The Truth About Wyoming No One Tells You! Thinking about moving to Wyoming? Here’s what it’s really like to live here—no sugarcoating, just truth. I’ve lived in Wyoming for over 40 years, and in this video, I’m breaking down the real pros and cons of calling this beautiful (and wild!) state home. From relentless wind and unpredictable weather to stunning landscapes, friendly small towns, and total freedom—Wyoming has it all… but it’s not for everyone. 🚨 We’ll cover: The truth about Wyoming’s extreme weather (yes, the wind is that bad) What to expect when it comes to healthcare and housing in rural areas How small-town charm and personal space might just win you over The real perks of no state income tax and jaw-dropping outdoor beauty 🌲 Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, or just chasing open skies, this guide will help you figure out if Wyoming is the right fit for your lifestyle. 👋 I’m Alisha Collins with the Alisha Collins Real Estate Team, and we help people make Wyoming home every day. Questions? Drop them in the comments or DM me—I read and respond to all of them!
I have lived in Wyoming for over 40 years. I’m gonna give you the unfiltered truth about what it’s like to call this state home. I love Wyoming, it’s in my bones and woven into the fabric of my being, but I’m here to tell you it’s not for everyone. So what are the real pros and cons of living in Wyoming? We’re just gonna rip off the bandaid and talk about some of the cons first. Let’s get it outta the way.
The wind, always. Casper’s nickname is The Windy City for a reason. We’re the windiest state in the US. With the average speeds hitting 15 miles an hour and gusts up to 60 miles per hour or even higher. Keep in mind those are averages. We don’t just experience a light breeze around here. It’s a force to be reckoned with, and other parts of the state are the same way. You will see trash cans secured with bungee cords, and if you forget to bring your patio chairs in before those strong winds come, they might not be there when you go to look out on your pati. Oh, and the trampolines, hopefully they stay in your yard. You have to secure them to the ground. Good hair days are hard to come by, but that doesn’t stop us from trying every single day. On the plus side, the wind contributes greatly to our energy farms, the wind turbines, but you’ll need a sense of humor to live with it.
Our weather is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, and whether you’ve been here for 10 days or 10 years, anyone will attest to this. One day it can be sunny and 70, and the next you’re shoveling the snow and throwing on that jacket you keep in your car just in case. Winters are long, often dipping below zero degrees and spring feels exactly like winter with a ton of extra mud. Summer feels like this and it goes by quickly, but when it’s here, it’s glorious. Driving is our primary source of transportation, and if you don’t have a four wheel drive vehicle, you’re going to want one trust me. It’s not optional for rural roads or snowstorms.
Our healthcare workers are exceptional, delivering care with skill and heart, but our rural landscape poses a real challenge. Outside cities like Casper or Cheyenne, specialized care can be hard to come by. Niche treatments are ongoing complex care, which requires patience and willingness to commute to a larger hub. It’s not uncommon to book appointments weeks out, or juggle multiple visits in one trip to make the most of your hotel stay. This can feel like a hassle, especially if you’re used to same day specialist access in urban areas. Now, the upside to this is our tight-knit communities often step up, offering rides, meals, or support right when you need it most.
In Wyoming’s, smaller out of the way towns, finding a home can feel like a treasure hunt. Listings are often slim. Sometimes just a few houses are up for grabs and they can go under contract in a flash. If you’ve got your heart set on a specific style or spot, you might be waiting months or eyeing a fixer upper. That’s where my team and I come in. We know the ins and outs of Wyoming’s market like the back of our hand, from Casper to the tiniest towns with the populations less than a 100. We will guide you to a home you love no matter where you’re looking in this stunning state because we love where we live, and we want you to love where you live too.
Wyoming can be a bit of a wake up call if you rely on instant food delivery often, use ride sharing as your primary source to commute, or if you expect a coffee shop on every corner. Although we do have a lot. Many towns here, don’t even have a stoplight. Just a few stop signs if that. Stores and entertainment often shut down early and getting groceries might mean a drive or stocking up like it’s winter prep. We trade urban buzz for a quieter, slower way of life, which is magical for some people, but can be a tough adjustment if you thrive on constant convenience.
Okay, now we’re to the pros. Who doesn’t love keeping more of their money? I know I do. Did you know that Wyoming has zero state income tax? Whether you work from home, run your own business, which we have a ton of small businesses here in Casper and Cheyenne and other places, or even if you are enjoying retirement, your paycheck in Wyoming stays yours. This saves residents millions compared to states like Colorado with its 4.25% tax or Montana’s state tax, which ranges from 4.7 up to 5.9%. Your dollar goes much further here, which is a financial breath of fresh air. Especially in today’s economy.
Wyoming’s landscapes are jaw dropping. Yellowstone National Park is one of the largest national attractions in the country. The Grand Teton’s jagged peaks are stunning in captured images, so imagine what they look like in person, it’s incredible. And needs to be on your bucket list of items to see. Devil’s Tower is an iconic feature in Wyoming, and if you didn’t know, you can hike around the entire rock and even climb it. You heard me right, right here in Casper the mountain trails have a variety of difficulty for all walks of life with unbelievable views. Alcove Lake is bustling in the summer, with kayakers, swimmers and fishers alike. Even the North Platte River becomes our very own natural lazy river. You will see people floating along in their inflatable tubes and platforms and even kayaks. These views are not just postcards or screensavers. They are real and right here in our backyard, in Wyoming, the views never get old here. And nature isn’t just a weekend trip here. It’s how we live every day.
If you’ve ever wondered what a huge neighborhood feels like, that’s Wyoming. Whether you’re driving or walking, people do the classic Western wave as they pass. Strangers always lend a helping hand no matter the weather. And your barista might live down the street from you and they remember your order every day. That kind of closeness isn’t just charming. You’ll bump into a former teacher at he grocery store, your mechanic at the rodeo, or pass a local rancher on the bike trail. It’s not usual to have a casual chat with someone and realize halfway through that they’ve known your family for generations. If community matters to you, if you believe in knowing your neighbors, lending a hand and living in a place where people look out for each other, Wyoming delivers in spades. It’s not just where you live, it’s where you belong.
Now, some people are really outgoing and love to be involved in the community and others love their privacy. If that’s you, Wyoming is your place. We are not the number one lowest populated state. There’s actually one state that beats us out. I’ll give you a moment to think about it. Which state do you think it is? If you thought Alaska, you are correct. Wyoming has the second lowest population density in the United States. You have plenty of room to spread out on wide open land, build your dream home, or if you just want to enjoy silence without your neighbor’s lawnmower buzzing. It’s the kind of freedom that feels hard to come by today. It’s perfect for anyone who values space over crowds. If you love being outdoors, Wyoming is basically a giant playground year round. There are tons of cold and snowy activities in the winter like skiing on Casper Mountain, both downhill and cross country, or going to Jackson and skiing there. Hunting is a huge pastime. Make sure you put in your tags on time and then you wait not so patiently for the results of the drawing. It’s like our very own version of the Kentucky Derby. You can just about always find someone fishing in the North Platte River, hiking the Bridle trail in warmer weather and even camping under endless stars. Especially on Casper Mountain and many places around the state. We have just over 48 state parks and 12 million acres of public land, and with every season brings new adventures. We do not hide from the weather. We embrace it and head outside, even in the wind.
So should you move here? Deciding that boils down to one simple question. What do you value? If you crave your own space, true freedom, the unbelievable beauty of nature, and a tight-knit community that will always be there for you. I guarantee you this state will steal your heart. But if you’re not ready for the relentless wind, harsh winters, or a slower, more isolated life, you might wanna think twice.
Do you want to know the key behind making the most educated decision possible? It’s simple, visit first. Explore Casper’s vibrant core, Cheyenne’s historic charm, Laramie’s top tier university education, or Sheridan’s stunning bighorn mountains. Or endless other towns. Each town feels distinct because they are and finding the right fit for you matters. Rent for a season, test the winners and see if Wyoming’s rhythm suits you. It’s a big decision, but it’s worth getting it right. And if you know that Wyoming is a place for you, my team and I will be right here for you when you are ready. Reach out to us. We have time for you. I read every comment and DM. We love talking to you, hearing your perspective, and answering lots of your questions. I actually just got a video from a client who moved here from back east and they are enjoying hiking all over Wyoming. We help people make Wyoming their home every day, and we would love to guide you through this process. Have you visited Wyoming? Are you dreaming of moving here? Drop your answers in the comments below. If this video helped you see Wyoming’s true colors, give it a like and hit subscribe. To keep up with all things Wyoming, I have a new Wyoming video every week at 4:00 PM Mountain Standard time on Friday. If you know of someone dreaming of moving out here, share this video with them. It might spark the next steps. Whether you’re chasing open spaces that small town feel or a quieter way of life, Wyoming could be your new home. I’m Alisha Collins with the Alisha Collins Real Estate team, and we’re here to help you love where you live. See you next week. What? Walk like this?
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