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
Max Coursey,
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.
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On average, homes in Star, ID sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Star, ID over the last 12 months is $579,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
PRICE REDUCTION and 3 OPEN HOUSE dates this weekend! Fri:3-6pm, Sat:11-2pm and Sun:1-3pm. Situated on an oversized .35-acre lot in Star’s desirable Rockbridge subdivision, this thoughtfully updated home offers the space, flexibility, and established landscaping that are increasingly difficult to find. Mature shade trees, a spacious backyard retreat, and multiple flexible-use spaces create a
Set on a private, nearly 1/3-Acre lot with over $100,000 in new custom upgrades, this home is one of a kind! NEW interior and exterior paint, NEW flooring, NEW carpet, NEW blinds, & NEW light fixtures throughout. The beautifully renovated kitchen features NEW quartz counters, NEW full tile backsplash, NEW gas oven/range, deep sink, & huge adjoining pantry, & opens to the dining area with sliders
Discover luxury living at Cherished Estates! If you're looking for a quality-built home with premium upgrades and exceptional craftsmanship, come see what sets us apart. The Melody offers 2,479 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed single-level living with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a dedicated office. The open-concept layout is perfect for entertaining, while the gourmet kitchen features quartz
Unobstructed panoramic views of the Boise Valley, vineyard views, city lights, mountains & open space create a stunning backdrop for this custom 1-acre estate in sought-after Hillsdale Estates. Designed for multi-generational living & entertaining, this home offers over 5,000 SF of luxury living with breathtaking views from nearly every room. Quality craftsmanship shines throughout with tile
Welcome to The Reserve at Pinewood Lakes, a gated Star community offering peace, privacy, and a beautiful natural setting. This upgraded home opens to immediate views of your private backyard pond creating a serene backdrop from the moment you walk inside. The great room features exposed beams, crown moulding, recessed lighting, a warm fireplace, and abundant natural light from lwindows and
Experience resort-style living in one of the area's premier 55+ communities, where an active, low-maintenance lifestyle is enhanced by exceptional amenities including indoor/outdoor pools, hot tub, fitness center, pickleball courts, and a welcoming clubhouse that encourages neighborly connection. Nestled on one of the largest homesites in the neighborhood with no rear neighbors, this
Introducing the Harrier, an award-winning two-story home offering approximately 3,122 SF of sophisticated living space. This thoughtfully designed residence features 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. This home is packed with standout highlights! You’ll love the main floor primary suite and gorgeous closet attached to the laundry room.Every bedroom has an adjacent or en suite bathroom, offering privacy
Rare opportunity to own a fully equipped equestrian property on 6.48 acres with full water rights in Star, Idaho! Designed for horse enthusiasts, hobby farmers or anyone seeking room to spread out, this versatile property offers impressive equestrian facilities, including a 150x100' riding arena; a 30x24' barn with power, 3-panel stalls & hay storage; 6 corrals/pens; 12x24' covered chute area;
A rare opportunity in Star, Idaho! Qualified buyers may be able to assume the seller's 2.5% VA loan, creating a significant financing advantage in today's market. Perfectly positioned on a corner lot overlooking a peaceful pond, 1360 Bowknot Lake offers the blend of comfort, functionality, and lifestyle that today's buyers are searching for. Open space along one side provides added privacy and
Welcome to 11524 W Darkwood St. in Star, Idaho! This beautifully appointed 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a dedicated office offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and functionality in one of Star's most desirable and peaceful neighborhoods. Situated on a spacious 0.16-acre lot, this thoughtfully designed home features an open-concept floor plan enhanced by high-end finishes and custom touches
PRICE REDUCTION and 3 OPEN HOUSE dates this weekend! Fri:3-6pm, Sat:11-2pm and Sun:1-3pm. Situated on an oversized .35-acre lot in Star’s desirable Rockbridge subdivision, this thoughtfully updated home offers the space, flexibility, and established landscaping that are increasingly difficult to find. Mature shade trees, a spacious backyard retreat, and multiple flexible-use spaces create a
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Set on a private, nearly 1/3-Acre lot with over $100,000 in new custom upgrades, this home is one of a kind! NEW interior and exterior paint, NEW flooring, NEW carpet, NEW blinds, & NEW light fixtures throughout. The beautifully renovated kitchen features NEW quartz counters, NEW full tile backsplash, NEW gas oven/range, deep sink, & huge adjoining pantry, & opens to the dining area with sliders
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DON'T MISS OUT on this beautifully upgraded home in the coveted neighborhood Colina Vista in Star Idaho! This property is loaded with premium features inside and out. Inside, the home features a full home theater system with surround sound and built-in speakers throughout, including outdoor audio. The kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances, and the home includes motorized window coverings,
Aerie offers a refined take on modern living. Thoughtfully designed residences feature elevated finishes and spacious interiors. As a pet-friendly community, we welcome your furry companions with open arms. A state-of-the-art fitness center and a resort-style pool and spa bring everyday luxury within reach, while mountain views and natural surroundings create a lifestyle defined by comfort,
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
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
Now offering 20-month leases. Sign today and lock in today’s low rate for the next 20 months! Offer valid for new applicants who sign a 20-month lease by July 31st, 2026. Base rent will remain at the 12-month lease rate for the duration of the 20-month term. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. Live in this
Now offering 20-month leases. Sign today and lock in today’s low rate for the next 20 months! Offer valid for new applicants who sign a 20-month lease by July 31st, 2026. Base rent will remain at the 12-month lease rate for the duration of the 20-month term. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. Be the first to live
Now offering 20-month leases. Sign today and lock in today’s low rate for the next 20 months! Offer valid for new applicants who sign a 20-month lease by July 31st, 2026. Base rent will remain at the 12-month lease rate for the duration of the 20-month term. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. Be the first to live
Now offering 20-month leases. Sign today and lock in today’s low rate for the next 20 months! Offer valid for new applicants who sign a 20-month lease by July 31st, 2026. Base rent will remain at the 12-month lease rate for the duration of the 20-month term. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. Live in this
Now offering 20-month leases. Sign today and lock in today’s low rate for the next 20 months! Offer valid for new applicants who sign a 20-month lease by July 31st, 2026. Base rent will remain at the 12-month lease rate for the duration of the 20-month term. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. Be the first to live
Now offering 20-month leases. Sign today and lock in today’s low rate for the next 20 months! Offer valid for new applicants who sign a 20-month lease by July 31st, 2026. Base rent will remain at the 12-month lease rate for the duration of the 20-month term. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. Be the first to live
Now offering 20-month leases. Sign today and lock in today’s low rate for the next 20 months! Offer valid for new applicants who sign a 20-month lease by July 31st, 2026. Base rent will remain at the 12-month lease rate for the duration of the 20-month term. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. Be the first to live
Now offering 20-month leases. Sign today and lock in today’s low rate for the next 20 months! Offer valid for new applicants who sign a 20-month lease by July 31st, 2026. Base rent will remain at the 12-month lease rate for the duration of the 20-month term. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. Live in this
Now offering 20-month leases. Sign today and lock in today’s low rate for the next 20 months! Offer valid for new applicants who sign a 20-month lease by July 31st, 2026. Base rent will remain at the 12-month lease rate for the duration of the 20-month term. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. Live in this
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