Wyoming is becoming increasingly appealing due to the rising cost of living in the US and the growth of online work. The state has beautiful scenery, as well as charming cities and small towns that make it a great place to live and raise a family.
The towns on our list offer excellent education, and the surrounding nature allows residents to live an active outdoor lifestyle. There are various reasons to consider moving to Wyoming, including great job opportunities in its best cities without the congestion of a larger city.
While small towns may have limited job options, the availability of online work and the affordable cost of living make it a manageable obstacle.
12. Green River
Green River is a popular place to live because it has a decent average household income and the housing is affordable. The town is home to about 12,600 people who enjoy good schools, lesser crime rates, and a strong sense of community. The town gets its name from the Green River, which flows through the center and provides beautiful scenery.
Residents can engage in outdoor activities like fishing along the river. Fishing and hunting are also popular activities outside of the town. Green River is close to Rock Springs and they celebrate the Flaming Gorge Days festival together. Green River also has its own event called Art on The Green.
11. Laramie
Laramie may be a small town with less than 10,000 people, but it has a lot to offer. It is a great place for young families and first-time home buyers because the rent and home prices are affordable compared to other places in the state. The University of Wyoming plays a significant role in the lives of Laramie residents.
It is a major employer and brings a lot of energy, nightlife, and culture to the town. Sports, especially football, provide entertainment all year round. If you enjoy outdoor activities, you can go skiing at Snowy Range or hiking in the Medicine Bow National Forest.
10. Casper
Casper is a town in Wyoming that is quickly growing and becoming a popular place to live and do business. The housing market is currently doing well, with single family homes being priced around 30% lower than the national average. The town has an interesting history, as it played a role in the Oregon Trail and the regional oil boom.
Casper is the second largest city in Wyoming and offers a wide range of local amenities, including two dozen schools and a college. The area is known for its natural beauty, with opportunities for kayaking and hiking along the North Platte River being easily accessible.
9. Buffalo
Buffalo is a wonderful place to live because it is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains. The housing is affordable, and the town has a charming atmosphere. The schools in Buffalo are better than average, so students can receive a good education. On weekends, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone busy.
Just a short distance away is the Bighorn National Forest, which offers amazing hiking trails. These trails take you through scenic mountains, valleys, and reservoirs that feature waterfalls, rivers, and great camping spots. One downside to living in Buffalo is the cost of rent.
While it is lower than the national average, it is still expensive for this area of Wyoming.
8. Gillette
Gillette is highly regarded for its economy and is considered one of the top cities in the state. It is known as the energy capital of the country, with a thriving business district and a significant production of fuels and minerals. However, Gillette is not just a place for professionals and families focused on their careers.
Outside of work, the community enjoys an energetic lifestyle due to its close proximity to several natural attractions, such as the Thunder Basin National Grassland, Bighorn National Forest, Devil’s Tower, and Mount Rushmore.
One aspect of Gillette that residents particularly appreciate is the perfect balance it has between a town and city atmosphere. It is a big enough city from a work perspective, with residents earning more than the median income in Wyoming, yet it retains a small-town, family-oriented ambiance.
7. Cheyenne
Cheyenne is a city that offers a wonderful combination of fun and affordability. Every July, the Cheyenne Frontier Days takes place, which is the biggest outdoor rodeo in the world. This event not only attracts talented cowboys and cowgirls but also showcases the best country music.
Even when the rodeo is not happening, Cheyenne remains an ideal place to live due to its reasonable rental prices and reputation as a family-friendly town. Known as the Magic City of the Plains, Wyoming’s capital city offers an array of public parks, numerous museums, and various activities to enjoy in nature, all year round.
Residents can easily access Granite Springs Reservoir and the Vedauwoo Recreation Area for thrilling hiking, fishing, and camping adventures, as both are just a short drive away.
6. Rock Springs
Rock Springs is a beautiful place to live, with an easy commute to work and reasonable living costs. Despite being a small city, it has a diverse population and offers a wide range of food, entertainment, and artistic activities.
During the warm months, there are concerts in the parks and nearby museums and parks that highlight the city’s historical significance. The community also organizes events, fairs, and festivals that celebrate Rock Springs’ culinary and arts diversity, such as Flaming Gorge Days.
Living in Rock Springs is very affordable, with rent and home prices lower than the national average. In fact, almost three quarters of the population owns their own homes.
5. Cody
Cody is a town near Yellowstone National Park that has a rich history and beautiful natural surroundings. It was named after Buffalo Bill, also known as William Cody, who is remembered for a thrilling stampede event. The town has charming streets with shops and saloons that have an Old West feel, giving visitors a glimpse into the past.
Aside from its architecture, Cody also offers excellent schools and a lower cost of living compared to the national average, making it a great place to live. Buffalo Bill State Park, located near the town, is another great attraction where you can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing on the lake.
4. Powell
Powell, located about 25 miles north of Cody, is a wonderful place for artists and nature enthusiasts. It offers the advantage of being close to Yellowstone National Park, as well as numerous hiking trails and campgrounds in the vicinity. Despite its small population of 6,500, Powell has a vibrant community of artists.
However, job opportunities may be limited due to a smaller labor force. Nevertheless, couples and families who can find employment here will benefit from the town’s affordable cost of living and housing market. In addition to these advantages, Powell also has a college, a farmers’ market at Washington Park, and excellent schools nearby.
3. Lander
If you’re a first-time homebuyer looking to settle down in Wyoming, consider Lander. It’s a popular choice because housing is affordable, with lower-than-average rent and about two out of three people owning homes.
Lander may seem quiet, but it’s not. The town has good infrastructure for an easy commute, and the schools are well-regarded. After a day’s work, residents can enjoy the charming main street with great restaurants and pubs.
Lander has interesting museums that highlight life in the Old West. Nearby Sink Canyon State Park offers beautiful plants and animals, plus excellent hiking opportunities.
2. Sheridan
Sheridan, Wyoming is known for its stunning beauty, living up to its nickname as “Wyoming’s Jewel.” Surrounded by a vast forest and the Bighorn Mountains, residents have easy access to outdoor activities and can immerse themselves in cowboy life at the local dude ranches.
The community in Sheridan is close-knit, with people knowing each other well. Despite its small population of under 20,000, Sheridan has a charming small town feel with its cozy downtown streets contrasting with the rugged natural surroundings.
Families will be pleased to know that Sheridan boasts some of the top public schools in the state, making it an excellent place to raise children.
1. Jackson
Jackson is a beautiful town in Wyoming that has become famous and popular. It has amazing skiing and snowboarding, as well as the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone nearby, which makes it the top tourist spot in the state. People who live here and visitors love the breathtaking views of rugged cliffs in the otherwise flat prairie.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking. However, living here is more expensive compared to the rest of Wyoming because of the higher cost of living and house prices. Despite this, the local wages are good, which helps people cope with the higher expenses.