Possibly moving to Jackson Hole?? (Wilson, Boulder: rentals, homes, buying)

[maryg832]

My husband's job may move us to Jackson Hole, WY. We live at sea level on the gulf coast, but have lived in Boulder County, CO, so we're not completely new to the mountains, but I'm sure that is nothing like Jackson Hole. Anyway, do people live there or is it solely a tourist town? What is the weather like there, and is it a good place to raise kids? What about shopping and restaurants, health food stores? Can you grow a vegetable garden there? Do you have to worry about wildlife, like if my kids were outside playing, do I need to worry about bears or mountain lions?

[8 SNAKE]

This is a very tongue-in-cheek response (so no offense intended). Your biggest worry in Jackson Hole should be the cost of living (read: housing).

[Wyomiles]

maryg , I spent a couple of years in Jackson, years ago , It is a town like most others as far as having stores and homes but it also has a lot of tourists. It also has a lot of very rich residents so as said above the cost of living there may be a little high. The summers there ar short but nice. The town sits in a valley so the cold makes it's home there. I am sure you could grow a garden with short season crops or extend your season with a greenhouse. There is a big ski area right in town and the winters are cold with deep snow. Not much wind so that helps. You might try to get a hold of some of the local newspapers to see what has been going on there over the past few years. When we lived there I walked to school sometimes, about two miles, and never saw a wild animal.
Hope that helps?

[MRVphotog]

I lived in JH for 17 years...I had a great veggie garden and lots of flowers. Strawberries grow great! The busy season is the summer and it's crazy busy. Jackson Hole the ski area is 13 miles out of town. Unless your way out of town griz are not a problem and there are a few mountain lions but stay on the refuge.

As mentioned, cost of housing is out of sight, rentals hard to come by. Many workers live over Teton Pass in Idaho and down in Star Valley thru Snake River Canyon.

The valley is beautiful, the Tetons breathtaking, lots of outdoor activities people come from all over the world to enjoy.
I took this shot several years ago but shows what a beautiful place Jackson is.

[8 SNAKE]

Wow, that is a spectacular photo! Thank you for sharing.

[jaxlocal]

I have lived in Jackson for over 10 years now, and yes, there is definitely a lot more to this town than the tourists. Housing like everyone has mentioned is the biggest issue that residents now face, and many young professionals are now buying in Star valley and Victor/Driggs over the pass in Idaho. Otherwise, if you truly enjoy small town living and the outdoors, (and winter), you will love it here. As far as the arts, the new Center for the Arts, Dancers Workshop, many new galleries, and endless festivals from June - October keep this town busy beyond the great skiing here.

[maryg832]

Wow, that is a breathtaking photo! You must be a professional photographer! Thank you to everyone for the info, that helps tremendously! Glad to know gardening is good!

[ElkHunter]

Wildlife can be a problem unless you take a few precautions. When your kids go out to play, dress them in bright colors. A mountain lion won't normally attack a human, but if the human is dressed in drab clothes or brown or tan, they might get confused and think it's a deer or an elk.

Tell the kids to talk to each other, make a little noise. They'll be fine. I've actually had a mountain lion drop down from a tree and make a run toward me. I flapped my arms and yelled (not sure if I was following the book or screaming like a little girl hahaha) but it worked. The lion got about 20 feet from me and veered off and run away. Yes, I was dressed in Carharts. If you're not familiar with them, they are a rich tan colored.

[MRVphotog]

As jaxlocal said there definately is a real community in the valley, in Jackson, and in Wilson. No diferent than anywhere really, other than your in one of the most beautiful places in the world. With the new awesome Arts Center the already very strong arts community is going to be even better for everyone to enjoy.

[maryg832]

jgussler, just out of curiousity...my maiden name is gussler, are you related to gussler's from ashland, kentucky