Julie Bryan

Frank;
Teton Valley, as I am sure you know, is a Mountain Resort community ,of which, one of the primary economic features is world class skiing. We would not have that without the natural beauty of the rugged and pristine mountain area in which we live. While we may have snow in the mountains for a lot of the year, that does not equate to it being Winter. For Nature's concern as well as the farming community, thankfully we have the snow from Winter to restore the aquifer, river and creek beds and produce the much needed irrigation water for farming. Much of this water is not used specifically in the "valley" but in the surrounding regions. Without the mountains and the run off, an ecosytem such as this would not exist. Yesterday I spent time running with my friend pushing her babies in the stroller ...we were wearing shorts. Many people were on their road bikes and the other fortunate people who live here who love nature were hiking Grand Targhee in short sleeve shirts. I also attended a running race of which we ran on slick rock and sand just a short drive from Driggs. Infrastructure takes time to build into a community. Many banks are coming to Driggs for a reason. We have a beautiful new grocery store and city hall has received a "make over". The average time for a new building of significant size to be built is around 2.5 years which includes the planning and construction. The economy of Teton Valley Idaho is positive and many people are not communiting to Jackson for work any longer. Many people on average salaries are homeowners in this area. The promise of a fabulous area to live is already here. The Colter building in downtown is being built. Several new business have opened on Main street as well as Little Street in Driggs. When deciding to live in a resort mountain region, many factors are not about the shopping but rather about lifestyle. Low crime, being surrounded by wilderness, and being a part of a growing community is a wonderful experience. With the large grants the area has received recently, along with the outstanding people, we are proud to live in a community in which one can be involved with Urban Renewal and the Chamber to make a differerence if one selects to become proactive in the downtown areas. Change and growth being done right, takes time. Change is never promised to anyone. Change is the effort of everyone.
Julie Bryan - Sun Apr 27 2008, 09:37

Julie Bryan answering, Broker/Owner of Windermere Real Estate in Jackson Hole and Driggs, Idaho. Grand Targhee was just approved for expansion in February which is major event in the area, combined with a large influx of developement cash from the Huntsman Family with "Hunstman Springs". The economics of Driggs Idaho has dramatically change in the past 18 months as a community not soley dependant upon the tourism of Jackson Hole. World class golf course and equestrian projects are entering the area along with commercial development. I have an article I can e-mail you that I have written regarding this expansion. - Sat Mar 8 2008, 10:26

Dear David;

Regarding Targhee Hill Estates in Driggs, Idaho; Your questions appear to be those of someone familiar with our market to a certain extent. You have absolutely hit on the projects which are "banner" for the area. A side by side value comparison can be done primarily on the Planned Unit Developements, (PUD's), which are in your question. Saddleback Vistas is not a PUD, however, it is an extensively planned equestrian project . I would like to dislose to you that I am not an appraiser. I am answering as a Real Estate Broker/Owner who is currently involved with the Listing of Targhee Hill Estates. Having lived and developed in the area for 20 years, I believe that I can provide you some insight.
You questions is not one that can be quickly answered as each area requires extensive analysis with regard to "side by side" values. In addition, sales information in Idaho is limited due to Idaho being a non-disclosure state.
Hidden waters is on the South and West side of Teton Valley, in Victor Idaho. Beautiful location, views of the Big Hole Mountains, listing price of about $170,000 per one acre. WIth no amenity package, this does not really allow for side by side comparision with some of the other projects.
Huntsman Springs and Teton Reserves both have golf courses. Teton Reserve offers a "reverse" course. Teton Reserve is located a few miles North of Victor, Idaho against the foothills. Half acre lots average approximately $225,000. Huntsman Springs is a project located both within the city limits of Driggs, Idaho and extending West and North to encompass over 1200 acres of land. This project offers many different options with commercial, smaller town home sites and golf course estate sites. Huntsman springs includes a championship golf course, 3 miles of boardwalk through nature trails, several parks and features such as a lodging site and other high density amenity features. Concentrated in and around Driggs, this is a nice area for those wishing to walk to town amenities. Basic pricing would be $300,000 plus for a nice 1/2 acre estate site. Town Park Home Lots start at about $182,000 for .13 of an acre. Lodge lots start at about $267,000 for a .08 acre site. Amenities include fitness center, golfing parks, boardwalk...
Timberline is at the south end of Teton Valley, Idaho in Victor, Idaho. I am not showing activity at present in the area, but pricing would be in the $200,000 range for a 1/2 acre lot. Some of the lots may include a golf course membership to Teton Springs. OTher than that, no on site amenity "packages" are featured.
Snowcrest is North of Driggs, actually heading up SKi Hill Road, then North for a few miles on State Line road. Great Teton Views. Located down a pretty good stretch of gravel/dirt roadway. Fairly small project. Pricing ranges from $270,000 for a .11 acre cabin site to $270,000 for a 1 acre site. No amenity "package".
Redtail and Targhee HIll are actually very comparable. Redtail is located on Ski HIll Road on the North side of the Teton Creek Corridor borderd by Ski Hill Road while Targhee HIll is on the South side of the Teton Creek Corridor in a quiter location. Both Redtail and Targhee HIll offer a clubhouse/fitness center and outdoor pool. Redtail has lots surrounded by trees and some of Targhee Hills lots are in a similar location. Redtail starts at about $350,000 for a 1/2 acre.
Targhee Hill offers a fitness center, pool, rec area and several miles of 8 foot pathways through the project. Targhee HIll offers paved roads and is gated project yet you can walk from your home to the National Forest and are only minutes from skiing at Grand Targhee. Value wise, Targhee Hill offers manicured 50% open space of about 50 acres which will feel like driving through a golf course, however lots being in the price range of $140,000 for .33 of an acre. Water features are immense such as man made lakes, however, the Teton Creek Corridor is a vast corridor for wildlife on the "non man made" side of the equation. Value, location, views and amenities make Targhee hill an exception project in comparison.
There is a web site to Targhee HIll if you have further interest as I am not certain if I can provide that on this mechanism with Trulia. Please e-mail and we can correspond further.
Julie F. Bryan
Broker/Owner
Windermere Real Estate/Teton Valley - Mon Apr 7 2008, 18:41