7 Best Wyoming Towns For Retirees
If retirement's on your mind and Wyoming's on the radar, you're probably starved for room, views, and calm. That's what you'll find here—big skies, dry air, no state income tax, and tiny towns that actually welcome you. From hot springs in Thermopolis to the Old West feel of Cody and fishing streams in Sheridan, these towns offer serene living without sacrificing character. Whatever you're craving—mountains, museums, or just a friendly café to call your own—Wyoming's got it.
Cody
A stone's throw from Yellowstone National Park, Cody is about as "Wild West" as you can get, and then some. Buffalo Bill founded it, and you can still feel that frontier spirit in the air around town. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a must-visit. It's five museums in one, and you could spend a week just strolling through the Western Art and Native American galleries. Beck Lake Park is where most locals go to walk, bird watch, or just sit on the water. Peckish? Buffalo Bill's Irma Hotel & Restaurant has a good prime rib buffet in an old-timey saloon setting. And at night during the summer, Cody hosts nightly rodeos—yes, all of them. It's fun but not too busy, and everyone is very friendly. You won't stick out like a sore thumb here.
Sheridan
Sheridan's got high-class Western charm. It's not all cowboy boots and horse statues, although there are plenty of those; it's also art galleries, walking trails, and good coffee. Sit down at Java Moon in town and you'll see what I mean. The Brinton Museum, just outside of town, is a gem: stunning exhibits, a nature trail, and a bistro with a view. King's Saddlery is another local treasure—half shop, half museum, and you don't have to ride horses to enjoy it. If you like to fish or go for long drives through pretty landscapes, Sheridan does not disappoint. It's a relaxed town that still has some beat to it. You won't be sitting around waiting for something to happen—it already is, just at a reasonable pace.
Thermopolis
This town is named for what is arguably its most appealing feature—the hot springs. Hot Springs State Park runs straight through the middle of town, and the open bathhouse there has been easing aches and pains for decades. Even if you’re not a “soaker,” it’s relaxing just to walk the mineral trails or spot the resident bison herd nearby. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center is a surprise—you’d never expect a world-class fossil museum in such a small place, but it’s there, and it’s impressive. Downtown is cozy. You’ve got Black Bear Café for breakfast and One Eyed Buffalo Brewing Company for casual dinner and drinks. Thermopolis is subdued, hot (literally), and strangely intriguing.
Saratoga
Much like Thermopolis, if you like soaking in natural hot springs under the stars, Saratoga's where you belong. This town's public hot pool is open day and night, free, and absolutely laid-back with no hype. The North Platte River runs right through Saratoga, so fishing, tubing, and walks along the river are never out of reach. Dinner is served at Bella's Bistro, with great Italian food smack in the middle of Wyoming. The Platte Valley Community Center has concerts, art displays, and even the occasional play. It's small but not stagnant, quiet but not dull. The best part? It doesn't have the feel of trying to impress you. It just is what it is—friendly, quiet, and cozy.
Lander
Lander is renowned for being an adventure lover's dream. It's just next to the Wind River Range, so outdoor activities are easily accessible year-round. But even if rock climbing isn't your thing, Sinks Canyon State Park has lovely trails and wildlife. In town, you’ve got the Middle Fork for brunch—it’s a dreamy café with strong coffee and made-from-scratch everything. The Fremont County Pioneer Museum is surprisingly engaging, especially if you’re into Native American and pioneer history. There’s also the Lander Art Center, where you’ll find thoughtful exhibits and the occasional poetry reading. Lander offers a more cultural experiene than most towns or small cities, but don't worry—you'll still know your barista by name and vice versa.
Buffalo
Buffalo is literally where the Big Horn Mountains begin, and it's the kind of town where you can feel the pace slow down as soon as you drive in. The Historic Occidental Hotel is a treasure—it's half museum, half saloon, and they still have live bluegrass on Thursday nights. The Clear Creek Trail System runs through town and is bordered with a well-maintained walking path along its edge, great for your morning stroll. The Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum is tiny but well done, with an impressive collection of pieces and artifacts from the frontier and Native American history. Buffalo is big enough to have an actual grocery store and small hospital, but it is still laid back. And events like Longmire Days bring people together to socialize and celebrate without even a hint of a touristy vibe.
Dubois
Dubois is the kind of spot where nobody's making that much of an effort, and that's precisely why it feels so real. Lying at the base of the Absaroka Mountains and knocking on the doors of both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, it feels every bit the last town before the backcountry. The National Bighorn Sheep Center is surprisingly cool, with guided eco-tours in which transportation is provided and bag lunches are available upon request. The Cowboy Café serves up a hearty homecooked breakfast, and chances are you’ll see the same folks there every morning. Headwaters Arts & Conference Center hosts everything from square dances to art exhibits. Here, life is uncomplicated, but never dull—there are little rituals, friendly faces, and the sort of scenery that might leave you speechless.
In Wyoming you're trading traffic for mountains, small talk for substance, and the daily grind for peaceful walks under gorgeous skies. From the rough-riding stories of Cody to the mineral baths of Thermopolis, these towns offer a kind of candor and rhythm that's hard to find anywhere else. If you're all about leaving the rat race behind, Wyoming's waiting for you.
