From Jackson Hole to Fort Worth: These Cities That Still Seek to Embody The American Dream

As we know, this year the United States is celebrating the 250anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. What remains of the ‘American Dream’ is the definition coined by James Truslow Adams, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, in his 1931 book *The Epic of America*, in which he expressed concern about the country’s ability to survive both the Great Depression and the rise of fascism in Europe. ‘It is not merely a dream of cars and high wages, but a dream of a social order in which every man and woman may achieve the full realisation of which he or she is naturally capable.’

This quote also features in the latest coffee-table book published by Assouline, entitled *America: the imagination of a nation*, which pays tribute to the country’s indomitable spirit. To complete the picture, every year Gallup compiles the Potential Net Migration Index, asking people around the world whether they would like to leave their country and, if so, where they would most like to go. The United States has consistently ranked first. So which three cities still embody a certain vision of the American dream?

Jackson Hole is situated in the state of Wyoming, the least populous state in the United States. Located in the Great Plains, this state is, however, largely covered by the Rocky Mountains. As the gateway to the National Elk Refuge and the magnificent Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole is a lush, high-mountain valley 100 km long, surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States. Immortalised by Ansel Adams, the legendary American landscape photographer par excellence, this breathtaking region features meandering rivers, meadows, wilderness areas and, of course, the splendour and ruggedness of the Teton Range. “The natural beauty, healthy lifestyle, privacy and luxury amenities attract celebrities, actors and high-net-worth individuals,” explains Helena, who has lived in Jackson for 40 years. The town has retained its roots in ranching and cowboy culture, but has also attracted Hollywood celebrities such as Harrison Ford, Sandra Bullock, Uma Thurman and Matthew McConaughey, to name but a few.

Easily accessible, Jackson Hole Airport offers direct flights to more than thirteen major cities, including New York, Atlanta, Fort Worth, San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as Denver and Seattle. Furthermore, the Covid pandemic and Sheridan’s hit TV series have drawn attention to the region, although the ultra-rich have been flocking there for decades.

“Wyoming has no state income tax, which is why people move there for that reason,” explains Helena. “You have to live in Wyoming for six months to qualify for resident status.” Furthermore, the state levies no corporation tax, inheritance tax or stamp duty on property transfers – which is another financial advantage for buyers.