South of Nampa and west of Kuna lies Lake Lowell. Officially called Deer Flat Reservoir, it was constructed between 1906 and 1911 in the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge was established in 1909 by President Theodore Roosevelt and is maintained by the U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Service. The Lake is filled by the New York Canal, which uses water diverted by Lucky Peak Dam.
The communities within the Lake Lowell area are very popular because they are new communities that are still being built. These new houses are cheaper than houses in Nampa proper while still providing easy access to downtown Nampa, Interstate 84, and various Treasure Valley recreational opportunities. Below are the five best-selling subdivisions in the South Nampa/Lake Lowell area.
Carriage Hill
The Carriage Hill and Carriage Hill North subdivisions in Nampa provide unobstructed views of the Boise foothills and are close to schools and parks. The subdivision contains a clubhouse with community pool, a large park with playground, and an expansive walkway system. In addition, Carriage Hill is close to the Nampa Recreation Center, which features pools, basketball courts, fitness equipment, and numerous community events. The Karcher Mall and Treasure Valley marketplace are in close proximity as well. The developers are Van Engleman Development and Coleman Homes. Lot sizes range from 0.2 to 0.6 acres and most houses have sold between $300,000 and $400,000.
Lava Springs
The Lava Springs subdivision in southern Nampa is approximately 30% open space and contains nearly 3 miles of trails. Three 20,000 square-foot parks in the neighborhood provide close, safe areas for kids and families to play. Homesites range from 0.17 to 0.3 acres. Most homes sell for between $200,000 to $400,000.
Redtail Estates
Redtail Estates is an in-development high-end community east of Lake Lowell, just off Happy Valley Road. Homesites will range from 1.0 to 4.71 acres. Projected house prices are between $350,000 to $600,000.
River Meadows
River Meadows is a new community in southeast Nampa with 263 lots. Residents enjoy a quiet country setting that also provides easy access to shopping and the Garrity Exit for commuting. The houses are traditionally styled with a variety of options, and are developed by Liberty Development. Floor plans range from 1,200 to 2,500 square feet and lot sizes are between 0.13 and 0.3 acres. Homes typically sell for $200,000 to $300,000.
Southern Ridge
Southern Ridge is a new subdivision in southeast Nampa that is being built behind Ronald Reagan Elementary School. The subdivision is located just minutes from downtown Nampa and Lake Lowell. The developer is McMasters Unlimited. When completed, the entire subdivision will encompass 21 building lots, with homesites ranging from 0.15 to 0.18 acres. Homes are selling as fast as they are being built from $200,000 to $300,000. These factors also make Southern Ridge one of the most affordable communities in the Lake Lowell region.