Where In Wyoming, Please?? (Laramie, Gillette: crime, homes, college)

[Canine*Castle]

I've lived in Texas for almost 30 years and am originally from southern California. I am looking to relocate but haven't a clue really where that shall be. I know nothing about Wyoming and have scoped the internet but nothing really gives information as well as the people living in an area. Well, that's usually the case anyway. Many Texans think Texas is Paradise, but I don't feel that way at all. Here is what I'm looking for:

. not too much snow

. no drastically severe weather including heat, tornadoes, flooding, or blizzards

. pretty scenery, preferably mountains (not much into desert scenery unless it's gorgeous)

. short summers (I can't take this Texas heat and humidity anymore).

. prefer warm (not hot or humid) to cold (50 degrees all year round would suit me and to some that is very cold; no hotter than 80 degrees would also be grand) I know that is not to be found in Wyoming, but I'm kind of giving one the idea of what I consider cold and hot.

. low population and not apt to grow

. clean small town nearby

. 3 to 5 acres with a modest home around $125,000 (That's probably the deal killer right there).

. no religious worries ~ I'm Baptist and prefer to live and let live.

I have already checked out crime statistics overall in the state, and along with Idaho, Utah, and Montana, Wyoming looks pretty good.

Any information would be appreciated.

[Crazymomof3]

We're moving from Austin to Laramie in March. I've been in TX for 25 years, and have never grown to like the summers. I've lived in Houston, College Station, and now Austin, and are making the move with my husband's company to Laramie. While I'm nervous, I'm ready for a slower pace and hopefully a safer place for my children.
I have not found housing at the price you mentioned, but think about it...we're in Texas w/ soooo many people and metro areas, not to mention suburbs popping up everywhere. I live outside of Austin, which had 5000 people 5 years ago and now has 30000. The housing here is expensive, even though there is an abundance of it. Wyoming is booming, from what I hear, and they are working (cities) to accomodate that boom by building newer homes. We will be in an area that is windy and snowy and cold, but I'm willing to trade that for the 95 degree heat and 95% humidity 5 months out of the year.
I have been given invaluable info from the folks on here, as well as some other sites. I think at first we had a "romantic" idea of what Wyoming is like, and we have done a lot of talking to people and research, and are preparing ourselves for a very different way of life.
Best of luck.

[sunsprit]

The short answer to your list of requirements is that you won't find a small town, not apt to grow that has, at your pricepoint, any of your other requirements met.

If you could tolerate living near a small affordable agricultural or ranching town on the plains that's not near an energy boom area ... you'll be looking at climate extremes (snow, cold weather, storms, etc).

[Canine*Castle]

Thanks mom and sun. I appreciate your comments and will keep on looking for my ideal place in this country.

[Kristynwy]

. not too much snow

A good portion of Wyoming gets a lot of snow usually... however there are some places where the snow tends to blow over the town and not get as much, just depends how close to the mountains and what side of the mountain ranges you are on.. some of the natives may be able to answer better, I am still learning about Wyoming as I am a newbie...

. no drastically severe weather including heat, tornadoes, flooding, or blizzards

Certain places in Wyoming has high heat, but it is a dry heat so a lot more tolerable that a humid heat, tornadoes are in certain areas, In a town below Gillette called Wright I think had a tornado wipe out the town... and the last year Gillette had one touch down... However the closer to the mountains the less of a chance of getting one I have heard.

. pretty scenery, preferably mountains (not much into desert scenery unless it's gorgeous)
Certain parts of Wyoming a grasslands and high dessert, although some areas have more of a variety than others... I live in the Sheridan area and it has mountains, grass land and some sage brush, but you drive further south and thee is even more sage brush. Sheridan is an ideal place for a lot of people because of it's variety...

. short summers (I can't take this Texas heat and humidity anymore).
I think the summers here are relatively short but I am still new and learning...

. prefer warm (not hot or humid) to cold (50 degrees all year round would suit me and to some that is very cold; no hotter than 80 degrees would also be grand) I know that is not to be found in Wyoming, but I'm kind of giving one the idea of what I consider cold and hot.
Like I said it is pretty dry climate here so tolerable... but can gets really dry and a humidifier is definitely a must in this part of the country cause it can get too dry...

. low population and not apt to grow

There are areas with Low population that remain that way and there are also many areas that are affected by the boom and have grown a lot in the past couple years, which has affected the cost of living in certain areas of Wyoming, however the locals may be able to tell you about a few places that aren't as booming...

. clean small town nearby

Many of those around here...

. 3 to 5 acres with a modest home around $125,000 (That's probably the deal killer right there).
This will be extremely hard to find in the boom towns... but there are a few towns still reasonable, like Torrington I believe and a few others, I personally have not been there though...

Good luck and I hope I was a little helpful...

[Kristynwy]

I forgot to say about the snow, it is a dry powder, so you can get pretty good traction on it, unlike the wet stuff in some states where you slip and slide... So that is definitely a plus...