7 Towns in Wyoming that Are Ideal for Seniors

One of the biggest things people want in a senior-friendly hometown is a calm, comfortable pace, with enough nearby amenities and activities to keep life easy and enjoyable. Wyoming delivers exactly that: scenic, uncrowded communities where neighbors still wave, and errands can be run around the corner.

Even better, you won’t be the only retiree settling in. Towns like Buffalo and Thermopolis have senior population shares reaching around 29%, which often translates to more senior-focused resources and a built-in social scene. From riverfront parks and summer festivals in Green River to mountain views and culture in Jackson, these seven towns offer peaceful living without feeling isolated—plus access to the kind of one-of-a-kind Western experiences that make Wyoming such a rewarding place to put down roots.

Douglas

The Wyoming Central Railway established a railway station in the 1860s where Douglas is now located. Initially called 'Tent City,' the town later adopted the name Douglas, after Illinois Senator Stephan A. Douglas. The rich railroad history is still very much a part of Douglas today, exemplified by the Douglas Railroad Museum & Visitor Center, which showcases historic locomotives and train cars. A beloved part of local folklore is the 'Jackalope,' a mythical creature said to be a jackrabbit with antelope horns. Each August, the town hosts the Wyoming State Fair, offering lively entertainment, a rodeo, and a fun-filled carnival. Public transportation is convenient too, thanks to Express Arrow’s intercity bus service. More than 75% of Douglas residents own their homes, with the median home value around $206,900, according to niche.com. The town’s main healthcare facility is the Memorial Hospital of Converse County.

Green River

In 1867, the Union Pacific Railroad laid out Green River as the railroads expanded westward in the 19th century. Today, it has a warm community with nearly 12,000 residents and sits at an elevation of 6,115 feet. The town truly comes alive during festivals like Flaming Gorge Days at the end of June, featuring exciting races, basketball games, and lively concerts that bring everyone together. The beautiful Green River that flows through the town is perfect for kayaking and fishing during spring and summer, and there are plenty of other spots nearby to enjoy these outdoor adventures. Plus, the town boasts 28 parks and scenic spaces where you can hike, picnic, and take in stunning views while you relax or explore. With about 75% of residents owning their homes, and a median home value of $229,600, Green River feels welcoming and vibrant. The Castle Rock Medical Center has been dedicated to caring for everyone in the area, with the Mission at Castle Rock Rehabilitation Center right across the street, ensuring healthcare needs are well met.

Jackson

Situated beside the beautiful Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges, Jackson is a charming town with a welcoming community of about 10,700 residents. It's a wonderful place for skiing and other winter fun, supported by a lively arts and culture scene. Most visitors and locals head to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort or Snow King Mountain for great skiing adventures. These resorts host fun events all year round, like Elkfest at Jackson Hole, where elk antlers are auctioned off to support local organizations such as the Boy Scouts and the National Elk Refuge. The National Museum of Wildlife Art offers stunning wildlife artworks and features a trail lined with sculptures—a perfect spot to enjoy nature’s beauty. For retirees looking to stay close to the outdoors, Jackson is an excellent choice, even though the median home value is around $836,300, reflecting the area's popular activities. St. John's Health provides comprehensive medical services, ensuring everyone can get the care they need.

Thermopolis

Thermopolis is a charming little town nestled along the scenic Bighorn River. With a friendly population of about 2,700, it’s an ideal spot for seniors seeking tranquility and a peaceful atmosphere. The area is brimming with fun activities, and the highlight is certainly Hot Springs State Park, where visitors can enjoy free access to soothing, hot mineral waters. The park also offers lovely spots for picnics, beautiful flower gardens, and even boat docks for some leisure time on the water. Dinosaur enthusiasts will find a real treat at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, showcasing impressive full skeletons, and during the summer, you can even join local paleontologists on exciting fossil digs. Most residents—over 75%—own their homes, with the median home value comfortably resting around $159,900. Support for the community is strong through Hot Springs Health, with their hospital conveniently located on the town’s east side. Additionally, the Wyoming Pioneer Home provides a caring, state-run assisted living facility right here in Thermopolis.

Buffalo

At the base of the Bighorn Mountains is Buffalo, a town of around 4,400 residents. Museums dot the town and explore Buffalo's rich history, with many artifacts stored at places like the Historic Occidental Hotel and Jim Gatchell Memorial Museums. Local activities are offered at both the Buffalo Golf Club and the Johnson County Library, which are both easy to get to. The Buffalo Area Transit System in town is a paratransit service that is run by the Buffalo Senior Center, which offers public transport, along with Express Arrow and Jefferson Lines, offering a bus service in the town. The majority of people own their houses in Buffalo, with the median home value coming in at $232,600. The Johnson County Healthcare Center services the area for easy-to-access medical needs.

Newcastle

With a population of around 3,400, Newcastle is a good choice for a combination of suburban sprawl mixed with small-town living. The edge of Black Hills National Forest offers walks like the Serenity Trail, which takes hikers through the scenic forest just outside of town, offering wonderful views. Mount Rushmore is only an hour and a half away from Newcastle, making for a nice weekend getaway for local residents. 84% of residents in Newcastle own their home, with a median home value of $151,300, which is great for retirees looking to enjoy small-town life. Near the intersection of Route 16 and 85 is the Weston County Health Services, which is the local hospital in Newcastle.

Cody

Cody is a thriving arts town with a population of around 10,000, which gets its name from the famous Buffalo Bill Cody, who helped in its founding in the late 1800s. His influence still resides in the town, with the Buffalo Bill Center of the West containing five museums in one, all of which house the history of Cody and the area, relating mostly to the Wild West. In the center are also collections of local visual art, which include photography, paintings, sculptures, and more. There's also plenty of live music during the summer, where the town hosts a Concert in the Park series annually. Rodeo lovers will enjoy Cody's robust rodeo scene during the summer, to the point where the town calls itself the "Rodeo Capital of the World." Only 34% of residents in Cody don't own their homes, with a median home value of $260,300. It has plenty of hospitals and medical centers spread around the town, like Heart Mountain or the West Park Hospital.

Wyoming is a peaceful state, making it a wonderful place for retirees and seniors to settle down. It offers a great balance of activities and tranquility, perfect for those looking to relax and enjoy its beautiful scenery and friendly atmosphere that the West is known for. With numerous parks and wilderness areas, Wyoming attracts not only tourists but also individuals seeking a place where the cost of living is reasonable and the neighbors are peaceful. It's a welcoming place that invites everyone to feel at home.