BUDDY, CAN YOU SPARE A HOME?: In what might be an issue for struggling writers and artists, second-home sales in Wyoming have reached a fever pitch. As recounted in a Casper Star-Tribune series by Jeffrey Jacquet, WYO is one of the hottest markets in the U.S. for so-called second homes. Wyoming’s wide-open spaces and low taxes lure people here, as well as the real-estate gold rush sweeping the West. Problem is, many people can’t afford “first homes” because “extra-home” buyers keep forcing up prices and taxes. The series raises a key issue: Are second (or third or fourth) home buyers good citizens? Sure, they pay property taxes, but do they invest time in the community, get their hands dirty in neighborhood issues and assorted good causes? And do they support the arts? Mark Obringer, a member of Jackson’s town council, says he refers to wealthy part-time residents as “modem cowboys.” He added: “They bring a lot to the community – it’s not necessarily a bad thing. We wouldn’t have 173 nonprofits without them.” (Read the second part of this story on Aug. 4.)

- posted by Michael Shay @ 11:11 AM