Named for Idaho’s nickname, the Gem State, Gem County offers a suburban-rural environment about 50 miles from Downtown Boise. Surrounded by mountains and with the Payette River running through it,Gem County has picturesque views and access to water recreation. “You’re traveling through desert and dry ground, and then you drop down into our valley, and it’s the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen,” says Teena Turner, designated broker of Evans Realty LLC. “You can see the orchards and the fertile green grass from the farmlands. It’s this little piece of heaven because nobody knows we’re here.” Emmett is the county seat and main hub for amenities like shopping, dining and entertainment. For some residents, it can be a 5-mile drive to reach Emmett’s Main Street, while for others, it can be a 30-mile drive. But what remains universal across the area’s 550 square miles is its welcoming and neighborly character. “The minute they pull in, it’s that old-time waving as you drive down the street,” Turner says.
Ranchers work the land in northwest Emmett.
Highways, canals, rivers, and train tracks make Emmett a hub for trading goods.
1/2
Combination of older cottages and modern farmhouses
Most houses are located in Emmett. Buyers can find homes dating back to the county’s origin in 1915 and recent builds from the 2020s. Cottages and bungalows are some of the oldest properties, usually in lot sizes smaller than 2 acres. These prices range from $150,000 for a fixer-upper and $550,000 for a 3,300-square-foot home. Craftsman and Contemporary ranches are the newest additions. These are often situated in planned or gated subdivisions that can provide community amenities like a swimming pool. Newer constructed homes can be priced from $500,000 for a move in one-story to $860,000 for a four-bedroom home in these subdivisions. Buyers looking for land can find most of those properties outside the city. “We’re infamous for homes on acreage,” Turner says. “We’ve got hobby farms, we’ve got people with horses." Lot sizes tend to expand over 3 acres having a modern farmhouse architecture with customizable features. Often these homes start over $1 million and can extend over $13 million but buyers can find homes with acreage under this price point.
Contemporary and modern single family homes are being established in southeast Emmett.
Charming ranch style layouts with acreages are spread throughout Gem County.
1/2
Water recreation on Payette River
Most of the county’s recreation spots are located around Emmett. Gem Island Sports Complex is adjacent to the Payette River, offering 57 acres of green spaces and paved walking trails. Also inside the complex is Ed’s Pond, where anglers can cast their lines. The Emmett City Park provides a tennis court, a playground and a splash area for the little ones. Located 5 miles northeast of Emmett is Black Canyon, which includes four parks and the 1,100 acres of the Black Canyon Reservoir. Visitors can launch their boats or pursue other water activities like swimming, fishing and wakeboarding.
The Payette river winds through northern Emmett in Gem County.
Gem County has several lakes great for fishing and boating.
1/2
Historic Downtown Emmett for all shopping and dining
Emmett’s Washington Avenue and Main Street are the primary hubs for shopping and dining. Within the two blocks, local restaurants and shops are situated in lower-level brick buildings or independent properties that blend in with nearby homes. Blue Ribbon Café and Bakery serves American meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s also known for its fresh pastries. Cowboy Chophouse is a family-owned steakhouse that has multiple meat cuts and burgers in a Western-themed dining room. Roe-Ann Drive-In is an old-fashioned drive-in with burgers, shakes and fries. Groceries can be bought from Albertson’s. The Emmett Farmers Market is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays from June to October. Over 50 vendors sell their goods, from food to handmade creations and books.
Downtown Emmett in Gem County is home to the annual Harvest Festival on Main st.
Check out the annual Gem County Harvest Festival every September in Emmett.
1/2
Long-running Emmett Cherry Festival
The Emmett Cherry Festival has been a Gem County staple event for 90 years and is known as one of the longest-running festivals in the state. Over 55,000 visitors head to Emmett City Park in June for the four-day celebration. Besides munching on the sweet fruit, festival-goers can visit the carnival rides or explore old-time cars at the car show. The festivities conclude with a parade. “We’ve got fire departments, high school bands, horses, the kids enjoying the candy that’s tossed out; it’s just fun for the whole evening,” Turner says. The Harvest Festival Street Fair is a weekend event that kicks off the fall season and celebrates the area’s crops. Visitors can enjoy hayrides, pumpkin patches and various craft and food vendors.
Cherry and apple orchards spread throughout the valley in Gem County.
Stroll through downtown Emmet and learn the history of Gem County through artistic murals.
1/2
All students attend Emmett Independent School District
Students can pursue their studies at Emmett Independent School District, a C-plus district. Kenneth J Carberry Intermediate School serves kindergarten through fifth grade, and Emmett Middle School teaches grades 6 through 8. Both these schools earn a C-plus from Niche. Emmett High School earns a B-minus on Niche. The school offers nine clubs, including a rodeo club and the Future Farmers of America.
Recognizable by the two domes, Emmett High School is an iconic school.
Kenneth Carberry Elementary serves students in Gem County from its campus in Emmett.
1/2
Highways 16 and 55 to reach Boise
For most Gem County residents, it’s at least a 30-mile drive south to Boise. Those who live north toward Ola will have around a 50-mile drive to the city using Highway 55. Those in the south will access Highway 16 to get there. The Boise Airport is the closest major airport, 50 miles away and offering routes to 28 cities primarily in the Midwest and on the West Coast.
Gem County offers modern new builds and large acre lots for all types of families.
The iconic Roe Anne Drive In Emmett serves up some tasty burgers and fries.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Gem County neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Gem County
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Gem County Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Gem County, Emmett sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Gem County, Emmett over the last 12 months is $468,484, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Say hello to the “Lucky Peak” floorplan by Sunrise Homes, thoughtfully built with both everyday comfort and practical living in mind. With just over 1,800 square feet, this home makes great use of space with a split-bedroom layout that gives everyone a bit of privacy. The heart of the home is the open kitchen and great room, where you'll find a big island, sleek quartz countertops, and custom
Welcome to the thoughtfully designed “Little Gem” by Sunrise Homes. This 1,677-square-foot single-level home features a smart split-bedroom layout with 3 bedrooms, a dedicated office, 2 full bathrooms, and a roomy RV garage. Inside, you’ll find a warm and open living area anchored by a cozy gas fireplace, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The kitchen is both stylish and functional, with
Welcome to the thoughtfully designed “Little Gem” by Sunrise Homes. This 1,676-square-foot single-level home features a smart split-bedroom layout with 3 bedrooms, a dedicated office, 2 full bathrooms, and a roomy 4 car garage. Inside, you’ll find a warm and open living area anchored by a cozy gas fireplace, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The kitchen is both stylish and functional, with
This beautifully planned equestrian property offers everything needed for a high-functioning, professional horse operation. Thoughtfully designed for efficiency, safety & comfort, it provides premium amenities for both horses & handlers-making it ideal for private owners, trainers, boarding programs, or equine businesses. Barn includes: 40’ x 40’ main barn, 15’ x 25’ drive-through feed room,
This extraordinary custom estate in Sweet, Idaho offers a rare blend of refined design and breathtaking natural surroundings. With commanding 360 views of Regan Butte and the Payette River, plus private river access through Hunter’s Cove, the home was crafted to showcase elegance at every turn. Rich hardwood and tile floors flow into a chef-inspired kitchen with custom cabinetry, striking
There is something rare about finding a place where you do not have to choose between the things you’ve been dreaming about. Set on 1.15 acres in Emmett, this property offers space for animals, gardening, and room to create, all at a value that is increasingly hard to find. Mature shade trees create a peaceful setting and a backyard designed for gathering, quiet mornings, and evenings on the
Rare opportunity to own 6 acres of premier riverfront property in beautiful Emmett along the scenic Payette River. With approximately 306 feet of private river frontage, this exceptional estate offers direct access to fishing, floating, kayaking, and abundant wildlife, all set against sweeping mountain views and Idaho’s breathtaking natural beauty. The spacious residence showcases a modern
Escape the crowds and discover the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of. Set on 40 sprawling acres of rolling hills and endless skies, this stunning 2023 custom home offers panoramic 360-degree views from every window. Whether you are a homesteader, outdoor enthusiast, or looking for a private sanctuary, this "ranchette" is designed for the ultimate Idaho experience. NO HOA means you have the
Financing available! Meticulously maintained by the original owner, this clean and well-cared-for home is located in the highly desirable Heritage Park Mobile Home Park. Offering 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this home features a spacious kitchen with abundant cabinetry, perfect for all your cooking and storage needs. The large primary suite includes a walk-in shower and generous closet space,
PRICE IMPROVEMENT! Set on 5 pristine acres with breathtaking unobstructed views of Bogus Basin, South Slope and surrounding Buttes, this custom-built modern farmhouse is the perfect blend of elevated design and Idaho living! From the moment you step inside, you’re welcomed by soaring vaulted ceilings, striking wood beams, and an abundance of natural light that creates a warm yet refined
Welcome to this thoughtfully built new home located on a corner lot in one of the area's most popular subdivisions. You'll appreciate the clean curb appeal, complete with front and rear sod, full automatic sprinklers, pressurized irrigation, and finished gutters-details that make the home truly move-in ready.Inside, the home opens to a spacious great room design that creates a warm and
Step into a home designed for comfort, style, and everyday living. This thoughtfully designed floor plan welcomes you with a spacious great room where family and friends can gather, relax, and make memories. The beautiful farmhouse elevation gives the home timeless curb appeal while the interior offers warmth and functionality throughout.The kitchen is truly the heart of the home, featuring
Build your dream home on this stunning 2-acre property in Emmett, Idaho, featuring spectacular views of Squaw Butte and wide-open country skies. Bring your own builder or choose from a selection of custom floor plans to create a home that perfectly fits your lifestyle. With generous acreage, this property offers endless possibilities-ideal for horses, a future shop, recreational toys, or even an
Take in the panoramic view of the beautiful Emmett Valley, located on the desirable South Slope Rd. This premium 7.5 acre lot is ready to build your dream HOME! Property includes well, power is on site, 58x50 shop, 12x18 shed and septic approval. Come out & see this spectacular view of Squaw Butte & the other surrounding hillsides w/the prettiest sunsets you'll ever see. Irrigated and currently
Discover the opportunity to create your masterpiece on this exclusive 5-acre lot in Sophie Farms, one of Emmett's most desirable estate communities, located directly off South Slope. Nestled in a serene country setting & surrounded by open skies, rolling hills & luxury residences, this property offers the perfect blend of privacy, prestige & natural beauty. With generous acreage, you’ll have room
This property is a gem. FULLY FURNISHED New paint carpet and updated windows. The backyard is peaceful retreat with a full deck, hobby shack, play ground, and a shed. Their is plenty of mature trees for shade in the summer. The water wheel in the backyard is functional and dumps water into the pond. Inside the house you will find a very spacious kitchen and living room for entertaining guest. The
Spacious 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom home available in Emmett, Idaho! This property offers plenty of room to spread out, both inside and out. Enjoy a large backyard perfect for outdoor activities, entertaining, gardening, or simply relaxing. With no HOA restrictions, you'll have the freedom and flexibility that can be hard to find.Conveniently located near schools, parks, shopping, and
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
