Wyoming is best known for its beautiful blue skies, majestic mountains, clear lakes and rivers along with miles of ranches and prairie terrain. There seems to be so much space here compared to other places. Many have decided to move to this state when they retire. Keep reading to learn about our 10 best places to retire in Wyoming.
1. Cody
The picturesque, small town of Cody in Wyoming is often called “The Rodeo Capital of the World.” Cody has a large population of retirees, low taxes and the town's proximity to Yellowstone National Park, and all its natural wonders and outdoor recreational opportunities, makes this an excellent retirement destination.
The town was named after William Cody better known as “Buffalo Bill.” Learn more about this region's history at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West that consists of 5 different museums that include the Plains Indian Museum and the Whitney Western Art Museum among others.
There is plenty to see and do here, and there are excellent medical and recreational centers here along with unique shops and great restaurants.
Highlights
- Drive the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway – Wyoming 296
- Heart Mountain War Relocation Center – historic WW2 landmark where Japanese Americans were held
- Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area
- Attend the Cody Night Rodeo and the Cody Stampede – summer events
- Take a Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tour
- Dan Miller's Cowboy Music Revue
- Go kayaking or rafting on the North Fork & Shoshone Rivers
2. Kemmerer
Seniors searching for a more suburban retirement paradise that features lots of outdoor spaces and activities to pursue throughout the year should seriously consider the smaller Wyoming town of Kemmerer.
This is where the famed JC Penny store began, and this region is also well-known for its ancient fossils that are found here. There are some ghost town sites nearby that can be explored for those who don't mind a bit of adventure.
The cost of living is also lower than the national average, and the low crime rates also attract plenty of retirees. Kemmerer is close-knit community that holds the Fossil Fest and the popular Oyster Ridge Music Festival each summer that draws top musicians.
Highlights
- Catch a weekend movie at Victory Theater
- Fossil Butte National Monument
- The Fossil Country Frontier Museum
- Find your own fossils at American Fossil Quarry
- Fossil Island Golf Club
3. Casper
Casper was once an oil boom town, and it is the second largest city in Wyoming. The breathtaking Casper Mountains located here are a source of thrilling outdoor adventures and fun. Excellent fishing, swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking opportunities await along the North Platte River.
Residents also have scenic nature trails to enjoy, a lovely golf course and several intriguing historical sites.
There are lots of things to do in town as well like dining at local restaurants, touring the interesting museums, seeing a theater or planetarium show or enjoying the art scene. There are highly rated retirement communities nearby making this city ideal for living out your golden years.
Highlights
- Visit the Werner Wildlife Museum
- Three Crowns Golf Course
- Tour the log cabins and grounds at The Fort Casper Museum and Historic Site
- Oil City Beer Company – local brews
- Hike the educational National Historic Trails Interpretive Center
- The Nicolaysen Art Museum – features rotating art exhibits by famous national and local artists
4. Lander
Lander is a terrific town located in the pristine Wind Mountains which gives endless opportunities for outdoor adventures and fun recreation. Take a walk in Lander City Park, stroll the upbeat downtown area and visit Lander Art Center or the Freemont County Pioneer Museum.
This area is known as Apple Valley for its delicious apple orchards, and many retirees, who do not mind cooler temperatures and lots of snowfall in the wintertime, may find this spot perfect. Lander has many fantastic retirement centers, excellent local medical facilities and a tax rate about average.
Highlights
- Camp at Wind River Range and Cottonwood Campgrounds
- See authentic Native American Dancing each Wednesday night in summer
- Sinks Canyon State Park – a geographical wonder where river water seeps into caves creating a water pool
- Enjoy Lander Live – top-name music concerts
- Sip cold beers from Lander Brewing Co. – Cowfish Restaurant and Lander Bar
- Browse the Museum of the American West – living history village
5. Thermopolis
There are many great reasons to choose Thermopolis as your dream retirement town. Watch for bighorn sheep and cattle in the stunning Wind River Canyon, fish for trout and other species along Bighorn River and other water sources here. The people are friendly, and the downtown area has quite a variety of restaurants, bars and other venues.
Soak your cares and body aches away by visiting one of several hot mineral springs like the Hot Springs State Park Bath House. Tax rates, housing and crime are lower here, and there are several choices of good medical care facilities located in Thermopolis.
Highlights
- Take a 2nd Friday “Monthly Art Stroll”
- Wyoming Dinosaur Center
- Visit Hot Springs State Park
- Go fishing or enjoy watersports at Boysen Reservoir
- See a ranch rodeo – rodeo events on a ranch
- Hot Springs County Fairgrounds – local horse and related events
- Relax while floating on rafts, tubes, kayaks or canoes at Bighorn River
6. Sheridan
Just south of the Montana border, the pretty town of Sheridan is a unique retirement place with lots of cultural and historic attractions nearby.
Sheridan hosts several community events each year, and the beautiful scenery and nearby national state parks give residents here picturesque views and many different kinds of outdoor recreation experiences like hiking, river rafting, kayaking, rock climbing and snowshoeing or skiing in the winter.
There is a lively senior population here, and the city has a senior center located next door to an outdoor amphitheater where live music and other shows are held during nicer weather. Several nature trails intersect here for biking or walking.
There is access to fantastic healthcare facilities, and Sheridan has a small airport that offers flights into Denver. Sheridan is also situated near to I-90 which is a major interstate.
Highlights
- Sheraton Inn – historic landmark
- See a show at the historic WYO Theater
- Trail End Historic Site – Kendrick Estate boasts Flemish-Revival style from 1913
- Brinton Museum – Western art
- Bighorn National Forest – nature trails, hiking, biking, camping and skiing in colder months
7. Green River
Green River is named for the river running throughout this old western styled town providing residents here with ample opportunities for some of the best fishing around, water adventures and truly inspirational views. While the city has several highly ranked medical facilities, the nearest hospital is just a short drive into Rock Springs.
The 55 and over crowd can take part in the Golden Hour Senior Center which holds all sorts of activities like fitness and exercise classes, crafts, games, special events and more. The revitalized downtown streets still have that old-fashioned vibe that makes this town so charming.
Shop the local stores, eat lunch at one of several delicious restaurants and explore the parks and historical landmarks.
Highlights
- Sweetwater County Museum – learn about the area's fascinating history
- Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop – see wild horses and other wildlife in their native environment
- Walk the trails at Scott's Bottom Nature Park – shooting range, archery range and paintball complex
- See protected wildlife and unique area birds at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge
- Browse for fresh local produce at the Green River Farmer's Market
- Learn about area history at Expedition Island
8. Cheyenne
Although Cheyenne is the capital and largest city in Wyoming, the city still has a small-time-vibe that feels more friendly than the typical urban chaos. There are still interesting museums, lovely historic sites and lots of green parks and nature trails to enjoy.
Try to spot all the colorful cowboy boot statues, known as Cheyenne Big Boots, designed by local artists and funded by local businesses.
Cheyenne is a delightful mix of suburban neighborhoods, rural attractions and expected city amenities like prime shopping destinations. The Frontier Mall has upscale and modern stores of every description.
A ride around town on The Cheyenne Street Railroad Trolley is a must-do activity. Retirees who prefer a city lifestyle with a splash of smalltown atmosphere may love this city.
There is a higher crime rate in some neighborhoods, and the temperatures in Cheyenne can be extreme in summer and winter months. The Cheyenne Regional Medical Center located here is considered the best in Wyoming.
Highlights
- Nelson Museum of the West – exhibits on Native American, prairie, cowboy and old-western life
- Wyoming's Historic Governor's Mansion – historic mansion landmark
- Cheyenne Botanical Gardens
- Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
- Cheyenne Depot Museum – historic train station now a learning museum
- Terry Bison Ranch – hop the train ride to see bison and wildlife in own environments
- Stay at the Bit-O-Wyo Ranch – trail rides, dinner shows and cozy cabin accommodations
9. Powell
The small city of Powell remains mostly a farming community and is considered a more rural location. If peace and living off-the-grid is more to your liking, then Powell might be your type of retirement destination.
There are nearby state parks that provide a wealth of recreational possibilities throughout the year. There is one hospital in town that gets fairly good testimonies, but it is not accredited. The nearest accredited hospital is about 90 minutes away.
Taxes and cost of living expenses in Powell run near or below the national average. Crime rates are low here too, as the town is sparsely populated. Powell does have the two-year Northwest College that boasts a great performing arts program that provides musical concerts and other live performances from time to time.
Highlights
- Homesteader's Museum
- Powell Aquatic Center
- Pryor Mountains – north of Powell has wild mustang center
- Yellowstone National Park – about 1 hour away – includes trails, hot springs, campgrounds and outdoor recreations
10. Jackson
Jackson offers residents a blend of outdoor recreation and in town luxury amenities like upscale stores, fabulous spas, fine restaurants, fun bars, art galleries and an old-west-styled, downtown complete with a covered wooden boardwalk.
What could be more perfect than that? There is even a golf course that famed golf professional Arnold Palmer helped create.
The valley where Jackson sits is often called Jackson Hole, and the region is best known today for its skiing resorts that also have fun summertime adventures as well. It is not uncommon to spot celebrities here.
The senior population in Jackson is on the smaller size, and there are no real retirement communities. However, there are excellent healthcare facilities available in town.
Highlights
- Take a 10-minute Stagecoach Ride through downtown Jackson
- Tour or stay at The Wort Hotel – oldest Jackson hotel
- Watch a show at Jackson Hole Playhouse
- Meet up for drinks with friends at Million Dollar Cowboy Bar – old-west saloon-style
- Stroll along the downtown wooden boardwalk – unique boutiques, restaurants, crafts and art galleries
- Watch a staged shoot-out in town with actors at 6.00 p.m.
- Snow King Mountain – zip-line, mountain coaster, alpine slide fun for adults and kids
FAQs about retiring in Wyoming
1. What are the best advantages of retiring in Wyoming?
A: Wyoming has spectacular scenery with mountains, grassy plains and enchanting valley regions. Similar to its neighbors Vermont and Michigan, taxes are low here and favorable to seniors, and even in the larger cities, crime rates are considered low compared to other states like South Carolina. There are lots of outdoor activities to take part in all throughout the year.
2. Are there any cons to retiring in Wyoming?
A: In some areas of Wyoming, temperatures can be extreme especially in the winter season. Most Wyoming towns are not as diverse as cities in other states. Some individuals dislike the slower pace of life in this state, and others are drawn here for that very reason.
3. What types of people tend to move to Wyoming?
A: Most newcomers to Wyoming are more active and enjoy outdoor activities. They also tend to enjoy a more peaceful lifestyle and do not mind hot summers with sunny days and cold winters with lots of snowfall and hazardous driving conditions.
If cold winters aren't for you, have a look at the top 10 places to retire in California.