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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/3
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Nikolas Buich,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in McCall, ID sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in McCall, ID over the last 12 months is $800,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Take advantage of this price reduction and a Home Warranty! 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
Experience the charm of mountain living in this beautifully updated and fully furnished McCall cabin. Just two blocks from the McCall Golf Course, this inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bath retreat blends rustic character with modern updates, featuring knotty pine walls and ceilings, new flooring, and a cozy gas stove that creates the perfect gathering place after a day on the lake, golf course, or ski
**OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 08/08 11A-1P**. Welcome to effortless mountain living at 302 Broken Street, a thoughtfully designed townhome tucked into one of McCall's most sought-after neighborhoods. Step inside to an open, light-filled floor plan with vaulted ceilings, designer finishes, and a chef's kitchen built for entertaining. The primary suite is a true retreat with a spa-style bath and walk-in
Take advantage of this price reduction and a Home Warranty! 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
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.
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
Build your dream mountain retreat on this beautiful homesite in McCall and adjacent to Jug Mountain Ranch. Nestled among towering pines, this property is just over 2 acres and offers the perfect blend of privacy, natural beauty, and year-round recreation. Much of the groundwork is already complete, including a private well, a buried 1,000-gallon propane tank, an approved septic permit, and power
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!
Exceptional 2+ acre parcel ideally located near Lake Fork, offering the perfect balance of privacy and accessibility. Situated between McCall, Donnelly, Tamarack, Jug Mountain, and Gold Fork Hot Springs, this property puts you at the center of Idaho’s best year-round recreation. Build your dream cabin or getaway and enjoy the freedom of a true “private Idaho.” The hard work has already begun with
Fantastic location scrunched between Pilgrim Cove, Payette Lake, Ponderosa State Park, and McCall Golf Club. A short jaunt to downtown McCall, golf, skiing, mountain biking, hiking and an abundance of year-round activities. Fantastic views of the mountains in the coveted Lick Creek subdivision, which features mountain views, paved streets, and flat lots to ease the building process. Water, sewer,
The Hearthstone fraction Ownership Program offers a unique opportunity to acquire a home in McCall, nestled within the Spring Mountain Ranch community. Residents enjoy access to a comprehensive range of amenities, including swimming pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and a fitness center. The property is elegantly furnished with high-end furnishings, granite countertops, and all necessary
Located in the highly desirable Aspen Ridge subdivision, this spacious 0.48-acre lot offers beautiful views of Brundage Mountain and an ideal setting for your dream home. The gently sloping terrain is well suited for a daylight basement design, maximizing both views and living space. Enjoy easy access to the McCall Golf Course, Ponderosa State Park, and downtown McCall, where you'll find
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!
Build your dream mountain retreat on this beautiful homesite in McCall and adjacent to Jug Mountain Ranch. Nestled among towering pines, this property is just over 2 acres and offers the perfect blend of privacy, natural beauty, and year-round recreation. Much of the groundwork is already complete, including a private well, a buried 1,000-gallon propane tank, an approved septic permit, and power
The advertised rate of $6,023/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 20, 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 $23,947/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 $13,959/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 3, 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 $15,620/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 18, 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 $8,312/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 19, 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 $7,332/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 16, 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 $6,321/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
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.
