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Ketchum

Ketchum

Located in Blaine County

$2,406,096 Average Value
$1,160 Average Price per Sq Ft
49 Homes For Sale

Ketchum offers mountain adventure and Old West vibes

As part of Idaho’s Sun Valley, Ketchum is a scenic town that combines resort luxury with rustic mountain vibes. “A lot of times people move here because of the lifestyle,” says Jamie Coulter, the broker and owner of Sun Valley Life Real Estate and a Ketchum resident. “It’s a unique community with a small-town feel and lots of charm. That’s what drew me here.” Outdoor activities like hiking, skiing and rafting are abundant in the community. Locally owned businesses fill downtown in buildings reminiscent of the Old West. The mix of mountain adventure and resort amenities has appealed to celebrities for years, from Ernest Hemingway to Jamie Lee Curtis and Tom Hanks. Whether escaping the buzz of Hollywood or looking to get in touch with nature, Ketchum serves a broad mix of homebuyers.

Downtown Ketchum sits at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains.
Downtown Ketchum sits at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains.
Main Street traffic reflects shopping and dining activity in Downtown Ketchum.
Main Street traffic reflects shopping and dining activity in Downtown Ketchum.
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Contemporary mountain homes dot the landscape

Ketchum has a mix of housing styles, but the most common fit into what Coulter calls the mountain modern style. These homes incorporate features of cabins and Craftsman houses, such as wood and stone exteriors. They come with more contemporary features, including large windows throughout the home and sleek designs with sharp edges. There are plenty of cabins and Craftsman houses from the 1970s through the 1990s as well. Many properties are set on winding roads lined with tall pines, offering a secluded wilderness feel within the community. Downtown Ketchum features condos and townhouses tucked among the businesses. The median sales price for a single-family home is around $3.97 million, while the median for townhouses is $3.4 million.

Cabin-influenced mountain homes often feature wood siding and large windows.
Cabin-influenced mountain homes often feature wood siding and large windows.
Multi-story condos cluster near Downtown Ketchum for walkable access to shops and dining.
Multi-story condos cluster near Downtown Ketchum for walkable access to shops and dining.
Mountain homes in Ketchum often feature large windows set along hillsides.
Mountain homes in Ketchum often feature large windows set along hillsides.
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Skiing, hiking and fishing in the Sawtooth Mountains

The rugged Sawtooth Mountains have long been a source of recreation and adventure around Ketchum and continue to be one of the biggest draws to the area. “We’ve got it all. We go hunting, fishing, skiing, river rafting. I just went rafting yesterday,” Coulter says. “We’ve got hiking, golf — the whole bit.” The Sun Valley resort is a top destination for skiing. It has 12 chair lifts and over 120 runs across 2,500 acres. When the snow melts each summer, the slopes become a go-to spot for hiking up Bald Mountain or Dollar Mountain. Avid hikers can venture farther from town for more difficult hikes through the mountains, such as Baker Lake, or head downtown for a quick walk up Knob Hill. The Big Wood River flows through the area, offering fishing opportunities for rainbow and brook trout.

Sun Valley Club offers golf and seasonal amenities near Ketchum.
Sun Valley Club offers golf and seasonal amenities near Ketchum.
Knob Hill Park offers a quick uphill walk just off Downtown Ketchum.
Knob Hill Park offers a quick uphill walk just off Downtown Ketchum.
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Locally owned shops and restaurants with a Wild West spin

Restaurants in downtown Ketchum offer a variety of options. “If you want a classic steak and potatoes experience, you can go to Pioneer Saloon. They serve giant potatoes and huge steaks,” Coulter says. “Grumpy’s is a little burger joint where you could be sitting next to a construction worker or a millionaire, and you’d never know.” Pioneer Saloon has a Wild West setting and features décor, including Western posters and deer mounts. Other spots include Whiskey’s on Main, known for its live music and friendly neighborhood bar atmosphere. Residents can browse shops ranging from clothing boutiques to bookstores and sporting goods shops. Groceries are available at Village Market or Atkinsons’ Market, which has served the community since 1956.

Grumpy’s draws locals with casual burgers in Downtown Ketchum.
Grumpy’s draws locals with casual burgers in Downtown Ketchum.
Village Market provides everyday grocery options near Downtown Ketchum.
Village Market provides everyday grocery options near Downtown Ketchum.
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Celebrating Old West culture with annual events

Ketchum’s Old West heritage is on display every year during Wagon Days, which takes place on Labor Day weekend and has been held every year since 1958. The main event is a parade of covered wagons commemorating the city’s mining heritage. Other events during the festival include museum exhibits, a pancake breakfast and cowboy poetry.

A strong focus on science and engineering at Blaine County schools

Ernest Hemingway STEAM School serves kindergarten through eighth grade and earns an A-minus from Niche. The school has a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Wood River High School in nearby Hailey receives a B-plus from Niche. The school offers career and technical education courses in industries like business, cabinetry making, construction and pre-engineering.

Ernest Hemingway STEAM School serves K–8 students and earns an A-minus from Niche.
Ernest Hemingway STEAM School serves K–8 students and earns an A-minus from Niche.
Wood River High School in nearby Hailey earns a B-plus rating from Niche.
Wood River High School in nearby Hailey earns a B-plus rating from Niche.
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Bus routes and highways connect Ketchum to the region

State Highway 75 passes through Ketchum and offers a north-south route. Hailey is about 12 miles south and is home to Friedman Memorial Airport. The airport receives direct flights from Seattle, Denver and Los Angeles. The city of Twin Falls is about 82 miles south via state Highway 75 and U.S. Highway 93. The Mountain Rides bus system has several routes, connecting Ketchum to nearby cities and offering rides to the ski resort.

Preparing for flood and wildfire risks in Blaine County

The Big Wood River and Trail Creek each pose a significant flood risk to the community. Buyers should also prepare for wildfires. Blaine County’s website offers several tips on what to do before, during and after a fire. The county has also launched new software that will allow homeowners to assess risks to their property using an app.

Matthew Atkins
Written By
Matthew Atkins
Victoria York
Photography Contributed By
Victoria York
Victoria York
Video By
Victoria York

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Wendy Carter, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
581
Number of Homes for Sale
49
Median Year Built
1985
Months of Supply
196.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,405
Significantly above the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,971
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,170
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
646
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
373
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,454

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 4
    Open Sat 2PM - 4PM

    280 S 3rd Ave Unit 13, Ketchum, ID 83340

    $699,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 882 Sq Ft
    • 280 S 3rd Ave
    • Unit 13
    • New 8 days ago

    Light and bright move-in ready condo perfectly located between Bald Mountain and downtown Ketchum. Tastefully renovated in 2020 and being sold fully furnished, this 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo enjoys stunning Baldy views. Comfortable outdoor space to relax over dinner alfresco and enjoy the small garden. Walk to skiing, hiking trails, coffee, restaurants, galleries, and shopping. This charming

    Jenzi Thomas Berkshire Hathaway HS Sun Valley Properties

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  • Saturday, Apr 4
    Open Sat 2PM - 4PM

    280 S 3rd Ave Unit 24, Ketchum, ID 83340

    $799,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,116 Sq Ft
    • 280 S 3rd Ave
    • Unit 24

    Own an In-Town Ketchum Condo - Under $800K !!Rare opportunity to own a 3 bed, 3 en-suite bath condo in downtown Ketchum. This unit features a remodeled kitchen, open floorplan, and a washer/dryer. You also get your own private fenced yard with southern views. Nobody above or below you. Great investment opportunity, proven rental, and a location that is hard to beat!

    Stevenson Real Estate Group Berkshire Hathaway HS Sun Valley Properties

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  • Saturday, Apr 4
    Open Sat 1PM - 4PM

    691 N Walnut Ave N, Ketchum, ID 83340

    $7,600,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 3,742 Sq Ft
    • 691 N Walnut Ave N

    A masterclass in design and setting, this Scandinavian-contemporary residence unites location and artistry on Knob Hill. Commanding panoramic views of the iconic slopes of Bald Mountain, this downtown Ketchum home offers extraordinary street-to-street privacy. Conceived by acclaimed architect Mark Mack and celebrated in Architectural Digest, this offering represents the last of its kind.

    Sue Engelmann Berkshire Hathaway HS Sun Valley Properties

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Ketchum Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
2
Median Rent
$6,750
Median Single Family Home Rent
$11,000
Median Condo Rent
$2,500
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,500

Demographics

Total Population
2,293
Median Age
51
Population under 18
16.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.4%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$77,629
On par with the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$97,413

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.6%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
68.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.5%
% Population in Labor Force
64.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
18''
Average Winter Low Temperature
7°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
82''

Area Factors

Moderately friendly

Bike Score®®

60 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®®

30 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Transit Score®®

30 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Ketchum