9 Most Comfortable Towns in Wyoming for Seniors
Wyoming is a state of the great, wide-open west. It is appealing to visitors and loved by its locals for its vast, beautiful landscapes, two of which are Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. The 44th state is rich in wildlife and western history, playing a large role in the expansion west during the late 1800’s. Much of Wyoming is untouched, with a very low population compared to the state’s size. This makes it appealing to seniors wanting a slower pace and wide-open spaces to wander on their own agenda in retirement or a vacation. Wyoming is also one of the most tax-friendly states for retirement.
Laramie
Laramie is an exciting college town that offers a variety of things to do all year round. Outdoor recreation is a popular pastime for visitors. Skiing (downhill and cross-country), snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are all available in the winter months. Downhill enthusiasts can head to The Snowy Range Ski Area for an affordable option and Albany Lodge for snowmobile rentals, accommodation, tours, and classes. In the warmer months, Laramie is an excellent destination for guided fishing trips, scenic hikes, wildlife viewing, and relaxing in the fresh, high-elevation air. Laramie also has many unique shops and restaurants that have a flair for Western culture and crafts. The downtown area of Laramie is a great place for seniors to pick up some souvenirs to show off their travels to majestic Wyoming. Seniors looking for a more laid-back visit will enjoy summers in Laramie.
Seniors looking to retire in the area will find that the cost of living is slightly higher compared to the rest of Wyoming. The upside to higher cost is a variety of engaging activities and excellent access to healthcare at award winning, Ivinson Memorial Hospital. Laramie's senior center is in the process of being upgraded to a new, large facility (scheduled to open in early 2025) that continues to offer free or low cost activities like excercise classes and games to seniors in the area.
Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole is a well-sought-after destination in Wyoming for a reason. For starters, it is epically beautiful regardless of the season. Seniors are bound to enjoy Jackson Hole any time of the year. In the winter months alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling are all favored activities, however, there are many other calmer activities to enjoy the winter beauty like wildlife tours (including some within Teton National Park) and multiple hot springs in the area. The downtown area of Jackson Hole is a must-see as well, with iconic bars like Million Dollar Cowboy Bar and Silver Dollar Bar. During warmer months, Jackson Hole offers a Gondola or tram ride at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for amazing views overlooking the town and surrounding mountains, or visitors can take a gondola ride to the top of Snow King Mountain Resort for its observatory & planetarium, offering nighttime hours for star and planet gazing.
Jackson Hole continues to be one of the most expensive areas to live in the state, however, access to premium healthcare and activities remain a priority for seniors wishing to live there. The Senior Center of Jackson Hole is dedicated to the health and wellness of seniors in Jackson Hole, providing meal services, transportation, and group activities. For healthcare, seniors are in good hands at St. John's Health. It is named on Newsweek's World’s Best Hospitals list.
Cody
Cody is a small town named after William Cody (Buffalo Bill) and has countless historical sites like the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody Firearms Museum, and statues that attract visitors from all over the world. Cody offers a great downtown for seniors to enjoy, with restaurants, shops, and art galleries. A stay at Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel & Restaurant is sure to impress you with its famous prime rib and cozy rooms. During the summer months, Cody has nightly rodeos, trolley tours, and wild Mustang tours.
Cody’s senior center offers meal delivery as well as in house meals provided, nutritional services, field trips, and a full schedule of weekly activities for seniors to engage in. Cody Regional Health offers a vast array of services for seniors with multiple locations of specialized and walk-in clinics or hospitals. While Cody is remote, it has a small airport with access to many major western cities for accessible family visiting.
Green River
Green River is a small town in southwest Wyoming with world class fishing, river rafting and kayaking. It's is located just a short drive away from the beautiful Flaming Gorge National Recreation area which is a haven for boaters and fishermen. Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge is another local favorite with plentiful opportunities to fish and view wildlife.
Green River has an exceptional senior center (Golden Hour Senior Center) that is highly rated and includes activities to keep seniors active and social in the community. Golden Hour also offers daily meal support with home delivery at an affordable cost. Castle Rock Medical Center is the nearest hospital in Green River, it is highly regarded for its dedication to patients and condition of its facilities.
Sheridan
Full of cowboy culture and wide-open spaces for outdoor recreation, Sheridan is a paradise for any senior who enjoys Old West history and an endless expanse of views. Sheridan is near the famous Bighorn Mountains, which offer many opportunities for fishing, hiking, and viewing wildlife within its 106 million acres of forest land. Seniors will enjoy Sheridan’s historic downtown, which includes the Mint Bar (serving brews to endless patrons since 1907), a collection of museums, including the King’s Saddlery Museum (a huge collection of saddles, wagons, and Indian artifacts), the Trail End State. Historic Site (the home of cattle rancher turned politician, John Kendrick), and the nationally recognized Powder Horn Golf Club.
Sheridan is considered one of the best places in Wyoming to retire for seniors due to its plentiful activities and low cost of living. The Hub on Smith Senior Center offers meals, fun activities, and transportation to seniors in the area. Sheridan Memorial Hospital is the best hospital in the area, with a large facility and several departments for seniors.
Thermopolis
Home to the world’s largest mineral hot springs, Thermopolis is a haven for any senior looking to relax in Wyoming. The Big Horn Hot Springs State Reserve is a must-stop. It became Wyoming’s first state park in 1897 and continues to be a free bathhouse open to the public during every season. Fishing enthusiasts can find their groove on the Big Horn River with guided trips from Big Horn Guided Services or can obtain seasonal licenses to venture out on their own. The Big Horn River is also popular for rafting and swimming. Seniors traveling in their RV will have their choice of 3 different RV parks that are very close to the hot springs. The town of Thermopolis itself offers some fun activities post river activities. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center houses fossils discovered just outside of Thermopolis and gives visitors the opportunity to see and take part in active excavation sites. Legend Rock Petroglyph, 23 miles west of town, has nearly 300 different petroglyphs that date back 10,000 years.
Thermopolis is also a great place to consider retiring to; it has a low cost of living compared to the national average and state average. Thermopolis may be small, but its patient services for seniors are broad. Hot Springs Health has four family practice clinics in the area specialising in surgical, pain, and othopedic.
Buffalo
Buffalo is a quiet town in northern Wyoming east of Bighorn National Forest, offering beautiful views and a slower pace. Seniors looking for a scenic drive can hop on the Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway, a 47-mile path that offers views of Bighorn National Forest, Ten Sleep Canyon, and the highest peak of the Big Horns, Cloud Peak. Visitors looking to camp will find unbeatable conditions in the nearby Bighorn National Forest or Lake DeSmet. Fans of the popular TV show Longmire will enjoy “Longmire Days” (a festival every July to celebrate the town and its inspiration for the show). The festival has various activities and visits from some of Longmire's cast!
Retiring in Buffalo is a great option due to its low cost of living, availability of senior centers, and a local veterans’ home that offers assisted living and skilled nursing. Johnson County Memorial Hospital offers a full range of services, including home health. Buffalo Senior Center is a local favorite offering creative art classes, music jams, and exercise classes. They also offer meal services, transportation for seniors, and home health services.
Lander
In central Wyoming, Lander sits on the foothills of the Wind River Mountain range (which contains the state’s highest peak: Gannett Peak at 13,804 ft tall). Lander is well known for its outdoor recreation, with rock climbing, fishing, and hiking being the most popular activities in the area. Nearby Sinks Canyon State Park is a great place to explore the beautiful river and wildlife. Yurt camping is available in the park and offers a unique experience to visitors staying in the park. Seniors will enjoy downtown Lander, it is a pedestrian and bicycle friendly town and offers many shops, restaurants, and breweries to explore.
Lander is a top choice for retirees due to its health services for seniors and retirement communities. It has many health service options for seniors at Lander Medical Clinic. The Lander Senior Center offers very affordable transportation with 14 passenger buses that are wheelchair accessible or have ramps. They also have access to medical equipment loaners like wheelchairs, canes, and walkers.
Sundance
Named after the Sun Dance ceremony practiced by local Native American tribes, Sundance is a small town in northeast Wyoming with a lot to offer visitors. The town is known for “the Sun Dance Kid," the outlaw that was jailed in Sundance after stealing a horse from a local rancher, and its proximity to Devils Tower National Monument. Seniors will enjoy the local Sip n Walk Historical Tour hosted by Crook County Museum. It takes visitors along historical sites with actors portraying notorious outlaws in July and August.
Nearby Devil’s Tower is a sacred landmark just 30 minutes away from Sundance and a must see. It was designated as the first national monument of America in 1906 by Theodor Roosevelt and continues to be an awe-inspiring visitor destination. There is a visitor center in the park where seniors can sign up for a ranger-led program for light hiking or learn more about the historical significance to local tribes.
Retirement in Sundance offers proximity to some of the state’s best and beautiful sites with a low population, central location to large hospitals for health care, and low cost of living. The state funded Crook County Senior Services program is appealing to retirees in Sundance for its nutrition program, senior companion assistance, AARP driver safety classes, and many social activities.
Wyoming is an unforgettable destination for seniors to visit or retire in, especially those wanting space to wander in the great outdoors. Outdoor recreation, close-knit communities, fewer crowds, low crime rates, and low cost of living are all within reach when choosing Wyoming. A visit to these towns is sure to satisfy the craving of any senior young at heart and ready for adventure or relaxation. Enjoy the vast expanses of Wyoming’s beauty!
