Referred to by many residents and visitors as a "small town with big city ideals," Jackson Hole attracts those looking for big mountain adventure and rich culture within an intimate and friendly environment.  You'll find working cowboys, world-renowned artists, and professional outdoor athletes among your neighbors in Jackson Hole.  There are many lifestyles to choose from in Jackson Hole, although all usually involve a laid-back cadence and a special love for the outdoors.

Outdoor recreation is definitely prominent in Jackson Hole.  Many residents originally came to ski for a winter in the Tetons and never left.  Summer and spring yield excellent alpine rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, fly fishing, horseback riding, camping, river rafting, and kayaking.  Fall attracts elk, mule deer, moose, buffalo, and big horn sheep hunters.  Winter provides some of the best downhill skiing in the world, as well as cross-country skiing, skate skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.  Not only do locals partake in these sports in their spare time, they also run guiding and outfitting companies.

 

However rugged the residents of Jackson maybe, they definitely are cultured in fine dining, theater, and the arts.  Jackson Hole is home to dozens of restaurants that serve everything from traditional barbecue to sushi to upscale American bistro cuisine.  There is a local brewery as well as several wine shops educated in the art of choosing superb wines and spirits.  There are several theaters in Jackson, including both big screen and live stages.  You'll be delighted with the latest Hollywood blockbuster hits as well as local renditions of Broadway classics or local modern dance performances.  Concerts are also popular with local as well as national and international bands who frequently perform in bars and various venues throughout the valley.  For those into fine art, you'll find an art gallery on every block.

 

The employment market is usually saturated with want ads for service industry type positions.  Many new and young residents welcome the flexibility and social outlet that service industry jobs provide.  However, professional jobs do exists, especially if you are willing to create your own business and fill a niche that Jackson desperately needs filled.

 

The "Off-season" phenomena also plays a big role in the typical Jackson lifestyle, whether you're a visitor or full-time resident.  Every spring and fall the town quiets down as the tourists decline. Many residents enjoy the respite from tourists, however many business depend on the tourist dollar.  It is not uncommon for businesses close down for a month or two, encouraging its employees to go on vacation and leave town.