A Postcard from Jackson Hole, Wyoming
We're definitely considering making our second home here the place to retire. But till that time, it's so much fun just to have these mountains as our vacation spot. We find ourselves coming here more and more often, just to hang out and be away from it all.
 
  

About Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Technically, Jackson Hole is the name of a huge valley, in the midst of which rises the Teton Mountains. The town of Jackson, at the south end of the valley, is the gateway to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Hosting millions of visitors to both national parks, Jackson Hole offers nature and wildlife as its primary assets. Almost 97% of the land in the county is public land.

Most popular as a summer park destination, Jackson Hole has plenty of vacation homes and ski vacation rentals for enjoying some of the finest powder snow anywhere. The summertime brings enough warmth to thaw you out from a long winter. The nearby rivers offer great outdoor activities in summer months. Summer and winter, the area exudes a natural and quieter lifestyle than other resort locations. At the same time, the small town of Jackson is filled with small, quaint boutiques and an irresistible charm. Jackson Hole is also attracting people looking to retire with an active life and less tax to pay. There's no individual income tax in Jackson Hole.

While tourism is a big part of the area, there are also operating ranches in the area, many open to visitors. On top of incredible natural beauty, Jackson Hole adds an abundance of cultural interests, ranking high as an innovative and flourishing art community. If you want a second home for outdoor recreation, and you love being in a thriving cultural center, with a touch of the wild west still present, Jackson Hole can't be topped. While most of the population is in Jackson, there are other nearby towns such as Alta, Kelly and Teton Village where second homes can be found.

Local History
Jackson is the seat of Teton County, created in 1921. However, in the late 1800's along with settlers, artists were also drawn to the area, setting the roots for a very creative art community.

An Average Lifestyle in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The grand mountains set the stage for a great mixing of people, from wild west cowboys and cowgirls to artists and visitors. The glue which holds things together is the access to beauty in all its forms- natural, and man-made artistry. There is no shortage of friendliness here.

Housing
Options: The gamut of condos, luxury timeshares, custom homes on the slopes, and working ranches. Wooded neighborhoods, golf course homes, townhouses and single family homes are all available. There are nice pieces of acreage for sale if you want to build your own. If you are interested in ecology and conservation there are also large land-trust ranches than can be preserved and owned.

Costs: The range is quite wide, since there is a big selection to choose from, but all prices are fairly high. From $987,000 fro a place in town to $1.3million for 2.5 meadow acres, and up into the several millions for ski resorts, you really have your choice. Median home price is $800,000.

Things to Do in Jackson Hole
Snowmobiling
Dog sled racing
Snowshoeing
Downhill or cross country skiing
Helicopter Ski
Fly fishing
Mountain biking
Canoeing
Golf
Grand Teton National Park hiking - all levels
Enjoy watching unlimited wildlife in the parks
Backpacking
Horseback riding
Llama Treks
Stay at a guest ranch
Float down Snake River
Soak in hot springs
Mountaineering

Cultural Activities in Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival
Old West Days
National Museum of Wildlife Art
Jackson Hole Museum
Concerts
Grand Teton Music Festival
Performing Arts Company of Jackson Hole
Theater
Over 30 art galleries
Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival
Take photos at the Elk Refuge

Near-By Excursions
Yellowstone National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park

Location
Teton County, in northwestern Wyoming, bordered by the Teton Mountain Range on the West and the Gros Ventre Mountain Range on the east.
Elevation: 6,209 at the valley floor

Size: Jackson Hole valley is 48 miles long and 8 to 15 miles wide; Teton County is 4,214 square miles.

Distance to other major cities
Alta, Wyoming: 25 miles
Idaho Falls, Idaho: 86 miles
Yellowstone: 87

Getting To Jackson Hole, Wyoming
By air to Jackson Hole, or Idaho Falls Regional Airport

Weather
Annual Average Temperature: Jan: 16; July 61
Annual Average Snowfall: (1999/2000) 473 inches

Economics and Demographics
Population: Jackson: 8,647; Teton County: 18,251. Summer vacation residents add 52,000, and winter adds 5,000.

Median Age, 2000: 30.8

Median Household Income: $47,757

Principle Industries
Tourism, ranching