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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Gem County, Emmett over the last 12 months is $475,000, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Perfectly situated on 1.57 private acres at the end of a quiet lane just off the coveted South Slope, this beautifully updated, single-level home offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a dedicated office, and breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Emmett Valley. Inside, you'll love the bright open layout featuring vaulted ceilings, updated LVP flooring, new countertops, fresh interior and exterior
Welcome to your new home in the vibrant center of Emmett, Idaho! This beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhome offers 1,475 sq ft of thoughtfully crafted living space, perfect for comfortable modern living. Enjoy the open-concept layout upstairs ideal for entertaining or relaxing. Downstairs offers 2 bedrooms, a shared bathroom with modern features. Upstairs flows into the vaulted
Welcome to your new home in the vibrant center of Emmett, Idaho! This beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhome offers 1,475 sq ft of thoughtfully crafted living space, perfect for comfortable modern living. Enjoy the open-concept layout upstairs ideal for entertaining or relaxing. Downstairs offers 2 bedrooms, a shared bathroom with modern features. Upstairs flows into the vaulted
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
What if you didn't have to choose between having animals, growing a garden, building projects in a shop, or creating space for family? Set on 1.15 usable acres in Emmett, this property offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the hobby farm lifestyle at a price point that is becoming increasingly difficult to find. Mature shade trees create a peaceful setting and surround an expansive back deck that
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
Affordable living meets exceptional value in the highly desirable Heritage Place community! This thoughtfully updated and impeccably maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a functional split-bedroom floor plan and lives larger than its 1,247 square feet. The spacious living area flows into a separate dining space and an inviting kitchen featuring a plethora of cabinets, generous counter space,
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,
Experience luxury riverfront living in this newly built custom estate on 5 private acres along the breathtaking Payette River. Offering unmatched privacy and an exclusive Idaho lifestyle, this extraordinary property features a private beach where you can swim, fish, boat, kayak, or simply relax while enjoying the peaceful surroundings and abundant wildlife. Designed to bring the outdoors in,
Welcome to your own little slice of heaven! This beautifully renovated home on 6.7 acres offers breathtaking views of Squaw Butte and the rolling Emmett foothills, creating the perfect private Idaho oasis. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a versatile bonus room, there’s plenty of space for a movie room, craft room, home office, playroom, or guest area. The updated kitchen features granite
Looking for the perfect blend of small-town charm and everyday convenience? Welcome home! Nestled in a beautifully maintained subdivision just 20 minutes from Eagle and with quick access to Hwy 16, this spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers room to spread out, relax, and enjoy life at a slightly slower pace. The bright and cheerful kitchen is the heart of the home, featuring all-new
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
Welcome home to this beautiful brand-new 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom residence located in the heart of Emmett, one of Idaho's fastest-growing small-town communities. If you've been searching for a place that offers a slower pace of life, friendly neighbors, and stunning natural beauty, you'll quickly see why so many families are choosing to call Emmett home.Nestled in the picturesque Gem County Valley,
Escape the hustle and embrace the peaceful lifestyle you've been dreaming of in this charming country home nestled just outside of Emmett, Idaho. Surrounded by wide-open spaces and beautiful countryside, this property offers the perfect balance of rural living and everyday convenience.Inside, you'll find warm hardwood floors that flow throughout the spacious living room, creating a welcoming
Come and get away from it all out in the countryside of Emmett. This newly rebuilt quaint home sits on 4.75 acres, surrounded by other large acreage properties, with beautiful mountain views. The perfect place to come and relax in this peaceful scenic area. This home is tucked away on the far North end of Emmett, but only 10 minutes to downtown Emmett and just 30 minutes to Eagle, Middleton, Star
Now Available for Rent – 1119 Lincoln Avenue, Emmett, ID!Welcome home to this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home with coziness written all over it! From the moment you step inside, you'll appreciate the inviting open floor plan and spacious living room, creating the perfect space to relax, entertain, or simply enjoy everyday living.Outside, you'll find a large, fully fenced backyard with plenty
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