12 Things No One Tells You About Living IN Wyoming. Wyoming is breathtaking — wide-open skies, rugged mountains, and sunsets that stop you in your tracks. But what most people don’t see in the glossy travel photos are the quirks, challenges, and unique realities of actually living here. In this video, I’m breaking down 12 things no one tells you before moving to Wyoming — from our fierce winters and legendary wind… to the small-town charm, limited shopping, and outdoor lifestyle that defines life in the Cowboy State. I’m Alisha Collins with the Alisha Collins Real Estate Team, and over the years I’ve helped hundreds of families relocate to Wyoming from across the country. Some were fully prepared — others learned a few lessons the hard way. My goal? To give you the inside scoop so you can make the right decision for you and your family.
If you’re thinking about moving to Wyoming, you’ve probably seen the gorgeous photos of our mountains, wide open spaces, and these stunning sunsets that make you wanna pack a moving truck right now. But here’s the thing. There are some things about living here that you will not find in the glossy brochures or the travel blogs. Hi, I’m Alisha Collins, with the Alisha Collins real estate team, and I have helped hundreds of families move from all over the country. Some knew exactly what they were getting into, and others, let’s just say, they called me a few months later, and said, “Alisha, no one told me about this”, or, “Alisha, it’s not as bad as what you said”. If you’re new here, I post a new Wyoming video every Friday at 4:00 PM Mountain Standard Time. So make sure you hit the subscribe button, and click the bell, so you never miss a Wyoming video with me. This is Leroy the horse. He’s 10 years old. All of you said last time he stole the show. Well, he’s here to steal the show again. I’m giving you the inside scoop on 12 things no one tells you before you move to Wyoming. The good, the bad, and the things you’ll laugh about later. Get cozy and let’s start.
12, distances are bigger than you think. Distances here are no joke. If you grew up in a city where everything was 10 minutes away, this will be an adjustment. Need Sam’s Club? That might be a three-hour drive, one way. I had a client from Texas tell me, “Oh, I’m used to driving far”, and even they were shocked when they realized the next town over could mean 70 miles. Here’s the thing. You get used to planning your trips, and, once you do, it’s no big deal. Let’s just say you’ll learn to check your gas tank before leaving the driveway.
11, winter is a whole personality. And this is where people are telling me that I say it’s worse than it really is. Winter isn’t a season. Here, it’s a personality. It can snow in October and in May, it’s not usual to have 40-degree swings in a single day, or more, and, sometimes, you’ll need a block heater for your vehicle. If you don’t know what that is, trust me, you’ll find out real fast. The first morning, it’s 20 below zero. One winter storm can change your plans for days, with wind-whipped snow piling up, and roads like I-25 closed unexpectedly. Locals swear by keeping a winter survival kit in their car. Think blankets, flashlight, and snacks. Learning to read WYDOT weather alerts is a must for planning your week. But the flip side, if you love the beauty of fresh snow, and that cozy snowed-in feel, you’re gonna love it here. Plus, nothing beats a sunny winter day with the mountain sparkling like a postcard.
10, the wind is no joke. And we talked about this before. Now, of course, we do have days where it isn’t as windy, particularly in the summer, but the majority of the time, here in Wyoming, we do not get a gentle breeze. We’re talking 40 to 50-mile-an-hour gusts very regularly. If you commute, or drive, Wyoming roads for work, you’ll learn quickly to be prepared. Plan ahead for blow over risk closures, and have the WYDOT app right on your first screen of your phone. You’ll buy hats for style and survival. And, if you’re new here, you’ll try to wrestle your car door open in the parking lot and the locals will just smile, and say, “Welcome to Wyoming.”
Number nine, wildlife is everywhere. Wildlife isn’t just something you see on vacation here. It’s daily life. Moose, deer, antelope, sometimes right in your front yard, depending on where you live. Mountain lions even make occasional appearances, and even bears in certain areas. And if you’re driving at night, always scan for glowing eyes on the road. We do have crossing signs in areas where wildlife tend to hang out, but let’s be honest, out there, they can pop up out of nowhere anywhere. It’s beautiful, but it’s also a reminder, we live in their space, not the other way around.
Number eight, small town life means everybody knows everybody. In a lot of Wyoming towns, everybody knows everybody. It’s wonderful for the community. People truly look out for each other. But privacy, it’s definitely different here. Every town has their own Miss Patty, and, if you’ve ever seen “Gilmore Girls”, you know exactly what I mean. News travels fast, and, sometimes, you’ll find out people know what you’re up to before you’ve told them yourself. If you’re friendly and involved, you’ll fit right in.
Number seven, limited shopping and dining. If you love having endless shopping and restaurant options, be prepared for a change. There is no Next Day Amazon Prime in some rural areas, and your favorite chain restaurants might not exist at all. I had a client who moved here from California, and couldn’t believe there was no In-N-Out within 500 miles. But here’s the flip side. You will discover truly amazing local spots you would never find in a big city. After just a few days, the owners will probably greet you like Norm walking into Cheers, calling your name with a smile. And I’m not kidding, you’re gonna love the restaurants here, you’re going to love the shopping here, and you are gonna forget that you had a routine before.
Number six, you really need to love the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, these aren’t just hobbies here, they’re culture. If you love being outside, this will feel like heaven. If you don’t, you might need to find new hobbies, because the outdoors is kind of the main event. Head to the North Platte River for trout fishing, or Fremont Canyon for rock climbing adventures. In the winter, hit Casper Mountain’s Nordic Trails for cross-country skiing or snowmobiling. Local outfitters can hook you up with gear and tips, making it easy to dive into Wyoming’s year-round outdoor scene, whether you’re a pro or just starting out. And, of course, I like to ride my horse.
Number five, cost of living is a mixed bag. Wyoming has no state income tax. You can check out this video I made. And housing can be more affordable compared to a lot of the big cities. But groceries, utilities, and certain goods can actually be a little more expensive, because they have to be transported here. So, yes, you can save, but budget wisely and plan ahead.
Number four, internet and cell service can be spotty, especially in rural areas. Don’t assume you’ll have perfect internet. Starlink has been a game changer for many, but you still might hit pockets with no cell service. Plan accordingly, and if you work remotely, you might wanna stick in larger hubs of Wyoming like Casper, Laramie, or Cheyenne to ensure you can work from home uninterrupted. Even then, weather events or local outages can throw a wrench in your plans. Having a backup hotspot, a co-working space membership, or even knowing the nearest coffee shop with reliable Wi-Fi can save you a lot of headaches.
Number three, neighbors help neighbors. One of my favorite things about Wyoming, neighbors helping neighbors. Need a cup of sugar? Done. Stuck in a snowbank? Someone will stop, and they’ll probably even have a chain to hook up your car and get you out. This isn’t just small talk, it’s how we live here. The kind of kindness is woven into the fabric of our communities, passed down through generations. It’s a place where lending a hand isn’t a chore, it’s simply part of being a good neighbor.
Two, plan trips around the weather. Weather can change in a minute. Roads can close suddenly, and, if you’ve got a big event or trip planned, always check the forecast and road conditions. It’s not being paranoid. It’s being prepared. You old stinker. Most of us avoid planning trips altogether around times we know the weather could prevent us from getting to our destination or even back home. Living here means respecting nature’s timetable, not your own. Flexibility isn’t just convenient. It can be the difference between a safe journey and a potentially dangerous situation.
And number one, it’s addictive if it’s for you. Here’s the truth. Wyoming is not for everyone. And, if it’s for you, it gets in your heart, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t move here sooner. So there you have it. 12 things no one tells you before moving to Wyoming. Some of them are challenges for sure, but, for the right person, they are the reason to fall in love with living here.
If you’re thinking about making Wyoming your home, click the link in the description box, and download our Wyoming relocation guide completely free, or you can give me a call. My team and I would love to help you find your perfect spot here. We love to talk with you, we love to hear from you, and we would love to know what city and state, or even country, if you’re outside the U.S., that you’re watching us from. I will see you next week. Remember, we want you to love where you live. See you soon. Everybody always says that it’s not windy when I record these. And even they were shocked when they realized they… Even they were shocked. My team and I would love, hey! With wind-whipped snow piling up, and roads like I-25 closing unexpected. I’m trying to go too fast. Or you, I cannot talk. What the crap?
- It’s okay.
- Okay.
- [Camera Crew] You’re doing good.
- But you still might hit pockets with… But you still… Number nine, wildlife is everywhere. Wild wall… Alisha, get it together. Mount lion… This totally suck. I might have to do it over. Okay, number three, what are you doing? Hey, Rosie. Thank you for saying that he was gonna be spicy today, ’cause he is.