One of the first places developed in Boise Valley, Star was originally a quiet community with not much going on. But like the rest of the area, the population of this once-sleepy town increased significantly over the past few years. "It used to be a drive through town, but now we have amenities that have never been here before, like multiple grocery stores and other stops," says Shantel Teeter with Homes of Idaho and 20-year resident of the state. The city got its name in the late 1800s when a worker carved out a star and placed it on the front door of its new schoolhouse. The star became a landmark for traveling farmers and miners and over time, the town was referred to as Star.
Star has grown tremendously since its second incorporation in 1997. The population went from 500 residents to 16,300 residents today, a 2,415% increase in 26 years. Despite this growth, folks here can expect an intimate, small-town feel where everyone is friendly and knows one another. "You will still see kids riding down the street on a horse and wild turkeys roaming around," Teeter says. "People here still wave with all five fingers and show up for parades and fireworks." Some of the area’s largest employers include the West Ada School District and the Star Mercantile.
Find all your groceries and more at the new Albertsons in Star.
Newly built two story craftsman homes are popping up all over Star.
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Suburban subdivisions and rural farmlands
Star combines both suburban and rural elements. The center of the city feels more suburban, with subdivisions, uniform housing and neat landscaping. As folks head to the city outskirts, it’s more rural with much more farmland and homes with acreage. The median price for a single-family home is $548,800, about $30,000 higher than Boise and nearly $130,000 higher than the national average of $416,700. “Treasure Valley is very up and coming, so housing and prices have grown immensely," Teeter says. "There are a lot of little subdivisions and little communities in Star." Heron River is a popular subdivision for its community amenities and proximity to retail, while other communities like Roselands are surrounded by farms. Homes in Star were primarily built in the 21st century, mostly in the 2020s. These are typically craftsman and contemporary homes. Newer townhouses are congregated toward State Street and Floating Feather Road. The median townhouse price is $391,990, much lower than Boise’s $475,000. Star’s market moves relatively slowly; homes sell after 83 days on average compared to the national of 44 days.
New construction and modern craftsman builds can be found on the west side of Star.
You'll find a good mix of new and old homes in Star.
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Close to Eagle Island State Park
Star’s recreation department maintains five city parks, including Star Riverwalk Park, the primary recreation spot for fishing and walking. "If you head down by the bridge, there is a rope swing that has been there for over two decades," Teeter says. "Kids love to go there to play outside and swing." Freedom Park is the city’s largest and newest park, spanning 82 acres. People go there for fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Athletes practice at the Hunter Creek Sports Complex, and dogs get their exercise at the Waggin’ Tails Dog Park. Outside its parks, locals can participate in sports programs or fitness classes.
Eagle Island State Park is a 545-acre park, 3 miles east of town where people can go biking and birdwatching or play disc golf and water sports. Star has more than 4 miles of trails, but the city wants to connect trails to Eagle Island State Park and the south side of the Boise River. Golfers can tee up at the River Birch Golf Course, a public 18-hole course to the north. Bogus Basin, a popular place for skiing and snowboarding, is 32 miles away.
Star River Walk Park is a local fishing hotspot in Star.
Eagle Island State Park beach area.
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Locally-owned shops and chains on Highway 44
State Street, or State Highway 44, is the area’s downtown and retail hub. It’s not necessarily walkable, since it’s also one of the main thoroughfares in town, and its architecture is a mixture of modern buildings and old Western structures. Dining options include a mix of chain restaurants and hometown businesses, primarily American and Mexican restaurants or bakeries. Business growth is rising; at least 20 establishments opened in 2024. Star Mercantile sells gas and groceries, and locals can travel 12 miles south to the Village at Meridian shopping mall.
Locals love the Star Country Cafe located on Hwy 44 in Star.
Stop in at Sea Salt Creamery and Bakeshop in Star for some tasty afternoon treats.
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Served by the largest Idaho school district
Star students can attend the West Ada or Middleton school districts. West Ada School District covers the majority of the city; the A-minus district is the largest in Idaho and ranks in the top five districts in the state. Star Elementary and Star Middle School are within city limits, earning B-plus and A-minus ratings, respectively. Students may attend Owyhee High, a B-plus school that opened in 2021. While there are no higher education options in Star, schools like College of Western Idaho, Idaho State University-Meridian and Treasure Valley Community College are nearby.
Many high schoolers in the community attend Eagle High School.
Younger students attend Star Elementary on N Star Rd.
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Events at the Riverhouse
Star typically puts on small-town events, often at the Riverhouse. Christmas at the Riverdale kicks off the holiday season with a gingerbread house contest, a market and a tree lighting. Summer nights are spent listening to live music during the monthly concert series, and families can watch family-friendly movies at the Star Barn. Neighbors gather for homemade chili options at the annual Chili Cook-Off, and come mid-October, hunters and their families celebrate the start of the season with the annual Pheasant Hunter’s Breakfast.
For those long winter days be sure to check out the Ribbon Ice Rink in nearby Caldwell.
Take the kids to see the fire breathing dragon at the Winter Wonderland in nearby Caldwell.
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Some sections in floodplain areas
Highways 44 and 16 run through the city. Highway 44 provides the most direct route to Downtown Boise, a 17-mile drive. Traffic can be a problem, since the population of the entire Treasure Valley is on the rise. Highway 16 connects drivers to Highway 26, which travels east to west through the area. Interstate 84 is the nearest Interstate just south of the city. The Boise Airport is the closest airport for commercial travel, offering direct flights to 28 Midwest and West Coast cities.
Star has experienced flooding and earthquakes in the past. The Federal Emergency Management Agency declared areas around the Boise River part of the 100-year floodplain, including the area near Linder Road in Star. There is also a special flood zone around the Gulch Creek area and a portion of Foothills Ditch toward the northeast. Star’s climate includes winters with single-digit temperatures and summers with warm temperatures in the 90s.
The Boise river runs swiftly through Star Riverwalk Park providing great runs for fishing.
The Boise river flood plain runs along the southern edge of Star.
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Uptick in crime within last year
Star reported a slight increase in crime in 2023. The crime rate in 2023 was 19.6 crimes per 1,000 residents, a roughly 10% increase from 2022’s 17.7 crimes per 1,000 people. Some of the major upticks came in property and societal crimes; societal crimes doubled in reported offenses, and property crimes saw a 27% increase.
Written By
Courtney Murphy
Photography Contributed By
Chad Jackson
Video By
Scott Wiggins
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Wendy Alexandre,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Star, ID sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Star, ID over the last 12 months is $549,990, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The Yosemite model located in the newest gated community in Star, offering resort-style amenities including pickleball courts and a community pool. This thoughtfully designed home features 1,613 sqft with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, including a junior ensuite ideal for guests or multi-gen living. Inside, enjoy 9-ft ceilings with elegant coffered detailing, an open-concept layout, and a gourmet
Sequoia model situated in a gated community offering resort-style amenities including pickleball courts, a community pool, and picturesque walking paths. This new construction gem features 1,850 sq ft with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Inside, soaring 9-ft ceilings with coffered accents lead into a seamless open-concept layout. The gourmet kitchen boasts top tier Bosch appliances, generous pantry, and
Waterfront Luxury in Heron River – Steps from the Boise River! This stunning James Clyde home backs to a serene pond with direct fishing access and sits across from the Boise River, Star Riverwalk, and Freedom Park. Enjoy sandy beaches, trails, and a luxury outdoor lifestyle. Interior features include 1” white oak floors, Pottery Barn lighting, designer fans, and chef-grade Thermador appliances.
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Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in this charming Star home! Situated on a desirable corner lot directly across from a park and just moments from local schools, this property offers an unbeatable location for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Inside, you'll find 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a versatile bonus room that adapts to your needs—whether it's a home
NOW TOURING | Schedule your appointment today!Nestled just outside the Boise Basin and adjacent to the Boise river, you’ll find Star Crest Ranch - a brand new apartment community where you can choose your own adventure. Our thoughtful amenities and convenient location make us your new comfort zone. Star Crest ranch gives your access to the best of Boise. Our convenient location makes us the
BEAUTIFUL, spacious 2-story home with a fantastic layout in the sought-after Fallbrook Community. Open, tasteful kitchen with quartz countertops, ample storage, and abundant natural light. Large, bright living room, overlooking a spacious yard with a pergola-shaded patio, perfect for privacy. Plenty of room for toys, pets, and storage with a great shed. Downstairs includes a good-sized office,
Experience the epitome of resort-style living at The Village at Crystal Springs, an active adult apartment community exclusively designed for those aged 55+ in the heart of Star, Idaho. Unwind and indulge in luxury as you make yourself at home in this splendid haven, now welcoming residents.Your time is now. Discover our freshly unveiled assortment of 120 luxurious single-level apartment
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
