Living in Wyoming | Why We Stay Despite the Wind & Cold. Why do people stay in Wyoming—despite the wild winters, relentless wind, and long drives between towns? As someone who has lived in Wyoming for years, including right here in Casper, I get asked this question all the time. And on those -20° days? I’ve asked myself the same thing! In this video, I’m sharing 15 heartfelt and honest reasons why locals stay in Wyoming, no matter how harsh the conditions can get. From the freedom of wide-open spaces to the deep-rooted community pride and star-filled skies, Wyoming offers something truly unique you can’t find anywhere else. I’m Alisha Collins with the Alisha Collins Real Estate Team, and every Friday at 4pm MST, I release a new video about life in Wyoming. Whether you’re thinking of moving here, already living in the Cowboy State, or just curious what makes this place so special—this video is for you! 👢 Leave a comment below and tell me what YOU love (or are curious about) in Wyoming! 👉 Subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s video. 📞 Thinking of relocating to Wyoming? My team and I would love to help you find your place here. #LivingInWyoming #CasperWyoming #WyomingLife #MoveToWyoming #WyomingRealEstate #AlishaCollins #RealEstateBestie #CasperRealEstate
We live where the winters are brutal and the winds got a personal vendetta and you can drive 100 miles without spotting another soul. So I know you’re probably thinking, why does anyone stay in Wyoming? Sometimes I even ask myself this question during a real rough winter day. I have lived in Wyoming for just over 44 years, with 25 of them being right here in Casper, Wyoming, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love where I live and I want you to love where you live too. Hi, I’m Alisha Collins With The Alisha Collins Real Estate Team. I premiere a new Wyoming video based on highly requested comments every single week on Fridays at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. Today, we’re talking about the 15 reasons that keep Wyomingites rooted, from our wide open spaces to our starry nights. Whether you’re a local, a newcomer, or just curious, this video is for you. And before I forget, if you find this video helpful, interesting, or entertaining, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss out on any Wyoming content. All right, enough with the intro. Let’s jump right in.
Wyoming’s got elbow room for days. No traffic jams clogging your commute. No neighbors breathing down your neck. Just pure, unfiltered freedom. With just over 97,000 square miles and less than 600,000 people, you can stretch out and take a deep breath. You wanna blast your music at midnight? Go for it. Your nearest neighbor is probably a mile away. Okay, not everywhere, but we do have the kind of space that makes you feel alive and not boxed in.
When life throws a curveball, people in Wyoming show up. We are loyal, sometimes even to a fault, which is the kind of loyalty that is hard to come by these days. If your dog gets out, the neighborhood group chat lights up. If your car has a flat tire, I guarantee you someone is pulling over with a jack to help you. Locals do not hesitate even for a moment to lend a helping hand. Community is our backbone and we stay true to the Cowboy Code of Ethics. Ride for the brand.
Fewer people equal fewer problems. No traffic to sit in to let your mind wander while you are trying to tune out the sound of the honking horns. No bumping shoulders through crowded sidewalks. Just peace. You can stroll into the steamboat deli in your sweatpants and messy bun and no one bats an eye. Why? Because we’re too busy living our own lives to judge. Low drama means more time for what matters, like catching a sunset over Alcova’s waters, hiking the Bridle Trail on Casper Mountain, or even just sitting on your porch with a cup of your favorite drink.
Wyoming has a wallet-friendly secret, and it’s no state income tax. With no state income tax, you keep more of your paycheck. Wouldn’t that be awesome? No matter what your career path is. Compare that to Colorado’s 4.4% or Montana 6.75% flat tax, our zero rate is an absolute game-changer. Retirees love it too. Your social security stays untouched.
Step outside and Wyoming is a playground. Casper Mountain Trails are 15 minutes from downtown, perfect for hiking or skiing. Alcova Reservoirs’ waters beg for kayaking, which is about 30 minutes away. And North Platte’s River Trout are practically begging to be caught. No need for a six-hour drive to get away when nature is right outside your door.
Life here moves at a human pace. People still chat at the wooden derrick over a home-style breakfast or a cup of coffee at Sherry’s Place, not just through DMs. We are not rushing to beat traffic or trying to keep up with the latest trends. It’s about keeping it real. Wyoming is made up almost entirely of small towns, and every one of them reminds you that life is sweeter when you slow down and connect.
Wyoming’s wild side is no joke. Deer graze in your backyard, antelope dart across the road, bald eagle sore overhead. There’s actually even a bald eagle nest by my house. Heck, we even have wild turkeys that have a bad habit of causing temporary roadblocks. And don’t forget the occasional mountain lion or black bear sighting in town. With our beautiful mountains and great plains, you are never too far away from a National Geographic moment.
Wyoming’s not just a place, it’s a legacy. Families here go back generations. You can trace their families back decades, some even to the Oregon Trail. These families are tied to ranches, small businesses, reservations, and Casper oil fields. Staying here isn’t just a habit. It’s pride in carrying on traditions. Like the sagebrush weathering every storm, we build new futures while honoring our roots.
We don’t flinch in hardship or quit when we feel any resistance. It’s our badge of honor. When, not if, a blizzard comes through that buries our car, we plow, shovel, salt, and keep going. Winds are consistently high, especially during the winter. So when they’re 50, 60, or 70 miles an hour, it’s just another day. We adapt with our surroundings. And yes, we do check the weather often, but still have to be aware of outside. We can easily have all four seasons in just one day.
Toughness isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving in the chaos. Wyoming has a soul that you just can’t replicate. It’s raw, unpolished, and fiercely real. From the peace and quiet of the unobstructed sunrise to the buzz of David Street Station, this state feels like a secret paradise. Only we’re in on it. No place is perfect, not even Wyoming, but it’s our home and that’s why we stay.
Wyoming’s beauty is all around. Whether you’re taking a dip in Thermopolis’ natural hot springs, camping in gorgeous Bighorn Mountains, or taking a hike to enjoy the Garden Creek Waterfall on Casper Mountain, Wyoming is one of the most beautiful places in the country. Our neighbors to the north and south, Montana and Colorado, if you didn’t know this, can attest it. We share stunning mountain ranges and wide open roads. I dare you to drive through the Wind River Reservoir and not pull over to take in the beauty.
We show up our events in our town and always support our locally-owned businesses. David Street Station is packed for the summer concerts and the outdoor skating rink during the winter. The College National Finals Rodeo brings a hustle and bustle to Casper every year in June. The Rialto has a calendar full of comedians and live shows. The fireworks at the event center every 4th of July never disappoint. I could seriously go on and on with everything we have to do and experience here. Traditions and our community keep us connected no matter how busy life gets.
Wyoming has a strong commitment to gun rights, which runs deep. It’s one of our many core values. It’s tied to hunting, self-reliance, and our heritage. We have some of the nation’s least restrictive laws, and we have the highest number of firearms per capita in the country. We value our freedom, the right to protect our families and our land. Second Amendment Rights are part of our identity, and that will not change.
I don’t have enough time to mention all of our local restaurants, like Bosco’s, La Cocina, Silver Fox Steakhouse, Eggington’s, Thai Kitchen, Himalayan House, just to name a few. You’re not just another customer when you go to any of our local businesses, you are a friend. Owners know your order, your kids play in the same soccer games, you might have even gone to high school with them. Our lives are intertwined. You don’t just grab a meal and move on. Memories are made, and that personal touch is why we rather spend our time and money at our local restaurants than a chain.
As I mentioned before, the sunrises and sunsets are absolutely stunning here. And even at night, the Wyoming skies are a showstopper. No light pollution means the Milky Way lights up like a beautiful cosmic painting. It’s unreal. You can’t help but stop and look up no matter what you’re doing. It’s a nightly reminder of why we endure the wind and the snow because its natural beauty is totally worth it.
Living in Wyoming is not always a cakewalk. The winters can test your soul, the wind can be relentless, and the drives are definitely long. But we get to call this beautiful state home every day, and it’s worth every gust, drift, and mile. If you live here, want to live here, or just are exploring the idea of coming here even for a visit, drop a comment below of what you love most about Wyoming or what you’re most curious about. I would love to hear your thoughts and answer any of your questions. My team and I love being your go-to resource for all things Wyoming. We have time for you. We love talking to you. We love answering your questions. We love meeting you. We love where we live, and we want you to love where you live too. I will see you in the next one. Have a good day. Let’s see. Is that right? What the crap? Is that okay?
- [Crew] That’s good.
- Are your arms falling off?
- [Crew] Yes.
- Ugh. Alcova… Ugh. That is hard to say. Yeah, that’s what I said. What the crap? Love that, and the wind’s got a personal vendetta. Okay.