Blaine County is where Idaho’s luxury mountain lifestyle takes center stage. Home to Sun Valley, the world-famous ski destination that put Idaho on the jet-set map, the county attracts celebrities, entrepreneurs, and wealthy visitors. Ketchum and Hailey are popular mountain communities known for upscale living, outdoor recreation, and a growing population of affluent residents.

The scenery is spectacular, with the Sawtooth Mountains creating a dramatic backdrop and plenty of “champagne powder” in winter. Summers shift toward hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing, with the Big Wood River running through the heart of the county. The area also has a strong literary connection to Ernest Hemingway, who spent his final years here and remains an important part of the local identity.

Despite its wealth and luxury reputation, Blaine County still maintains a relaxed, outdoorsy character. The county is a mix of ultra-luxury enclaves and working-class communities, creating a noticeable contrast in everyday life. Housing costs are extremely high, while traditional sheep ranching, once an important part of the local economy, now feels more like a reminder of the county’s earlier days.