I first visited Jackson Hole in the summer of 1969. I was traveling in the west with two teammates from my college cross-country team. During the week, we all worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Saint Maries, Idaho, surveying new fire roads on the Saint Joe National Forest. On weekends, we usually went somewhere to run a race for the Spokane Track Club. If there was no race, we would just go somewhere for a little sightseeing. One of those weekends, we went to Jackson Hole.

I loved the place as soon as we got there! Remember, I grew up in Chicago. I had never seen a mountain until that summer and the Grand Tetons are among the most beautiful mountains on earth! Combine those great views with dozens of fine places to eat and Jackson is a great place to live and work. So, it took me a while to realize it; but when I am in Jackson Hole, I always feel just a little bit closer to heaven!

The Town of Jackson has an eclectic business environment. Once primarily a ranching community, Jackson Hole has become a dude ranch hot spot, tourist destination, and a lifestyle small town. You’ll find souvenir shops situated next to high-end art galleries, mutual funds managers, and genetic research labs.

Better yet, Wyoming has one of the most favorable tax-structures in the US. Since the state does not impose income taxes, you won’t pay state income taxes on pension payouts, social security, and distributions from IRAs, 401(k)s, or other retirement accounts.

Wyoming has one of the lowest property tax rates among all states, with an average effective tax rate of 0.57%. On average, homeowners in Wyoming can expect to pay about $570 for every $100,000 in property value. Similarly, sales taxes in Wyoming are among the lowest in the US, with the state and local taxes totaling 5.39%.

Additionally, Wyoming does not have other taxes like estate and inheritance taxes that may significantly reduce retirement income. Also, the state exempts certain goods such as groceries, prescription drugs, and medical equipment from sales tax. However, you will pay excise taxes on non-basic items such as cigarettes and alcohol.

So, I think that I have found my place to live happily ever after!