To those who've moved to WY from another state (Cheyenne: 2010, houses)

[BABsMom]

Is opposition from family common then? My family was completely against us moving here, and the first time we were going to try it, I backed out and listened to them. I realized that just because I was listening to everyone else, that doesn't mean that I have to do what they say. What if I really would like it? I already knew I loved it here, the people were nicer, I would feel safer (which you would anywhere coming from north of Little Rock), it was beautiful, and would give me more of a chance to be myself. So, I thought, "why not at least try it, and if we don't like it, we can move back next year?" And it was a big jump, we were moving from central Arkansas.


I don't regret it, don't think I ever will. Everything is wonderful here, (aside from my husband's job). Sometimes you have to look for hints from God...for example, when we visited, we went looking at one house. My 3 year old ran into a bedroom and said, "Look mom, this is my room!". Guess what? It's now her room. Two weeks later we moved into our house. No problems with moving, everything went so quickly and smoothly, I barely remember the move. So, don't forget to look at the small things, sometimes they give the push you need to do it! Good luck, and if you need any help with anything, don't hesitate to ask, I'll do what I can!!

[Kristynwy]

What drew my husband and I to Wyoming...

We were looking for a happy medium, my husband was raised in the South and used to Southern Hospitality, and I grew up in the west. However we were not happy in Oregon; way to progressive and liberal for us.

We wanted a slower paced way of life in a small town. We wanted a place to raise our children that they could be proud of with a low crime rate. Sheridan fit much of the expectations we had.
It has it's imperfections, extremely hard to find a place to live right now. However the economy is slowing down here a little in some ways, and may change the tide of the town as far as housing (I am hoping).

We have experienced both sides of the spectrum here, some really greedy people that were out to make a buck (take advantage of the boom), and we have also met many wonderful people that would give you the shirt off their backs. We have been invited into people's homes with open arms and overwhelmed by the hospitality of some people As well as recently my husband's employer/company finding us a wonderful home to rent when we were on the brink of having no where to live.

The climate can be harsh for some depending on an individual's tolerance of winter. However I don't mind it at all, my husband does sometimes being a Southerner. But even he does really well.

The growing season is shorter here, but adaptable.

Some companies in town have been laying off, however there is still a pretty strong employment base compared to other places in the country right now with this current economy.

Wyoming also has a pretty low sales tax, and no state income tax, which was a major plus for my husband and I.

There are lots of pros and a few cons... But overall Wyoming is a wonderful place to live and raise a family.

[highndry]

Originally Posted by NatureLady

Hi there,

I am a married mother of five, currently living in Ohio. I've lived here my whole life, but was formerly a flight attendant, so have seen a lot of places (even if only the airport/hotels of some of them ). I have always dreamed of getting out of OH, particularly moving out West to Wyoming. I just feel it's somehow my "calling" to be there, not here in Ohio for the rest of my life.
My question to anyone who has moved to WY from another state (particulary one far away from WY), is what drew you to Wyoming and what did your family in your home state think/say about
the move? See, when I mention my dream of leaving here for beautiful, mountainous, Wyoming, I get a bunch of grief and "why would you want to live there?!" and "you'd leave your family and take the grandkids away from the grandparents just to look at some mountains?" I guess I'm wondering if I am being selfish wanting to move my kids away from their extended family to pursue my dream of living out West, and if it would end up being a regretful decision, or if it would be the best thing we've ever done and not look back. Anyone who has been in this situation, did you have support of opposition from extended family, and what do you think now that you've moved there? Do you regret leaving family far away, or is the Wyoming way of life, scenery, etc. all you hoped it would be and you're glad you did it? Thanks in advance to any replies.

NatureLady

If we were younger and could afford to make the move, we'd move to wild and wonderful WY or even SD or MT.

Real estate isn't as inexpensive around Sheridan which is where we visited a couple years ago. I had a cousin who lived in Buffalo before they moved and they loved it. And a tiny town you don't see mentioned much is Story which is about 15 miles south of Sheridan. As I say, were we younger and able to afford a move...you can google Story..they have a nice little website. Lovely place. Good Luck,,Helen

[arizonaone]

Hi NatureLady. After I read your post I had to respond. I too felt a "calling" for the west, particularily Arizona. I love the state and have been there many times - traveling from Tuscon to Flagstaff. and places in between. I had always wanted to live there. But, the more I returned to visit the more I realized that I could not live there on a permanent basis. For alot of reasons but the main ones were the summer heat - yeah it may be dry heat but it gets very hot, and also I didn't think that I could make a decent living.

I agree with what others have said on this blog. Go to Wyoming often, and try to do so in each season and stay for at least a week at a time. Travel to different places. Take time to experience the culture of the area. Explore the job opportunities and the housing situations. As in Arizona, if you want to live in the mountains it could be very costly.

Just my opionion of course, but I moved from NJ to FL 2 years ago for a job and now hate it. Wish I had done my homework a little better like I did for AZ. I also had a recent job opportunity in Cheyenne. Although I had visited there as well, and loved the area in the end I felt that living there would not be the right choice for me at this time.

Best of luck to you and do what makes YOU happy.

[snappshot]

Wow what a good reply from vk40! Me and my wife and 4 children are in the process of buying a house and moving to Shoshoni wyoming. We have put much thought into this for over 3 years. Our children are a boy 13, girl 4, boy 2 and boy 1! I have spent a lot of time in and around wyoming but have never been to Shoshoni! I met a local guy there through the Chamber of commerce. I'm not a very trusting man, but, this fellow won me over in seconds! I hope that he is the model of what most people are around Shoshoni! He was so honest and forthcoming about any and every question we asked. I was born and raised in Indiana, but like most places, crime and drugs are kinda taking over the area! I do have some concerns about moving my kids away from their friends and extended family, but my concerns of raising them in a better environment far outweighs the friends issue! Thanks in advance for all replies!

[Froggie Legs]

Perhaps this question was asked before, but why Shoshoni exactly? Is there a job waiting for you there? Or will you be making the commute to Riverton where there might be more opportunities. I only ask as I'd certainly wouldn't move my family "sight-unseen".... take a trip out there, especially in the winter if you can , and also check the surrounding area, plus check the job market. You might find that hunting and playing in the Shoshoni area are different than living in a town of 2000 where the next largest towns (10,000 for Riverton and roughly 3000 for Thermopolis) are at least a half hour away--which can seem farther in winter. Is your 13 year old one in need of social places to gather? Like bowling alleys or movie theatres? Also there isn't a hospital, that I am aware of, in Shoshoni.. not sure about clinics. You mention that you aren't a trusting person, so if I were you I'd certainly take a look in person before taking just one person's word on the area, prior to making your final decision Just my honest opinion. No offense to Shoshonians or anything.

[WyoNewk]

Good points, Froggie.

Shoshoni is nothing like Indiana. Some places, like Torrington, are a little less "western", but Shoshoni is a huge leap from the midwest.

[snappshot]

Thanks froggie, for taking the time to respond! I'm not moving to Shoshoni for a job,though I have found several opportunities. I just want to take my family somewhere where a persons word still means something and where my kids are safe to play with the neighbors! I have a 13 year old son who is very impressionable by what his friends say is cool. This hasn't posed much of a problem yet, but with his age, I'm afraid that it may become one! We live in a very rural part of Indiana, about 30 miles or so from the hospital, walmart,grocery store,etc.etc. Believe it or not, Shoshoni will be the most populated place we have ever lived!! LOL it may be like the Clampitts going to Hollywood! I assure you though, we wont be moving until we visit in person!! I said that the local from Shoshoni won me over, but he definitely didn't convince me to move my family 1300 miles sight unseen!I only made reference to him to say that I really hope that he is a blue print of what the community is! We are going to travel out there in January and spend a couple of weeks. If we like it then we will close on the house and move! I am an avid hunter and that is kinda how we got started on Wyoming! I wanted to go to Missoula Mt. area, but with the cost of living and the wages, I couldn't see moving there and struggling to survive! I love Wyoming, I think the people as a whole in Wyoming are more friendly than any other place in the country. And I love the fact that only 400,000 people live in the state. I may well be the ONLY Indianapolis Colts fan in Wyoming when we get there! I thank you for your response and would welcome any and all statements and questions! Thanks again and Merry Christmas!

[Froggie Legs]

Well I wish you and your family the best of luck. I don't think that you would be excluded from hunting the Shoshoni area if you didn't live there-- if I remember correctly the big game is handled in "lottery" fashion? (don't quote me on that since I'm not really a hunter, but my aunt and uncle's friends in Lander have been "drawn" to take elk, I know). And almost anywhere you live in Wyoming is bound to have the values you are looking for. I moved to Lander in my late 20's when I had only visited once, because I fell in love with the mountains, and had family there. Was sad to leave and have been wanting to move back ever since. But last time I didn't have a job lined up, and while I did find work, it was still tight. So my goal is to search for the job before the move. Since my husband is self employed in computer repair, we do need to be in a bit larger area for clientel, but I'll keep my fingers crossed for that teaching job!

keep us posted and Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!

[Westernstarr]

We moved to Cody from Pennsylvania 2 years ago, and its the best thing we ever did. Great schools, people, scenery, good medical, shopping, dining, even a very nice movie theater. If you need more Billings is about an 1 1/2 hrs. away. Summers are great, winters can be cold and windy or warm and sunny, and there's plenty of water.

My family was Ok with the move, my wifes not too happy about it, but we did it, and we are now a Wyoming family.

From what i've seen either your ment to be here, or your not, it just depends on who you are, and what you need.

Do your research and visit.