Residents Of Lander, I Have Some Questions... (Riverton, Boulder: fit in, rentals)

[elevenhounds]

What is living in Lander really like? I have heard glowing reports from the company hiring my husband as well as the typical literature about the beauty of the town etc.

Can I get some more personal information such as how do YOU like living in Lander? What kind of people fit into Lander best? Is there plenty to occupy people or is it scathingly dull? (I am not talking about nightlife, just normal small town activities).

Thank you

[rya700]

I used to live there and my parents still do. Yes it is beautiful but I will warn you housing is tight, especially rentals.

You ask about the type of people....Lander attracts an interesting population. Lots of tree huggers, hippies, extremists who are peeved at the rest of the world. Then there are people (like my parents neighbors) who have never left wyoming or even fremont county.

[elevenhounds]

Treehuggers and hippies? I assume being Wyoming they are the 'live and let live' laid back type....right? Is Lander and area very liberal?

[rya700]

Actually from what I remember - politically Lander voters are a republican majority - as is most of wyoming. However, there is a group of very outspoken environmentalists in Lander that make lawsuits against the state over the use of land. They vehemently are against mining, cattle grazing, ect. There is also the NOLS school which brings in some 'interesting' characters. Personally I just don't really jive with their lifestyles or beliefs - i think they are way to extreme. Not to say they comprise the whole town, but I also thought Lander was, in general, somewhat cliquish. Sorry to be negative - that was just my experience. And I dont know if you have been there yet or not but it is a VERY rural and isolated community.

[ElkHunter]

That don't mean their liberal, or tree huggers. Just means they are folks wanting to protect their scenery, thier hunting, their hiking, their serenity.

[sunsprit]

Originally Posted by jgussler

That don't mean their liberal, or tree huggers. Just means they are folks wanting to protect their scenery, thier hunting, their hiking, their serenity.

In a protective manner that does it to the exclusion of other's scenery, hunting, hiking, serenity, and quiet enjoyment of their livilihoods at the other's expense ....

I've met a bunch of these NOLS types in the Lander area, and they apparently believe that the rest of us OWE them .....

[rya700]

I am referring to the Wyoming Outdoor Council....google them and you will see that they are 100% against hunting, mining, drilling....

And what I dislike the most about these people (and the Nolsies) is that the majority of them are not really even 'from' wyo....they transplant from the east coast, cali ect. and then try to take away the livelhoods of those who are just trying to make an honest living. They especially give ranchers a hard time.

[Kristynwy]

Rya700 that's a shame... I hope they don't take over in that area.

[bobbymcsnoddy]

Having lived in Lander for 9 years, I would say it is primarily "red neck" and conservative although there is a peppering of "Nolsies" (National Outdoor Leadership School ) types who balance it out. Overall, it is a great community with loads of outdoors type stuff to do. Housing is expensive, and hard to get. You will probably not be able to submit an offer for a house that is much below 3-5% of the asking price. If you don't want to pay that for it, someone else does. If you want "big city" amenities, Lander is not for you, although Riverton has the super Wal Mart, etc. I think Lander is a great place to live and if you know what to expect from Wyoming winters and small towns, you'll like it here.

[Coolhand]

Interesting thread. I had the exact same questions about how the NOLS people and the rock climbers got along with the more old school ranchers and residents. Past experience in Wyo, Bend, OR and Boulder, CO indicate that this can create tension. If anyone has any additional insight I'd love to hear it. Also, do any of you Lander types have any experience with Creative Energies, the renewable energy (solar, wind, etc) company in the area? Of course according to their web page, almost all of the founders are ex-NOLS people and ultra-endurance athletes. I'll bet the lunch time rides in that company are brutal....