Small town living in Wood River Valley with premier mountain recreation
Hailey, between the Rocky Mountains and Sawtooth National Forest, is known as “Idaho’s Hometown in the Mountains.” Its population of almost 10,000 makes it the largest city in the Wood River Valley. The valley is recognized as one of the world’s premier locations for mountain activity. “If you like the mountains and outdoor activity, this has become the place to be,” says Realtor Wendy Carter with Windermere Real Estate Sun Valley, who’s lived in the valley for almost 40 years. As other cities in the valley are known for their world-class resorts and ski slopes, Hailey has expanded because of its residential setting and abundant elbow room. “Hailey has grown substantially ever since 2020 with people wanting more outdoor space,” says Carter. Plenty of it can be found within a short walk of Main Street and on private mountain estates around town.
The bustling city of downtown Hailey offers dozens of locally owned shops as well as national chain eateries.
For quick and easy family ski access head to Rotarun Ski Area just minutes from downtown Hailey.
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Hiking, skiing and fly-fishing in the Idaho Rockies
The primary reason people live in Hailey and the Wood River Valley is to carry out a sporting lifestyle in the Idaho Rockies, which is surrounded by Sawtooth National Forest’s millions of acres of woodlands. With sunny summers in the 70s and winter temperatures in the single digits, the region offers the full spectrum of warm and cold weather activities. “You’ve got world-class fly-fishing, golf, hiking, skiing, everything,” says Carter. Outdoors lovers spend their free time fly-fishing on the banks of the Big Wood River and hiking miles of trails to enjoy vistas from nearby peaks like Della Mountain. With the winter snowfall, these mountains become some of the world’s most renowned ski slopes. There are local slopes around town, and the Sun Valley Resort, less than 15 miles north, is a premier winter sports destination. It will host the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals in March 2025. Private sporting clubs in the area, such as the Valley Club, offer golf, tennis and other sporting activities.
With endless miles of hiking biking and wilderness trails to explore in Hailey your sure to find adventure at every turn.
Pick up the latest in winter gear or bring your bike in for a tune up at Sturtevants in downtown Hailey.
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Hailey homes in town and private mountain residences
Hailey’s median single-family home price is a little over $1.5 million. This is a typical price for a large home on the town center’s grid streets with a tree-shaded grassy lawn. However, many single-family options in town can start at around $800,000, and condos can start at about $500,000. The median price is mainly swayed by the area’s multi-million-dollar mountain estates and cabin-style mansions. Some on wooded lots along the Big Wood River just outside of the town center can go for over $3 million. A few miles north, palatial residences in the private Valley Club can get close to $9 million.
Find victorian colonial and expansive ranch style layouts in downtown Hailey.
Large estates with beautiful mountain vistas can be found just minutes from downtown Hailey.
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Dine on Main Street
State Highway 75, better known as Main Street, is the central vein running through Hailey. The brick facades along this classic main drive and its cross streets are home to local businesses and restaurants showcasing everything from barbecue and sushi to authentic Mexican and Peruvian. Tree-lined sidewalks make it easy to walk along the town center’s grid streets and access the different eateries, cafes, bars and bakeries. Basic goods and grocery stores are also found off Main.
Locals love to visit Ketchum Burrito in downtown Hailey for their unique twist on all things burritos.
A Taste of Thai in downtown Hailey serves up some tasty creations that are sure to warm your body and soul on a chilly day.
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Regional airport access and a few hours’ drive to Boise
Many miles of mountains separate Hailey from any major city. State Highway 75 runs north to south through the city and the Wood River Valley’s resort towns, such as Sun Valley, less than 15 miles up the road. Friedman Memorial Airport allows air travelers to fly directly in and out of Hailey to many western cities. Homeowners who live near the airport will experience higher levels of noise from the planes. The state capital, Boise, is 140 miles west. The drive takes a little over 2 hours, taking U.S. Highway 20 to Interstate 84.
Friedman memorial airport offers several daily flights in and out of Hailey Idaho.
Tucked into the Sawtooth mountains utilizing Friedman memorial airport can be one of the best options for quick access to Hailey.
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One of Idaho’s top 20 school districts
Hailey is part of the Blaine County School District, which Niche gives a B overall rating and ranks in the top 20 school districts in the state. Five of the district’s eight schools are in the city, including B-plus-rated Wood River High School.
Students in Hailey attend schools in the Blaine County school district 61.
Younger students in Hailey can attend Wood River Middle School just blocks north of downtown Hailey.
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Wildfires are becoming more common in Blaine County
With the summer climate becoming warmer and dryer, the densely wooded mountains around Hailey are becoming more susceptible to wildfires. Homeowners, especially those surrounded by natural space, should take precautionary measures like creating a defensible space. This involves removing any dry, overgrown brush from the property’s perimeter to cut off a fire’s path before reaching a home. Residents should also have an established evacuation plan.
Hailey crime rates
According to the Hailey Police Department's statistics, released by the State of Idaho, Hailey has a significantly lower crime rate than the state. In 2023, the last reported year, Hailey reported a crime rate of 891 per 100,000 people, in contrast to Idaho’s overall 3,865 per 100,000. Still, it’s important to note that Hailey’s numbers are adjusted because the city has a population of around 10,000.
Born in Tacoma, Washington and raised by incredible parents who passed on the value of hard work, family and kindness, Rachelle attended Washington State University where she studied Early Childhood Education. She married her high school sweetheart, Jon, and began a career trajectory that would encompass many aspects of real estate. After studying market trends as a research analyst for a commercial real estate firm, Rachelle and her husband moved on to flipping investment properties. Since 2012, Rachelle has worked as an account manager facilitating and managing projects with builders, developers, contractors and homeowners. Impressed by the Southern Idaho schools, community involvement and lifestyle, Rachelle and her family relocated in 2018 and now call Twin Falls home. She and her husband own and operate a home inspection company that equips buyers to be educated, informed consumers in the home buying process. This winding road finally led to a real estate license in 2019 and a brokers license in 2023. Along with a rich resume and varied experience, Rachelle brings customer service skills, knowledge of the industry and a strong work ethic to Willow Realty Group. Want to buy or sell your home? Rachelle would love to speak with you.
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.
