Pondering a job in Jackson

Hey guys, I have been a long time lurker here in flat land, but have a question for you Jackson folks.

I am pondering moving my family to Jackson Hole this winter and was looking for some advice on where to look to buy a home. I will be working in Jackson and have close relatives in Afton. I am looking for a place that will fit 2 small kids a few dogs along with me and my wife. I can't only afford a house up to about 175k.

Anybody have any opinoins on the towns within commuting distance to Jackson as far as schools, community, and ammenities? Anyone know a good realtor?

Hope to see a lot of you out there this year.


Gravity

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Originally Posted by Gravity

house "....up to about 175k."

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I could be mistaken, but unless you're referring to someone's backyard SHED, I think that puts you somewhat outside of Jackson proper.

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Originally Posted by EPSkis

I could be mistaken, but unless you're referring to someone's backyard SHED, I think that puts you somewhat outside of Jackson proper.

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It puts you in Utah.

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Originally Posted by BlurredElevens

It puts you in Utah.

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Idaho actually.

Nah.. I have been doing some looking. I can get a 3 bedroom in places like Victor, Alpine or Afton for that.

I just have to pick a town (and a drive) to settle down in.

In that price range you're looking over the pass in ID. Victor if you can find something but most likely Driggs. Get used to some long hairy drives in the winter (and possible closures). Other than the trailer park down 191, I don't think there is much in that price range on the Jackson side. You should PM Frozen or Stanley for more local insight on schools, realtors etc. Good luck.

I hear Idaho Falls is off the hook.

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Originally Posted by Gravity

Nah.. I have been doing some looking. I can get a 3 bedroom in places like Victor, Alpine or Afton for that.

I just have to pick a town (and a drive) to settle down in.

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I'm sure its is done, but Jackson -> Afton is a serious comute. I'd guess it's about 75miles. 150 * 5 = 750 / 20 = 37.5 * $3.50 = $131.25 * 4 = over $500/ month just is gas to get to work.

I'm not trying to be negative but the cost of living can get pretty high pretty fast up in the Tetons. I've had plenty of friends move away simply because "making it work" involved giving up too much of what they moved there for in the first place. That being said, I've got two friends with young families that wouldn't move for the world.

so you know your choices are Alpine or Victor/Driggs.

1. Commute: Same time and distance from each. Do you want to drive over the pass or thru Snake River Canyon with EVERYONE else? if over the pass, you can take a run from the top, but please have the bootpack set by 6:45 for me. The pass only closes a few times a year, and unless a skier sets a slide off to the road WYDOT and the radio is extremely good at getting word out to give you a short window. That might change this winter with the new guardrails on the pass. I think that snow removal in heavy storms is going to be worse because they can no longer just push it off the edge. The big rotary thingie is going to be in play much more frequently.

2. family: you say you have em in Afton. Do you want to be 20 minutes or an 1hr20min from em? Daycare is a serious problem in this valley. Im lucky that it comes with work, but it is expensive and increasingly harder to ge a spot. Jackson is planning a massive daycare which may or may not be open to the public (county employees) however either way their will be more openings due to less pressure on the smaller providers.

3. Community growth: ID WILL grow much more rapidly than Alpine. Targhee, the Huntsmans, Rockerfellers, Sugdens are pushing growth that will lead into a sustainable year round economy much faster than Alpine. I fully intend on being to live and work in Teton Valley, ID, possibly much sooner than i planned.

4. Community character: From my perspective, ID has it, Alpine doesnt. Victor/Driggs is increasingly becoming populated by folks like myself who are starting families, active, and liberal. Star Valley is populated by NRA members and unflinching Bush Supporters. Victor has a little hippy renassaince going on. Organic market, little cafes, and downtown has plans to become more pedestrian friendly. Alpine doesnt even have a downtown.

5. Sports: what do you like to do in summer? fish, hike, boat? Fishing and boating will be better from Alpine. Hiking from Victor, due to the west side teton views. Biking is probably a tossup. Hunting a tossup.

5. Schools: Tossup. Currently Alpine doesnt have a school and kids either goto Afton or possibly Jackson (not sure, you should check, Alpine is not in Teton Co, but they might have some sort of deal to school kids whose parents work in Jackson). Alpine is pushing hard for an elementary school, and will probably get one. Vicotr/Driggs schools are being overwhelmed right now. Victor elementary is out of room and there is a 200,000 sq ft new hish school that is being built soon. this will open up the old middle school for another elementary.
How good is each district? Dont know, although ID traditionally has a horrible reputation. But i figure that is will take parents being involved to make a difference anywhere, grading math homework an hour a week, helping out with the reading program, that kinda stuff.

Property Values: Both are skyrocketing. Victor/Driggs/Alta Wy are being developed to attract wealthy retired folks. In victor lots are going for about 25k/acre, 3 years ago it was 10-15. Value wise on a 175k you would probably do best in Alpine. However, that statement is only gut feeling. my realtor was:
Teri McCarthy 307-732-7557. she has an eye for good investments. the lot we bought was under contract, but she found out the deal would likely fall apart, and it did.

if you cant tell i love living in teton Valley. I have more in common with the people and i think that the opportunities professionally will be greater. Another thing that i love about where i live is the sunshine. Being on the west slope gives you hours more daylight, and i can see many of the peaks i have skied off. I am constantly looking at new areas to explore in winter, many times i am looking at new lines from my kitchen window. I look left i see Targhee, Marys Nipple, Beards. Straight ahead i see the backside of the Grand, Middle, and South. To my right are Tabletop, wow, wowee, taylor, and oliver. ANd if i turn around i catch an amazing sunset over the big holes.
give me a hollar if you have any more questions. hope this helps.