12 Best Cities in Wyoming to Live and Visit

Wyoming emerges as a beacon of tranquility and affordability amidst the rising costs and hectic pace of life across the nation. With the digital workspace dissolving geographical barriers, this state, graced with pristine landscapes, beckons as a haven for those looking to commune with nature without forgoing modern conveniences.

The cities of Wyoming aren’t just scenic backdrops; they are nurturing grounds for families, presenting a blend of excellent educational resources and the promise of an active outdoor life.

Whether you’re drawn by the allure of job opportunities distinct from the sprawling urban centers or the small-town allure complemented by the feasibility of remote work, Wyoming’s cities cater to a spectrum of lifestyles and aspirations.

They offer a unique kind of serenity and space to grow, all set against the vast, open skies and the majestic mountains that symbolize the spirit of the American West.

12. Buffalo

Nestled among Wyoming’s majestic, snow-dusted peaks, Buffalo invites you with its reasonably priced living spaces and small-town allure. Your children can thrive in a local schooling system that performs admirably while having access to family-oriented activities for weekend enjoyment.

Venture just beyond the town limits, and the Bighorn National Forest awaits you with top-tier hiking opportunities. There, trails wind through robust mountains and spread across expansive valleys, with waterfalls, rivers, and campsites dotting the landscape.

One detail that might give you pause when considering Buffalo is the rental cost. Although it’s modest compared to the national figures, it remains on the higher side for Wyoming.

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11. Powell

Situated roughly 25 miles north of Cody, Powell beckons to creatives and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It’s an ideal blend for adventure, close enough to venture into the wilderness of Yellowstone National Park yet surrounded by trails and camping spots for those preferring nearby nature jaunts.

With a modest population of about 6,500, Powell surprisingly flourishes with a vibrant community of artists, offering a cultural richness that surpasses its size.

Families and couples who anchor their careers in this locale will find a favorable cost of living, accentuated by a real estate market as welcoming as its mountain vistas.

Key highlights:

• Proximity to Yellowstone: Enables easy access for frequent park visits.
• Arts Scene: A thriving hub for local artists, in spite of the town’s smaller size.
• Educational Resources: The presence of a college and excellent schools enrich learning opportunities.
• Community Events: Regular farmers’ markets at Washington Park encourage local engagement.
• Affordability: Lower living costs and accessible housing enhance its appeal.

Powell proves that a small town can punch above its weight, fostering growth for those who plant roots here.

10. Green River

In Green River, you’ll find that comfort meshes seamlessly with affordability. The typical household income is robust, yet the cost of setting up a home here won’t strain your wallet.

Among the town’s 12,600 residents, a sense of safety and community thrives, bolstered by low crime rates and a dependable education system.

Named for the life-giving river that courses through its center, Green River offers picturesque views and an array of aquatic recreations. You can cast your line for a tranquil day of fishing or explore beyond the city bounds for hunting adventures.

Not far from here lies Rock Springs, where Green River shares the vibrant Flaming Gorge Days festival. You can also witness creativity in full bloom at Green River’s own Art on The Green.

Here, you’re not just visiting; you’re becoming part of a close-knit tapestry interwoven with celebration and the great outdoors.

9. Jackson

In Jackson, your eyes can feast on the Grand Tetons as you stand amidst a town that’s become an iconic symbol of the West.

Here, winter sports enthusiasts carve their way down powdery slopes, while summers are spent kayaking, rippling streams, or hiking trails that promise adventure at every turn. The landscape is a juxtaposition of stark, craggy peaks and the wide-open prairies.

• Outdoor Activities: Embrace the thrill of rock climbing, mountain biking, or exploring countless trails.
• Scenic Beauty: Witness the rugged cliffs that command the horizon.
• Cost of Living: Prepare for higher expenses than Wyoming’s average, balanced by solid local employment income.

Jackson doesn’t just entice with its natural splendor; it also challenges with its premium living costs. For those who yield to its call, the rewards are a life steeped in natural beauty and adventure.

8. Laramie

Laramie might surprise you with its small-town charm and affordability. The town caters to those starting a family or purchasing their first house, with attractively low home prices and rental costs.

Life in Laramie:

• University of Wyoming: A central hub, not only for employment but also for injecting vitality with its cultural and nightlife offerings.
• Local Entertainment: The University’s sports teams, notably football, deliver year-round excitement.
• Outdoor Activities: With proximity to the Snowy Range for skiing and the expanse of Medicine Bow National Forest for hiking, outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat.

Your days in Laramie can be filled with the education and community spirit of a college town, while evenings and weekends promise an adventure in Wyoming’s pristine natural landscapes.

7. Rock Springs

Nestled in a setting that marries natural splendor with the convenience of city life, Rock Springs stands out as a harmonious balance between urban comforts and small-town appeal.

The city is a cultural mosaic with a variety of dining, entertainment, and artistic expressions reflective of its diverse community.

When the weather turns warm, you might sway to melodies at open-air concerts or explore exhibits that chronicle the city’s historical significance. Cultural celebrations like the Flaming Gorge Days immerse you in the local arts scene and culinary delights.

Costs of living here won’t stretch your wallet too thin—rent and housing prices in Rock Springs sit comfortably below the nation’s average. This financial accessibility contributes to a homeownership rate where most residents invest in their own abode.

6. Gillette

In Gillette, you’ll tap into the energetic pulse of a city that powers the nation with a robust economic landscape grounded in energy production. It’s a hub for professionals drawn to the fuel and minerals sector, boasting a business district buzzing with opportunity.

Yet, Gillette offers more than industrious charm. Your days off may take you through the sprawling vistas of Thunder Basin National Grassland or into the tranquil embrace of Bighorn National Forest.

Here, iconic landmarks like Devil’s Tower and Mount Rushmore are within reach, enriching your weekends with historic grandeur.

The city strikes a distinctive balance that may appeal to your sense of community; it’s a place where the livelihood earned surpasses Wyoming’s median yet maintains a small-town essence.

In Gillette, expect a lifestyle where professional ambitions and tight-knit community ties coexist gracefully.

5. Lander

In the heart of Wyoming, Lander emerges as a pragmatic choice for those putting down roots.

The local real estate market is a beacon of affordability, and here’s a telling number: nearly two-thirds of folks own their homes. It’s clear that permanence is part of Lander’s fabric.

Lander transcends the myth of the dormant town. Its efficient infrastructure streamlines your daily drive while a noted school district nurtures young minds. As evening falls, the vibrant main street beckons with its dining spots and watering holes.

As for your cultural compass, it finds true north at Lander’s museums, steeping visitors in the tales of the Old West. When the call of the wild whispers, Sink Canyon State Park is a stone’s throw away, inviting with its scenic trails and nature’s splendor.

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4. Sheridan

Imagine waking up a stone’s throw from the foot of the Bighorn Mountains with a day’s adventure in the rugged wilderness at your fingertips.

In Sheridan, outdoor escapades are a daily pleasure, whether it’s exploring dense forests or experiencing the cowboy lifestyle on one of the local dude ranches.

This town isn’t just another dot on the map; it’s a tightly-knit community where the residents bond over their shared fondness for the region. With less than 20,000 souls, camaraderie is palpable on the intimate streets of its charming downtown.

For families, Sheridan isn’t just a retreat—it’s a home offering some of Wyoming’s finest public schools. Here, education and family life flourish amid the tranquility of a town embraced by nature’s splendor.

3. Casper

In Casper, you’re tapping into an ascendant hub reflecting Wyoming’s rich tapestry of history and modern living. Housing is notably affordable, with single-family homes priced around 30% less than the national average.

This city, vital in the lore of the Oregon Trail and the oil industry’s heyday, is Wyoming’s second-largest, ensuring a plethora of services and educational opportunities, including two dozen schools and a college.

Surrounded by natural splendor, Casper offers you doorstep access to outdoor adventures: think kayaking and trekking along the North Platte River. It’s a blend of the past and the present, where small-town charm meets the conveniences of city life.

2. Cheyenne

In July, you can experience the grandeur of Cheyenne’s largest outdoor rodeo — the Cheyenne Frontier Days. It’s an event that captivates with top-tier rodeo talent and star-studded country music performances.

Beyond this celebrated event, Cheyenne boasts an enticing rental market that is favorably priced for families and individuals.

Boasting the nickname “Magic City of the Plains,” Wyoming’s capital enriches your life with lush public parks and a selection of museums reflecting a deep-seated cultural tapestry.

Your adventurous spirit can be indulged just a brief drive away, with the Granite Springs Reservoir and Vedauwoo Recreation Area offering idyllic settings for hiking, fishing, and camping.

• Cultural Highlight: Cheyenne Frontier Days
• Lifestyle: Family-friendly, affordable living
• Nature Getaways:
  • Granite Springs Reservoir
  • Vedauwoo Recreation Area
• Cultural Spaces: Diverse museums and parks

1. Cody

Experience the bygone era of the Wild West in Cody, named for Buffalo Bill, where history remains alive amidst the town’s storefronts and taverns.

This historic haven offers more than a link to the legendary showman; it’s a retreat for those who cherish the blend of education and affordability. Your family can thrive here, benefiting from a top-tier school system and housing costs that won’t break your bank.

Nestled at Yellowstone’s doorstep, the wonders of untamed wilderness beckon. Cody isn’t just a hub for park-goers and a neighbor to Buffalo Bill State Park, enhancing your life with outdoorsy indulgences from hiking to serene lake fishing escapades.