Cody or Greybull? (Gillette, Jackson, Buffalo: sales, how much, motels)

[countryway]

Greetings. I have the opportunity to move to either Cody or Greybull from out-of-state. I have never been to either...and wanted to know which one of the two is the most traditional, old-fashioned, laid-back, simple-country-living lifestyle...with good, honest, hard-working kind of people. I don't want an urban, fast-paced, liberal environment. I am interested in ranch work as well...beef and equestrian and was curious about which place is more likely to fit my ideas. Please be liberal in your descriptions and I appreciate any and all opinions. Thanks. Also am concerned about nearby nature...such as mountains and forests and open range and such...Thanks for the details.

[WyoNewk]

When I moved to Wyoming in 1971, I had the choice of Cody, Greybull or Gillette. I picked Gillette but have kicked myself a few times for not picking Cody. Greybull is not my cup-o-tea, but it sounds like you might like it. I've owned property in both Greybull and Cody. Greybull is very small, but it might meet your requirements better than Cody.

Cody isn't too far off the mark, but it's a little more "urban" in that it's larger and has more amenities. It also has some old money folks and more tourists. (It was the tourist part that turned me away, but it's not that bad -- nothing like Jackson.)

Cody has a wider choice of mountains, fishing, hunting, etc., being the gateway to Yellowstone, but Greybull is at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, which, imho, are about as close to heaven as we can get on earth. I'd guess property in Greybull would be much cheaper.

[GEORGIAINMT]

I have to agree with WyoNewk on a lot of what he said. I grew up 8 miles from Greybull. It is very laid back, not at all commercialized like Cody is during tourist season, and property is much less expensive than in Cody. Of course I grew up going to the Big Horns so to me those mountains are the greatest. My daughter lives in Cody and they like it there so far. Greybull has very little as far as amenities, just one grocery store, a few stores on the "Main" street, a few restaurants, convenience/gas stores, some motels, etc. The hospital is just a small one between Greybull & Basin (4 miles out in the country) and has only general practioners as far as I know. I worked there in the late 70's, early 80's, but can't imagine the hospital has changed much (other than for awhile it was just a clinic, but is now a hospital again). Cody has a super Walmart, Kmart, etc. and lots & lots of specialty shops/gift shops, lots of eateries and motels, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center (large museum) and more. It has a good hospital that does employ some specialists. As for landscape, Greybull is pretty dry and desolate, but not far from mountains. Cody is a bit greener and closer to lots of trees leading into the mountains. Cody is windy compared to Greybull. I hope these are the kinds of things that would help you make a decision, but you really have to visit and decide for yourself. It really depends on what you are looking for. The two are quite different in many ways, so it should be pretty easy for you to make a decision based on what's important to you. Best of luck to you and let us know how things go!

[countryway]

Thank you all for your help so much...These tips are very useful. Wyoming is a wonderful place and I would be pleased if I get to move there. I have choice between there and Montana. Haven't decided yet.

[GEORGIAINMT]

Originally Posted by countryway

Thank you all for your help so much...These tips are very useful. Wyoming is a wonderful place and I would be pleased if I get to move there. I have choice between there and Montana. Haven't decided yet.

I was born & raised in Wyoming, then moved to Montana for 13 years before returning to Wyoming about a year ago. I am so happy to be back "home" in Wyoming, although in a town in a different part of the state. There are many things I prefer about Wyoming over Montana, but the main reason I moved back is because I'm a teacher and the pay in Wyoming is at least 2/3 and almost twice as much as in Montana, Wyoming's taxes are lower, and there is no state income tax (even though there is sales tax & there isn't in MT). The cost of living is lower in most of Wyoming than in the larger towns in MT. I also find the people to generally be friendlier and more genuine in Wyoming, although there are some great Montanans. Remember, this is just one person's opinion! Either state is a good place to be!

[Darrow]

I live in Cody, but am familiar with Greybull too. Sounds like Greybull is more up your alley. There are some very nice ranches in the Shell valley -east of Greybull and the Big Horn Mountains are awesome - I like them better than the Cody Mountains, which are spectacular - but that's just IMO. Did you know that the actor Wilford Brimley lives in Greybull? There's a lot more shopping (and people) in Cody and probably a lot of Greybull residents come over to Cody to shop, because there's not much in Greybull: however, there's a newly remodeled grocery store and a Pamida in Greybull - so there's a place to buy underpants! The housing will probably be half or a third what it is in Cody - Cody is a more expensive place to live in Wyoming. You'll have warmer weather in Greybull and better growing season. Greybull is also more diverse than Cody - mainly white people here and I don't think that's good IMO. Cody is also a bit of an elitetest city...and that gets tiresome...old money...old ways. Greybull doesn't appear to be like that, but I could be totally wrong.

Good luck, you'll find friendly people anywhere and grouchies too!

[countryway]

Thanks for the recent replies. Can any of you tell me what Greybull looks like? Or if you have any pictures that would be great...I have not found many pictures online. I have though of Cody. I can't come and see these towns before I move...and I would really like to know more about what greybull looks like and the over-all atmosphere of the town.

[Darrow]

Greybull seems to be getting an overhaul downtown. We drove thru last weekend and noticed a few old decrepet eyesores were torn down, along with remodeling of others. A river weaves around the town. I've always thought it was a pretty area...except for the north hwy towards Lovell - long boring drive, but in Wyoming there are a couple of roads like that...the good news is it's only 30 miles. There's a couple of good places to eat. Downtown has an old western feel, it's small but laid out pretty well. coming from the south the town does not look good, the homes below the bridge on the right need to be torn down and the bridge is an eyesore, then on the left the industry stuff looks bad...maybe it's gone now?

OVerall, I think Greybull has and is improving...something's going on there. Not sure if they have a Chamber of Commerce, but it might be worth looking into to get a brochure and more info. They have a "Days of 49" celebration that is a lot of fun.

[GEORGIAINMT]

I lived in Greybull for about a year after being raised in Basin. Greybull seemed to have more trees, has a pretty city park, and the river runs just below a stretch of sandstone cliffs that are quite pretty. It is true that there are some "ugly" things there, as said before.....the old industry (smokestacks, etc.) have slowly dwindled but the railroad and those ugly homes by the bridge are still there as you come in from the south. Coming in from the east is nice, as is from the NW. Can you give us an idea of why you are choosing between Greybull & Cody? Is it a job related thing?

[countryway]

Originally Posted by GEORGIAINMT

I lived in Greybull for about a year after being raised in Basin. Greybull seemed to have more trees, has a pretty city park, and the river runs just below a stretch of sandstone cliffs that are quite pretty. It is true that there are some "ugly" things there, as said before.....the old industry (smokestacks, etc.) have slowly dwindled but the railroad and those ugly homes by the bridge are still there as you come in from the south. Coming in from the east is nice, as is from the NW. Can you give us an idea of why you are choosing between Greybull & Cody? Is it a job related thing?

I heard you got like 6 inches of snow in Cody, recently! Does it normally snow in June there? I was choosing between the two because of housing availability and wanting to be near ranching and the mountains. Although, i am not sure how much ranching is in the area...ie cowboy work. I was also considering Montana. Any advice is welcomed.