Star vs. Eagle: One Town Is Winning—and It’s Not Who You Think

By Thomas Tubbs – Director of Operations, Agents With A Smile | Keller Williams Realty Boise

Let’s be honest—there’s something about the Star vs. Eagle debate that gets people heated. And no one feels stronger about it than my wife, Sara, who proudly sips from a coffee tumbler that reads: “Real Housewives of Eagle.” She loves me, sure—but bring up moving to Star, and her Italian temper kicks in just enough to stop me from even considering it.

That said, I’ve lived in Eagle for the past eight years. I work with a powerhouse team of 18 agents at Agents With A Smile, and we help over 200 families a year make moves across the Treasure Valley. So I’ve seen—up close—what makes each town tick.

If you’re trying to decide where to plant roots, here’s the real scoop on what makes Star and Eagle different—and why either could be the right fit, depending on your season of life.

Distance to Boise: Is It a Dealbreaker?

• Eagle is closer to Downtown Boise by about 10–15 minutes. If your life includes regular trips into the city—whether for work, nights out, or Trader Joe’s runs—this can be a big perk. The Village at Meridian is right off Eagle Road, so having the hot local spot just right there might be helpful

• Star is slightly further out, but if your routine stays mostly on the west side, the drive is no biggie. It’s calm, scenic, and still close enough to get where you need to go. Maybe you commute to Nampa anyway, in which case Star is definitely closer!

I know parents who happily trade the extra mileage for Star’s peaceful streets—and others who swear the Eagle commute is worth every minute shaved off the day. Ada County Hwy district is currently expanding HWY 16 to connect to Interstate 84, which should be completed by 2027 to ease the commute for all areas. 

Vibe: Who Are Your People?

• Eagle gives you that established, curated lifestyle. Tree-lined streets, high-end boutiques, walking paths, and neighbors who know the difference between a Pinot Gris and a Pinot Grigio. It feels like the suburb that "made it."

• Star is more laid-back, a little newer, and definitely friendly in a wave-at-every-passerby kind of way. It’s what Eagle felt like 15 years ago— more open space and an even smaller town feel.

Our family attends Eagle Christian Church, which actually sits right on the border—technically in Star now, thanks to a land annexation a couple years ago. (That’s one of those little local shifts that tells a bigger story: Star is growing, fast.)

Events, Community, and Lifestyle

• Eagle is packed with community events: Eagle Fun Days, the Saturday Market, Food Truck Fridays, Thursday Night Concert Series, Harvest Festival, and much more. There’s always something going on. It feels polished and well-planned.

• Star is building momentum quickly. Hometown Celebrations, local sports leagues, and a growing farmers market are pulling more and more people together. It’s like watching a small town come to life.

My kids—Silas (9) and Penelope (6)—love both towns. They’ll ride their bikes along Eagle's Greenbelt one weekend and hit Star’s skate park the next. For them, it’s all about space to play and friends to meet. Both areas have vibrant families and a welcoming attitude.

Schools and Services

Both towns fall under the West Ada School District, and you’ve got great options either way.

• Eagle High School and surrounding schools are well-established, with strong reputations.

• Star Elementary and Star Middle are newer but already earning praise from parents. The brand new highschool for Star - Owyhee High school is a beautiful new school with high aspirations to put them at the top of the charts in Idaho's school system.

Star’s also stepping up with expanded services—a new library, improved city staffing, and more infrastructure to meet the surge of new families.

Home Values & Affordability

• Eagle homes come with a higher price tag—and more long-term equity. If you’re buying here, you’re buying into an established market with a proven track record.

• Star offers newer homes, often with more square footage and better price-per-foot. It’s still one of the best places in the Treasure Valley to find value, especially for growing families.

As someone overseeing real estate moves day in and day out, I can tell you: both markets are strong. But Star is where we’re seeing a lot of people get more bang for their buck—without sacrificing quality of life.

So... Which One’s Better?

Depends who you ask.

Ask my wife Sara, and it’s Eagle. No question.
Ask one of our clients who just upsized in Star with a big yard and a three-car garage? They’d tell you they’re never looking back.

For me? I love Eagle. It’s home. But I also love visiting Star—especially when I don’t bring up real estate values around the kitchen table (trust me, lesson learned!). We’ve got friends we love out there, and I’m excited about where that community is headed.

Whether you’re considering Eagle, Star, or somewhere in between, our team at Agents With A Smile is here to help you figure out what fits your family best. We’ve helped hundreds of families make this exact decision, and we’ll walk you through the options with honesty, care, and maybe a little humor along the way.

Want the inside scoop on neighborhoods, schools, or where the best coffee is in either town? Shoot me a message. I’ve got stories.