Section Image

Sun Valley

Sun Valley

Located in Blaine County

$2,008,410 Average Value
$1,025 Average Price per Sq Ft
49 Homes For Sale

Mountain living in Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a resort city in the Wood River Valley in Blaine County, Idaho. Known for the popular Sun Valley Resort and the alpine ski area of Bald and Dollar mountains, the city has become a sought-after vacation retreat and seasonal home destination. The famous resort anchors the city and is one of the major employers in Sun Valley, alongside St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center, which is just outside city limits. “Sun Valley is a four-season resort town and is a very active community,” says Joanne Wetherell, a Realtor at Re/Max of Sun Valley with over 15 years of experience. “It’s for people who love nature and the outdoors.”

Dollar Mountain Lodge stands against snowy peaks for winter recreation.
Dollar Mountain Lodge stands against snowy peaks for winter recreation.
Main Street in Sun Valley offers boutique shopping and casual dining spots.
Main Street in Sun Valley offers boutique shopping and casual dining spots.
1/2

Eclectic real estate options in Sun Valley

Homes in Sun Valley are often perched along mountainous hills and forests. “It’s a market that has a lot of demand but has less inventory,” Wetherell says. “Sun Valley is more of an older, established area compared to Ketchum, and single-family homes usually start at over $3.5 million.” Single-family dwellings can list from $1.3 million to just under $5 million, and larger custom-built elaborate cabins and cottages can go from $5 million to over $15 million. Townhouses can sell from $1.2 million for a two-bedroom to over $4 million for a newly built four- or five-bedroom home. One-bedroom condos from the 1960s or '70s may start around $390,000, and two-bedroom units may list just under $1 million. Newer condos in golf course communities or the mountains can reach nearly $3 million.

Open terrain and rolling hills frame Sun Valley’s picturesque landscape.
Open terrain and rolling hills frame Sun Valley’s picturesque landscape.
Traditional Sun Valley residence offers mountain scenery and open outdoor space.
Traditional Sun Valley residence offers mountain scenery and open outdoor space.
1/2

Outdoor activities around Sun Valley and Ketchum

There are miles of trails, two ice-skating rinks, and three golf courses around Sun Valley. Hemingway Memorial has peaceful walking trails and a sculpture commemorating the famed writer. “Everyone goes to Dollar Mountain and Bald Mountain to ski,” Wetherell says. People can hike at the Sun Valley Trail or the 20-mile Wood River Trail. Mountain biking is permitted at Greenhorn Gulch and Warm Springs Road. Places such as the Big Wood River offer fly fishing, and Sun Valley Lake allows canoeing and paddle boating.

Bald Mountain dominates the skyline with world-class ski slopes.
Bald Mountain dominates the skyline with world-class ski slopes.
A hillside trail in Sun Valley offers a peaceful setting for outdoor walks.
A hillside trail in Sun Valley offers a peaceful setting for outdoor walks.
1/2

Cultural events in the city and ski competitions at Sun Valley Resort

The town offers many festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including the Sun Valley Music Festival, Sun Valley Film Festival and Sun Valley Arts & Crafts Festival. Other events include brew tastings, wine auctions, car shows and heritage celebrations such as the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, which marks the annual tradition of migrating sheep from the mountains down to the valley. In addition, Sun Valley Resort hosts many ski competitions and events, including the World Cup Finals in 2025.

Blaine County School District serves the resort community

Blaine County School District serves the community of Sun Valley. Prospective primary schools include Bellevue Elementary School and Hailey Elementary School, with a B and a B-minus grade from Niche, respectively. Ranked by Niche as the No. 2 best public elementary school in Blaine County, Ernest Hemingway STEAM School has an A-minus and serves students from prekindergarten through eighth grade. Wood River Middle School and Wood River High School both rate a B-plus. Wood River High provides many career pathway programs for students, including curricula for medical assistance, engineering, information technology and business management.

Wood River High School serves Blaine County with diverse academic programs.
Wood River High School serves Blaine County with diverse academic programs.
Hemingway STEAM School provides innovative learning programs.
Hemingway STEAM School provides innovative learning programs.
1/2

Shopping and dining options in Ketchum and Sun Valley

Sun Valley Mall is home to a variety of businesses and restaurants, including the bakery and breakfast spot, Konditorei, and Village Station, which serves classic American fare. The abutting town of Ketchum has more eateries, grocery stores like Village Market and boutiques along Main Street. From June to October, Wood River’s farmers market is available for residents to buy local produce and goods.

Fresh European-style pastries fill the display case at Konditorei in Sun Valley.
Fresh European-style pastries fill the display case at Konditorei in Sun Valley.
Ozzies Shoes in Ketchum offers quality footwear and outdoor brands.
Ozzies Shoes in Ketchum offers quality footwear and outdoor brands.
1/2

Getting to Sun Valley by air or car

The town is accessible via Idaho State Highway 75. Twin Falls is about 85 miles south of Sun Valley, and Boise Airport and the city are about 155 miles west. In the winter season, people on the West Coast may fly directly into Sun Valley Friedman Memorial Airport, and there are nonstop flights from Salt Lake City and Denver year-round. Occasionally, severe winter snowstorms may cause flight delays and cancellations. Within Sun Valley, people can take Mountain Rides buses to navigate Ketchum, Sun Valley and Hailey. St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center is right outside the city limits.

Christina Xu
Written By
Christina Xu
Pasha Chichagov
Photography Contributed By
Pasha Chichagov
Mike Dunleavy
Video By
Mike Dunleavy

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Sun Valley Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$1,395,000
Median Sale Price
$800,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$4,337,500
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$3,135,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$800,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
8%
Last 12 months Home Sales
3
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-53%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,025

Area Facts

Number of Homes
477
Number of Homes for Sale
49
Median Year Built
1979
Months of Supply
196.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,336
Significantly above the national average
1,929
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,085
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,157
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
626
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
412
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
22,869

Open Houses

  • Wednesday, Jan 7
    Open Wed 1PM - 3PM

    2233 Bonne View Condo Dr Unit 2233, Sun Valley, ID 83353

    $895,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 966 Sq Ft
    • 2233 Bonne View Condo Dr
    • Unit 2233

    Bright and sunny remodeled unit including floors, walls, appliances, windows, slider, expanded deck with open living, dining, kitchen, two bedrooms plus loft,2 baths.Great light and great rental potential Huge views, community pool, hot tub,tennis and pickle ball next door. GARAGE and ski storage.Bus stop near by takes you to skiing,Ketchum and back! Easy living in Elkhorn Village all year long!

    Alex Hughes Sun Valley Real Estate, LLC

    Section Image
  • Friday, Jan 9
    Open Fri 2PM - 4PM

    2639 Ridge Ln Unit 39, Sun Valley, ID 83353

    $1,139,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,191 Sq Ft
    • 2639 Ridge Ln
    • Unit 39
    • New 6 days ago

    This one-of-a-kind custom condo in the Ridge on the Elkhorn Golf Course features designer decor, an upgraded kitchen and bathrooms, and a luxurious primary ensuite with custom closets. Relax on the spacious decks overlooking the 9th fairway, with a generous guest bedroom completing the space. Offered fully furnished and move-in ready. Excellent investment opportunity.

    Joanne Wetherell RE/MAX Sun Valley

    Section Image
  • Wednesday, Jan 7
    Open Wed 1PM - 3PM

    2737 Sunburst Condo Dr Unit 37, Sun Valley, ID 83353

    $998,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,472 Sq Ft
    • 2737 Sunburst Condo Dr
    • Unit 37

    This fully updated & turn-key 2BD/2BA + Loft is located off the 4th green on the Elkhorn Golf Course. The vaulted ceilings, ample living spaces, private location & spectacular views make this unit a MUST SEE! Buyers will be impressed with the 2023 updates, including a gas insert fireplace, high end appliances, light & bright interiors, spacious loft & expanded decks. Plus great rental history.

    Cindy Ward Sun Valley Real Estate, LLC

    Section Image

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Sun Valley Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,437
Median Age
60
Population under 18
12.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
41%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$86,415
Above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$124,726

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.9%
College Graduates
61.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.9%
% Population in Labor Force
77%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
18''
Average Winter Low Temperature
7°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
82''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

39 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

14 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

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.