Where in Wyoming is this? (Casper, Laramie: for sale, houses, to buy)

[Simple Living]

I'm a country guy currently living in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. (That is not of God!)

I'm currently working in Corporate America and living on one paycheck a month so I can throw the second one at debt. I'll be completely debt free by the end of the year and then will be able to save a bit of money before leaving Corporate Hell and Minnesota altogether! (All of this should happen in about one year.)

One of the places I'm considering moving is Wyoming. I love the openness of the state. I love that there aren't any cities with even 60,000 people yet! I love small towns and small town folks. There are other areas I'm looking at, but I'm at the point of researching Wyoming now. Here's a list of what I'm hoping to find (as much as is possible, that is). I would really appreciate your feedback to let me know what area this describes:

- Small town feel. I don't mind rural. Too many people is when you hit the 10,000 mark! I like the 1 - 3,000 range the best.

- I want to be a part of a community that gets together for community events, whether it's a summer celebration or to help out a hurting neighbor. A place where they know the importance of neighbors and community.

- I'm a Christian and like to be active in church.

- I'd like to live where I can have plenty of land to have a huge garden of fruits and veggies. I like to can and like to share with people who need it. Love to garden. I don't mind the cold as long as I can squeeze in a garden during the year.

- I'd like a community that doesn't mind helping each other out with their needs by bartering goods and services when money runs tight for people. For example, the plumber will fix a mom's toilet in exchange for babysitting services. I realize not a lot of places do this, but I've lived in one that did. It was great!

- I like the mountains, rather than the open plains. Cold temps don't bother me, but hot and humid doesn't sit well with me. I can handle a few days, but not much of it. But I want to see the stars again. Lots of 'em. (We have three stars in Minneapolis and one of 'em keeps winking at me. I'm getting concerned.)

- A decent internet connection and cell phone coverage would be great as I intend to make a living as a freelance writer and will need to be connected.

- I like towns that aren't open 24/7.

- It would be nice to have the convenience of a larger town about 1 - 1.5 hours away at most, but not necessary.

- I don't mind the cold, as long as I have enough of a growing season to squeeze a decent garden in.

- Would eventually like to buy some land of my own outside of town, to build a small log cabin and use solar and wind power. I don't necessarily have to live off-grid, but I'm not opposed to it. Would just like to not have to depend on the electric company. I'd like to be as self-sufficient as possible without having to use the woods as an outhouse. (All things have their limits!)

Ringing any bells so far?

[case44]

Originally Posted by Simple Living

I'm a country guy currently living in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. (That is not of God!)

One of the places I'm considering moving is Wyoming. I love the openness of the state. I love that there aren't any cities with even 60,000 people yet! I love small towns and small town folks. There are other areas I'm looking at, but I'm at the point of researching Wyoming now. Here's a list of what I'm hoping to find (as much as is possible, that is). I would really appreciate your feedback to let me know what area this describes:

- Small town feel. I don't mind rural. Too many people is when you hit the 10,000 mark! I like the 1 - 3,000 range the best.

The 1 to 3,000 part, you won't have any trouble with. There are only five people living in Wyoming, so it will be easy for you to find small-town living. Hope it goes well.

Originally Posted by Simple Living

- I like towns that aren't open 24/7.

You want a town to shut down?? Surely you jest!

[ElkHunter]

Very little wind, right up against the mountains. Good fishing, hunting. Within 20 minutes of good shopping and healthcare.

Banner, Story, Big Horn, Ranchester, Dayton.

All are close to Sheridan which is only a town of 15800 people but have good shopping and excellent healthcare. If it's serious health care like a bypass, they send you to Billings Mt which is about 140 miles North.

[HighlandLady]

I have lived in several areas of Wyoming and there is one town that fits your description. Newcastle, WY. Population I believe is between the 3000-3300 mark. And yes, this town does close down - nearly everything is closed by 8-9 p.m. with the exception of the Loaf n' Jug (Mini-Mart). It is nestled in a 'bowl' surrounded by the Black Hills.
You can go three directions in an hour and a half or less for a bigger town and shopping - Gillette to the north, Casper to the west, and Rapid City, SD to the east.
Cingular, Verizon, Alltel...all work as far as cell phone coverage there. There are a couple of ISP providers also.
There is a Pizza Hut, a Taco Johns, and a Subway (well-known) eateries...then there are a few hometown restaurants that are quaint and hearty.
There are two grocery stores (both close at 8 during Winter and 9 during Summer). There is a Pamida store that closes at 9. There are a few 'mom and pop' shops.
There are three dentists (one was nearly ready to retire, I am not sure if he is still practicing).
There are three doctors and two PA's...a clinic, a hospital and a nursing home. There is a physical therapy clinic and a mental health facility.
As far as bartering....well, there has been times it has happened for me, but it isn't a constant thing - it seems that day has passed and gone Neighbour helping neighbour...you bet, especially once they get to know you. Many would give you the shirt off their back.

There are a homes in town that are for sale. Lots of acreage outside of town that are too. My parents reside there and grow vegetables during the summer. Elk Mountain is on the Wyoming/South Dakota border (there are two Elk Mountains in Wyoming). There is MW lake about 15 miles out that has good fishing and LAK lake just outside of town for boating and fishing.
Winters are tolerable. Deep snows can occur as well as winds with storms. Summers can be hot, but not too humid (not like further South). There can be a week here and there of 100+ heat, but it cools nicely in the eve. There can be tornadoes, as I have mentioned in a previous thread, but the warning system is very good (sirens, radio, etc). Last tornado that happened in town - and the only one I can ever remember happening in town - was not large - F1, I think. I drove right next to it...it broke some trees and took parts of roofs off but that's it. You may see a funnel cloud or two, but usually if there are tornado warnings, the tornadoes are outside of town.

Newcastle isn't far from Spearfish Canyon - a beautiful drive on a Sunday...or any other recreational activities.

I have lived many places, but this place is one of my favourites. Time seems a little slower there. I would highly recommend looking into Newcastle.

[Simple Living]

Originally Posted by case44

The 1 to 3,000 part, you won't have any trouble with. There are only five people living in Wyoming, so it will be easy for you to find small-town living. Hope it goes well.

You want a town to shut down?? Surely you jest!

You crack me up! Thanks! I needed the laugh!

[Simple Living]

Originally Posted by ElkHunter

Very little wind, right up against the mountains. Good fishing, hunting. Within 20 minutes of good shopping and healthcare.

Banner, Story, Big Horn, Ranchester, Dayton.

All are close to Sheridan which is only a town of 15800 people but have good shopping and excellent healthcare. If it's serious health care like a bypass, they send you to Billings Mt which is about 140 miles North.

Direct and to the point. I couldn't have asked for better. Personally, I love the wind, but the havoc it causes gardens and houses leaves a lot to be desired. Thank you, friend. Most appreciated and gives me a great starting point to research.

[Simple Living]

Originally Posted by HighlandLady

I have lived in several areas of Wyoming and there is one town that fits your description. Newcastle, WY. Population I believe is between the 3000-3300 mark. And yes, this town does close down - nearly everything is closed by 8-9 p.m. with the exception of the Loaf n' Jug (Mini-Mart). It is nestled in a 'bowl' surrounded by the Black Hills.
You can go three directions in an hour and a half or less for a bigger town and shopping - Gillette to the north, Casper to the west, and Rapid City, SD to the east. Cingular, Verizon, Alltel...all work as far as cell phone coverage there. There are a couple of ISP providers also.

Definitely worth checking out, thanks HighlandLady! I'm more partial to the west than the east, but being near the Black Hills isn't a bad thing, either.

There is a Pizza Hut, a Taco Johns, and a Subway (well-known) eateries...

Will never step foot in them. I'm not a fast food guy at all, unless, of course, they serve good sweet tea!

...then there are a few hometown restaurants that are quaint and hearty.

Here's where you'll find me. I support mom-n-pops all the way. No better people in my opinion. Mom-n-Pops are America.

As far as bartering....well, there has been times it has happened for me, but it isn't a constant thing - it seems that day has passed and gone Neighbour helping neighbour...you bet, especially once they get to know you. Many would give you the shirt off their back.

I'm not counting on bartering being the norm. Sure would trade a year of lawn care, snow shoveling and a case of my canned tomatoes for a good, homemade quilt though. Nothing makes winter better than a homemade quilt.

There are a homes in town that are for sale. Lots of acreage outside of town that are too. My parents reside there and grow vegetables during the summer. Elk Mountain is on the Wyoming/South Dakota border (there are two Elk Mountains in Wyoming). There is MW lake about 15 miles out that has good fishing and LAK lake just outside of town for boating and fishing.
Winters are tolerable. Deep snows can occur as well as winds with storms. Summers can be hot, but not too humid (not like further South). There can be a week here and there of 100+ heat, but it cools nicely in the eve. There can be tornadoes, as I have mentioned in a previous thread, but the warning system is very good (sirens, radio, etc). Last tornado that happened in town - and the only one I can ever remember happening in town - was not large - F1, I think. I drove right next to it...it broke some trees and took parts of roofs off but that's it. You may see a funnel cloud or two, but usually if there are tornado warnings, the tornadoes are outside of town.

More great information, thanks. I'm used to tornados so they don't get to me too much. Of course, I've never been hit directly by one either! But, if my town is ever hit by one and my house is spared, I'll take in anyone who needs a bed, a meal and comfort.

Newcastle isn't far from Spearfish Canyon - a beautiful drive on a Sunday...or any other recreational activities.

I have lived many places, but this place is one of my favourites. Time seems a little slower there. I would highly recommend looking into Newcastle.

You're a good saleswoman, HighlandLady! Will definitely check out Newcastle!

[lovethewest]

I see you took my suggestion from your post on the General U.S. board to heart. I'm glad to see you're seriously considering Wyoming. I

I agree with ElkHunter's suggestion. Any of the towns along the east side of the Big Horns would be wonderful.

Another town I must suggest is Saratoga in the southern part of the state. It has about 1,700 people and very friendly/neighborly. It's also very beautiful. The North Platte River flows right through town is wonderful for floating or trout fishing. I believe it's a Blue Ribbon river. To the west of town are the Snowy Mountains and the Snowy Range Scenic Byway (a very beautiful national scenic byway meandering over the mountains) and to the east are the Sierra Madres, a small, but beautiful range. In town are natural hot springs. There is the "Hobo Pool" which is free of charge and wonderful for a soak. You can also soak in hot springs in the river. Laramie (pop. 27,000) is about an hour away for shopping and culture (it's home to University of Wyoming). Here's a really good picture of Saratoga: Saratoga, WY : Mountains over looking Bridge Street photo

[ElkHunter]

Another good town is Buffalo. It is again, right next to the mountains, very little wind. 32 miles from Sheridan. But the population is slightly over your request. It's 3800 people.

[HighlandLady]

Originally Posted by lovethewest

Another town I must suggest is Saratoga in the southern part of the state. It has about 1,700 people and very friendly/neighborly. It's also very beautiful. The North Platte River flows right through town is wonderful for floating or trout fishing. I believe it's a Blue Ribbon river. To the west of town are the Snowy Mountains and the Snowy Range Scenic Byway (a very beautiful national scenic byway meandering over the mountains) and to the east are the Sierra Madres, a small, but beautiful range. In town are natural hot springs. There is the "Hobo Pool" which is free of charge and wonderful for a soak. You can also soak in hot springs in the river. Laramie (pop. 27,000) is about an hour away for shopping and culture (it's home to University of Wyoming). Here's a really good picture of Saratoga: Saratoga, WY : Mountains over looking Bridge Street photo

Yes...this is a lovely area as well...and yes, the North Platte is a Blue Ribbon river. This is also in our second favourite elk hunting spot. (Our first are the Shirley's but trying to get a tag there is like pulling a few teeth).