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| 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. |
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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. |
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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 (more than once if necessary) the +/- signs 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.
Jackson,
Wyoming Continued...
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#152, Denver, CO 80231. (303) 358-0512. Copyright © 2006-2010.
All rights reserved. No part of this electronic publication may be
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