11 Secretly Amazing Places to Retire in Wyoming

For retirees who want to spend their golden years surrounded by picturesque natural beauty, Wyoming is a top choice. As the country’s least populated state, Wyoming offers a balance of vast open spaces and charming cities with modern amenities. Keep reading to learn about 11 amazing places to retire in Wyoming.

1. Laramie

Located west of Cheyenne in southeastern Wyoming, Laramie is an ideal choice for retirees who are looking for an active, youthful community. As the home of the University of Wyoming, Laramie has moved past its former reputation as a “Hell-on-Wheels” tent city to become a vibrant city known for its arts and culture.

The summer climate in Laramie is mild and dry. Summertime temperatures range from lows around 40 degrees Fahrenheit to daytime highs in the low 80s. During the winter, the area receives several inches of snow, attracting visitors to the ski and snowboarding resorts in the surrounding mountains.

2. Cheyenne

As the state’s capital and its most populated city, Cheyenne is a great option for retirees in Wyoming. Cheyenne is located in the southeastern corner of the state, situated among the northern hills of the Front Range mountains. The city offers a multitude of smaller parks and greenspaces and is a short drive from several popular national parks.

Cheyenne hosts the largest outdoor rodeo in the world. Since 1897, Cheyenne Frontier Days has showcased rodeo skills while celebrating the culture of Wyoming and all things Western. In addition to its well-known rodeos, Cheyenne is called the Railroad Capital of the U.S. for its location near two important railroads. Along with history and culture, retirees in Wyoming can enjoy the area’s museums, restaurants and theaters.

3. Green River

For retirees seeking a rural, small-town setting, Green River is an ideal choice. Green River is located in Wyoming’s southeastern corner and is home to around 13,000 residents. The town is situated along the banks of the Green River among several buttes that interrupt the otherwise vast, open, high desert plains.

Green River was incorporated in 1868 and began to grow after Union Pacific added a railroad stop in the community a few years later. Today, the train horns still sound throughout the city, which has grown to feature several popular restaurants, annual festivals, and activities. In addition, retirees in Green River will have easy access to a local medical facility.

4. Gillette

Wyoming’s third largest city got its start as a as a base camp for surveyors in the 1890s. Later, Gillette developed as a hub for homesteaders and ranchers in the surrounding area. Gillette is located in northeastern Wyoming and has a population of nearly 35,000, making it a great choice for retirees.

Residents in the area can enjoy quick access to outdoor recreation like hunting and hiking. Gillette is earning a glowing reputation for its culinary scene, and the city boasts several venues for events, concerts, and sports. 

5. Evanston

Founded in 1868 in southwestern Wyoming, Evanston is one of the state’s oldest cities. With a population of nearly 12,000 residents, Evanston offers retirees a small-town feeling with well-established services and amenities. Residents enjoy around 300 sunny days each year, leaving plenty of time to explore local parks, golf courses, and historic sites.

Evanston is located on the banks of the Bear River, and Bear River State Park is a short drive from town. Downtown Evanston boasts a variety of shops and restaurants, and the city hosts multiple annual events, including a Young Musicians Festival in the spring and a Demolition Derby with the town’s volunteer fire department each fall.

6. Thermopolis

Featuring the largest mineral hot springs in the world, Thermopolis is a great choice for retirees seeking opportunities to relax. Since 1897, visitors have flocked to the nearby Hot Springs State Park to experience the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters.

There is a free public bathhouse at Hot Springs State Park in addition to several bathhouses and pools within the city of Thermopolis. Along with hot springs, Thermopolis — with a population of nearly 3,000 residents — offers small-town charm amid the beauty of the Big Horn River Basin.

7. Jackson

Located in western Wyoming, Jackson is also known as Jackson Hole, which is a reference to the mountain-ringed valley where the town is located. The city of Jackson is situated along the banks of the Snake River in the southern region of the valley. The Grand Teton National park is located to the north a short distance away.

Sitting at over 6,000 feet of elevation, snow is common in Jackson and can stay on the surrounding mountain peaks through June. The Jackson Hole Town Square contains two distinctive arches made out of antlers that were shed by animals at the National Elk Refuge.

8. Saratoga

Sitting along the banks of the North Platte River, Saratoga is a small community with a population of about 1,700. The city’s Hobo Hot Springs are a popular tourist destination, offering free, public access to several pools for soaking and relaxation. 

Saratoga offers plenty of opportunities for hunting and fishing at the nearby Saratoga Lake. In addition, the city maintains several public parks and hosts annual events like an Ice Fishing Derby, concerts, and festivals.

9. Casper

As the second most populated city in Wyoming, Casper offers retirees opportunities for outdoor recreation as well as the arts and entertainment options of a big city. With a population of nearly 60,000 people, Casper is a hub in central Wyoming for business and industry.

The city is home to Casper College. Downtown Casper features shops, restaurants, and an outdoor space for gatherings and concerts called David Street Station. The North Platte River, which runs through the city, and nearby Casper Mountain are popular spots for fishing, hiking, and enjoying the great outdoors.

10. Lovell

Located in north-central Wyoming, Lovell is a charming small town with a population around 2,500. The town is about 10 miles from Bighorn Lake and is considered the western gateway for the Big Horn Canyon National Recreation Area. 

Despite its small size, Lovell has plenty of amenities to attract retirees. Residents can enjoy a round at the nearby nine-hole golf course or take a swim in the city’s Olympic-sized pool. The city maintains several parks, including two parks devoted to murals, and a historic theater. 

11. Rock Springs

A high-desert community in southeastern Wyoming, Rock Springs is the state’s fifth most populated city. The population of Rock Springs is just over 23,000 people who represent at least 50 different nationalities due to the area’s history as a coal mining hub.

Today, Rock Springs boasts a vibrant main street with shops and restaurants. Western Wyoming Community College attracts nearly 2,000 students to Rock Springs each year. Despite the city’s modern amenities, there are several historical sites like the Fort Supply Monument and the Tri-Territory Historic Monument.

Summary of Amazing Wyoming Retirement Locations

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