In the world of luxury real estate, we often talk about what’s trending. But what matters more—especially to my clients—is what’s enduring.
Right now, all eyes are on Jackson Hole.
This isn’t a fleeting moment. It’s a market transformation. Since 2020, median home prices in Jackson Hole have doubled, jumping from $1.7 million to $3.4 million. And at the ultra-high end, we’re seeing properties that sold for $8 to $10 million just a few years ago now trading for $15 to $20 million. And yet, what makes this market fascinating isn’t the price tags—it’s the mentality shift behind them.
“The post-Covid buyer is different,” I tell clients. “They’re not hunting for status—they’re investing in sanctuary. In Jackson, that means holding, not flipping.”
Jackson Hole has always had appeal: wide-open spaces, a lack of state income tax, and a vibe that’s equal parts rugged and refined. But today’s luxury buyer isn’t just looking for a mountain escape. They’re looking for resonance. Permanence. Identity.
And that’s why people aren’t selling.
When I advise buyers in Los Angeles, Montecito, or Aspen, I see a growing desire not just for properties—but for places with meaning. Jackson Hole represents that. You’re not just buying square footage. You’re buying into a rare geography—both physically and emotionally.
“You can’t comp scarcity,” I often say. “That’s what makes Jackson so compelling. With 97% of the land protected, the inventory cap isn’t artificial—it’s cultural, geographical, and generational.”
Nearly 97% of Teton County is held in conservation, which means the market is naturally capped. You can’t just build your way into availability. As a result, Jackson Hole has become what I call a legacy hold market—where homes are kept for generations, not flipped every cycle.
Compare this to LA. In neighborhoods like Trousdale, the Bird Streets, or Malibu’s Serra Retreat, we’re seeing similar shifts. Buyers aren’t chasing trends—they’re curating portfolios of place. They want real estate that reflects their values, not just their net worth.
Back in Jackson, a client who purchased a $1 million parcel in 2020 is now sitting on a custom home with $12 million comparables. Did they buy to flip? Not at all. Their intent was—and still is—generational.
As I often say, “Real luxury isn’t liquid. It’s anchored.”
Even developers are struggling to keep up. The Jackson Home Co. has built 20 homes downtown since 2019, yet agents report waiting lists of qualified buyers they can’t match with product. That’s not a bubble. That’s demand rooted in authentic scarcity and lifestyle loyalty.
“What we’re seeing isn’t a price surge—it’s a psychological shift,” I tell my LA clients. “Buyers want places that root them, not just impress them. Jackson Hole delivers identity, not just acreage.”
As a luxury real estate advisor, I’m often asked where wealth is moving. The answer, more and more, is into markets that blend personal sanctuary with long-term stability. Jackson Hole is now part of the same tier as Montecito, Brentwood Park, Aspen, the Hamptons, and pockets of Mallorca. It’s not just a location—it’s a decision.
So what should LA buyers take away from this?
Legacy markets are outperforming speculative ones.
Scarcity is the new amenity.
True luxury is about intention, not excess.
“In Jackson, a $65 million ranch can sell in days,” I tell clients. “In LA, a beautifully restored midcentury in Trousdale can set off a quiet bidding war before it ever hits the market. These aren’t just transactions—they’re signals.”
They show us how the global elite are choosing to live, invest, and stay.
From the Tetons to the Pacific, that’s where I come in.
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Brendan Brown is a nationally recognized luxury real estate advisor known for discretion, creativity, and precision. He represents clients across Los Angeles, Montecito, Aspen, New York City, and globally—offering high-touch guidance through every stage of the real estate journey.
To explore curated properties, off-market opportunities, or to discuss how your real estate portfolio aligns with lifestyle markets like Jackson Hole or Los Angeles, reach out at [email protected] or visit www.mrbrendanbrown.com.
