River recreation and Rocky Mountain living in Alpine
In the forested wilderness of western Wyoming, Alpine is an appropriate name for this nature-oriented community with national forests and pristine waterways about 35 miles south of Jackson. Homeowners can reach the region's most coveted natural attractions, such as river recreation and the snow-covered Rockies, while dodging the traffic and tourism of similar areas. While it may seem somewhat isolated from bustling activity centers, this community offers peaceful mountain living at the base of the Snake River Canyon. "It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts," says Tiphany Gayhart, broker GRI at Real Estate of Star Valley, LLC, who has lived in the area for over 24 years. "You can fish, hike, camp or run the rapids on the Snake River. It's a playground right at your back door."
Cabin-style homes on flat grassy lots with dramatic views
Houses sit on flat grasslands below the mountain range, with modern landscaping, planted grass and young trees. Alpine features Craftsman, contemporary and cabin-style homes. In 2024, about eight listings had a date of construction between 1940 and 1990, while 14 were from the early 2000s and 2010s, indicating the availability of newer homes. The median home price is about $800,000, almost double the U.S. median of about $415,000. Home values can reach nearly $5.8 million, depending on property size, acreage and the local amenities.
This community has a moderate wildfire risk, which will likely affect residential areas and infrastructure over the next 30 years. Some properties may also be prone to minor flooding over the same period. The area's air quality is worse than that of about 65% of cities in Wyoming.
Rafting, fishing and Grand Teton National Park
Natural recreation is abundant, with mountains, rivers and scenic outdoor areas. The community green space is Ferry Peak Park, which has pickleball courts, a playground and pavement games like hopscotch. The Lunch Counter/Kahuna Overlook Day Use Area provides canyon views and access to the Snake River, a popular place for fishing and whitewater rafting, with Class II and III rapids. The national forests, Caribou-Targhee and Bridger-Teton, surround Alpine, providing lakefront campsites and water features like the Palisades Reservoir. Grand Teton National Park is about 40 miles north, with wildlife areas, ski resorts and 200 miles of hiking trails.
B-rated schools with an involved student curriculum
Thayne Elementary School earns a B-minus grade from Niche and serves students from kindergarten to third grade, with a Head Start transition program. Etna Elementary School has a B-plus, offering after-school archery and crafts classes. Star Valley Middle School provides incentives for positive behavior and receives a B-plus. Star Valley High School scores a B and has a reputation for athletics, with 15 state championships in football.
Local diners, breweries and getting to nearby supermarkets
Alpine has limited access to retail, although it features diners frequented by locals. Yankee Doodle’s Café serves American breakfast dishes in a 1960s-style eatery with patriotic décor. Another highlight of the dining scene is Melvin Taproom & Kitchen, which serves craft beer on a spacious outdoor patio with mountain views. Broulim’s Fresh Foods is the area’s only supermarket. Residents can find grocery stores in nearby communities, and Jackson has additional retail, about 35 miles north.
Pioneer village and mountain music
Music in the Mountains is a live music series on Thursday nights at Marge Grover Memorial Park in July and August. At the same venue, Alpine Mountain Days has a pop-up pioneer village, 60 food vendors and family-friendly activities during a three-day festival in June.
Reaching the valley and Jackson Hole Airport
The START bus system provides paid public transportation service to nearby communities. The nearest emergency room is at Star Valley Health, an urgent care clinic north of the river that is easily accessible to residents. Yellowstone National Park is about 95 miles away. Jackson is approximately 35 miles north on U.S. Highway 26, with various retail and recreation areas. The Jackson Hole Airport provides passenger flights, roughly 45 miles north.
