Things You Need to Investigate Before Moving to Casper WY. Relocating to Casper, Wyoming can be a great opportunity for those who are looking for a change of pace and a lower cost of living. However, before making the move, it’s important to do your research to make sure it’s a good fit for you.
Cost of Living – Housing is 16% cheaper than the United States average, while utilities are about 13% less expensive in Casper, Wyoming.
Job Market Options – More than 40,000 new jobs are coming in the next few years.
Housing Options – When it comes to housing, there are a variety of options in Casper, including apartments, houses, and town homes.
Education Options – Casper and Natrona County offer a number of schools and education options, including public schools, private schools, and even has multiple higher education institutions as well as vocational and technical training opportunities.
Healthcare options – Casper has a number of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
Join the Community – Casper offers many opportunities to find your tribe.
Moving to a new city can be both exciting and overwhelming, and it’s important to be well-prepared before making the move. If you’re considering a move to Casper, Wyoming, here are some things to keep in mind as you plan your relocation.
Hi, I’m Alisha Collins with the Alisha Collins Real Estate Team, and I have lived in Casper, Wyoming, a majority of my adult life.
After being born in California, relocating and growing up in Lander, Wyoming, and then going on to attend and become an alumni of the University of Wyoming, I settled here in Casper and have been helping clients buy and sell real estate in the area for the last two decades, so I consider myself somewhat of an expert when it comes to all things Casper.
First, it’s important to research the cost living in Casper and compare it to your current location.
Cost of Living in Casper WY
Casper has a relatively low cost of living compared to other parts of the country, but it’s still important to make sure you can afford the move. Consider factors like housing costs, groceries, utilities, and transportation expenses to get a sense of what you can expect Casper, Wyoming to be. The housing is 16% cheaper than the United States average, while utilities are about 13% less expensive in Casper, Wyoming.
When it comes to the basic necessities, such as food and clothing, groceries and clothing are around 3% more in Casper, Wyoming than the rest of the country. Average cost of living in Wyoming is $42,016 per year. Wyoming has the lowest average cost of living amongst all of the Rocky Mountain states, beating out neighbors like Utah, Colorado, Idaho, and Montana. It also ranks among the top 20 most affordable states in the nation according to MERIC data collected in late 2021. You’ll find fewer people and more wide open spaces than most any other state in the country, which is kind of exciting if you’re looking for a new start.
Next, take a look at the job market in Casper.
Job Market in Casper WY
The city has a diverse economy with a mix of industries, including healthcare, energy, and education. However, it’s important to research the availability of jobs in your field and make sure there are opportunities for you in the city. Casper has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, with the US average being 3.7 according to a report released in December 2022 by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services Office of Research and Planning. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Casper has seen the job market increase by 1.3% over the last year.
Wyoming is projected to add more than 40,000 new jobs over the next 10 years according to the newest long-term industry and occupational employment projections from the Research and Planning section of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services. This marks an increase of 15% from 2022 to 2030. On average, Wyoming is projected to add more than 4,000 jobs each year from 2020 to 2030. Of course, depending on what your career path looks like, you could be above this prediction or below. That is why research is so important. Calling around or looking online at potential jobs for your field of work is the best way to know for sure how successful you might be relocating to Casper.
Housing Options in Casper WY
Rent prices can vary widely depending on the neighborhood and type of property, so it’s really important to do your research and find a place that fits your budget and needs. If you’re planning to buy a home, it’s a really good idea to familiarize yourself with the local real estate market and to seek advice of an experienced real estate agent like me.
Education in Casper WY
When it comes to school-aged children, it’s important to research the local public school district and any other options that interest you and consider the quality of education and other factors like class size and extracurricular activities to pick the right school for your child. The Natrona County School District in Casper, Wyoming is a school of choice district, which means that regardless of where you live, you can choose to send your children to any of the offered facilities for education, so talking to schools, locals, and doing research is very important when choosing where you want to send your children. Casper College and the University of Wyoming both offer excellent higher education options. Many additional institutions partner with these to offer remote learning opportunities, and several opportunities exist for vocational and technical education as well.
Healthcare in Casper WY
The main hospital in the city is Wyoming Medical Center, Banner Health, which offers a wide range of medical services. There are also several clinics and medical centers in the city that offer specialized care, as well as pharmacies and urgent care centers. It is important to note that healthcare costs in Casper as well as the rest of Wyoming are generally higher than the national average, and for a lot of specialty services, you’ll be referred out of state, often to Colorado or Utah, depending on the specialized needs. However, as time passes, we have more and more specialized care in and around Casper.
In addition to these practical considerations, it’s also a good idea to get to know the local community and make connection with others who can help you adjust living in a new city.
Community
Consider joining local organizations or clubs that align with your interests and hobbies and take the time to explore the city and discover all that Casper has to offer. From the local country clubs to the Rotary Club, Elks, Eagles, 4H, boat clubs, trail running clubs, and many more, you can find a niche that fits you just right. Finding a group of like-minded people is a great way to enjoy your new home or may even help you decide if Casper is the right place for you.
Overall, moving to Casper can be a rewarding experience. It’s important to do your research and be well-prepared before making the move. By considering factors like cost of living, job market, housing, and education options and healthcare availability, you can make informed decisions and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
Finding an agent that’s on your side that has knowledge and expertise in the area is so important.
Moving to Casper WY?
Having someone that can help you find the home of your dreams and point you in the right direction for starting your new life is priceless. I’m so excited to help people find their new home and I’m extra thrilled when I get to share my love of Wyoming with new people.
If you have any questions, please call, text or email me below or reach out to us. My team and I have time for you and we can’t wait to meet you. See you soon.