Isolation & the Great Outdoors: Blessing or Burden? Thinking about moving to Wyoming? 🏔️🌾 The photos are stunning—big skies, quiet trails, and sunsets that stop you in your tracks. But here’s the honest question: can the very isolation that makes Wyoming magical also make day-to-day life harder? In this episode, I break down isolation in Wyoming—the blessings (space, freedom, community, world-class outdoors) and the burdens (long drives, limited amenities, social adjustments, practical costs). After helping countless buyers and relocations across the state, I’ll help you decide whether Wyoming’s quiet is your peace…or your pain point. 📅 New Wyoming videos every Friday at 4 PM MST — subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss one! What you’ll learn 🌄 Blessings of isolation: privacy, elbow room, and access to 28M+ acres of public land 🎣 Everyday adventure: hiking, hunting, fly-fishing, skiing—without the crowds 🤝 Small-town connection: real community, real help, real belonging 🧠Mental reset: fewer distractions, deeper focus, more time outdoors 🚗 Burdens to plan for: long errands, winter road closures, fewer big-city conveniences 🏥 Services & care: where specialty medical, concerts, and big shopping live (and how far) 🌬️ Wind & weather: why winter + wind changes daily life 💼 Jobs & money: no state income tax vs. pay scales, property taxes, and boom-bust cycles ✅ Who thrives here: remote workers, retirees, outdoorsy families, community-first folks 🧠Who struggles: spontaneity-seekers, nightlife lovers, anyone who hates long drives Pro tips before you move Visit in winter to test your cold + wind tolerance Budget for driving/maintenance and emergency supplies Strengthen your internet plan if you’ll work remotely Build your network early (churches, schools, clubs, local events) Map your lifestyle radius (groceries, medical, school, activities)
You’re thinking about moving to Wyoming. You’ve seen the gorgeous photos online, the wide open spaces, the mountains, those sunsets that make you wanna pack a moving truck right now. Wyoming’s natural beauty is undeniable, with landmarks like Yellowstone National Park and Grand Tetons, drawing millions of visitors a year. But beyond the stunning visuals, there’s a reality that often gets overlooked in those picture-perfect posts. Here’s the question no one seems to ask. “Can the same beauty that draws you here also make you miserable?”
Hi, I’m Alisha Collins with the Alisha Collins Real Estate team, and I’ve seen both sides. As a real estate professional who’s helped countless people relocate all around this beautiful state, I’ve witnessed the highs and lows firsthand. Some people move here, and feel like they’ve found a paradise, embracing the tranquility and adventure. Others can’t get out fast enough, overwhelmed by the challenges that come with such a remote lifestyle. If you are new here, we post a new Wyoming video every single week on Friday at 4:00 PM Mountain Standard Time. So make sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss another video.
Today we’re talking about one of the biggest lifestyle changes when you move to Wyoming, isolation. With a population of just under 600,000 people, spread across nearly 98,000 square miles, Wyoming is the second-least populated state in the US, second to the one and only Alaska. That sparsely creates a unique environment where the great outdoors can feel like a personal playground, or a vast, empty void. For some, it’s a dream come true, offering peace and freedom from the chaos of urban life. For others, it’s the reason they start Googling flights back to home at 2:00 AM, feeling the weight of distance and solitude. Yes, I am exaggerating a little bit, but I wanna make sure that you understand. Alright, let’s get into it.
Let’s start with the positives, because there are plenty that make Wyoming a magnet for those seeking a simpler, more connected-to-nature existence. The low population density translates into no traffic jams on your daily commute unless you’re headed to one of the busier areas, like Cheyenne during rush hour. But even then, it’s nothing like city gridlock. You actually won’t even think there’s traffic. No packed parking lots at popular spots, and no hour-long grocery lines, unless you go right before a snowstorm. Then you’ll see everyone in town stocking up at the same place. But it’s more of a community event than a frustration. You can own five acres, and still wave to your neighbor across the field without shouting. For a lot of people, that’s freedom. It means privacy and room to spread out, whether you’re building a homestead, or just enjoying the quiet. Many who move here from denser states, like California or New York, describe it as a relief, finally, escaping the constant noise and crowds.
Yellowstone, the Tetons. Hiking, fishing, hunting, skiing and trails are so quiet you might see three people all day. Wyoming boasts over 28 million acres of public land, including natural forest parks and wilderness areas. I’ve had clients move here just so they can walk out their back door and start fishing in the pristine river, or saddle up their horse without hauling them anywhere. Activities like big game hunting for elk or mule deer, or fly fishing in world-class streams, are everyday realities for residents, of course, when they’re in season, and you have a hunting license for them. The state’s diverse landscapes, from desert high plains to forest-covered mountains, offer year-round recreation. In summer, you can hike or camp in remote spots with minimal crowds. Winter brings skiing at places like Jackson Hole, which is globally renowned, but still feels accessible for locals. For outdoor enthusiasts, this isolation isn’t a barrier. It’s an invitation to explore without the hoards of tourists overwhelming every spot. Plus the clean air and stunning vistas have health benefits, promoting physical activity and mental wellbeing for those who thrive in nature.
In small towns, people look out for each other. If your car dies in negative temperatures, someone will stop to help, often without you even asking. If you’re sick, a neighbor might drop off soup, or shovel your driveway unprompted. We still have that borrow-a-cup-of-sugar way of life, and it’s genuine. Despite the physical distances, sometimes a hundred miles between towns, the social bond in rural areas are strong. Events like county fairs, rodeos, and local festivals, foster a sense of belonging. This community aspect extends to practical support too. In places like Casper or Sheridan, residents often form tight-knit groups through churches, schools, or volunteer organizations. For retirees or families wanting a slower pace, this can be incredibly fulfilling. And economically, the lack of state income tax is a huge draw, allowing people to stretch their dollars further on land and living expenses, even if some costs, like heating, in the winter add up.
Isolation allows for a profound sense of introspection and connection to land. Many remote workers who’ve relocated here during the rise of telecommuting report increased productivity without urban distractions. The vast skies and open lands can reduce stress, with studies showing that time in nature lowers cortisol levels. For those escaping high-pressure city jobs, Wyoming’s quiet can feel like a reset button, fostering creativity and personal growth.
Now the other side. While the blessings are real and undeniable, the burdens can hit pretty hard, especially if you’re not prepared. Wyoming’s remoteness just isn’t scenic. It shapes every aspect of daily life.
Need a target run? Depending on where you live, it might be an hour or two, one way. In rural areas, like Medicine Bow or the northeast region, distances to major stores can be 100 miles or more. And in winter, make that longer, with roads potentially closed due to blizzards or high winds. Grocery trips become an event, requiring planning, and sometimes stocking up for weeks. If you’ve got kids in sports or activities, you’re basically living in the car driving hours for practices or games. This can lead to fatigue, and higher vehicle maintenance costs, as Wyoming’s harsh weather takes a toll on cars.
We don’t have endless chain restaurants, but we do have amazing local restaurants. If you’re used to Thai on Tuesday, sushi on Wednesday, and Italian on Thursday, you might just be surprised at the variety, and what is available in our gorgeous towns. For sure, all those things can be found in Casper. Check out my free location guide in the description box below. I have tons of restaurant recommendations in there. We have wonderful access to top-notch healthcare, but for specific specialized medical care, it could mean driving to Denver, Salt Lake, or Billings, which are hours away. Same for concerts, big events, and big-box shopping. But again, we have a ton of local vendors, businesses, and shops that you can find just about anything you can imagine, and even items you won’t be able to find at big-box stores. Major cultural attractions are sparse, and urban amenities, like diverse nightlife or malls, are concentrated in just a few spots like Jackson, Cheyenne, or Casper. For people with kids, this means fewer options for their extracurricular activities and for professionals a smaller job market, outside of energy, tourism, or agriculture sectors. Wyoming’s crisp winters bring a spirited challenge, with brisk winds and chilly temperatures, turning outdoor errands into thrilling adventures. Yet our tight-knit community always comes together, embracing the season with warmth and resilience.
Fewer people means smaller dating pools, smaller job markets, and less anonymity. People will know your business, sometimes before you do, as small-town gossip travels fast. And if you’re used to a busy city where there’s always something to do, the slower pace can feel too slow. Loneliness is a common complaint, with some experiencing depression from the isolation, especially during long winters. The state’s rural nature also means limited diversity in some areas, which can be a con for those seeking multicultural experiences. Plus the wind. Wyoming is notorious for the wind, and it’s notoriously windy, with gusts that can make daily life challenging.
While no state income tax is a pro, property taxes can be higher in some areas, and jobs often pay less than in urban states. The energy-based economy means boom-and-bust cycles, affecting stability. Remote work has helped some relocate, but not everyone has that option. And infrastructure, like reliable internet, can also vary in rural spots. So who thrives here? Remote workers who love nature and can handle self-sufficiency. Retirees who want a slower pace and don’t mind planning trips to the amenities. Outdoor lovers who want adventure right outside their door, like hiking in uncrowded trails or fishing in serene spots. People that value community over convenience often do well, especially in towns with good schools. If you can’t imagine driving 45 minutes for milk, or being snowed in for the weekend, you might struggle here, unless you’re in big city centers. Those with chronic health issues should research access carefully, as it is limited. Introverts and nature enthusiasts flourish, but extroverts needing constant simulation may find it tough, unless you find your crowd of people. My advice, visit in winter to test the weather, budget for travel and vehicle upkeep, and definitely build a support network by attending local events.
So is Wyoming isolation a blessing or a burden? Honestly, it’s both. Shaped by the state’s vast landscapes and sparse population, it offers unparalleled freedom and beauty, but demands resilience and adaptation. And my job is to help you figure out which it will be for you. If you’re thinking about moving here, grab my free relocation guide, like I talked about below, packed with more information, tips, and even some of my favorite restaurant recommendations. Give my team and I a call, we’ll help you find the perfect spot, whether you want total seclusion, or a little more action in places like Casper and Cheyenne. Tell me in the comments, what draws you to Wyoming? Is it the seclusion, lack of noise, or just the views? I would love to hear your thoughts. We love hearing from you. We have time for you, and we can’t wait to talk to you. Remember, we want you to love where you live. See you soon. Hi, I’m Alisha Collins, with the… Hi, I’m Alisha Collins, with the… Okay.
- [Braden] Ready?
- Yep. For riot… I don’t know why I stopped. Life, as I fall over. And you sneezed. It shapes… Now. Now, bluh. I better get my life together. All right. I don’t want you to fall. You’re gonna go down and then up. Okay. The least-populated… Rosie, it’s all Braden’s fault.
- [Braden] I’m really not trying to do this.
- It’s okay, I’m teasing. And less of an anonymity, right?
- [Braden] Anemeties.
- No, it’s anonymity.
- [Braden] Oh, anonymity, yes.
- Yep. And less… What is it?
- [Braden] Anonymity.
- [Braden] Oh my God, that’s so unfortunate.
- It’s fine. It’s a good thing I have you to tell me how to say words. Oh, you’re gonna hit the garbage can.
- [Braden] That was good.
- [Alisha] Was it?