What is the difference in feel between Casper and Gillette Wyoming? (Big Horn: Home Depot, school)

[shinysign]

Hello, I was thinking of moving to a small town in Wyoming, and I was wondering what the differences in feel beween Casper and Gillette are - general or specific differences. I can read some stats on them but it is still hard to tell how they are different with just stats, I know that Gillette is smaller, and I am assuming they both have nature and relatively nice people. So what in your experience are the differences between them?

Thanks,
Sean

[WyoNewk]

I'd say the main difference is the size. Casper is the state's main, central city with a good-sized mall and much more shopping and dining options than Gillette. Climate is about the same, maybe a little more wind in Casper.

Casper has a nice river that runs through it and sets at the base of a smallish mountain; Gillette is strictly a prairie town -- 40 miles to the closest large lake and 75 miles to the Bighorn Mountains (west) or Black Hills (east).

I wouldn't call either of them "small towns", but Gillette is half the size of Casper and, I think, has more of a community spirit.

[GEORGIAINMT]

Before moving to Gillette in August I thoroughly checked out both Gillette and Casper as I had job opps in both places. We chose Gillette as it seemed like a much friendlier town, had a lot less wind (according to a lot of folks we talked to) and was in a place that was more conducive for our recreational interests, like camping & 4 wheeling, as we can go either W. to the Big Horns or E. to the Black Hills, or just go out in the prairie near here or to Keyhole Reservoir to play. I also felt strongly that Gillette had the better school system. It has proven to be a very good move for us so far in every way. But, to address your main question, I agree with one of the other posters that the main difference is the size. Casper has a mall, Sam's Club, and overall more shopping and eating establishments. Gillette does have a Super Walmart, Kmart, Home Depot, all the normal fast food places, etc. but is much more limited if you are a heavy duty shopper. We either go to Rapid City to shop or back to where we moved from in Billings if we want to get something that isn't available here. Oh, another thing, Gillette is a nice drive to Deadwood, so if you enjoy a "now & again" fun evening of gambling or eating at some great prime rib buffets then it is a really nice little day trip!