Star’s Rural Estates: Luxury Living on Acreage in Idaho’s Countryside

If you're craving space to breathe, room to build, and a lifestyle where the sunset is your neighbor and your backyard goes on for acres, then Star, Idaho is where your search should begin—and probably end. As Boise and Meridian continue to expand, savvy buyers are turning to Star for its large-lot properties, quiet country charm, and luxury estates with wide open views.
In this guide, I’m going to break down exactly what makes rural estate living in Star so appealing in 2025, from the types of properties available and lifestyle benefits to zoning tips, neighborhood spotlights, and how to buy smart.
Let’s dive in.
Why Acreage Living in Star Is Attracting So Many Buyers
Star is the hidden gem of the Treasure Valley. It's got that small-town feel people are chasing, without feeling isolated. You’re 15 minutes from Eagle, 20 from Meridian, and still within a reasonable commute to downtown Boise. But the moment you step onto one of these large-acreage properties, you’ll feel a world apart.
Here’s why people are moving to Star for acreage:
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More elbow room: Homes here often sit on 1 to 10+ acre parcels
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Luxury without the crowds: Builders are creating custom estates with shops, horse barns, and high-end finishes
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Family-friendly: Great schools, parks, and a slower pace
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Lifestyle versatility: From raising chickens to having a full-blown hobby farm, these properties let you live on your terms
The Rural Lifestyle: More Than Just a Bigger Yard
There’s something about waking up and seeing open space in every direction. Whether you're dreaming of growing your own food, raising horses, or just having a place where your kids can roam without hearing traffic, rural estates in Star offer a different way of life.
You’re not giving up modern comforts—most homes here are high-end and loaded with features. What you gain is:
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Peace and privacy
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Control over your land
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Room for toys, tools, or livestock
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The ability to build income-generating amenities like shops or ADUs
What Kind of Acreage Properties Can You Buy in Star?
Star’s inventory is diverse. Some areas feature master-planned communities with 1-acre lots and tight CC&Rs, while others offer raw land or vintage farmhouses ready for a revamp.
1. Luxury Custom Homes on 1–5 Acres
These properties are ideal if you want modern construction, manicured landscaping, and features like:
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3–5 car garages or RV bays
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Chef’s kitchens and large primary suites
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Outdoor kitchens and entertainment patios
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Detached shops or guest houses
Many of these are located in neighborhoods like:
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Hillsdale Estates
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Quail Hollow
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The Preserve
2. Hobby Farms and Homesteads (5–20+ Acres)
If your dream includes owning animals, planting orchards, or creating a small-scale farm, these properties often feature:
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Cross fencing and animal rights
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Agricultural zoning and water rights
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Large barns or stables
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Older homes with potential or newly built ranch-style estates
These homes are typically found in north and west Star where lot sizes expand, and zoning becomes more flexible.
3. Buildable Land and Custom Projects
Want to build from scratch? Acreage parcels (1–10+ acres) are available for:
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Dream home construction
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Multi-generational housing
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Shop houses or barndominiums
Tip from Curtis: I often have off-market opportunities or builder relationships where we can walk the dirt before it's listed.
What to Know Before Buying Acreage in Star
Buying acreage isn’t like picking a home in a subdivision. You’ll need to do more due diligence, and you’ll want an agent who’s done it all before (hint: that’s me).
Septic Systems
Most properties on larger lots use septic tanks. That means:
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You need a passing septic inspection before you buy
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Plan for eventual tank replacement or maintenance
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Certain soils or slopes may require alternative septic systems
Well Water vs. Irrigation
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Domestic wells are common and should be flow-tested during inspection
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Irrigation water usually comes from pressurized community systems or shared ditches, and you'll need to maintain your own delivery setup
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Know who controls the water rights and how they’re allocated
Access Roads and Utilities
Many larger parcels have private drives or gravel roads. Ask:
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Who maintains the road?
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Is it county-maintained or private?
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What’s the access like in winter?
Fiber internet is expanding in Star, but some rural homes still rely on satellite or wireless broadband. Propane is also common instead of natural gas.
Neighborhood Spotlights: Best Areas for Acreage in Star
Hillsdale Estates
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Elevated homes with mountain views
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Paved roads, irrigation, and HOA-maintained entries
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1.5–5 acre lots with shops, mature landscaping
Quail Hollow
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Gated estate-style homes
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Upscale architecture with attached and detached garages
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Quiet streets near town center and schools
Floating Feather Corridor
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Mix of new custom builds and existing homesteads
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Easier access to Eagle and Hwy 16
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Limited CC&Rs, more freedom for animal lovers
North and West Star
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More off-grid feel with fewer neighbors
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Raw land and classic Idaho ranch homes
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Room to grow or create a full family compound
The Financial Upside of Acreage in Star
Appreciation Potential
Star is still one of the most affordable per-acre markets near Boise. As density grows in Meridian and Eagle, demand continues to rise for these larger parcels. Smart investors are already land banking.
Income Opportunities
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Rentable shops or RV pads
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Boarding horses
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Farming or leasing fields for hay
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Short-term rentals (must confirm city ordinances)
Who’s Buying in Star Right Now?
✅ Out-of-state relocators looking to escape high-density living
✅ Retirees downsizing from city estates but wanting room for hobbies
✅ Contractors and small business owners who need land for storage or work trucks
✅ Families wanting land for kids, animals, or multi-gen living
Why I Love Helping People Buy Acreage
Buying acreage isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about matching someone’s lifestyle vision with the right property—and that takes a little more care and local knowledge.
When you work with me, I’ll help you:
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Understand well, septic, and zoning
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Navigate CC&Rs and use restrictions
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Coordinate with lenders who understand rural loans
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Tap into off-market or coming soon inventory
Ready to explore 1031 exchange opportunities in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, or Eagle?
📲 Call or text Curtis Chism at (208) 510-0427
📥 Ready to relocate remotely? Download our Boise Relocation Guide
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