Ada County is located in the “Treasure Valley” of SW Idaho and encompasses 1,060 square miles (1). Ada County real estate values fluctuate greatly depending on your location within the county. North and East Ada County tend to be more expensive, while South and West Ada County usually offer more home-affordability.
There are six cities in the Ada County:
- Boise
- Meridian
- Eagle
- Kuna
- Star
- Garden City
Boise is the largest and most populated city in Ada County as well as in the entire state. Meridian is the 2nd largest, followed by Eagle, Kuna, Star, and Garden City. For more information on what these specific cities have to offer, please check out the links above.
The total population of Ada County in 2021 was about 511,931 (2). The area has experienced rapid population growth over the last few decades.
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Ada County Regions
Ada County real estate can be generalized into four primary regions: North, East, West, and South.
North Ada County
Ada County is bordered on the north by the Rocky Mountains, nestled against the “Boise Foothills“. The foothills offer great recreational opportunities for hiking, biking, and in some areas even horseback riding. Real estate values in this area tend to be higher than west or south Ada County. Some homes for sale in this area may also offer city views.
Many real estate developments in North Ada County are in more established neighborhoods offering mature landscaping and trees. This would include areas like NE Boise, N Boise, and NW Boise.
As you move closer to Boise, real estate is more developed while going to the west is more rural. For example, Eagle and Star Idaho are generally thought of as more rural areas.
Another popular amenity in much of North Ada County is the Boise River. From the beautiful scenery, to the 25-mile bicycle and pedestrian path called the “Green Belt”, the Boise River leisurely strollers, active runners, and sportsmen looking for the best fishing holes.
Ada County real estate near the Boise River and Boise foothills is very desirable and brings some of the highest real estate prices.
East Ada County
Anything east of Downtown Boise can be referred to as the East Ada County. Real estate in this area can be some of the most expensive in the county, such as N, NE and SE Boise. Most of these areas are more established, although, some newer developments are also located here. The Boise River & Boise Foothills are also in parts of Eastern Ada County.
West Ada County
In general, the farther you go west from Downtown Boise the less expensive real estate prices will be. However, there are exceptions to this general rule. For instance, Eagle is a very nice community that has higher home values.
More of the homes for sale in West Ada County will also be newer. This combination of lower prices and newer homes has spurred many new real estate developments and tremendous population growth in areas like Meridian and Star.
South Ada County
South Ada County is mostly considered the area south of Interstate 84. Real estate developments nearest to I-84 can provide some of the most convenient access around Ada County. These developments exist in the areas of S Meridian & S Boise.
As you move farther to the south, real estate prices become more affordable. Located nine miles south of the interstate, Kuna, Idaho offers some of the most affordable real estate in Ada County.
Amenities in Ada County
- Lucky Peak Reservoir
- Boise River
- Boise Parks
- Boise Foothills
- Ridge-to-River Trail System
- Mountain Biking
- Fishing Ponds
- Shopping
- Restaurants
- Malls
- Entertainment
- Events
- Golf Courses (17 courses)
