7 Cost-Effective Retirement Towns In Wyoming

Imagine waking up to the Rocky Mountains in the distance, then walking along the Shoshone River in the afternoon while taking in the quiet canyons. These scenes are real in Wyoming. The state’s natural beauty is one reason many people consider it for retirement. Hiking, biking, and bird watching keep you active in a calm setting. Some areas lack mountain scenery, yet they maintain a strong sense of community and culture. Wyoming is also known for cost-effective small towns, with housing often below the state’s median home value of $359,462. Here are seven towns that remain affordable in 2025.

Rawlins

Rawlins is a town with natural scenery and a historic downtown. It is a good place to retire for avid hikers looking for a more affordable place to live. The median home value is $193,281, which is more than $100,000 below the state median. You can walk on part of the Continental Divide Trail, which crosses through town. The trail spans about 550 miles in Wyoming, showing both the state's deserts and alpine peaks. If you do not want that large of an outing, Rawlins also has 7.5 miles of trails that wind through town. This trail links the Continental Divide Trail, downtown Rawlins, and the Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum.

Rawlins also has community amenities, including a fitness center with a walking track, gymnasiums, racquetball courts, and fitness classes for all ages. The earlier references to the Riverton Senior Citizens' Center and Kemmerer Senior Citizens Center were not accurate for this location and have been removed.

Torrington

Torrington sits in eastern Wyoming and has a small downtown lined with historic brick buildings. The town is affordable, with a cost of living 12.1 percent lower than the national average. At $229,919, its median home value is also below the state median, which helps retirement income stretch further. The community center has activities for all ages, including coffee groups and afternoon card games for seniors. These regular gatherings make it easier to meet people and stay involved.

Those who enjoy golf can spend time at the town’s Cottonwood Golf Course, a well-maintained option for steady recreation. Nature is also close by, and the nearby North Platte River is a quiet place for walking or fishing. The town is home to Table Mountain Vineyards, known as Wyoming’s largest winery, and it is a simple place to spend an evening with friends or visitors.

Thermopolis

Thermopolis is a strong option for retirees who enjoy spending time outdoors. The town is home to the world’s largest mineral hot springs, and many people spend their retirement soaking at Hot Springs State Park in the warm pools. Other notable natural areas include Wind River Canyon, which is known for hiking and distinctive geological formations. History enthusiasts can visit the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, one of the leading dinosaur museums in the region, to look through fossils or join a hands-on dig.

The cost of living in Thermopolis is about 12.4 percent lower than the national average, which helps retirement funds last longer. Home values are below the state median, with a median home value of $205,068. Medical needs can be managed in town at Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital, a Critical Access Hospital that supports routine and emergency care.

Douglas

Douglas is a welcoming community with amenities that support an active retirement. The Douglas Senior Center is a steady gathering place with exercise classes, card games, and community meals that help residents stay connected. The North Platte River runs close by and is a practical spot for fishing, kayaking, or a quiet walk along the water.

Ayres Natural Bridge Park is another nearby option for short hikes and simple afternoon outings. The town also has community events throughout the year, including farmers' markets and the Wyoming State Fair in the summer. These activities keep the calendar full without an overwhelming pace or crowds.

Douglas has a solid medical center, the Memorial Hospital of Converse County. For more advanced care, the city of Casper is about an hour away and provides broader services. Buying a house in Douglas is still relatively affordable, with a median home value of $307,806.

Evanston

Evanston is a historic town with mountain views and a cost of living about 7 percent lower than the national average. The median home value is $300,733, which is still below the state median, even if slightly higher than in some other towns on this list. The community has the essential services retirees rely on, including medical care at Evanston Regional Hospital and programs at the Uinta County Senior Center.

The nearby Uinta Mountains sit within easy reach and give residents steady opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. The area also has several historical sites, including the Chinese Joss House Museum and the Uinta County Museum, which help shape the town’s sense of place.

Community events continue through the year, such as the Annual Rodeo Series, Cowboy Days Festival, and summer farmers' markets. These gatherings maintain a consistent rhythm in town life and give residents simple ways to stay involved without pressure to take on more than they want.

Worland

Worland sits in the Big Horn Basin and remains a quiet town with steady mountain views. It is an affordable place to retire on a fixed income, with a median home value of $247,965 and a cost of living about 9 percent lower than the national average. Most routine healthcare needs can be met at Banner Health Washakie Medical Center, which serves the area year-round.

Residents can meet people and build connections at the Worland Senior Center, a simple place for coffee and regular activities. The nearby Big Horn Mountains add easy options for time outdoors. The Gooseberry Badlands Scenic Overlook and Trail is a notable stop for short hikes and broad views without the need for a long outing.

Worland also has facilities that support daily routines, including the Worland Aquatic Center, which is a consistent spot for swimming and socializing. History-focused retirees can spend time at the Washakie Museum and Cultural Center, which highlights the region’s past through local artifacts.

Riverton

Riverton is known as a practical town for families and works well for retirement, too. Housing remains affordable, with a median home value of $257,970, and the cost of living is about 8 percent lower than the national average. These factors help retirement income last longer without major lifestyle changes. Medical needs can be addressed at SageWest Health Care, with RiverPeak Health offering supplementary services and planning a new hospital for Riverton.

The town has a close-knit atmosphere that makes it easier for new residents to feel comfortable. Each year, Riverton hosts events such as the Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Rally and the Fremont County Fair, which bring steady activity to the calendar. These gatherings draw visitors, yet they remain manageable for residents who prefer a slower pace.

Retirement Benefits in Wyoming

If you are not from Wyoming, you might wonder why retiring here makes sense. Beyond the affordability of the towns listed, these communities are close-knit and give residents steady support as they move into later years. Many have senior centers with social clubs that help people build new friendships and stay connected. Wyoming’s natural landscapes also matter, since retirement often brings more time to spend outdoors in quiet surroundings. Whether you enjoy history, hiking, or simply need a more cost-effective place to live, these seven Wyoming towns meet a wide range of needs.