Jackson, Wyoming (Sheridan, Cody, Lander: ski resort, apartments, rentals)

[thelifespark]

I wondered if anyone could tell me what Jackson, Wyoming is like? It looks absolutely stunning but being a gateway to Teton National Park and Yellowstone, I wondered if living there is a possibility? I was trying to look up apartments in the area to see what rental prices were like but everything I found were vacation rentals. Plus, I'm assuming it gets pretty touristy. Does anyone live there? Or anyone who has, maybe, visited? Could you tell me what it's like? Are there apartments for rent that aren't just short term vacation rentals? Are there jobs available there or would I need to commute somewhere else? Are the people friendly? Are there good schools? Despite the natural beauty it seems to have in abundance, is it worth living there?

[wyoquilter]

All I can say is that it's expensive as all get out to live in Jackson. My DH used to live and work there close to 20 years ago and if it hadn't been for the company he worked for paying his rent he wouldn't have been able to afford to live there. Most people who work in Jackson commute from places like Afton, Etna, Grover or from ID.

It's a beautiful place that is for sure, but you will pay dearly for that beauty.

[wycowboy2]

All I can say about Jackson is bring money.

It is THE MOST EXPENSIVE town in Wyoming in which to live. In fact, most don't - they live across Teton Pass in Idaho or down in Star Valley. A few of our friends drive from Dubois - that's a long drive - every day!

The ski resort properties are fairly expensive, as you will discover www.realtor.com/wyoming

[thelifespark]

That's what I was afraid of. It just looks so stunning, but part of the reason for leaving SoCal is to get away from the cost of living, so I suppose going somewhere else expensive isn't really a good idea. Does anyone know a more affordable place that is still similarly beautiful? Jackson really caught my attention but I'm working on a budget here, so if it's as expensive as it sounds I don't think it's possible for me to live there

[thelifespark]

Originally Posted by wycowboy2

In fact, most don't - they live across Teton Pass in Idaho or down in Star Valley.

Is Star Valley more affordable?

[WyoNewk]

I'd pick Lander as the second most scenic town in the state. Both (Jackson and Lander) feel like you're "in" the mountains rather than just near them.

A few other nice towns next to mountains would be Pinedale, Cody, Dubois, Sundance, Sheridan and Buffalo (and the smaller towns between them).

[wycowboy2]

Originally Posted by thelifespark

Is Star Valley more affordable?

Yes and no. It depends on where you are. Land prices are all over the place - nothing consistent. Use realtor.com as your guide. Look up Smoot, Thayne and Alpine.

[MRVphotog]

Jackson is rediculously expensive and it gets way crowded during the summer. The two main reasons I left after 17 years.

Housingwise I see there are more rentals availible than I have seen in years due to the economy. There are pages and pages of jobs mostly in the tourist industry but there are others as well. Rents are cheaper in Idaho over Teton Pass and down in Star Valley but the communte can be a hassle tho thousands do it everyday.

check the local paper for rentals and jobs
http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/classifieds.php

[jody_wy]

Alot of the labor lives in Driggs Idaho or Star Valley Wyoming. My Daughter worked at one of the big hotels there this summer she could of rent a small hotel room for $400/month
for what 5 acres cost in Jackson you can buy a 600 acre ranch with a house in Star Valley, or 8000 acres ranch and house in eastern Wyoming

[thelifespark]

Originally Posted by jody_wy

Alot of the labor lives in Driggs Idaho or Star Valley Wyoming. My Daughter worked at one of the big hotels there this summer she could of rent a small hotel room for $400/month
for what 5 acres cost in Jackson you can buy a 600 acre ranch with a house in Star Valley, or 8000 acres ranch and house in eastern Wyoming

Star Valley looks stunning, too. I'm just trying to figure out if there's job availability and an apartment or house I can afford. Although I would like to buy in the future, I don't think it's feasible right now, so I need to know what rentals are like.