Life on the outskirts of Cody (Sheridan, Powell: real estate, 2013, rentals)

[Westrose]

My wife and I are thinking we would like to move somewhere along the outskirts of Cody. We will visit the area for 1 week starting February 11th. We are wondering about the conditions along the Northfork Hwy, Belfry Hwy, Powell Hwy and Greybull Hwy. How are the water, wind and snow conditions? How does the tourist season impact these areas?

Our second visiting week will be in the Sheridan area with similar concerns.

We are hoping to rent or lease a small somewhat secluded home for a year, beginning around June 2013. We would use this time to find our dream home with a few acres. Not being familiar with the area, we were hoping to get some insight for our search.

Thanks

[juneaubound]

Originally Posted by Westrose

My wife and I are thinking we would like to move somewhere along the outskirts of Cody. We will visit the area for 1 week starting February 11th. We are wondering about the conditions along the Northfork Hwy, Belfry Hwy, Powell Hwy and Greybull Hwy. How are the water, wind and snow conditions? How does the tourist season impact these areas?

Our second visiting week will be in the Sheridan area with similar concerns.

We are hoping to rent or lease a small somewhat secluded home for a year, beginning around June 2013. We would use this time to find our dream home with a few acres. Not being familiar with the area, we were hoping to get some insight for our search.

Thanks

Hi Westrose,

I currently rent a home about four miles outside of town and just off the Greybull Highway. All the homes in this area are nice homes that are fully on the grid. There is another mile of so of homes beyond our turnoff from Greybull Highway and beyond that is all BLM land. The wild mustangs are located in an area of BLM land called McCullough Peaks about 20-25 miles outside of town. We run into tour vans during the summer - visitors being driven around to view the horses. Once they are gone though you can view them any time you wish (and more often than not you will be the only ones out there), and they are extraordinary to watch. Aside from running into those tour vans occasionally, tourism does not impact where we live on the outskirts of town.

Roads off the highway are mostly gravel and dirt roads, and they are pretty much like washboards. We live only 1/4 mile from an entrance to BLM so we have thousands of acres of land to explore as we wish, and we're surrounded by mountains.

The wind is very strong sometimes - as in 30-40 mile sustained with gusts running much higher, particularly in the winter. During the summer we often see rain bands coming over the mountains but they rarely hit us. Snow comes and then snow goes. Two weeks ago we had a ton of snow and today it was 50 degrees. There is little left now.

The story is fairly similar re: the Belfry Highway. Between Cody and Powell there are homes and small businesses seen regularly.

The Northfork is a little more isolated - once you are outside of Cody you see occasional homes. Most of them are larger ranches and homes up in the surrounding hills. Buffalo Bill Reservoir is only a few miles out the Northfork Highway, beyond that is the Shoshone National Forest (with cabin rentals, outfitters etc.). Be sure to take a drive out to the Shoshone National Forest when you're here (you will be able to get within two miles of the East Gate of Yellowstone). Plan on there being a good bit of snow. It is a very beautiful drive on two lane highway, and at this time of year you will see many big horn sheep and buffalo. Drive carefully because they are often grazing close to the road and it is not uncommon to drive around a bend and see them in the middle of the road. That drive alone should be worth your trip. Enjoy!

[Westrose]

Thank you Juneaubound. The Mrs and I appreciate your input. We vacationed in Cody in 2008, we were touring via motorcycle. Now we are searching for our spot to retire and become part of the local community. We hope to meet and learn from some of the current residents, so we can make good decisions. We have been in contact with a local real estate agent.

Question: Are you Juneau Al - bound ?

[juneaubound]

Originally Posted by Westrose

Question: Are you Juneau Al - bound ?

No. When I first joined this forum I was on the way to Juneau AK after accepting a position up there. I loved the place but not the people. So here we are.

[Westrose]

Well, I have read some of your posts and you sound happy. I see you are looking to make a more permanant decision and own some land. I wish you luck. We plan to be in the area by the 11th of this month for a few weeks to look for our new home. I too plan to rent for a year or so. Thanks for your input

[juneaubound]

Originally Posted by Westrose

Well, I have read some of your posts and you sound happy. I see you are looking to make a more permanant decision and own some land. I wish you luck. We plan to be in the area by the 11th of this month for a few weeks to look for our new home. I too plan to rent for a year or so. Thanks for your input

Good luck with your home search. Cody is in "winter hibernation mode" right now but it's a great time to visit the area and look around. My husband and I do love it here (although we are also looking at the northern ID and Bitterroot Valley MT area to buy as well). No major decisions need to be made immediately - we're taking our time. Again - have a great visit.