Living in Wyoming: Guide, Tips & Pros and Cons

Wyoming is really one of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring states in the whole nation since it is home to some of the world’s most gorgeous mountains, lovely scenery, clean lakes, and captivating animals. The state has one of the lowest population growth rates, allowing its residents to live in peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of life in the more populous states. Let’s go deeper into the many facets of the state so that you can decide whether living in Wyoming is the right choice for you.

Why should you move to Wyoming?

Welcome to The Cowboy State. Once the state of Wyoming decided to use a cowboy and a bucking bronco as its official emblem, the moniker “Cowboy State” stuck. Despite being the tenth biggest in area, the state’s population of 573,720 is the lowest in the US. This ranks it only above the least populous state, Hawaii, in terms of population density. But really, who doesn’t like some elbow room? However, there are more than just cowboys, ranchers, and rodeo clowns in this state.  And we at Best Cross Country Movers are here to let you in on the housing market and the employment possibilities here and everything else.

The housing market in Wyoming

Securing a new residence is a crucial step in any cross-country relocation. There’s nothing quite like waking up to the starry Wyoming night sky while lying in a sleeping bag, but I imagine you’re picturing something a little more like to home. Lucky for you, homes in Wyoming are very affordable. To begin, the median valuation of a property in Wyoming is $220,900, and the average asking price of a home on the market is $250,000. Even more striking is the 5.6% increase in house value over the last year. If you don’t want to buy right away, the typical monthly rent for a property is about $1,100.

The average age of the state’s existing homes is somewhat in the middle. The vast majority of the residences in the area now were constructed in the 1970s and 1980s. There is some growth in and around Gillette, but the majority of new buildings are built in and around Cheyenne, the state capital, in the southern part of the state.

No, we haven’t forgotten about renters either. The highest monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment was in Casper, at $816. So, you may live comfortably for between $578 and $630 a month in Cheyenne, Laramie, or Cody, Wyoming. It seems that there are as many affordable housing possibilities out here as “yeehaws!”, relieving you of one stress on your journey. However, you may still be wondering what people really do in Wyoming. So take a closer look into the current job market in Wyoming.

The job market in Wyoming

You might bring your job with you, or you could use your newfound freedom in Wyoming to launch a whole new profession. Whatever the case may be, we’d like to provide you with a quantitative overview of the local employment market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Wyoming’s unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is somewhat lower than the national average. The local minimum wage is now $7.25/hour, the same as the federal minimum, with space to increase.

Some of the fastest-growing occupations in Wyoming include those of personal care aid, registered nurse practitioner, medical receptionist, front desk clerk, preschool teacher, assistant manager, bartender, and groom. The best-paid jobs, however, are obstetrician/gynecologists, nurse anesthetists, surgeons, chief executive officers, dentists, sales representatives, and optometrists. If you work in some of these fields, you can definitely find a job easily in Wyoming.

Pros of living in Wyoming

Living in Wyoming is clearly not for everyone. But if you’re more of an introvert, a lone wolf or you just want some peace and quiet for your family, you’ll love all the perks it offers. Plus, Wyoming is so affordable that even if you are moving from Florida to Wyoming, your bank account will thank you.

1. Very low state tax burden

If you’re looking for more tax breaks and ways to avoid your taxes, Wyoming is the perfect state for you. Wyoming stands apart in this respect. Nobody would argue against the idea of keeping a little more cash for themselves. Instead of handing it over to a state government, why not just move to Wyoming and save up? If we were in your shoes, we’d call the best cross-country movers in Wyoming right away.  Living in Wyoming has a number of financial benefits. So, let us emphasize these for you.

This state of Wyoming offers:

• No personal state income tax
• No state tax on retirement income
• Zero corporate state income tax
• No gross receipts tax on businesses
• Low property taxes
• Modest sales taxes
• Reasonable gasoline taxes

So, what does it all mean? This means that if you want to lower your tax liability, Wyoming is the place to go. And do so lawfully.

2. Low crime rates

When making a decision about a major life change like a move to Wyoming, the crime rate is often at the top of a family’s list of priorities. Crime in Wyoming is far lower than the national average, with surveys indicating that both violent and property-related crimes account for less than 60% of all reported incidents. For the last two years in a row, Lander has had an exceptionally low crime rate.

3. Beautiful landscapes

Only a few communities in the US can claim of having the privilege of conserving nature at its pristine finest. Wyoming is undeniably one of those places where you can still find pristine wilderness. This is partly because of the state’s low population density and abundance of undeveloped landscapes, which provide breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains, valleys, plains, and forests. The clean, unpolluted air and gorgeous rivers and streams are a winning combination. The residents in Wyoming enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and the tranquil setting contributes to their sense of well-being.

4. Great food

If you’re a gourmet, relocating to Wyoming is sure to be an exhilarating experience. It’s a paradise for gourmets, and locals eat plenty of bison and elk in addition to the standard fare of fish and chicken. If you’re feeling down, just think about how quickly your mood will improve after eating some terrific, wonderful fried steak.

5. No heavy traffic

In Wyoming, drivers seldom encounter heavy congestion. You can be ready for a move if you reside in an area with excessive traffic and poor drivers right now. Think about relocating to Wyoming. Due to the sparse population, you can find yourself traveling on roads that are completely empty. You’ll learn to enjoy it quickly. After living in Wyoming for a while, you won’t be able to stand sitting in traffic for hours in other states.

Cons of living in Wyoming

While there are many upsides of moving to Wyoming, it’s not all so great. Some of Wyoming’s bad reputation actually is true. Before making your final decision take a look at these few cons of living in Wyoming.

1. Unpredictable Weather

As a result of its varied landscape, Wyoming is subject to a wide range of climate extremes. While the state is generally warmer than its neighbors since the mountains prevent the powerful oceanic breezes, this is not always the case. Here, one may experience all four seasons, with summer highs in the 85°F to 95°F range, down to the 50s and 60s at the highest altitudes. In addition to the frequent bursts of severe winds and tornadoes, locals must endure very cold winters that may often be unpleasant.

2. Your nearest neighbor might be miles and miles away

Among the 50 states, Wyoming has the second-lowest population density. Your closest neighbor may be quite a ways away from your new home, apartment, or townhouse, depending on the location. That, plus the fact that winters are very cold in the state, emphasizes the need to always have some kind of emergency supplies on hand.

3. Inadequate medical care

Most Wyoming residents live in the state’s rural regions, making it difficult to provide them with adequate healthcare and medical facilities. It is quite challenging to provide medical supplies to those living in remote areas. High death rates may be traced back to the severe shortage of qualified medical professionals. Some of the leading causes of mortality in the area include alcohol and drug abuse.

4. Wildlife concerns

Wild animals may be found just about everywhere, including driveways, roads, and ranches, so don’t be startled if you happen to see one. Most of these animals and insects can get angry pretty quickly if you irritate them. So, make sure you’re not crossing the line.

5. Expensive education

While public education is always the least expensive choice, the cost of private education in Wyoming is quite high. Private high schools in Wyoming cost around the state average of $15,417 per year per student. However, the average annual cost of a private elementary school in Wyoming is just $3,644.

The total cost of private education from high school through elementary school is $8,689. In Wyoming, only 27% of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher, and people have fewer higher education opportunities than the national average. University of Wyoming tuition is reasonable for Wyoming residents but may cost up to $13,000 more for out-of-state students.

The best places to live in Wyoming

Some people that are attracted to the idea of living in Wyoming would like to completely get off the grid and start their new life in a more rural area or even in the wilderness. Assuming that you are not one of them and that you prefer a more urban setting, here are our top 5 places to live in Wyoming.

1. Cheyenne

Cheyenne, Wyoming, the state capital, provides a superb blend of city and country living. Over sixty thousand people call this city home, and they are lucky enough to enjoy a thriving live entertainment and cultural scene that includes museums, a symphony, a historical theater, and even a rodeo arena. If you’re a creative person, moving to Cheyenne is a great decision. And our interstate movers Cheyenne can get you settled in no time.

Cheyenne is a great place to raise kids since it has a great children’s theater, an excellent public library, fun and educational children’s park, and several state parks that provide opportunities for bicycling, hiking, fishing, and just about any other outdoor activity you can think of. The average cost of a one-bedroom rental in the nation’s capital is $793 per month.

2. Casper

Do you want to see the most breathtaking scenery Wyoming has to offer? When compared to other cities, Casper holds its own. As an added bonus, it has some of the greatest rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and golfing in the nation. Snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, fat riding, and snowboarding are just a few of the winter sports available to keep you occupied even when the weather outside is frightful. With interstate movers Casper, you can get settled in Casper in just a few hours.

3. Laramie

The town of Laramie is located in the southeastern corner of Wyoming. In Laramie, 16.0% of residents are under the age of 18 while just 8.9% are 65 or older. Laramie is home to The University of Wyoming which is the sole university in Wyoming. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll love your life in Laramie. Many outdoor activities, like camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and horseback riding, are available in Medicine Bow National Forest. If you’d like to take on hiking or hunting, interstate movers Laramie will be happy to take you to this wonderful city. Winter sports enthusiasts will be pleased to know that this national forest is accessible year-round.

4. Gilette

Gilette, Wyoming, is thriving economically and culturally as the “Energy Capital” of the United States thanks to its many successful industries. Its facilities are more on the rough side, making it ideal for thrill-seekers who relish activities like hunting, fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and exploring the great outdoors. Gillette also has a rodeo arena, an indoor ice rink big enough for the NHL, and a leisure complex with a track, a rock wall, and tennis courts. Plus, sports fans can see games of local softball and baseball at Energy Capital Sports Complex.  If you’re a big sports fan, the best cross-country movers Gilette will be happy to get you in the midst of it all.

5. Rock Springs

Rock Springs is a great spot to enjoy the arts, culture, and cuisine of Wyoming since it is one of the state’s most diversified urban centers. Choose from a wide variety of restaurants serving up Asian, Italian, and American dishes with a Western twist, and other cuisines. Check out the county fair, a blues music festival, and Flaming Gorge Days, which celebrate the area’s cultural variety with a county fair, a blues music festival, and lots of food, music, beer, and fun. If this all sounds great to you, interstate movers Rock Springs will be so happy to welcome you and move you in. If you choose Rock Springs, living in Wyoming will feel like a vacation every day.