Done the Research and Cannot Choose (Cheyenne, Casper: houses, employment, landscaping)

[Wyoming Bound]

We've looked at Riverton/Lander (Freemont County), Dubois/Jackson (way too expensive), Laramie (like it but hesitant), Cheyenne (too big), Casper (too big) and a few others (that seemed to be too small....

What we want:
Land where we can be as self sufficient as possible for food. Far enough from everyone that folks think we're crazy for being so rural. Close enough to the city that if there were a medical emergency we wouldn't kill ourselves getting there. And a place with a creek, some trees and either a view of the mountains or looking straight up their sides would be great too.

And of course...jobs to sustain such a life. Schools aren't as important as I think I'd like to homeschool our daughter (and any further babes) My husband has done one job his entire life but is good mechanically (just not professionally trained). I can do pretty much anything I set my mind to, especially in a business setting administratively with a computer. I've also worked in healthcare as a CNA and been a server all my life (figure if all else fails, there are ALWAYS restaurants!) LOL

So, we're more searching for the right jobs but want to make sure we're searching in the right area that if decide on the job, it'll be long term and our choice of land will be permanent..... but which place is the best? The more research I do, the more confused I get. ::sigh:: Help?

[sunsprit]

With available medical services being a priority on your list, and jobs availability, and affordable property, too ... I think you're going to have to look at being within a 30 mile radius of some of the larger towns, as opposed to completely "way out there" remote rural.

With a desire for live water and mountain views, I'd look in the Laramie region, possibly SW of town, or around the Lander area. Story/Buffalo would be nice, too ... but rather expensive, so probably out of your short list.

Do keep in mind that your list targets you to areas with very limited growing seasons; you'll most likely need to build greenhouses (low tunnels?) to extend your growing season, as well as use cold frames to get things started at the first opportunity.

Also, while you are seeking a "live water" stream, do keep in mind that you may not be buying anything but the view with the maintenance responsibility of your property without any water use right whatsoever. Irrigation water is a separate issue from "domestic use" water from your "domestic well". Your domestic well allows you strictly that use for inside the house, some limited livestock watering, and a maximum of 1 acre of landscaping type use. You'll be limited to 25 gpm max permitted, and that's no guarantee that you'll have that much water available at your well. In some areas, you'll be lucky to find well water at all, or quality "potable" water. This is a serious concern throughout much of Wyoming.

Additionally, I'd be very concerned about predator problems in these remote close by/or in the mountains areas if you're planning on raising livestock for personal self-sufficiency. You've got wolf problems in many areas, coyote problems everywhere, and the usual assortment of skunks, raccoons, foxes that may look at your operation as a buffet. A pair (or more) of livestock guardian dogs (Great Pyr's, etc.), not indoor pet dogs, will almost be a necessity. Even for us on the plains in SE Wyoming, they're essential to helping to keep our sheep and goats and poultry safer ... and it's not a sure thing, either, with all the coyotes around.

You sound like you may be depending upon outside employment for income. Do also keep in mind that remote locations you seek may also not have access to "town" for your job come the winter season. I'd love to have a place East of Esterbrook, for example .... but it would be virtually inacessible to Wheatland many times through a typical winter.

[Butch Cassidy Slept Here]

If you are young, and in good health, then living far enough from everyone that folks think we're crazy may be doable. On the other hand, if you're 50+, and / or in less than perfect health, then re-thinking Casper or Cheyenne would be a good idea. The best hospitals in the State are found in these two cities. In the case of Casper, one doesn't have to travel that far out of town to be out in the sticks. However, even small areas, such as where I live, have a hospital which can provide treatment to stabilize a condition, then, if the condition warrants, airlifting (helicopter), to Denver or Billings, Mont.

If the cost of a home is an issue, then looking in my neighborhood--the Big Horn Basin--is worthwhile. As long as one does not get within 25 miles of Cody, reasonably priced homes, from Worland, to Greybull, to Lovell; Powell, and even in my small town--Frannie--you might find something with a good price and a view. Generally, anything with a view AND a creek, will go into six figures. Potable water, from a private well, is harder to come by in the Basin compared to other parts of the State.

As for employment, I would think a CNA might have a shot at getting work in most any reasonably populated area of the State--provided one is not too picky about the duties assigned and days and hours of work. RNs, LPNs, and Physician's Assistants, of course, are in greater demand. Within a 60 mile radius of my home are four in-patient hospitals, plus a number of "walk-in" clinics.

The school district I live in gets high marks from the State. However, everyone around here is also ok with home schooling.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by Butch Cassidy Slept Here

-the Big Horn Basin--is worthwhile. As long as one does not get within 25 miles of Cody, reasonably priced homes, from Worland, to Greybull, to Lovell; Powell, and even in my small town--

I suggest this area too !

[Wyoming Bound]

yanno, I think we're just gonna see if we can figure out a few different places, look for land, ask all the pertinent info (water, rights, etc-gawd, such a different world from water abundant land in which the bluegrass grows!), buy land, get a job and move. We'll figure out what to do about housing after we get settled (oh, we decided already to stay in a travel trailer that we're buying just for the purpose).... Gypsies? Hillbillies? Rednecks? Nope...just followin' our dreams. I sound like such an idiot-fly by the seat of my pants! RECKLESS, yes. CRAZY? DEFINITELY.

[tekape]

Glenrock maybe? It's just west of Casper, but close to shopping, close to the interstate, close to nationally recognized healthcare (both Wyoming Medical Center and Mountain View Neurosurgical Hospital have top notch doctors and nurses).

[Wyoming Bound]

We're looking at: Freemont County still, Laramie and surrounding areas, Sheridan & Gillette.

[wyoman]

Originally Posted by Wyoming Bound

We're looking at: Freemont County still, Laramie and surrounding areas, Sheridan & Gillette.

If lookin at sheridan area go north-parkman area is about all thats left that won't cost an arm an a leg an you'll need those to work-hope you find your place an good luck

[Wyoming Bound]

Wyoman... We're only looking at Sheridan or Gillette if an opportunity presents itself or if we absolutely hate Riverton/Lander or Rawlins/Laramie... We'd both prefer Riverton/Lander. Dunno why except that it feels like it's calling to us (everything happens for a reason, right??) BUT, we're not discounting the other two, just haven't done enough research about them yet. Am waiting for Chamber of Commerce info from Gillette...still need to request it from Sheridan. Simply, we can't make up our minds bc of all the conflicting information we keep getting from here and elsewhere! <shrug> need to base on our own opinions I suppose, but can't get out there easily (21+hrs drive time kinda difficult on the fuel finances!)

Michele

[PsykoKustomz]

I have been driving through Lander and Riverton for the past 14 years or so. I recently got transferred to Riverton from Green River and enjoy the change. I would rather live closer to Lander due to the Mountains and South Pass but it is quite a bit more expensive than Riverton. I have also lived in Laramie and while it was only a short time I did enjoy being able to go to Vedavoo at a moments notice and also gain all the cultural experieces surrounding living in a University town.