, suffered from fire or flood damage.They were helped by the proceeds from last year’s auction.

So you can actually see where your efforts have helped and know you were part of the solution.

Neighbors helping neighbors, that’s what makes rural living so wonderful.

Home with a terrible cold, I did not get to catch any of the action. But I did find some fun to share with all you.

File Attachment: Dumb_People_Shouldn_t_Have_Horses.wmv (665 KB)

The City of Kuna has given the OK for a development that would include a “big box” store plus various commercial and residential buildings. I have listened to many citizens concerns and this is what I am hearing.

The Pluses:

1. Competition: This is the American way. In order for businesses in Kuna to directly compete with a Walmart-type store, they will have to offer better and different products and superb customer services. That’s not a bad thing for the consumers.

2. Convenient: This is the most verbal aspect. As a Kuna resident, I’m always planning any shopping to correspond with going into town for other reasons. It’s a 20 min trip to the nearest big grocery store. With gas prices soaring, this shopping opportunity would definitely be easier and more economical for every Kuna resident.

3. Progress: Any growth in our community seems to attract more growth. This is understood and excepted by everyone that lives here. A necessary evil when living in a community that offers so much. Build one and the others will follow.

The Minuses:

1. Increased Traffic and Noise. This development will be on the corner of two already busy roads, Deer Flat and Meridian. Projected to add 12,000 more cars daily at the completion of this project, the current infrastructure will not be adequate. And with the High School so close, foot traffic will be certain along this busy road.

2. Downtown Business May Suffer. The concept of a “big box store” is to offer people one stop shopping. This will effect our downtown shops. Kim, the owner of the Wild Ivy, stated in a recent newspaper interview,”Lots of people shop at her store for last minute gift items”. Kuna will have to plan ways to keep the traffic coming to downtown area. Most of these stores already have competitive pricing and unique items.

3. Losing Our Small Town Quality: Kuna is a town that is quiet, safe and friendly. This is what many people who moved to Kuna don’t want to lose. Most big box stores do not fit into this image. The Planning and Zoning department needs to use this opportunity to keep Kuna’s character.

Attempting this will be a challenge for the City of Kuna, to control growth and sustain the quaint, agricultural atmosphere that make Kuna unique. I think the majority of residents in this town are ready for a change, needing more recreational options, jobs and conveniences closer to home. Change can be a good thing. I wonder if Kuna is up to the challenge?

This blog is dedicated to featuring real estate issues and properties in the Kuna area. With the owner’s permission, I what to make you aware of unique opportunities that may not be on our MLS system for one reason or another.

This featured property is earth insulated, with solar features and is surrounded by mature vegetation and gardens. It is very unique to this area because of it’s energy savings features. Our hydro electricity has been so cheap, we don’t see enough energy efficient building being done with the future in mind. This property has been on my wish list to see for a long time

Built into the side of a hill along the creek,the north side of this house uses the earth as an insulator from the elements and the noises of the country road. You can feel quite secure and private on this 10 acre waterfront property. It even boast a small portion of earthen roof.

The owner states there is over 2400 sq ft of living space, a two car detached garage and a 19x30 ft shop on the property. According to Ada county’s tax roll, there are two parcels that make up this 10 acre lot.

Built in the 80’s during the last gas crisis, this home has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and a wall of south facing windows to capture that winter sun we enjoy here in Idaho.

The covered patio, I can imagine is well used in the summer time, facing Indian Creek with plenty of farmland and mountain views.

I think this would be a wonderful opportunity by using the second parcel as another building lot. A great homesite with easy access to the interstate and with beautiful Idaho scenery.

Call me if you are interested in exploring this great real estate opportunity. I still haven’t got to see the inside!

Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens, these are a few of my favorite things……

I always feel like humming this song when I visit Kim’s shop on the west side of Kuna. If it’s a crummy day(weather or business wise) I just lose myself in this nostalgic boutique.

There is so much to see, and I always walk away with something in a bag or in my next dream project.

Besides tea and cookies daily, there is always something fun going on at the Wild Ivy. Contests and promotions that you can join in, as simple as guessing the number of candy hearts, to giving gifts of warm clothes to children at Christmas time. The prizes are always generous and lots of fun. (I won a $25 gift certificate the first time I entered my name!)

You will not find anything to compare for prices. I find this to be true in most of the downtown Kuna stores. Prices are very reasonable compared to the same item in Meridian or Boise, probably because of the ability to keep the overhead low.

Kim or any of her sales associates are so willing to help you find just the right piece. So if you don’t see want you what, be sure to ask!

It is a little tricky to find the Wild Ivy.If you are traveling west on Main St, instead of staying on that road as it turns south to cross the river,stay on Main, and go straight towards the flag pole and you’ll see it. (291 Ave E)

These are just some of the themes the Wild Ivy carries.

Country Primitive

Victorian

Garden and outdoor decor (and great basics to start a project with)

Western and Northwest Outdoors (John Wayne too!)

Children's (cutest baby shoes I’ve never seen)

Kitchen chic (including antiques)

Seasonal (Great sales)

So much more!!!

The shabby chic exterior just begs you to explore the inside. This shop has been featured in trade magazines and is one place that you need to visit when you come to Kuna.

I just simply remember my favorite things. and then I don’t feel so bad