“Equality State”, the name Wyoming was originally adopted from Native American words “MECHEWEAMI-ING”, it meant “at the big plains” or “on the great plain”. It located in the Rocky Mountain section of the western United States. It is bounded on the north by Montana, on the east by South Dakota and Nebraska, on the south by Colorado and Utah, and on the west by Utah, Idaho and Montana. Wyoming is one of three states entirely bounded by straight lines. It is the ninth largest state in the United States containing 97,914 square miles and is made up of 23 counties. From the north border to the south border it is 276 miles; from the east to the west border, 375 miles.

One of the world’s most unique places, Jackson Hole’s stunning natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife, is so unique, that this area has been designated by the U.N. and the U.S. Department of Interior as a “World Heritage Site” signifying its value and importance to the planet. Jackson Hole is located in the heart of 2.7 million protected acres of beautiful and unspoiled mountain ranges, wilderness areas, wildlife refuges, National Parks, National Forests, glacial lakes and wild rivers such as the Snake River along with wild flower laden meadows. The breathtaking Grand Teton Mountain Range rises dramatically above Jackson Hole to the north and west while the Gros Ventre Mountains frame the valley’s eastern border. Jackson Hole is the gateway community to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. This diverse natural setting is home to many wildlife species including elk, moose, deer, bison, big horn sheep, mountain goats, otters and bald eagles.

Jackson Hole is a premier destination for all seasons and is renowned for. its countless cultural and recreational opportunities including: downhill and cross country skiing, world-class fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, horseback riding, big game hunting, snowmobiling, hot air ballooning, white water and scenic rafting, boating and golfing on 5 championship golf courses. The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is known for high snowfall, long ski runs, the largest vertical terrain, smaller crowds and shorter lift lines than most premier ski resorts.

Jackson Hole has the “charm” of a small mountain village while still offering the amenities and cultural opportunities of large cities. Jackson Hole is one of the cultural centers of the west with the noted Grand Teton Music Festival, two international film festivals, over 30 fine-art galleries, an annual Fall Arts Festival, a brand new performing arts center, the National Museum of Wildlife Art and, of course, fine dining and great shopping.

Bloomberg Wealth Management states, “The clear constraints on future development distinguish Jackson Hole from most other places in America. From a simple supply and demand perspective, (these constraints) suggest that property in Jackson Hole has a better chance of retaining or increasing its value than property in much of the rest of the United States.”

Over 97% of Teton County’s 2.7 million acres which include Jackson Hole is permanently preserved in National Parks, National Forests, and other varieties of public land. This means that just 3% of the Jackson Hole valley is privately held and of that, over two-thirds is already developed or preserved through conservation easements.

Jackson Hole’s commitment to retaining the character, lifestyle and natural resources of this area has resulted in the creation of a highly desirable community that continues to attract full and part time residents from around the world.

Jackson Hole’s real estate market remains strong in spite of recent downturns in other areas of the country. Average and median sales prices across every category hit record levels in 2007. The Jackson Hole valley, with a population under 19,000, recorded $1.5 Billion in real estate transactions in 2007.

Wyoming is the “most tax friendly” state in the United States, according to the 2008 Bloomberg Wealth Manager. Wyoming has no state income tax, corporate tax, estate tax, capital gains tax or trust tax. In addition, sales tax, property tax and inheritance tax are among the lowest in the United States.

Wyoming - United States - Luxury Homes - Information provided by courtesy of Graham4 - Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates