Q1 2025: Ada vs Canyon County Housing Market

🏡 Ada vs. Canyon County Real Estate in Q1 2025: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

As we dive into the Ada vs Canyon County real estate Q1 2025 data, one thing is clear: the Idaho housing market is alive and well. Whether you’re a buyer looking for affordability or a seller trying to time the market, this Q1 comparison offers a wealth of insight into price trends, new construction, and city-level activity across the Treasure Valley.

Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison and highlight what the data means for YOU.

📊 Market Summary: Ada County vs. Canyon County

What it means: Ada County continues to command higher prices and volume, appealing to higher-end buyers. Canyon County, on the other hand, presents value opportunities with faster appreciation year-over-year (3.78% increase in median price).

🏠 Existing Homes: Demand Still Going Strong

• Ada County: Existing home sales grew 9.18% YOY, with a median price of $529,900 and average days on market at 42.

• Canyon County: Up a whopping 12.84% YOY, with a median price of $395,000, and average days on market at 47.

📌 Takeaway for Sellers: There's robust demand across both counties - especially for well-priced, move-in-ready homes.

📌 Advice for Buyers: Be prepared to act quickly, especially in Canyon County where affordability is drawing more competition.

🏗️ New Construction: Growth Continues with Higher Prices

• Ada County: 718 new homes sold (+6.85% YOY) with an average price of $670,305.

• Canyon County: 527 new homes sold (-5.05% YOY), but prices jumped - median up 4.97% and average up 9.23%.

📌 Insight: Builders in Canyon County are shifting to higher-end homes. In Ada County, Star and Eagle are leading the new build boom, with over 200 new homes each in Q1.

💰 Price Segments: What You Can Expect to Pay

• In Canyon County, 37% of homes sold were under $400K.

• In Ada County, just 9.9% of homes sold were under $400K.

📌 Tip for Buyers: First-time buyers on a tighter budget will find better options in Canyon County, but be ready for bidding wars in hot neighborhoods like Nampa and Caldwell.

📌 For Sellers: If your home is between $400K - $600K, you're in a sweet spot for both counties.

🏙️ Ada County Spotlight: Boise

• Boise NW: 122 homes sold, $867K avg. price, many high-end new builds (46).

• Boise Bench: 91 homes, $494K avg. price; popular for affordability near downtown.

• Boise West: 69 homes, $495K avg. price; nearly all resales.

• Boise SE: 56 homes, $631K avg. price, growing due to accessibility and parks.

Takeaway: Boise's mix of neighborhoods supports a wide range of budgets. NW Boise saw luxury new construction surge while Bench and SE areas remained price-accessible.

🌆 Canyon County Spotlight: Nampa

• South Nampa: 201 sales, $496K avg., 134 resales.

• Nampa NW: 145 sales, $455K avg., strong blend of new (65) and existing homes.

• Nampa NE: $453K avg. new construction price.

📌 Takeaway: Nampa is the engine of Canyon County. Prices are rising, and inventory is diverse. Ideal for first-timers and move-up buyers alike.

⏳ Market Timing Tips

• Ada's days on market for existing homes dropped to 42, while Canyon stayed around 47.

• Homes in prime neighborhoods are going pending within days of listing - especially under the $500K mark.

👉 For Sellers: This is a fantastic time to list. Inventory is tight and prices are steadily increasing.

👉 For Buyers: Get pre-approved, know what you are pre-approved for.  Do get Pre-Qualified, get Pre-Approved…why…see more here.

🔍 Final Thoughts: Ada or Canyon?

• Ada County = Prestige, location, and long-term value. Higher cost, faster-moving, more competitive.

• Canyon County = Affordability, growth, and rising equity. Slightly more time to shop, but price trends are heating up fast.

Whether you're buying your first home in Nampa or Kuna, or selling a high-end property in Eagle or Star, understanding this data gives you an edge.

📲 Need help navigating the market? Contact 1st Choice Mortgage