Thinking about moving to Teton Valley and trying to choose between Victor and Driggs? You’re not alone. Both towns offer a mountain lifestyle with big-sky views, easy access to trails, and a workable commute to Jackson, but the day-to-day experience can feel very different. In this guide, you’ll see the key tradeoffs, from housing and commute realities to recreation and everyday conveniences, plus practical checklists to help you tour with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Quick take: Victor vs. Driggs
- Victor: historic, quieter village feel on the valley floor with more open-space views and nearby acreage options.
- Driggs: larger commercial core with more dining, retail, services, and newer subdivisions, plus closer access to Grand Targhee.
- Both: strong outdoor access, seasonal market dynamics tied to skiing and summer recreation, and a commute to Jackson that depends on Teton Pass conditions.
Housing options and market feel
Victor housing character
Victor tends to offer a mix of older single-family homes near town, small-lot newer builds, cabins, and valley-floor properties with larger lots just outside city limits. If you value a quieter small-town setting and room to spread out, Victor’s immediate outskirts often deliver that rural feel. You’ll also find occasional infill projects and smaller subdivisions inside city limits.
Driggs housing character
Driggs shows a broader range of property types in a more visibly growing environment. You’ll see planned neighborhoods, newer subdivisions, townhomes and condos, and properties geared toward buyers who want proximity to services and Grand Targhee. If low-maintenance living or a newer-build community is a priority, Driggs tends to provide more options in one place.
New construction and inventory
Across Teton Valley, inventory shifts with the seasons. Driggs generally sees more active new construction and suburban-style developments. Victor has had less new-build volume historically, though buyer interest is rising as people seek specific lot types or more affordable alternatives. Because availability changes quickly, it is smart to review current permits and listings through the county and local MLS, then set tailored alerts by town and property type.
Price tiers and timing
Both markets respond to regional demand from Jackson Hole and the draw of mountain recreation. Entry-level choices may show up more often in certain pockets of each town, while scenic-lot premiums can appear anywhere that has strong views or ski access. Summer and winter can tighten inventory and affect pricing. If you’re comparing single-family homes, condo and townhome options, or acreage, review the latest local MLS snapshot and date any stats you rely on. A personalized search filtered by town, property type, and lot characteristics will help you stay ahead of seasonal swings.
Commute to Jackson: what to expect
The Teton Pass route
The standard drive to Jackson from Victor or Driggs uses State Highway ID-33 to WY-22 over Teton Pass. This is a mountain road with steep grades, curves, and changing weather. Winter brings icy conditions, traction requirements, and occasional avalanche mitigation that can delay or close the road. Always check WYDOT road conditions and Idaho 511 before you go, especially during storms.
Drive time variables
Travel time depends on weather, time of day, and ski-season weekends. Expect variability and plan extra margin in winter. If a daily commute is part of your routine, consider testing the route in winter conditions before committing. High-clearance vehicles with AWD or 4WD are common for residents who drive the pass frequently. Many buyers also plan for seasonal tires and traction devices.
Transit and ride-share realities
Public transit and long-distance ride-share options are limited in this rural region. Some regional or seasonal shuttles may operate, but most residents rely on private vehicles to get between Teton Valley and Jackson. If the commute is critical, factor in parking needs, snow removal, and regular winter maintenance.
Recreation and lifestyle access
Ski and snowboard proximity
Grand Targhee Resort sits on the west side of the valley, and Driggs has closer direct access to resort services and shuttles. If you want to be first in line on powder days, living near Driggs can trim time to the lifts. Review resort details and current shuttle information on the Grand Targhee Resort site.
Teton Pass trails and backcountry
Teton Pass is a major trail and backcountry corridor used year-round. Trailheads on both sides offer hiking and biking in summer, with respected backcountry routes in winter. For maps, conditions, and local trail etiquette, explore resources from Teton Valley Trails & Pathways.
Rivers, forests, and open space
The Teton River and nearby public lands provide fishing, floating, and wildlife watching. Access points vary, and many are a short drive from either town. If your priority is privacy and space, consider valley-floor parcels around Victor. If your goal is a home base near commerce and resort access, Driggs will feel convenient.
Everyday conveniences and services
- Driggs: a broader and more concentrated selection of grocery, dining, hardware, clinics, pharmacies, and building services.
- Victor: a smaller downtown with essential services and local businesses. For specialty shopping or larger-service needs, residents often head to Driggs or Jackson.
Delivery windows and supply chains can run longer in mountain towns, and internet quality varies by location. If you work from home, verify internet and cell options at the property level.
Which town fits your move?
Use your top priorities to guide the decision:
- Daily convenience: If you want most errands within minutes, Driggs often delivers more choices in a tight radius.
- Quieter small-town feel: If you prefer a historic core and open-space surroundings, Victor’s valley-floor character may resonate.
- Ski-first lifestyle: If riding at Grand Targhee is your north star, Driggs’ location can be a plus.
- Acreage and views: If you want more room or agricultural-adjacent parcels, Victor’s outskirts may align.
- Commute comfort: Both towns use Teton Pass to Jackson, so test the route and plan for winter variability.
Tour-day plan and checklists
A focused tour-day plan
- Morning: explore Victor neighborhoods and nearby valley-floor lots.
- Midday: walk the Driggs commercial core and newer subdivisions.
- Afternoon: drive Teton Pass toward Jackson to experience the commute, or head toward Grand Targhee to preview resort access.
What to bring and what to evaluate
- Bring: your must-haves list (beds, baths, lot size, garage), preferred neighborhoods, max commute tolerance, and a short list of properties to see.
- On site: note road access and gradient, driveway snow-management needs, solar exposure, view corridors, drainage and any flood indicators, proximity to services, and visible maintenance items like roof and siding.
- Connectivity: look for existing satellite dishes or fixed wireless equipment and confirm internet providers for the address.
- Seasonal test: if possible, drive Teton Pass in winter conditions to feel the commute firsthand.
Questions to ask while touring
- What updates or repairs were recently completed, and were permits required or obtained?
- What are typical utility costs and who are the service providers at this address?
- How is snow removal handled for the road and driveway? Is there an HOA or local agreement?
- How often does Teton Pass impact residents here, and what are typical workarounds during closures?
- What zoning applies to this lot, and what are the permitted uses or rental rules?
Compare Victor vs. Driggs: your scoring list
- Commute tolerance: morning and evening windows, plus winter driving comfort.
- Recreation priority: Grand Targhee vs. Teton Pass vs. trailheads.
- Daily conveniences: how many days a week you need close-by grocery, healthcare, and retail.
- Housing type: historic home vs. new construction vs. condo/townhome vs. acreage.
- Maintenance readiness: snow, driveways, and seasonal property needs.
- Long-term plans: primary residence, second home, or investment.
Local planning, permits, and policies
Before you move from comparing towns to writing offers, confirm local rules and contacts:
- County information: permits, land use, and building resources at Teton County, Idaho.
- City services and ordinances: review the City of Victor and City of Driggs sites for current policies.
- Community and business context: check events, business directories, and local updates with the Teton Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Next steps with a local advisor
A structured approach keeps you ahead of a fast-moving mountain market:
- Initial consult: share priorities on budget, housing type, lifestyle, commute tolerance, and your top three non-negotiables.
- Tailor search and alerts: set up MLS alerts filtered by town, property type, price range, and special filters like lot size, views, garage, or year built. Ask to include off-market or pocket opportunities where possible.
- Schedule a focused tour: plan a same-day comparison of Victor and Driggs at different times of day, plus a winter-condition pass drive if a commute to Jackson is likely.
- Technical checks before offers: consider septic or sewer inspections, well water tests if applicable, survey and title review, and a connectivity check for internet and cell coverage.
- Contingency planning: understand seasonal closure risks, snow-removal arrangements, and any HOA or city-county rental rules relevant to your plans.
Ready to compare homes on the ground and get tailored listing alerts for Victor and Driggs? Connect with The McPeak Group to plan your tour and unlock curated on- and off-market opportunities.
FAQs
What is the main commute route from Victor or Driggs to Jackson?
- Both towns use ID-33 and WY-22 over Teton Pass. Conditions vary by season, so check WYDOT road conditions and Idaho 511 before driving.
Is Driggs closer to Grand Targhee Resort than Victor?
- Yes, Driggs has closer direct access to Grand Targhee. Review resort access and shuttle details on the Grand Targhee Resort site.
Which town has more new construction options?
- Driggs generally shows more active new construction and planned neighborhoods, while Victor offers select infill and growing interest in valley-floor lots.
Where can I find local rules and permits for building or remodeling?
- Start with Teton County, Idaho for county-wide permits and land use, and the city sites for local ordinances: City of Victor and City of Driggs.
How do daily conveniences compare between Victor and Driggs?
- Driggs concentrates more grocery, dining, retail, clinics, and hardware in one area. Victor offers essentials in a quieter downtown, with specialty items often found in Driggs or Jackson.
Are there good local resources for trails and community events?
- For trails and pathway maps, visit Teton Valley Trails & Pathways. For business directories and events, check the Teton Valley Chamber of Commerce.
