Choosing a Property with Your Lifestyle in Mind
When searching for your ideal Mountain West property, it's essential to consider your unique lifestyle, family situation, and your design vision. Whether you're an avid outdoor enthusiast, a lover of restaurants and nightlife, or a family seeking a peaceful retreat, it takes work (and time) to find a property that reflects your priorities.
Here are some key factors to ponder as you embark on your property search:
Utilities & Zoning
Let’s start with the not-so-fun stuff. Say you find the perfect property for you and your family's needs…there are some major questions to be answered before you consider building.
Does the property have reliable access to utilities like water and electricity? If not, the process of permitting, installation, and maintenance can be challenging. Before you fall in love with a possible sanctuary, infrastructure options need to be explored.
What are the zoning regulations and other constraints that might impact the development potential? Analyzing these factors ensures that you can build your dream home or make future improvements.
Is the site steeply sloped? There are regulations that limit how you can or can not disturb steep slopes. Analyzing the contours ahead of time can help you avoid purchasing a property that is severely limited in regards to what can be built.
Family Considerations
Young families, retirees, and folks with ongoing health concerns should consider proximity to schools and emergency services. A property in say, Red Top, Hoback, Moran, or Moose, WY, while stunningly gorgeous, could be a good way away from these necessities.
Do you have extended family that may need to live with you at some point? Teton County has specific rules and regulations on Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU’s). If you're considering a property as an investment, assess its potential for generating rental income. Keep in mind that many towns, like Jackson Hole, have rules on short-term rentals, meaning not all areas of town can have Air BnB’s. Factors like location, amenities, and market demand will influence rental rates. Researching property value trends in the area to assess the potential for long-term appreciation can be helpful.
Now for the Fun
If you are looking for property in the Mountain West you are most likely an outdoor enthusiast. If so, consider the proximity to national parks, forests, and other natural attractions. Is the land surrounding the property private, national park, BLM, or forest? If the surrounding area is BLM or forest you may have opportunities for direct access to water sports, horseback riding, biking, hiking, and cross country skiing close to home.
Speaking of skiing, the valley floor of Jackson Hole sees an average of 71 inches (increasing as you gain elevation) every year. So winter accessibility is crucial. If you are in town you will reap the benefits of snow removal. If you are out of town, you will have to budget for snow removal equipment or hire a snow removal company.
If you enjoy eating out, the nightlife, events, and art galleries in these mountain destinations, proximity to town will matter! Teton County especially experiences serious traffic delays to accommodate our commuters. What may seem like a quick trip into town can turn into an hour or more of sitting in traffic. If you want to be out of town but enjoy biking, finding properties near our world-class bike path will be imperative.
The size and layout of the property should also align with your needs and desired privacy. Together we can consider the layout of the land, including the slope, terrain, and views. It’s also important to assess the condition of any existing structures. Can they be used or renovated? If not, how can you safely demolish them?
While searching for Mountain West properties, it can be easy to be swept away in the fantasy of seclusion, privacy, and beauty. But with careful consideration, you can rule out properties presently that are unfit for your needs. With our local knowledge and expertise in zoning and permitting, A43 Architecture can help you decide if a property is realistic for your dream home. Set up a call today: (307) 249-8650.