The REAL Reason Wyoming Says ‘Don’t Move Here | What Locals ACTUALLY Mean! Moving to Wyoming, Wyoming culture, and why locals push back on newcomers — this video explains the truth behind “Don’t Californicate Wyoming” and what it really means to relocate here successfully. Wyoming is one of the fastest-growing relocation destinations for people leaving high-density, high-regulation states. But alongside that growth, you’ll often see strong reactions from longtime residents. “Wyoming is full.” “Don’t Californicate Wyoming.” “We don’t want to become Colorado.” So what’s actually behind those comments? As a Wyoming native of 40+ years and a real estate agent who helps hundreds of families relocate to Casper, Cheyenne, and surrounding communities, I understand both sides of this conversation. This video breaks down the real cultural dynamics at play — population size, political influence, independence, conservative values, small-town memory, and why even small shifts feel big here.
WHY WYOMING LOCALS PUSH BACK ON NEWCOMERS
“Don’t Californicate Wyoming,”
“We don’t want to turn into Colorado,”
“If you move here, don’t try to change us.”
These are the type of comments you’ll see in almost every single one of my videos from Wyoming locals – almost guaranteed!
And I know exactly why they say it — because I’ve lived in this state for basically my entire life.
I understand the pride, the fear, the humor, the protectiveness, AND the misconceptions wrapped up in those comments.
And let me tell you — nobody, and I mean nobody, has stronger opinions than Wyomingites in a YouTube comment section.
So today, we’re diving into what Wyomingites really mean when they push back on newcomers — and why? Underneath it all, Wyoming is still one of the most welcoming places in the country if you understand the culture you’re stepping into.
I’m Alisha Collins with the Alisha Collins Real Estate Team, your Real Estate Bestie right here in Casper, Wyoming. I’ve lived here for 40+ years, raised my kids here, built my business here, and help hundreds of families every single year move in, move out, and move around our incredible community.
Let’s get right into it.
“DON’T CALIFORNICATE WYOMING”
Let’s start with the elephant in the room — the comment that shows up on almost every relocation video without fail: “Don’t Californicate Wyoming.” Most people assume that’s a shot at Californians themselves, but it’s really not. It’s about change. Wyoming is one of the few places left where life still feels slower, safer, simpler, and more rooted.
People here aren’t trying to impress anyone, they don’t need the newest everything, and they’re not chasing trends or trying to become the next Denver, Salt Lake, or Seattle. Wyoming’s identity is built on independence, personal responsibility, respect for the land, and respect for your neighbor — conservative values, yes, but also a strong “live and let live” mindset.
When people move here from fast-paced, highly regulated, politically charged states, they sometimes bring the expectations of that old environment with them, and that’s when locals start to tense up. It’s not because they don’t want new people — it’s because they don’t want Wyoming reshaped into the very place someone was trying to leave.
That reaction is protectiveness, not hostility. And honestly, most transplants understand that right away. The people who choose Wyoming usually want Wyoming exactly as it is — they’re not trying to turn it into Malibu.
“WE LEFT BLUE STATES AND WE DON’T WANT TO CHANGE YOU”
One comment really stood out because it reflects a huge trend I’ve seen:
Someone said:
“People who come here from oppressive blue states don’t want to change us. They came because they want what Wyoming has.”
I see this every single week as a real estate agent.
People aren’t leaving California or Washington or Colorado because they want Wyoming to act more like them.
They’re leaving BECAUSE they want a calmer life with a lot less traffic and less government interference. They’re craving more freedom, space, and sanity.
Fewer HOA violations because you dared to park your trailer in your own driveway.
Many of these families BREATHE when they get here — like their shoulders finally drop.
They tell me they love the slower pace.
They love that kids still play outside and that people still wave at each other.
They love that nobody cares about your job title or your status.
Wyomingites often don’t realize this, but most newcomers arrive wanting to preserve Wyoming’s culture — not change it.
WYOMING’S PROTECTIVENESS COMES FROM ITS SIZE — AND ITS HISTORY
Another comment said something like:
“We feel the need to guard our state. If Cheyenne or Casper ever got overrun with progressives, the rest of the state is hosed.”
Here’s what that sentiment is really about:
Wyoming is TINY.
Population-wise, we’re not even close to a small city in other states.
If you dropped the entire population of Wyoming into a Denver Broncos game at Empower field… there would still be empty seats.
Because we’re so small, even a minor shift in culture or politics feels amplified.
A thousand people moving into Dallas?
Nobody notices.
Now a thousand people moving into Casper or Cheyenne?
That’s a measurable shift.
So when Wyomingites push back on rapid change, it’s not hatred. It’s math.
They’re not anti-newcomer.
They’re anti-losing-what-makes-Wyoming-Wyoming.
And honestly, I understand that.
That love for your home is something people should respect, not mock.
WYOMINGITES DON’T CARE WHERE YOU’RE FROM — THEY CARE HOW YOU SHOW UP
This is the part nobody says out loud, but every Wyomingite feels in their bones:
It doesn’t actually matter where you came from.
It matters whether you respect the culture you’re stepping into.
One commenter put it perfectly:
“Wyoming natives are friendly to those who appreciate our conservative values. But not very accepting of those who don’t.”
But I would widen that statement, because I see it every day:
Wyomingites tend to welcome people who work hard, mind their own business, and show respect to the people and the place they’ve moved to. Folks who don’t feel the need to be the loudest person in the room, who don’t act entitled or brag, and who understand the value of helping their neighbors usually fit in just fine. Around here, people appreciate those who adapt, show up with humility, and contribute without trying to change everything. What Wyomingites don’t respond well to are people who arrive on day one complaining, talking down to locals, or trying to “fix” Wyoming to look like wherever they came from. Constantly comparing it to back home, demanding amenities that don’t exist here, or forcing politics into every conversation is a real quick way to miss the point of what this place values.
And honestly?
That’s fair.
Because here’s the truth:
Wyoming gives you an incredible quality of life — but Wyoming expects something of you too.
You have to meet the place halfway.
People who do that fit in beautifully.
People who don’t will never stop feeling like outsiders.
If you’re listening to all of this and thinking, “Okay… Wyoming might really be my kind of place,” then make sure you grab my free Wyoming Relocation Guide.
I put it together after helping hundreds of families move here, and it’s packed with everything you need to know—neighborhoods, weather, lifestyle, costs, what surprises people, and what most folks wish they knew before they got here.
The link is in the description down below, and it’s completely free. It’s the best first step, even if you’re just considering making Wyoming your next home.
THE FEAR OF CHANGE IS REAL — AND ROOTED IN EXPERIENCE
One long comment said something incredibly honest:
“My ex-wife and her family ruined Wyoming for me personally. Again, facts over fiction. No different than anywhere else.”
Small towns mean tight communities. Tight communities mean long memories.
If someone moves here and causes chaos — socially, politically, or interpersonally — everyone hears about it.
And because the state is so small, a few loud or dramatic newcomers can make locals feel like a whole wave of change is coming… even if it’s just a few individuals.
So when people online yell:
“Wyoming is full!”
They’re joking…
kind of.
It’s really their way of saying:
“If you come here, come ready to be a good neighbor.”
WYOMINGITES ACTUALLY LOVE NEWCOMERS WHO LOVE WYOMING
Here’s a comment I absolutely adored:
“If someone is visiting or moving here, always pack food, water, blankets, go prepared — expect the unexpected.”
This didn’t come from a place of gatekeeping.
It came from a place of CARE.
Wyomingites want you to be safe.
They want you to understand the weather, the roads, the realities of this landscape.
Another person joked that the first thing they needed to do before moving here was:
“Trade my car in for an AWD truck.”
That’s Wyoming humor — but it’s also the TRUTH.
People here will absolutely give you advice, guidance, warnings, and support — IF they feel like you’re genuinely trying to become part of the community rather than reshape it.
I have clients who moved here and were embraced instantly.
Helped instantly.
Fed, guided, welcomed, invited, and included instantly.
All because they showed up with humility and appreciation.
I also have clients who came in hot, tried to tell everyone how life should be done, and wondered why locals didn’t warm up to them.
It’s not complicated.
It’s cultural.
WYOMING HUMOR IS A LOVE LANGUAGE
Comments like:
“ What Wind? That’s just a light breeze.” or
“This emotional weather — just like some of my exes.”
These are Wyoming locals bonding.
If someone from New York said those things, it would be an insult.
When someone from Wyoming says it, it’s pride.
People in Wyoming love joking about the wind because it’s one of the things we all collectively suffer through. It’s a badge of honor. If you can survive a winter here, you belong.
And joking about it makes newcomers feel included — as long as it’s in good spirit.
If you’re starting to glance around at homes here in Wyoming, make sure you’re using the most accurate website possible — MakeWyomingHome.com. It pulls directly from our local MLS and updates in real time, so you’re not wasting time on outdated listings like you see on a lot of the big national websites. If a home is available, you’ll see it. If it’s sold, it’s gone. It’s the easiest way to get a true, up-to-date feel for what’s on the market here. The link is in the description box below.
WYOMING ISN’T FOR EVERYONE — AND THAT’S OKAY
One comment said:
“Wyoming can be pretty… until the harsh winters and boring lifestyle turn it ugly. Utah has way more going on.”
Look — that’s fair.
Some people want nightlife, giant shopping centers and big-city energy.
Wyoming isn’t built for everyone, and it was never meant to be. It’s wide-open land, quiet evenings, big skies, low population, and a way of life that values community over convenience, all paired with weather that will absolutely cuss you out.
Not everyone wants that, and there’s no shame in admitting it.
Wyoming is for people who genuinely crave what this place offers, not what they wish it would be. If that life doesn’t appeal to you, you won’t be happy here. But if it does?
There’s nowhere better!
THE GENUINE INVITATION UNDER THE TOUGH EXTERIOR
At the end of the day, here’s what all these comments reveal:
Wyomingites are protective, not hostile. We’re cautious, not closed off and we are proud, not petty.
And almost every “keep Wyoming – Wyoming” comment actually means:
“We love this place fiercely. If you’re coming here because YOU love it too, welcome.”
I’ve seen countless newcomers become Wyomingites — real Wyomingites — not by where they were born, but by the way they show up.
They adapt to the pace, they contribute to the community, they learn how things work here, and they stay humble while doing it. They shovel a neighbor’s driveway without being asked, keep a blanket, granola bars and a case of water in their car because that’s just common sense here, they wave back when someone passes, slow down, and take a breath.
And over time, without forcing it, they don’t just live here — they belong.
If you’re thinking of moving to Wyoming, and you want to do it the right way — with respect for the culture, the land, and the people — you will fit in here beautifully.
Reach out to me. My team and I have time for you, we love talking with all of you and we want to help you find the right community for your lifestyle.
Tell me in the comments – Does Wyoming provide the type of lifestyle you’ve been wanting but can’t find? Or does it sound too rough and rigid – I would love to hear your thoughts down below!
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