Towns similar to Cheyenne (Casper, Laramie: live in, restaurants, shop)

[circa81]

I'm looking for towns like Cheyenne in terms of the weather, but more scenic, i.e. green surroundings. Thanks ahead of time.

[sunsprit]

There are a number of towns across WY that have similar weather patterns, but none of them have "green" surroundings.

Two primary factors contribute to this:

1) dry climate ... not enough moisture for anything approaching naturally lush growth
2) cold/windy ... the winds dehydrate many plants or physically blown them away

[ElkHunter]

Similar weather? You talking just the temps, and snow, or the total package? Cheyenne kind of hangs out by itself down in the corner of the state. As far as snow and temps, there are a lot of towns in Wyoming that are close, and some are a little greener, but not lush.

[KillerK]

If you're looking for similar sized towns, you don't have many options in Wyoming. Casper is the only other city that approaches Cheyenne in size, followed IIRC by Laramie, Gillette, Rock Springs and Sheridan.

Although the larger towns have more amenities, IMHO they are less interesting places than many of the smaller towns. Cody, Afton, Lander, Jackson, Pinedale, Green River, Thermopolis etc. are more interesting places even though they may not have many (if any) chain stores/ restaurants. I live in Pinedale and love it even though there are NO chain restaurants or shopping stores (except Subway) with the nearest KMart in Jackson (1 1/2 hours away) and the nearest Walmart in Rock Springs (3 hours). But I love it and find I don't miss those things.

If you want more lushness / greenery it seems the western part of the state (not Southwestern - that's Red Desert area, pretty but not green) is where it's at. I love it, the high-elevation, alpine forests, river valleys, mountains. But it seems you pay for it with more expensive housing and colder, longer winters.

It seems from what I've seen that Wyoming is pretty much a desolate/rugged state. High deserts and plains mostly with some mountains. It seems the eastern part of the state has the most lushness, if you could call it that. The rest of the state is brown most of the year...or at least it seems that way in Sublette County.

[sunsprit]

Originally Posted by KillerK

It seems from what I've seen that Wyoming is pretty much a desolate/rugged state. High deserts and plains mostly with some mountains. It seems the eastern part of the state has the most lushness, if you could call it that. The rest of the state is brown most of the year...or at least it seems that way in Sublette County.

Eastern ... most lushness .... maybe if you're looking at the Black Hills area in a small portion of NE Wyoming.

Otherwise, Eastern Wyoming is more of the same sparse brown with the exception of a brief green-up in the spring ... if there's been adequate moisture through the winter months. The last few drought years didn't even green up in the spring.