Mountain recreation in the foothills at Star Valley Ranch
In Wyoming's rural cattle ranching region, Star Valley Ranch offers scenic golf courses and panoramic views in the foothills of a national forest. With a population of about 2,000 residents, this mountain valley community provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation with winter sports, whitewater rafting and nature trails. "This whole area all backs up to the Bridger-Teton National Forest, so basically all of our properties have hiking trails at their back door by Grey's River," says Tiphany Gayhart, broker GRI at Real Estate of Star Valley, LLC. "I love Star Valley Ranch. It's more rural, and you know your neighbors more."
Custom homes in a grassland with valley views
In the elevated grassland prairies, homes sit on spacious lots with sparse evergreen trees. Star Valley Ranch features New Traditional, contemporary and cabin-style homes, most of which are from the 1990s. Custom cabin-style homes have modern architectural features like midcentury windows and sprawling layouts. Many New Traditional homes are in 21st-century subdivisions, such as Star Valley Ranch and Stewart Country Club Estates. Home prices range from about $300,000 to $1.35 million. Prices increase depending on its square footage, views and proximity to the golf courses. Manufactured homes are available in the Star Valley Ranch RV Park, ranging from $100,000 to $240,000. "A lot of people who lived in Jackson are getting priced out by property taxes, and they move to this area," Gayhart says. "We're limited on expansion space because we are surrounded by public land and three national forests."
Some homes in Star Valley Ranch have a moderate risk of potential flooding due to proximity to Cedar Creek. Wildfires are likely as well. The area also has worse air quality than nearly 60% of cities in Wyoming.
Golf courses and hiking to elevated vistas
Due to its location in Bridger-Teton National Forest, Star Valley Ranch offers plenty of snowshoeing and hiking trails. The Green Canyon Trail, also known as the Valley View Trail, is about a 2-mile loop that climbs Salt Canyon and reaches a valley vista. Another popular route is the Cedar Creek Trail, which extends nearly 9 miles through the forests along Cedar Creek through the Salt River Mountain Range. Fox Run Park is a community green space with a dog park and a nature trail with exercise machines. The area features multiple golf courses, including Aspen Hills Golf Course, with a challenging nine-hole layout named for its Aspen tree-lined fairways. Cedar Creek Golf Course is a semi-private 18-hole course with picturesque mountain scenery and a driving range.
Restaurants and supermarkets within a short drive
Star Valley Ranch has a limited selection of restaurants. One of its eateries is Three Canyons Restaurant, a local steakhouse with a patio overlooking the Cedar Creek Golf Course. Thayne is another community, about 7 miles southwest, with additional options like Juan's House of Tacos and Graze, a cattle-themed brunch cafe. Residents may travel to Jackson, which has abundant dining and retail areas, about 55 miles north. "We have a few restaurants, but people can go to Jackson for a fancy, sit-down dinner," Gayhart says. "We also have a good local grocery store." Broulim's Fresh Foods in Thayne is the local supermarket, with produce, a pharmacy and several locations throughout the valley.
B-rated schools with various student programs
Thayne Elementary School is a K-3 school that earns a B-minus grade from Niche. Etna Elementary School has a B-plus and provides after-school enrichment activities for fifth and sixth-grade students. Star Valley Middle School, for grades seventh to eighth, receives a B-plus and emphasizes social skills. Star Valley High School scores a B and offers extracurricular programs like the bluegrass band or speech and debate.
START and heading to Jackson
The Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit (START) system provides a bus system to some communities in this area, including Star Valley Ranch on the Route 40 line. The nearest emergency room is at Star Valley Health's urgent care clinic in Alpine, around 20 miles north. U.S. Highway 89 is the area's primary expressway, heading to Jackson, about 55 miles north. The Jackson Hole Airport is roughly 65 miles north, with domestic commercial flights.
