Under-The-Radar Second Home Settings Worth Discovering

Forbes  |  
February 15, 2023

There are folks who love crowds, as witnessed any New Year’s Eve in Times Square. But when seeking a second or vacation home, even the most ardent crowd aficionados are likely to savor undiscovered jewels unknown to the teeming masses.

Happily, a number of largely overlooked mountain, beach and wine country settings still exist. In this roundup, we’ll travel from Idaho to the Baja Peninsula to California’s Sonoma Wine Country in search of the untrammeled gems tucked away in each.

Mountain Town: Teton Valley, Idaho

Everyone’s heard of Downtown Jackson and the Jackson Hole Ski Resort. Fewer are aware that just to the west, over the Grand Tetons, sprawls the comparatively lightly trod Teton Valley, a more serene and less populated ski town alternative. Among the Teton Valley’s residential communities is Tributary, where buyers like the convenience and uncrowded surroundings of the neighboring Grand Targhee Ski Resort.

“The Teton Valley provides the charm of small-town living, while still offering access to endless outdoor pursuits,” says Jeff Heilbrun, Tributary real estate director.

“Similar to other mountain towns – but without the crowds found in many popular ski towns – our area has gorgeous hiking, world-class golf and a range of other activities exploring the mountains, valley and surrounding waterways.

“Winter in the Teton Valley offers skiing both at nearby Jackson Hole or local mountain Grand Targhee Resort, as well as snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more. Buyers at Tributary tend to be drawn to our authentic mountain town feel, laid back with plenty of room to explore.”