Star is a small but fast-growing city about 20 miles west of downtown Boise, sitting between Eagle and Middleton along State Highway 44. What was a quiet agricultural town a decade ago is now one of the hottest residential markets in the Treasure Valley. The population has more than tripled since 2010, crossing the 12,000 mark and climbing. People move here for the space, the newer construction, and the small-town pace—while still being within commuting distance of Boise and Meridian employment centers.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $425,000–$475,000 |
| School District | West Ada School District |
| Commute to Downtown Boise | 25–35 minutes |
| Climate | Semi-arid; hot summers, cold winters |
| Nearest Hospital | St. Luke's Meridian (~15 min) |
Star doesn't break down into traditional "neighborhoods" the way a larger city does. Instead, most residents live in master-planned subdivisions or on larger rural-residential parcels outside city limits.
One of Star's first large master-planned communities. Homes here were built starting in the mid-2000s, with a range of single-family sizes. The subdivision includes parks, walking paths, and a community pool. It sits close to Highway 44 for easy commuting.
Best for: Families, community amenities, established landscaping.
Larger lots with a more rural feel, located along the Boise River corridor. Properties here offer more privacy and space than the typical subdivision. Some parcels allow for horses or hobby farms.
Best for: Buyers wanting acreage, privacy, and river proximity.
A newer subdivision with modern home designs in the 2,000–3,500 sq ft range. Located on the north side of Star with good access to Highway 44. Homes here tend to be priced in the mid-to-upper range for the Star market.
Best for: Move-up buyers, modern construction, families.
One of Star's newest planned communities, featuring both single-family homes and townhomes. Includes community parks and is designed with connectivity between neighborhoods in mind. Pricing tends to be on the more accessible end of Star's market.
Best for: First-time buyers, young families, lower maintenance.
Star is served entirely by the West Ada School District, the largest in Idaho.
| School | Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Star Elementary | K–5 | Located in the heart of Star |
| Galileo STEM Academy | K–5 | STEM-focused charter option |
| Star Middle School | 6–8 | Opened to serve growing enrollment |
| Eagle High School | 9–12 | Most Star students attend Eagle High |
Enrollment growth has prompted new school construction in the area. Several charter schools also operate in nearby Eagle and Meridian.
Star's outdoor appeal is more low-key than Boise's, but residents still have solid options:
Star is a car-dependent community. Highway 44 is the main corridor, connecting Star to Eagle (10 minutes east) and Middleton (10 minutes west). There is no public transit service. Most errands require driving, though new commercial development along Highway 44 is shortening those trips. The Boise Airport is about 30 minutes away.
Tip: Highway 44 can bottleneck during morning and evening commutes, especially near the Eagle/Star border. Many residents use Beacon Light Road or Floating Feather Road as alternatives.
Star's real estate market exploded between 2019 and 2022 as inventory-starved buyers expanded their search radius from Boise and Eagle. Builders responded with a wave of new subdivisions, and Star became one of the fastest-growing cities in Idaho by percentage.
Prices have cooled from peak levels but remain above pre-2020 baselines. New construction still makes up a significant share of available inventory, which gives buyers more negotiating room than in Boise's tighter resale markets.
Most homes in Star are single-family, three to five bedrooms, on lots ranging from 0.15 to 1+ acres depending on the subdivision or rural parcels.
Star works well for people who want newer homes, more space, and a quieter pace of life while staying within reach of Boise's job market. The growth has brought new amenities, but it's still more suburban-rural than urban. If you prioritize walkability or nightlife, it may feel too quiet. If you want a 3,000 sq ft home with a yard for under $500K, Star should be on your list.
Star is about 20 miles west of downtown Boise. The commute takes 25–35 minutes via Highway 44 or I-84, depending on traffic and your starting point. During peak commute hours, travel time can stretch to 40+ minutes.
Star is part of the West Ada School District, which is the largest district in Idaho. Most high school students attend Eagle High School. The district is generally well-regarded, with several schools receiving above-average ratings.
Yes. Star remains one of the fastest-growing cities in the Treasure Valley. Multiple subdivisions are under construction or recently completed. Commercial development along Highway 44 continues to add restaurants, grocery stores, and services.
As of early 2026, the median home price in Star falls in the $425,000–$475,000 range. Prices vary significantly depending on whether you're looking at new construction in a planned community or a resale home on acreage.
Star's commercial base has grown significantly in recent years. You'll find a handful of local restaurants, coffee shops, a grocery store, and basic services along Highway 44. For larger retail, Eagle (10 minutes) and Meridian (15 minutes) are the closest options.
13,231 people live in Star, where the median age is 40.6 and the average individual income is $40,996. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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There's plenty to do around Star, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including J Cookies, The Hair Lounge, and Pretty Please Beauty.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 4.01 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.12 miles | 11 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.21 miles | 33 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.61 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Star has 4,682 households, with an average household size of 2.82. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Star do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 13,231 people call Star home. The population density is 1,628.21 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Wherever your Real Estate needs are within the Treasure Valley, Connie's knowledge in each of its sub-markets, as well as her wealth (and balance) of experience with both buyers and sellers, will serve your Real Estate needs. Contact Connie today!