|
|
|
Western Chic, Breathtaking
Scenery, Abundant Outdoor Recreation and Some Stunning Homes Bring
Retirees to Remote Jackson, Wyoming
Cost of Living: Above the National Average
| For the most part, Wyoming is a land of
prairie grass that stretches endlessly under an
unforgiving sky. But just south of
Yellowstone Park and Grand Teton National Park, on the
western edge of the state, there is a spectacular alpine
valley called Jackson Hole, a place so picture perfect
that it inspires a sense of awe. The first
white men who arrived here had to descend steep slopes
from the north to reach the area, as if entering a hole.
What they found before them was a dazzling tableau, with
colorful mountain meadows ringed by towering majestic
peaks. Today this alpine valley is home to the
chic, touristy town of Jackson (population 9,600), a
tony oasis that boasts beautiful homes, a close-knit
community, traditional values, abundant outdoor
recreation, dry air, clean living and a casual Western
affluence that rivals that found in Aspen or Vail.
Of the population, 18% is age 45 to 54, and 6% is age 65
or better.
|
|
|
|
|
This being a beautiful, trendy
area, the cost of living is high, roughly 150%
above the national average. Real estate is
also expensive, partly because nearly 98% of
Jackson Hole is protected national forest, and
private land is limited. The median
condo/town home price is $1.6 million, and the
median single family home price is $3.6 million.
Prices are down since the start of the Great
Recession, but there have been relatively few
foreclosures, and some local Realtors think the
bottom has been reached.
In town, property consists of condos, town homes
and single family homes, many with mountain
chalet designs or log cabin style architecture.
In the valley, luxury residences nestled in
Aspen groves along gentle creeks or carved into
rugged mountainsides are common, and most have
expansive mountain views (the mountains are not
as easily seen from in town). Snake River
Sporting Club is a private, gated community with
home sites for sale, and Teton Village, 12 miles
north of Jackson, is a lovely community at the
base of the local ski resort (most residences
are ski-in/ski out). There are also
ranches for sale in the valley; some of these
are working cattle spreads and some are
"trophy ranches" owned by city
slickers and a few celebrities. |
|
|
Tax on real estate within Jackson and throughout the valley is
charged at $58 per $1,000 in assessed value, and property is assessed
at 9.5% of fair market value. On a $1,000,000 home,
the annual tax would be approximately $5,510. There
is no homestead exemption, but there is a veteran's exemption and the
Wyoming Department of Health provides annual tax refunds to elderly
and disabled residents. Wyoming
does have a homeowner's tax credit program, but it is not always
funded. There is no state personal income tax, and retirement
pensions are not taxed.
This is an
interactive map. Click on the arrows in the upper left hand
corner to move the map to the East, West, North or South, and click on the +/- signs
(more than once if necessary) to zoom in
and out.
Snowmobiling, snow shoeing and ice fishing are big draws for both
tourists and residents, and skiers love this area because Jackson Hole
Ski Resort is known for its deep powder and short lift lines (except
on holidays). Jackson also has a lively summer
season as outdoorsy types travel here for the camping, hiking and
outstanding fly-fishing. Teton Pines Golf Club, designed
by Arnold Palmer, offers 18 holes of championship play.
Photographers revel in the inspiring scenery, particularly striking
Jackson Lake on the northern edge of the valley.
The Grand Teton Music Festival is a popular event that brings 200
musicians to town each July and August. Other concerts and dance
festivals also draw visitors, as do the more than 40 art galleries and
small museums. Dining is quite good, particularly for a town of
this size. Shopping is adequate (most - but not all
- stores are high-end boutiques), but many residents shop online for
items not found locally. This is made easier thanks to
high speed internet service made available through Jackson Hole
Compunet. The Teton County Library also has computers and free
wireless access for laptop owners.
Retirees find volunteer opportunities with Habitat for Humanity,
CityKids Camp and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, as well as
through twenty-six churches (no Jewish temple). Potential
residents will also be glad to know that Jackson is a safe community
with a crime rate that meets the national average.
The Senior Center of Jackson Hole is geared to
those age 60 and above and offers home-delivered meals, in-home
services (personal care, respite care and some housekeeping), health
services and recreational activities, including a computer room, pool
tables, an exercise room and a library. The Center
also provides transportation, but Jackson has local bus service
(Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit or START). Within town
limits, rides are free.
Non-profit St. John's Medical Center is a rural-regional hospital
and provides most kinds of medical care, including cardiology,
neurology and emergency. It is fully accredited by the
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
and has 108 beds. Another three hospitals are within 55
miles (one in Afton, Wyoming and two in Idaho).
Jackson is a remote spot, and there are only three
ways in and out. One is by air (Jackson Hole Airport is located
at the base of the Tetons and has daily commuter flights to Denver,
Chicago and Dallas). By car, Highway 26 is a two-lane road that
twists and turns through amazing high country scenery.
Unfortunately, the road often becomes congested during the summer
months (and is occasionally closed in winter). Highway 22
travels over 8,400-foot Teton Pass to the west and is prone to
avalanches (including the famous Glory Bowl slide area).
The nearest town of any size, Idaho Falls, Idaho (population 51,000),
is 85 miles away. Cody (named after Buffalo Bill Cody) is
140 miles to the northeast, but to get there, one has to drive through
Yellowstone National Park, which, due to traffic, can be a day-long
trip. The nearest interstate is 80 miles away.
With an elevation of 6,200 feet, Jackson winters are not for the faint
of heart. Snow is heavy, six to twelve inches per month from
October though April, and temperatures are in the teens and 20s.
But when spring finally comes, and it always does, wildflowers create
a colorful carpet across alpine meadows, and moose, along with 10,000
of their elk friends, come out to graze. Summers are beautiful
but short and cool with temperatures in the 60s, 70s and a low 80s.
Humidity is nearly non-existent. In the fall, Jackson Hole turns
a glorious gold as the Aspen change color and shimmer against a cobalt
sky. The air is fresh and crisp, and the evening stars seems
close enough to touch.
For all of its good qualities, Jackson has a few
drawbacks. First, of course, is the very high cost of living.
It takes money to live here, and Jackson has a bit of a clubby, some
might say snobby, atmosphere that may appeal to some retirees but not
so much to others. The town is off the beaten path and not
easy to reach (although having a private plane helps).
During the summer season in particular, tourists flock here (which is
surprising considering the effort it takes to reach Jackson).
But flock they do, and they clog streets and shops from Memorial Day
to Labor Day. Winters are long, and cabin fever can
strike even the hardiest souls.
Still, Jackson's laidback western lifestyle, respect
for traditional values and appreciation of the great outdoors give it
an undeniable allure that is hard to beat. For those that can
afford it, Jackson is a great retirement spot.
Back to Top
Great Retirement Spots Newsletter is
published eight to ten times a month by Webwerxx, Inc., 2770 S. Elmira St.,
Denver, CO 80231. (303) 358-0512. Copyright © 2006-2010. All
rights reserved. No part of this electronic publication may be
reproduced without the express written consent of Webwerxx, Inc. Many
attempts were made to verify the accuracy of the information contained in this
bulletin, but some information may have changed since publication. Webwerxx,
Inc. cannot be held responsible for information that has changed since this
publication appeared online. Please contact us at staff@greatretirementspots.com
if you have questions or comments. View our privacy
policy.
Wyoming Real Estate Active Adult Developments in
Wyoming Retirement Communities Wyoming Homes for Sale
|
