And, if there is one place that holds the potential to cross all the checkboxes on your list, it is any of these localities in Wyoming. So, to help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of small towns and cities that are considered to be the best places to live in Wyoming

Rafter J Ranch

Rafter J Ranch, located next to South Park, towards the northwest of Cheyenne, is home to about 1,535 people. It offers amenities like excellent public schools, great job opportunities, and enthralling nightlife! The entire area of Rafter J Ranch is roughly 60 percent of open spaces and 40 percent of a small, tightly knit community.

Though a small chunk of local people suggest that Rafter J Ranch has a lazy vibe, it is safe to say that it never runs out of things to offer. If you enjoy biking and hiking trails, moving to Rafter J ranch will sort your plans for weekends. The median property value sits at about $593,500, making it the best place for budding entrepreneurs who wish to invest in property. As a happy suburban area, Rafter J Ranch is amongst the best cities in Wyoming to live in.  

Google Map Location- https://goo.gl/maps/RHTwXNoCRGvevnwq8 

South Park

If you are looking for a town that suits you and your plans to grow your family, South Park is one of the best places. With an almost equal male-female ratio and a perfect combination of affluence plus a country feel – South Park is sure to win your heart instantly.

The public schools in South Park are also highly rated. That, combined with the homely atmosphere offered by this small, closely-knit locality and its people, play a perfect role in shaping your kid’s childhood and ensuring your well-being. If having a small community with low crime rates, affordable property rent, and cost of living and ensuring a positive and safe surrounding to your family are your priorities, then South Park is perfect for you.  

By Acroterion, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Google Map Location- https://goo.gl/maps/7XzkapCyJzZm1uNr6

Laramie

If Laramie makes it to the list of best places to live in Wyoming, it is because of its several good educational institutions. Laramie is home to the University of Wyoming, Laramie Community College, the Wyoming Technical Institute, and some of the best of public schools. It also offers an energetic nightlife, a historical legacy radiating from its architecture, low crime rates, affordable cost of living, and a perfect blend of countryside and urban culture.

The Laramie Regional Airport serves as an accessible travel option for the locals. With a range of popular outdoor activities that Laramie offers, local people also have 14 parks to make regular visits to. It also has a median rent of $713 against the national median of $928. Laramie undoubtedly is one of the best cities to live in Wyoming.  

Google Map Location- https://goo.gl/maps/q83jPjnnFBgRYAWG6  

Cody

Being the gateway to Wyoming for tourists, Cody is a popular town that remains crowded throughout the year. It is home to the Yellowstone Regional Airport and has non-stop flights to Denver and Salt Lake City, making it the best place for people who are frequent commuters. Named after William Cody and also known as Buffalo Bill, the small town of Cody is popular for the flamboyant Western flair it takes pride in.

It is also known for its high spirits with a long list of things to do like hiking, fishing, camping, rafting, and rock climbing, to name a few. The median property rent for an apartment with one bedroom in Cody costs approximately $620, lower than the state’s median rent. It has also been called the happiest city in Wyoming. Hence, if there is a place that pulsates with energy among all the Wyoming towns, it is Cody.  

Google Map Location- https://goo.gl/maps/HodtHXmdVb9fExQP8

Sheridan

If you imagine your home to be in a tightly knit and safe community set in a quaint little town, Sheridan is the best place for you. Located about 100 miles (161 kilometers) away from the rush of a big metropolis, Sheridan has all amenities you will ever need, from the best medical facilities, public schools, and colleges to multiple shopping options, restaurants, and electrifying nightlife.

Nestled in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountain Range, Sheridan offers a small-town feeling while also giving a taste of suburban life despite Wyoming’s ruggedness. Sheridan is also known to have great public schools and is home to almost 17,775 people. Like Jackson, it is truly welcoming and affords you a chance of living in the vicinity of nature. A loving neighborhood, low crime rates, affordable rents, and a diverse yet close community of good people are the highlights of Sheridan, securing its spot amongst the top places to live in Wyoming.  

Google Map Location- https://goo.gl/maps/cAVs2KMuZhUyecH59  

Jackson

If you wish to settle down in a town with breathtaking scenic beauty, you should definitely consider Jackson in Wyoming. Easily accessible from the National Elk Refuge with riverside flats set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, Jackson gives the local people a chance to indulge in world-class hiking, skiing, and several other outdoor pursuits.

It has a population of about 10,000 people, and every corner of this city provides ample opportunities to socialize with its residents. Jackson not only acts as a gateway to both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, but it also offers multiple opportunities for shopping and dining. Though the rent and cost of living may be slightly higher than what seems ideal, with a low crime rate, good public schools, and an enchanting vibe to it, this locale sure qualifies to be on this list of best places to move to in the Cowboy State. 

Google Map Location- https://goo.gl/maps/ubve5oV2ECsD3yDM8

Lander

Seeing people choose Lander when it comes to a new location in Wyoming is not a rare sight. It is one of the best places to live in and lies close to the Sinks Canyon and Yellowstone National Park. Lander has properties with a median rent of $739 a month, making it a popular choice for first-time home buyers.

This town has about 63 percent of its residents as proud owners of their property. Lander offers almost everything you might be looking for — additional benefits like amazing amenities, reasonable cost of living, low crime rates, good and accessible public schools, well-planned infrastructure, easy commute, along with several other amenities. Its locally owned eateries attract all residents in and around Lander, and the friendly local people make adapting to this town easier than you can imagine!   

By Charles Willgren, CC BY 2.0, Link

Google Map Location- https://goo.gl/maps/hVeYa1UxbdegwTsq9 

Cheyenne

As the state capitol, Cheyenne is home to the historic Capitol Building and the Governor’s Mansion. The population of Cheyenne is approximately 62,000, and it has commuters from Laramie and Sheridan visiting daily. Being one of the windiest cities in the United States of America, situated at an elevation, Cheyenne is ideal for the wind energy industry. Its economy is taken care of by the State Government and the F.E. Warren Air Force Base. 

Cheyenne also has several delights to offer all year round, starting from the Frontier Days organized in July that pave the path for multiple county fairs, art shows, and festivals. It has some of the best public schools, world-class medical facilities, and low crime rates. The botanical gardens of Cheyenne, museums, shops, breweries, restaurants and interesting nightlife are also major attractions of this small town, making Cheyenne one of the best places to live in Wyoming. 

By formulanone, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6rsKqGr2bTqNQKQE9

Powell

Located about 75 miles (120 kilometers) away from the Yellowstone National Park, Powell is called the gateway to Yellowstone. It has a desert-like climate wherein you experience dry winters and humid summers. The strategic location of Powell adds to its charm as it rests between the Bighorn Mountains on the east and the Absaroka Range on the west.

Its proximity to the mountains makes Powell the best place for camping and hiking. Be it a family or a young couple, this town has weekend adventure plans for all. Clear blue skies, tough mountainous terrain, clean air, a temperate climate, and an abundance of sunshine make Powell an alluring locale to reside in and settle down.  

Google Map Location- https://goo.gl/maps/f2eTNYMqCRV4GU7f8 

Kemmerer

If you have a keen interest in history and wish to move to a town that brings you closer to the rich history of the United States of America, Kemmerer is perfect for you. From historic trails to railroads and coal mines, Kemmerer is home to all the key elements that added to America’s glorious past. It is also the site where the J.C. Penney “mother” store is located, and the Fossil Butte National monument is just 15-minutes away from here.

While Kemmerer does not make it to the list of cheap towns to buy a property in as the average house cost lies around $169,700, the safe atmosphere that this town offers makes it worth it. The approximately 2,600 people living in Kemmerer adore the small-town vibe that it emanates and firmly believe that Kemmerer is one of the best areas to live in Wyoming as well as to raise one’s family or retire.  

Google Map Location- https://goo.gl/maps/oVDxwWrzwRWRcQoQ9

Evanston

Evanston is located near the Wyoming-Utah border and has a friendly atmosphere. Driving to Salt Lake will take about an hour and a half from this town, so if your schedule involves frequent travel to Salt Lake, Evanston should be on top of your list. It is tucked away from the rush of a metropolitan, and the 12,213 people living here are extremely content with this town.

Winters in Evanston are special for all because of the skiing and snowing one can only experience here. Choosing to move here lets you be a Wyomingite while also having access to the amenities of Utah, making it the best place to move to in the state. Evanston residents can enjoy wildlife watching from their homes as animals often trek through town. It represents ‘fresh air, freedom, and fun’, and be it a work trip to Salt Lake or a family visit to Rock Springs, Evanston makes commuting to both possible. 

By EvanstonWyoming, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Google Map Location- https://goo.gl/maps/cjSGLgqLKnKo2UWX8 

Ranchettes

Ranchettes is about a 15-minute drive away from Cheyenne and offers the best of both worlds. A small town with a community-driven spirit, low crime rate, and good infrastructure similar to Cheyenne, Ranchettes has its 6,138 residents extremely happy and satisfied.

It is a highly educated town with 42 percent of its population holding a bachelor’s degree, and if quality education is one of your criteria, this is one of the best places for you as it has a number of good public schools to offer. Surprisingly, its median rent is $1144 a month, making it one of the most expensive areas to rent a house in Wyoming. Therefore, it is not considered a suitable option to rent a property, and 90 percent of the people own their homes.  

Google Map Location- https://goo.gl/maps/xrgSgSrSMDMKxRG29 

Rock Springs

Rock Springs makes it to the top three best places to live in Big Wyoming and it is easy to see why. It offers great housing and good home value, with a median of $199,600. This makes most people choose to own their homes rather than go for a rented house. This town’s economy is based on oil and natural gas mining, and it has a rich history to narrate.

The locals of Rock Springs are passionate and generous individuals who are always ready to help. Some major attractions here are the popular city parks, the Civic Centre, theater, golf course, and various other opportunities for recreation. The presence of coal and oil mining has led to the city being home to 56 nationalities. If you are looking for a town where local people celebrate diversity, Rock Springs awaits you! 

By Vasiliymeshko, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Google Map Location- https://goo.gl/maps/f51vbwCMbLjffQsV6

Worland

Located at the center of the Bighorn Basin, Worland is one of the best places and among the top 10 cities to live in Wyoming. The town center is a hub of small businesses and thrives on the community spirit. Worland has an agricultural background and is a safe town with an extremely low crime rate.

The healthcare facilities and public schools are easily accessible, making it one of the top choices to settle with families and raise kids. If you wish to go hunting and fishing, you will not need to travel far away because Worland has got you covered. From the cultural aspect, the Washakie Museum and Cultural Center are great options, and as for entertainment and recreation, plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining out are also available.   

By Sam Beebe, CC BY 2.0, Link

Google Map Location- https://goo.gl/maps/1zpRs8rKNDy2pBoKA  

Casper 

With 10 percent of the state’s population residing here, Casper is one of the best places to settle down in Wyoming. Also called ‘Oil City’, it is bigger than other towns of the Cowboy state and boasts of wide and open lands as well as historical forts. Waiting for the entertainment part? The list begins with exciting nightlife, favorite local shops, and the steakhouses and ethnic restaurants one must try. If you enjoy rock climbing, fishing, hiking, and engaging in outdoor activities, Casper has plenty in store for you. It is said to be a ‘fun-size’ city as it feels like both a big metro, as well as a small town.

By Athletesrun, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Google Map Location- https://goo.gl/maps/y5niYP9DB9NCTSgZA

Buffalo

Situated at equal distances from the Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore and perched at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, Buffalo offers some of the most scenic natural beauty as far as the eye can see. It is a short drive away from outdoor activities like skiing, boating, camping, hunting, fishing, and Buffalo’s economy is primarily fueled by energy production, agriculture, and tourism.

Buffalo is also home to the Occidental Hotel, the site where Owen Wister’s Virginian finally “got his man”. This town is not only a paradise for all sports and adventure lovers but is also rich in terms of history, putting it on the list of good places in Wyoming to live.  

By Ben Townsend, CC BY 2.0, Link

Google Map Location- https://goo.gl/maps/9ZRnsiHpLbXZxHfV6 

Riverton 

Riverton is the convergence point of four rivers. It offers excellent options for both preliminary levels of education with the Fremont County School District #25 and higher education with Central Wyoming College. It carries a legacy of being a vibrant locality and has delightful activities to offer throughout the year.

There is one spot that the local people of Riverton would surely recommend – the rendezvous site where mountain men and tribes used to meet back in 1838 to trade, right at the riverfront. The ground remains undisturbed to date and gives you a taste of history as you interact with the locals, try camping, and attempt cooking as per practices of that era, taking you to the Wild West that is known to have been the origin of this town. 

By Chevsapher, CC0, Link

Google Map Location- https://goo.gl/maps/tz3rmjDc7XBCX9Sz7

Choosing a new place to live in can be tough, given the never-ending list of factors to consider. But what makes it easier is prioritizing your needs well. Wyoming is one of the best places in the country to move to, especially with a family, and choosing to live in the best of the west will surely be a journey full of new experiences that you will cherish forever!