When we look at where Jackson Hole real estate moved in 2026, one area stands out. Through the first nine months of the year, South of Town recorded more sales than a year earlier and roughly doubled its dollar volume, making it the valley's top area by sales volume. Here's what's driving it and what buyers should know before looking south.
How much did South of Town grow in 2026?
- Sales: 55 transactions from January through September 2026, up from 40 a year earlier, an increase of about 38%.
- Dollar volume: up about 102%, to nearly $290 million, the highest of any area in the valley.
- Compared with other areas: the Town of Jackson had more sales (96), but no other area came close to South of Town's growth. Teton Village, West of the Snake River and North of Town all saw dollar volume fall.
Part of the jump came from one large sale: a 120-acre property south of the town of Jackson, listed at $33.5 million, where Jackson Hole Sotheby's International Realty represented the buyer. Even without it, South of Town had a strong year. See every area in our Q3 2026 market update.
Where is "South of Town"?
South of Town runs from the southern edge of Jackson through South Park and down to Hoback, where the Hoback River meets the Snake. It includes:
- Rafter J and Melody Ranch: established single-family neighborhoods with parks, pathways and mountain views, popular with full-time residents.
- Game Creek, Little Horsethief and Polo Ranches: smaller neighborhoods with larger homes, pasture and privacy.
- Hoback and the Snake River corridor: riverfront property in a more remote mountain setting.
- Snake River Sporting Club: a private club community with golf, fishing and outdoor amenities.
Why are buyers looking south?
- More space for the money: buyers often get more land and privacy than they would closer to town, while staying an easy drive from downtown for work, school and dining.
- The mid-luxury surge: across Teton County, sales between $3 million and $10 million rose 26% this year, from 68 to 86. Buyers in that range are looking for space and value, which is what South of Town offers.
- Land and ranches: large parcels are rare in a county where more than 97% of the land is protected, and South of Town still offers acreage, pasture and river frontage.
- The outdoors: fishing and floating on the Snake and Hoback rivers start close to home.
What should I know before buying South of Town?
- Water and septic: some neighborhoods have community water and sewer, while rural parcels rely on a private well and septic system. Confirm which applies and include it in your inspection.
- HOAs and covenants: many subdivisions have covenants covering building, animals, fencing and short-term rentals. Read them before you make an offer.
- Floodplain: properties near the Snake and Hoback rivers may sit in or near a flood zone, which affects insurance and building. Check the flood map for any riverfront property.
- Wildlife: elk, moose and deer move through much of the area, which is part of its appeal. It also matters for fencing, landscaping and winter driving.
Thinking about South of Town?
Whether you're looking at a home in Melody Ranch or acreage along the river, The Legacy Group at Jackson Hole Sotheby's International Realty can walk you through recent sales and what's coming to market. Explore our South of Jackson neighborhood guide and our Jackson Hole real estate guide, or reach out to Emily Church Figenshau, Elizabeth Vance or Josephine Bedford at 307-739-8020 or [email protected].
Header photo: Kathleen Harrison Photography
Sources: Jackson Hole Sotheby's International Realty Q3 2026 Market Report (MLS data, Areas 1–10, January–September 2026 vs. 2025); Jackson Hole Sotheby's International Realty internal statistics as of Oct 13, 2026. Data compiled from sources deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
