Mountainside and lakefront recreation meet in McCall
Lakeside cottages and charming local businesses are a common sight in McCall, a small town between the peaks of the Seven Devils and Salmon River mountain ranges. On the southern shores of Payette Lake, the quiet Valley County community is home to winding wooded residential streets and a close-knit atmosphere. “McCall draws in people who are ready to leave busy city atmospheres behind and embrace the peace and quiet of nature,” says Ellen Ganz, a local real estate agent with Crawford Olson Real Estate Services. “The biggest draws are access to Payette Lake and the nearby ski resorts. We also have a great local business scene and waterfront restaurants.” The town’s community-centered atmosphere encourages supporting local businesses, and annual events bring residents together throughout the year.
My Father’s Place in McCall offers patio seating near downtown shops and dining.
Outdoor activities are a frequent draw for families in McCall across all seasons.
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Waterfront homes and private high-end neighborhoods
Log cabins and Craftsman-style builds make up most of the housing market in McCall, with waterfront homes featuring private docks and easy access to lakeside parks. Towering pine and fir trees line the town’s streets, and properties range from a quarter of an acre to over 5 acres. “A lot of snow is common in the winter,” Ganz says. “Sometimes we get over 6 feet, so most people invest in a car with four-wheel drive. The big blizzards are not for the faint of heart, but our streets are usually pretty well maintained.” Single-family homes of about 2,000 square feet or less range from the upper $300,000s to the upper $900,000s, while larger homes bordering Payette River, Payette Lake or one of the town’s popular golf courses range from around $1 million to $2.4 million. In McCall’s private neighborhoods like Whitetail Club, expansive estate-style homes can range from $2.5 million to $6 million. The community also has a wide selection of condos and townhomes, which start in the mid $200,000s and reach up to $1.5 million, while manufactured builds range from the upper $300,000s to the mid-$400,000s.
Condos and townhomes are common across McCall, with options near downtown and the lake.
Eastern McCall features private neighborhoods with newer homes and wooded streets.
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Top-rated public schools and dual credit courses with local universities
McCall is known for its top-rated public schools, with the McCall-Donnelly School District serving most local families. Highly rated nearby options include Barbara R. Morgan Elementary and Payette Lakes Middle. McCall-Donnelly High School offers a variety of dual credit courses through partnerships with the University of Idaho and the College of Western Idaho. High schoolers can also choose from an array of electives, from desktop publishing and construction technology to food production management and computer aided design. Additionally, the McCall Public Library hosts regular community programs, including illustration classes, tabletop gaming and language workshops.
Barbara R. Morgan Elementary serves younger students in McCall-Donnelly School District.
Payette Lakes Middle School serves McCall students with strong local ratings.
McCall-Donnelly High School offers electives and dual credit courses with Idaho colleges.
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Recreation on Payette Lake and an active skiing community
One of the biggest draws to McCall is its natural surroundings and access to Payette Lake. Legacy Park and Rotary Park both provide public water access for swimming and paddleboarding, with a handful of public boat launches across town. The community is also bookended by well-maintained golf courses. The McCall Municipal Golf Club is open to the public, with regular events and a bar and grill, while Whitetail Golf Club offers high-end amenities and special events and services for paying members. “There are two popular ski resorts within a 20-mile drive: Tamarack and Brundage Mountain,” Ganz says. “During holiday weekends in the winter, our hotels fill up with folks traveling for the slopes.” Ponderosa State Park lies just east of downtown McCall and has lakefront campsites, wooded hiking trails and a beach. In the winter months, the park is a popular place for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing.
The McCall boardwalk offers lakeside views along Payette Lake near downtown.
Ponderosa State Park in McCall features cabins, lake access, and miles of hiking trails.
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Quaint cafes and art galleries in downtown McCall
Dozens of local businesses surround the intersection of North Third Street and Lenora Street, from quaint cafes to art galleries. Mountain Java, across the street from Payette Lake, serves baked goods, coffee and tea with locally made artwork for sale adorning the walls. My Father’s Place is a local favorite eatery serving charbroiled hamburgers and ice cream sundaes. Next door, Toll Station Pizza offers specialty pies, draft brews and Italian fare. For groceries, shoppers can visit the local Albertson’s, Ridley’s Family Markets or Natural Grocers.
Downtown McCall draws visitors from across the Pacific Northwest year-round.
My Father’s Place in downtown McCall serves burgers and sundaes and is a local favorite.
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A local farmers market and holiday celebrations
On Wednesdays and Saturdays from June to October, the McCall Farmers Market is held downtown and features dozens of vendors selling local produce, baked goods, flowers and more. The community also hosts seasonal events and holiday celebrations, like the annual Lakeside Liberty Fest on Independence Day. The event is complete with yoga in the park, a volleyball tournament and a fireworks display.
McCall Winter Carnival includes ice sculptures, markets, and a downtown parade.
The Winter Carnival parade is a highlight event in downtown McCall each year.
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Bus routes to nearby towns and driving south to Boise
Idaho state Highway 55 spans roughly 110 miles south to Boise, while U.S. Route 95 can take drivers around 90 miles north to Grangeville or 100 miles south to Eagle. Treasure Valley Transit operates bus routes throughout McCall, providing transportation to nearby communities like New Meadows and Cascade.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
Photography Contributed By
Chad Jackson
Video By
Anthony Pesa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tammy Moody,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in McCall, ID sell after 81 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in McCall, ID over the last 12 months is $800,000, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Escape to the mountains and embrace the lifestyle that makes McCall one of Idaho's premier destinations. Located just minutes from downtown, Payette Lake, dining, shopping, and year-round recreation, 220 Ernesto offers the perfect balance of peaceful mountain living and convenient access to everything McCall has to offer. Surrounded by natural beauty, this well-maintained home includes the
Escape to the mountains and embrace the lifestyle that makes McCall one of Idaho's premier destinations. Located just minutes from downtown, Payette Lake, dining, shopping, and year-round recreation, 220 Ernesto offers the perfect balance of peaceful mountain living and convenient access to everything McCall has to offer. Surrounded by natural beauty, this well-maintained home includes the
Your own Mountain Retreat with a peaceful, campground-like setting on a beautifully manicured .65-acre lot! This property truly has it all—featuring a huge fenced yard, two spacious sheds/dry cabins (234 & 120 sq ft), two RV hookups with power, water & clean-out, plus two inviting fire pits for gathering under the stars. The meticulously maintained 3 bed, 2 bath home (built in 2007) offers
Mountain Modern home on Rio Vista Pond featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2,476 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space. This waterfront property offers pond views and pond access out your back door. The main level is an inviting open layout with 2 bedrooms. The home includes a spacious bonus room and a separate living area, providing excellent flexibility for guests, work, or recreation.
Located in scenic Donnelly, this beautifully updated 3 bed, 2 bath home offers breathtaking panoramic views of iconic peaks including West Mountain and the Needles. Set on a spacious half-acre lot with no HOA, this property delivers the perfect blend of privacy, recreation, and comfort. Inside, you'll find a roomy master suite, numerous upgrades throughout the home, plus a new roof and new siding
Your own Mountain Retreat with a peaceful, campground-like setting on a beautifully manicured .65-acre lot! This property truly has it all—featuring a huge fenced yard, two spacious sheds/dry cabins (234 & 120 sq ft), two RV hookups with power, water & clean-out, plus two inviting fire pits for gathering under the stars. The meticulously maintained 3 bed, 2 bath home (built in 2007) offers
Perched at the top of the ridge with breathtaking panoramic lake views from nearly every room, this extraordinary mountain estate offers luxury living at its finest. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and 4,730 square feet of beautifully designed living space, this remarkable retreat blends timeless elegance with the natural beauty of McCall. Thoughtfully crafted for both comfort and
Expansive 12+ acre parcel ideally positioned along the desirable Elo corridor, just minutes from downtown McCall on the Farm to Market approach. Enjoy picturesque, down-valley views and stunning sight-lines to Jughandle Mountain, all with beautiful southern exposure. This property offers a rare blend of usability and natural beauty—featuring open meadows, scattered evergreens, and a seasonal
Freshly updated and ideally located, Aspens Condo #C-17 offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and mountain lifestyle. This light and inviting unit features new carpet, fresh interior paint, updated countertops, two full bathrooms - one with Jacuzzi Tub, all coming together to create a clean, move-in-ready feel. Enjoy a functional layout with cozy living spaces and easy indoor-outdoor
Gorgeous 1.5-Acre Level Lot with Stunning Sunrise Views of Jughandle Mountain! This septic-approved property is ready for your dream home. Enjoy access to a breathtaking 12-acre common area along Lake Fork Creek...perfect for relaxing, fishing, or exploring. An incredible opportunity to own a piece of paradise just minutes from McCall!
Gorgeous 1.5-Acre Level Lot with Stunning Sunrise Views of Jughandle Mountain! This septic-approved property is ready for your dream home. Enjoy access to a breathtaking 12-acre common area along Lake Fork Creek...perfect for relaxing, fishing, or exploring. An incredible opportunity to own a piece of paradise just minutes from McCall!
Discover the perfect blend of rustic charm and refined craftsmanship in this stunning log home, situated on an expansive lot within a highly desirable neighborhood. Framed by majestic mature trees, this property offers a rare sense of secluded tranquility. The interior radiates warmth, featuring gleaming hardwood floors and exquisite custom cabinetry that showcases a commitment to quality.
Beautiful level lot with 360 degree views! Tamarack Resort only minutes away! Take in views of the ski runs and Cascade Lake. Deeded access to Cascade Lake's non-motorized portion where you can enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking and fishing. Power, Water, Sewer hookups at the property with lovely building site...Ready for you to build your dream home!
Nestled among towering ponderosa pines near the Payette River, this newly remodeled chalet offers a unique romantic mountain retreat. Just 1.2 miles from Payette Lake and minutes from Little Ski Hill & Brundage Ski Resort, adventure is right at your doorstep. Step directly onto miles of biking and hiking trails, or simply relax on the two expansive decks—the lower redwood deck wrapping around the
The advertised rate of $5,582/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 24, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $19,557/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 17, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
The advertised rate of $5,224/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 24, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $12,795/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 15, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
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