As the cost of living continues to rise and the housing market becomes more competitive, figuring out where to live can be a challenge. With more remote job roles having become an option since 2020, more families, singles and couples are choosing to live in more affordable states. With snowy mountains and Yellowstone National Park, residents are actively choosing to make Wyoming their home.

The cowboy state is great for those looking for simplicity and stillness in their life. Even though Wyoming has some of the best views of nature and mountains, there are also great cities and small towns in this state. Because the state has such a huge focus on nature, the outdoor lifestyle and activities are promoted in Wyoming.

An affordable lifestyle and great job opportunities are harder to come by with inflation increasing in the United States. Wyoming has managed to provide a lower cost of living and opportunities in certain job industries, making life in Wyoming affordable and comfortable.  Keep in mind that because cost of living is lower in certain parts of Wyoming, HOA fees may be more expensive. Though Wyoming has the lowest Black population in the country, the state is family-friendly with plenty of fun outdoor activities to do with the kids.

Here are some of the best places to live in Wyoming for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers and risk-takers.

Cheyenne

• Population: 64,610
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $362,411
• Walkability: Low

Cheyenne is the largest city in Wyoming, with over 64,000 residents. Home to the world’s biggest outdoor rodeo, Cheyenne offers both city and small-town living. For families, singles and couples who decide to move here, you’ll be able to enjoy museums with rodeo artifacts, botanical gardens and gorgeous mountain views.

For Black Families: Cheyenne is around three percent Black, meaning that there are a little over 1000 Black residents out of a population of over 64,000 people. While there isn’t much diversity at all, there are still a lot of family-friendly activities that Cheyenne has to offer. Because the cost of living is five percent lower than the national average the average home price is around $362,411.

For Young Professionals: For the young professionals, it’s much cheaper to live in Wyoming than other states. Average rent is around $1,046, which is a steal compared to other states where rent is $1600+. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy including golfing, exploring trails, biking and more.

Cody

• Population: 10,224
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $476,133
• Walkability: Moderate. There are walking trails and the town itself is small enough to get around on foot.

Just a few short hours from Yellowstone National Park lies Cody, Wyoming. Filled with Old West style stops, this town has its own Western charm. If you’re a fan of bull riding, barrel racing and all things related to cowboys and western culture, Cody is the perfect fit for you. With a small population of over 10,200 people, the typical home value in this town is $476,133.

For Black Families: Cody is an incredibly small area and with Wyoming having the lowest population of Black people, Cody’s percentage is a very small number. There are 0.6 percent of Black people residing in Cody, meaning there are about 50 Black people out of their population of over 10,000 people.

For Young Professionals: For the young person who enjoys Western culture, small-town living and the outdoors, Cody could be a place to consider moving to. One of the major perks of living here is that it’s a short drive of three hours to Yellowstone National Park. Activities in this town include nighttime rodeos, showings of the Wild West and Mustang tours. Some of the largest job industries in this town include health care, social assistance and food services. The highest-paid industries are wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing, and mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction.

Lander

• Population: 7,581
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $336,431
• Walkability: Moderate

Lander is a small city known for biking, mountain views, rock climbing, fishing and more. With a population of over 7,500, Lander is a pedestrian and bike-friendly city with activities for everyone. Known for its outdoor recreation activities, Lander is popular for Sinks Canyon State Park, Wind River Mountains and the Red Canyon overlook. The average home price in Lander is $366,431, making this an affordable city to live in.

For Black Families: Another Wyoming city with a lack of diversity, Lander is about 0.5 percent Black, so there are around 80-85 Black residents. Although the lack of diversity is a factor, the good thing about Lander is that there are plenty of outdoor adventures to participate in.

For Young Professionals: The average rent for a one-bedroom in Lander is around $950, making this one of the most affordable places for young people to live. If you’re a young person with a taste for adventure and the outdoors, living in Lander provides you with the opportunity to explore new places. Events like the Lander Brewfest and International Climbers’ Festival draw in a younger crowd.

Jackson

• Population: 10,698
• Public School Rating: A
• Average Home Price: $2,066,686
• Walkability: Moderate to High

A fun tourist site and well-known travel destination, Jackson is the best place to enjoy some of Wyoming’s best sites and activities. Nearby Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, Jackson has multiple ski resorts, horseback riding, biking, rock climbing and more. Because tourists are drawn to this area, cost of living is a bit higher than other Wyoming towns and cities. Average home price in Jackson is over $2 million.

For Black Families: In Jackson, 0.8 percent of the population make up Black residents. In numbers, that’s a little over 60 people. While this touristy Wyoming city is not as diverse, it makes up for it with the amenities and activities offered. Go out kayaking, whitewater rafting or skiing with the family. Visit a museum or check out the National Elk Refuge. There are so many fun ways to bond as a family in this city. Take advantage of the city by getting to know the tourists.

For Young Professionals: Jackson is the perfect city for young professionals. Because it’s a tourist site, there are so many activities to participate in from skiing to snowboarding to exploring. Average rent is around $2,631 in Jackson, so young professionals do need to make good money in order to afford to live here.