Wyoming dreaming (Laramie, Gillette, Cody: relocate, jobs, medicine)

[walker]

Have recently visited the Story area and have seem what I think is the
prettiest part of this whole country. This area seems to have it all if you
enjoy the outdoors and enjoy a down-to-earth group of people. I'd love
to be able to relocate when my son graduates high school in 4 years. But
being a single mom and not being rich -- is being able to own a couple of acres and a small house simply a pipe dream for this area? The price of housing is simply unreal. Are there any hidden treasures out there? Would
like to be buy the land now and build when I come out. Thanks

[TGM]

I am here looking at houses right now. I am staying along the I-80 area and have looked from Pine Bluffs through to Laramie.

Housing is more expenseive than I thought. Laramie seems to have nothing under 200-250k if you want a little land around you. Pine Bluffs land is less expensive, but the houses are not cheap. Found two 3 bed 2 bath small homes in town at 115k and 145k (small yards too).

If you don't mind being way out in the middle of nowhere, the Medicine Bow area has some good land that is more affordable - don't know how much the house would cost to build later though...

[walker]

Thanks very much for the information. I'm actually looking in the area around
the Big Horn -- have visited there and found it wanting for nothing. The area is just beautiful and the people very down-to-earth who appreciate hard
working people. The cost of housing and possible land is the HUGE drawback.
Seems like everyone else in the country has found out the same and now wants to live there which is driving the cost up for the average person -- that would be me.

[dc53]

Yep- housing has skyrocketed in the past 5 years! You will not find a home in Bighorn area for under $200,000 now- I know, as I would like to downsize, and have been looking. Property is now at least $10,000 per acre in not so nice areas. Here in Cody/Powell, there are many sellers wanting $100-150,000 an acre!! It is rediculous, but as long as people from states that think Montana/Wyoming is 'cheap', the prices will continue to rise quickly. People are greedy here- jobs are hard to find, and you do not need a license to build, so any yahoo can say they are a builder. (any other area of building, also, ie-roofers, plumbers). That is becoming a big problem-poorly constructed homes.

[Wildman]

I would look there first due to the proxmity to the Big Horn Mountains and the lowest cost of living in the state. Jobs maybe something different.
Also, check out around Wheatland-Lusk-Torrington area.

Gillette has recently forced contractors to be bonded and licensed due to crazy growth. I would check out north of Gillette along the Montana line and I know you can buy 35 acres for about $2,000 to $3,000 per acre around the Devils Tower/ Sundance area.

Good Luck