Honest Pros and Cons of Living in Jackson Hole

Many outdoor adventurers are interested in living in Jackson Hole, but how can you know whether or not a move to the area is the right choice for you? There are numerous pros to purchasing real estate in this corner of northwest Wyoming, but there are also some cons that you need to consider as well. Read on for an honest look at what it’s like to live in Jackson Hole so that you’ll better understand what your life might be like if you choose to relocate here.

The natural beauty of Jackson Hole is one of the primary attractions that bring many real estate seekers and adventurers to the area. Multiple mountain ranges surround the city, including the Teton Range in the west and the Gros Ventre Range in the east. It’s also common to see moose walking through the countryside — an amazing image, considering that not many places can make this claim.

Jackson Hole residents regularly enjoy fishing, skiing, and hiking in the wilderness areas, lakes and rivers, and mountain ranges surrounding the valley. Of course, adventure seekers from across the country travel to Jackson Hole throughout the year to vacation and seek out the local outdoor recreational spots, but Jackson Hole residents get to enjoy these gorgeous areas whenever their heart desires.

As the gateway to Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole is a prime spot for nature enthusiasts who want to escape from it all. With more than 200 miles of amazing trails, wildlife, and gorgeous mountain scenery at every turn, this is an oasis of natural wonder. In addition, Jackson Hole is only about 60 miles from the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

Jackson Hole hosts special events throughout the year that bring the community together around shared interests and festivities. At the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival, also known as Jackson Wild, the community tells stories centered around science and nature through a specialized nature film competition. The Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival is scheduled for each September and gives local galleries and venues an opportunity to display and sell their beautiful handcrafted creations.

Most people think of Jackson Hole as a tourist destination, and it’s easy to forget that the community offers delightful small-town vibes for those who choose to live here throughout the year. Thanks to its small-town atmosphere, you’ll have an opportunity to get to know your neighbors and participate in various community activities, creating a sense of belonging.

Jackson Hole High School is one of the most highly-rated high schools in the entire state of Wyoming. With a 96% graduation rate, many students go on to attend top-rated universities, such as the University of Wyoming and Montana State University.

Wyoming is one of several states that does not have a state income tax. Residents also aren’t required to pay inheritance taxes or real estate taxes. Generally speaking, Wyoming is one of the best places to live in terms of low tax liability.

Jackson Hole residents often report a higher cost of living. With the current median price of $3.75 million, Jackson Hole is one of the most expensive places to live in Wyoming, and the cost of living in Jackson Hole is significantly higher than the national average.

If you’re a fan of the warm months, you’ll love summers in Jackson Hole. The warmest month of the year is July, with an average daily high temperature of 82 degrees. Most days between May and September will have a high between 60 and 80 degrees. You’ll want to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy all of Jackson Hole’s glorious outdoor activities during these months because you might end up inside most of the winter. Average daily highs in December and January are only 28 degrees. February isn’t much warmer, with an average high of 33 degrees.

The area around Jackson Hole is pretty remote, and it may take some time for you to adjust if you’re used to life in the big city. It will take five hours to drive to Salt Lake City and eight hours to Denver. Many people enjoy a more tranquil lifestyle away from large urban communities, but you’ll have to think critically about whether or not it’s the best fit for you.

Living in Jackson Hole will allow you to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities. You’ll enjoy the small-town atmosphere and the lack of state income taxes, and you’ll appreciate the opportunity to send your children to highly-rated schools. You’ll definitely want to mark special events on your calendar to ensure you’re in town when they are scheduled.

You may miss life away from the big city if you’re not used to living in a rural area. You’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for cold winters with daily highs that sometimes won’t rise above freezing. You’ll need to prepare yourself for higher housing costs and a more expensive cost of living than what you might find elsewhere in the state and the region.

If you have additional questions about living in Jackson Hole or if you’re ready to begin shopping for Jackson Hole homes for sale, team up with top agent Deirdre Griffith for the guidance you can count on. Deirdre has lived in the Mountain West for over 15 years and is proud to call this gorgeous area home. She understands the benefits and drawbacks of living in Jackson Hole and takes pride in educating her clients about the best of what the area has to offer. Reach out today.