Top Five Reasons to Retire to Wyoming
Living in Wyoming is not for the faint of heart. This is one wild and rugged state! But if you enjoy being independent and the idea of being a little bit “off the grid” sparks your interest, Wyoming might be a great state for your retirement. That being said there are a few spots within the state where you can get a taste of the city life.
The landscape of Wyoming is, quite simply, awe-inspiring. Come and check out this state if living amongst natural beauty is high on your list of must-haves for retirement. It’s also a good choice if you feel like slowing down and getting out of the rat race. In a place that is so rural, you can’t help but turn off the television, put down the cell phone, and get out there to enjoy it all.
You can also expect to get more for your money in Wyoming. The cost of living is low and it is considered to be a very tax-friendly state. Here are just five of the many reasons you may want to consider moving out west to Wyoming to enjoy your retirement.
Wide Open Spaces
Many people are drawn to Wyoming because of all the space. Especially if you have lived in a city or large suburb for your working life, you may find the vastness of this state quite refreshing. Wyoming is the tenth largest U.S. state in terms of area, but the least populated. There are just under 600,000 people living here. That is a density of 5 and a half people per square mile! You can definitely find your own personal space here. Plus, you have the option of living in some of the larger communities here and being able to access all that space when you want it or living out in the middle of nowhere with the nearest neighbors miles away.
Low Taxes
Wyoming is considered to be a state with a low tax burden. For you, that means you get to keep more of your hard-earned money. In fact, it is ranked 48th out of the 50 states for tax burden. There is no state income tax here and the sales tax throughout the state is only four percent. There is no inheritance or estate tax. There is no tax on pension or other retirement income from another state. And you may be eligible for some exemptions on property taxes.
Stunning Scenery
Wyoming is one of the most scenic states in the Union. It is where the Great Plains meets up with the Rocky Mountains. The western part of the state is a plateau with several mountain ranges such as the Tetons, Big Horns, Black Hills, Sierra Madre, and several others. Some of the most spectacular scenery in the country can be found in Wyoming’s National Parks: Yellowstone and Grand Teton. There are also wildlife refuges, historic trails, national monuments, and national recreation areas.
Outdoor Recreation
With all the interesting geography and beautiful natural spaces, recreation is another top draw in Wyoming. Seniors here can enjoy bird watching, wildlife watching, hunting, fishing, swimming, hiking, canoeing, rafting, kayaking, snowmobiling, mountain climbing, skiing, and anything else you can think of to do outdoors. Staying fit and healthy is easy in Wyoming.
Winter
Yes, you read that correctly! Winter is a good reason to move here. While, for many, getting out of winters is a top priority for retirement, you should consider Wyoming anyway. The winters here are simply gorgeous with the snow settling down on the mountains and plains. The state transforms into a winter wonderland. Some of the best downhill skiing in the country is here, not to mention cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice skating. It’s nice to cozy up to the fireplace throughout the chilly Wyoming winters.
Author: Sheila Martin
Publish Date: Thu, 01/05/2012 - 10:34
Categories:
Wyoming, Living in
