8 Best Places to Live in Wyoming, 2021

If you’re interested in moving to Big Wyoming, also known as the Cowboy State, you’ll be faced with the challenge of figuring out where to live. With so many incredible cities and towns to choose from, it can become a bit overwhelming for anyone beginning their search.

Thankfully, we’re here to help you begin your Wyoming apartment search by narrowing down your options. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you learn more about the best places to live in Wyoming and find the best city for you!

1. Casper

• Population: 59,038
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $850
• Median Household Income: $61,979
• Walk Score: 39
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: 44

The second-largest city in Wyoming is Casper, which is located in the east-central region. Nicknamed the Oil City, a deep history of cowboy culture and oil boomtown still runs strong through today. In the 1890s, crude oil was discovered, making Casper a booming regional petroleum center.

Once home to multiple refineries, today, the only one left belongs to Sinclair Oil Corporation. While oil still plays a prominent role in the city, today, banking and commerce make up a large sector of the economy in the area.

Casper is an excellent place for young individuals and families. Casper College is the local community college, which offers sixteen different areas of study that stem directly from the University of Wyoming. There are also three high schools, five middle schools, and sixteen elementary schools in Casper, all public schools provided by Natrona County School District #1.

Living in Casper provides the best of both worlds. The city is large enough to offer most amenities and entertainment, like local breweries and live music, without the crowds of densely populated metropolitan areas. Larger events are held in Cheyenne, a short two-hour drive away. There is an authentic small-town vibe in Casper, where everyone knows everyone, and there is a strong community spirit.

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2. Cheyenne

• Population: 65,132
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $913
• Median Household Income: $64,598
• Walk Score: 37
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: 51

The state capital of Wyoming is Cheyenne, nestled in the northern region of the Southern Rocky Mountain Front. Known as one of the least centrally located state capitals in the country, Cheyenne is in the southeast corner of Wyoming. While winters here are notoriously long and cold, this region experiences brief breaks due to chinook winds coming from the Rockies, warming up the weather above 50 °F.

One of the greatest benefits of living in Cheyenne is having the combination of the great outdoors and city life. There are countless entertainment options and attractions to enjoy throughout the city, including two community theaters, four movie theaters, and fifteen local museums. Some of the favorite local museums include the Wyoming State Museum, Cheyenne Frontier Days Old Museum, and the Cheyenne Depot Museum.

The Greater Cheyenne Greenway connects the city’s east, north, and south ends, providing accessibility to outdoor activities. All within 100 miles, residents can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, camping, hiking, and skiing.

Despite being the largest city in Wyoming, Cheyenne still embraces the small-town feel. The crime rates are relatively low compared to cities of comparable size, and there is a strong partnership with the military throughout the city.

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3. Gillette

• Population: 33,403
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $785
• Median Household Income: $79,789
• Walk Score: 21
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: 34

Founded as a significant railway town back in 1891, Gillette is another incredible Wyoming city to consider calling home. In the last century, Gillette has seen significant population growth as a direct result of a fossil fuel industry boom in the area. Today, the city has been nicknamed the Energy Capital of the Nation, providing the country with large amounts of coalbed methane gas, oil, and coal.

In the past few years, with the decline of the use of coal in the country, Gillette’s population has declined. Despite the changing economy, the city has adapted and, as such significant contributors to the economy of Gillette, today include other sectors such as the arts, health, education, and media.

The Avenues of Art program is run by the Mayor’s Art Council. During the annual Donkey Creek Festival, artists display cultures for sale by paying homage to the city’s original name. Another primary art display in Gillette includes the Sculpture Walk, which began in 2018.

Check out the 9,000-seat CAM-PLEX arena for other entertainment outside of the arts. Here you’ll find everything from live sporting events to balls to concerts. Amateur wrestling and the National High School Finals Rodeo are both hosted here.

Check out the apartments available for rent now in Gillette.

4. Jackson

• Population: 10,760
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $3,400
• Median Household Income: $73,411
• Walk Score: –
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: –

Jackson, Wyoming, often mistakenly referred to as Jackson Hole, is a small city located in Teton County. As a popular tourist attraction, Jackson is close to major ski resorts, including Grand Targhee, Snow King Mountain, and Jackson Hole Mountain. In addition to skiing, Jackson is also nearby the famous Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

In 1914, Jackson was incorporated. Today, some of the original buildings can be found in the Town Square. Within Teton County, Jackson is the only incorporated municipality. 97% of the land in the county is state or federally owned and managed, while only 3% is privately owned.

The scenery in Jackson is unlike any other city out there. With Grand Teton National Park as your backyard, it’s hard to beat the views, not to mention the wildlife sightings regularly, including eagles, bears, and moose.

The world-famous National Museum of Wildlife Art overlooks the National Elk Refuge in Jackson. Here, you can immerse yourself in wildlife artworks or enjoy a trail outside with countless sculptures, just short of one mile.

The Grand Teton Music Festival, which is also held in Jackson during the summer, is a seven-week classical music festival. With a wide range of events, spectators can enjoy everything from orchestral concerts, classical crossover artists, chamber music, and family events.

Check out the apartments available for rent now in Jackson.

5. Rock Springs

• Population: 23,526
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $718
• Median Household Income: $76,722
• Walk Score: 29
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: 32

The fifth-most populated city in Wyoming is Rock Springs, in Sweetwater County. Known as the Home of 56 Nationalities, Rock Springs saw many worldwide immigrants who came to mine coal to fuel the Union Pacific Railroad. Today, this blending of cultures is celebrated in an annual event known as International Day during the summer. This exciting event includes live entertainment, costumes, exhibits, and food.

Another big Rock Springs event is Wyoming’s Big Show, which also takes place during the summer months. Each year at the Sweetwater Events Complex, people from all over come to enjoy livestock exhibits, evening concerts, delicious dining options, and family-friendly carnival rides.

The strong sense of community is exhibited through the various festivals throughout the years. In addition to International Day and Wyoming’s Big Show, Rock Springs also hosts the Rod and Rails Festival, the Wyoming Chocolate Festival, and the Blues and Brews Festival annually.

Rock Springs is an excellent location for growing families looking for more space. Still, with plenty of outdoor activities and festivals throughout the year, there is a fabulous suburban feel throughout the city. Rock Springs is filled with young adults and growing families looking to enjoy Wyoming and all it offers.

Check out the apartments available for rent now in Rock Springs.

6. Rawlins

• Population: 8,221
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $938
• Median Household Income: $64,336
• Walk Score: –
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: –

Rawlins, Wyoming, spans across 8.28 square miles of land, including 0.04 square miles of water. Here, you’ll find the Wyoming Frontier Prison, Wyoming’s first state penitentiary. Over a century old, the prison opened in 1901 and would function until the doors closed in 1987. Today the prison is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, offering tours year-round.

Check out the Carbon County Museum if you’re looking for a more uplifting Rawlins adventure. Here, you’ll find a wide assortment of exhibits and displays showcasing the area’s development for the past 150 years. The Carbon County Museum welcomes all ages, making this a great place to visit with young learners.

Anyone who enjoys outdoor activities will thrive in Rawlins, as there are countless opportunities for scenic photography, hiking, hunting, fishing, and camping. While shopping and other entertainment options might be limited in Rawlins, Casper and Cheyenne are both a two-hour drive away.

Check out the apartments available for rent now in Rawlins.

7. Marbleton

• Population: 1,404
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $778
• Median Household Income: $73,542
• Walk Score: –
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: –

The smallest town on our list of the best places to live in Wyoming is Sublette County’s Marbleton, which spans 0.86 square miles. The town was incorporated in 1914 and started as a rival town to Big Piney, just one mile away.

Between Marbleton and neighboring town Big Piney, people enjoy plenty of annual events. In the summer months, when the weather is pleasant, residents and spectators from surrounding areas join in the festivities.

Annual events include the 4th of July Chuckwagon Days Parade, Barbecue & Fireworks Chuckwagon Days Rodeo, the Big Piney/Marbleton Volunteer Fire Department Annual Catfish Fry, the Sublette County Fair, and the Little Buckaroo Rodeo.

For anyone looking for authentic small-town living, Marbleton is the place to look. Check out the apartments available for rent now in Marbleton.

8. Laramie

• Population: 75,516
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $850
• Median Household Income: $46,117
• Walk Score: 34
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: 67

The third-largest city in Wyoming is Laramie, lying along the Laramie River northwest of Cheyenne. Because of the educational opportunities, low taxes, and scenic location, the city has been named one of the country’s best locations to retire.

Laramie is the home of the main campus of the University of Wyoming. The university also offers an extensive program known as Lab School to students in grades K-9. Laramie County Community College also has a branch campus located in the city. Lastly, WyoTech is another educational option offering 9-month courses in various sectors, some of which include automotive and diesel technology.

Wyoming is incredibly scenic, and Laramie is no different. You can get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful landscape in one of the fourteen city parks Laramie has to offer. You can enjoy everything from seasonally stocked fishing ponds, soccer fields, horseshoe pits, and more within the parks.

There are currently twenty-one sites on the National Register of Historic Places in Laramie. The most noteworthy include the Wyoming Territorial Penitentiary, the Downtown Laramie Historic District, and the Union Pacific Athletic Club.

Check out the apartments available for rent now in Laramie.

Final Thoughts - Where Should I Move to in Wyoming?

No matter what you are looking for in Wyoming, whether it be a bigger, small-town feel of Cheyenne or the ultimate small-town living of Marbleton, there's something for everyone. Thankfully, some of the best places to live in Wyoming are still reasonably priced.

So, if you are interested in moving to Wyoming, now might be a good time to start your research. First, find out more information about the cost of living in Wyoming. Next, register with Apartment List today and start checking out the available apartments to rent in Wyoming!