7 Towns in Wyoming that Are Ideal for Seniors
One of the main attributes that people look for in senior living is a mix of quiet and calm with plenty of amenities and activities. A good sense of atmosphere and welcoming townsfolk is almost always a plus, too. Wyoming has a lot of that because while the more touristy areas can draw in a lot of people, there are still plenty of locations that are both serene and filled with things to do. Some of these towns have a large senior scene, meaning that people are already enjoying their life throughout Wyoming. These living spaces aren't too crowded, but at the same time, they have access to places that you can't find anywhere else, making the state and its small towns unique and ideal for people looking to spend a good chunk of time here.
Douglas
The Wyoming Central Railway built a railway station in the 1860s where Douglas is now. It was known as "Tent City'' before picking up the name Douglas after Illinois Senator Stephan A. Douglas. The railroad culture still sticks to this day, with the Douglas Railroad Museum & Visitor Center exhibiting old locomotives and train cars. Also embedded in Douglas culture is the "Jackalope," which is a folklore legend of a jackrabbit that has the horns of an antelope. The town is home to the Wyoming State Fair, which is held every August. At the event is live entertainment, a rodeo, and even a carnival. Express Arrow has an intercity bus service in town, making public transportation easy. More than 75% of residents in Douglas own their own homes, according to niche.com, with the median home value sitting at $206,900. The primary hospital in town is the Memorial Hospital of Converse County.
Green River
In 1867, the Union Pacific Railroad platted Green River, as the railroads in the 19th century extended out west. It has a population of almost 12,000 and an elevation of 6,115 feet. The town has a strong sense of community, with festivals like Flaming Gorge Days at the end of June, with races, basketball, and concerts. The titular Green River that runs through the town is a great place to kayak and fish during the spring and summer, with plenty of opportunities throughout the area. Also available are 28 city parks and spaces that offer places to hike and picnic, with picturesque views while you eat or explore. Green River has 75% of its residents owning their own homes, with a median home value of $229,600. The Castle Rock Medical Center has cared for anyone in the area, with the Mission at Castle Rock Rehabilitation Center across the street.
Jackson
Next to the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges is Jackson, which has a sizable 10,700 residents as of 2020 and boasts excellent conditions for skiing and other winter activities, along with a strong arts and culture scene. The nearby Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is where most visitors and residents go to ski, along with Snow King Mountain. These resorts hold events throughout the year, like Elkfest at Jackson Hole, where elk antlers are auctioned and sold to raise money for the local Boy Scouts and the National Elk Refuge. In the National Museum of Wildlife Art are wildlife artworks in combination with a trail that has sculptures lining it. Retirees who want to be close to nature should consider Jackson, although the median home value is around $836,300, likely because of the attractive activities in the area. St. John's Health services Jackson, with plenty of space for anyone who needs medical help.
Thermopolis
Thermopolis is a cozy town situated along the Bighorn River. It has a population of around 2,700, making it perfect for seniors looking for peace and quiet. There are plenty of activities in the area, with the Hot Springs State Park being the most popular. Here, people can bathe for free in comfy, hot mineral waters. The park also has places for picnics, flower gardens, and even boat docks. Dinosaur lovers will love the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, which has many full skeletons on display, with the opportunity during summer months to join local paleontologists in a fossil dig. More than 75% of Thermopolis residents own their home, with the median home value sitting at a comfortable $159,900. Hot Springs Health helps the people in the area, with their hospital located in the east of town. There's also a state-run assisted living facility called the Wyoming Pioneer Home, situated in Thermopolis.
Buffalo
At the base of the Bighorn Mountains is Buffalo, a town of around 4,400 residents. Museums dot the town and explore Buffalo's rich history, with many artifacts stored at places like the Historic Occidental Hotel and Jim Gatchell Memorial Museums. Local activities are offered at both the Buffalo Golf Club and the Johnson County Library, which are both easy to get to. The Buffalo Area Transit System in town is a paratransit service that is run by the Buffalo Senior Center, which offers public transport, along with Express Arrow and Jefferson Lines, offering a bus service in the town. The majority of people own their houses in Buffalo, with the median home value coming in at $232,600. The Johnson County Healthcare Center services the area for easy-to-access medical needs.
Newcastle
With a population of around 3,400, Newcastle is a good choice for a combination of suburban sprawl mixed with small-town living. The edge of Black Hills National Forest offers walks like the Serenity Trail, which takes hikers through the scenic forest just outside of town, offering wonderful views. Mount Rushmore is only an hour and a half away from Newcastle, making for a nice weekend getaway for local residents. 84% of residents in Newcastle own their home, with a median home value of $151,300, which is great for retirees looking to enjoy small-town life. Near the intersection of Route 16 and 85 is the Weston County Health Services, which is the local hospital in Newcastle.
Cody
Cody is a thriving arts town with a population of around 10,000, which gets its name from the famous Buffalo Bill Cody, who helped in its founding in the late 1800s. His influence still resides in the town, with the Buffalo Bill Center of the West containing five museums in one, all of which house the history of Cody and the area, relating mostly to the Wild West. In the center are also collections of local visual art, which include photography, paintings, sculptures, and more. There's also plenty of live music during the summer, where the town hosts a Concert in the Park series annually. Rodeo lovers will enjoy Cody's robust rodeo scene during the summer, to the point where the town calls itself the "Rodeo Capital of the World." Only 34% of residents in Cody don't own their homes, with a median home value of $260,300. It has plenty of hospitals and medical centers spread around the town, like Heart Mountain or the West Park Hospital.
Wyoming is a calm state, which is great for retirees and seniors, but it also has plenty to do. It's a nice mix of activities and quiet, perfect for anyone trying to relax and enjoy the sceneries and welcoming atmosphere that the West has. Combine that with plenty of parks and wilderness areas, and Wyoming is not only attractive to tourists but also to people trying to find a spot where the cost of living isn't too high, and the neighbors aren't too loud.
