Wyoming Senior Living

Wyoming claims several nicknames but officially it is the Equality State. It's well known for its open ranges and cowboys, rugged natural beauty and mountains. It is well-suited for those who enjoy the outdoors and fewer neighbors than average. Wyoming has the smallest population among the states, making it the 2nd least populated. While it boasts major cities with all the amenities, Wyoming senior living is not for those who like their states small or jam-packed.

With a national senior population where 13.3% of the country is aged 65 and over according to the US Census Bureau, Wyoming falls a bit short with 12.7% of their population over 65. Not too far from the mark but it could spell less options for the anyone looking for a wide variety of senior living in Wyoming.

Wyoming Assisted Living Costs

Assisted Living Facilities, or ALFs, are regulated by the Wyoming Department of Health which holds managers and administrators of any ALF to strict standards. Wyoming defines ALFs a little differently than some places, where an assisted living community is similar to a boarding house but residents received health-related care and aid in medicine dispensing. Unlike other states, ALFs here do not assist in basic daily activities like bathing or dressing; that is for a nursing facility. Wyoming offers 35 different Assisted Living Facilities to meet individual needs.

According to 2012 Genworth data, the average yearly cost of a private, one bedroom assisted living facility in Wyoming is $39,570. Of course, costs can vary between city and county, so its best to consult individual prices and care options within the state.

Retiring in Wyoming

The Equality State has been branded a tax-friendly retirement destination by Kiplinger. There is no state income tax and the sales tax is a low 4% where food and prescription drugs are exempt. Some counties will add up to an additional 2% on top of the 4%. Social Security benefits and other retirement incomes are not taxed. Neither does Wyoming cull any estate or inheritance tax from its residents. Most properties are subject to only 9.5% of the property value in taxes and there are some tax-relief programs available to those who qualify. Also for those who qualify there is a state Tax Rebate to the Elderly and Disabled program for the resident who is 65 or older. This offers a refund from the Wyoming Department of Health for up to $700 on utilities, property tax and sales tax. (Up to $800 for married filers.)

Did you know that...?

• The cost of living in Wyoming is lower than the national average. *www.cityrating.com
• There is no state inheritance or estate tax in Wyoming *www.kiplinger.com
  
• Wyoming is one of only nine states that does not tax individual wage income. *www.bankrate.com

Best Cities for Retirement in Wyoming

Wyoming doesn't have many major cities, not like other states, and the main choices end up being more a personal decision on how close you live to a specific national park. The capital city of Cheyenne is a great choice for amenities and conveniences. It hosts one of the largest rodeos in the world, Frontier Days. Casper is the second largest city and offers more of the artistic side with the biggest concentration of art galleries and museums. Jackson and Jackon's Hole are very popular, beautiful areas that see a lot of visitors during summer and winter months for hiking and skiing. It's surrounded by the Grand Tetons. Cody is considered a quaint, quiet town with a lot of charm for young and old. It's scenery, educational opportunities and the state's low taxes make it an enviable place for retirees.

Health Care

Wyoming has a surprising number of excellent hospital and medical facilities for its small population. Major cities will offer closer clinics and less travel time between home and hospital and also a greater choice of specialists and doctors.

Quick Medical Guide for Wyoming:

• A list of local hospitals
  
• Consumer Reports: Wyoming hospitals and ratings
• Wyoming Senior Citizens resources

Activities for Seniors in Wyoming

Wyoming is home to many natural splendors such as Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Devil's Tower National Monument, Fossil Butte National Monument, a large number of dedicated trails, museums, more parks, landmarks, rivers, and all the wonderful natural attractions a lover of the great outdoors would relish. Rodeos are plentiful as is the golfing, skiing, camping, hiking, fishing, and animal-watching. The bigger cities of Cheyenne and Casper include numerous restaurants, live theater and performances, museums and art galleries.

Local Weather

The Equality State enjoys a higher elevation that keeps summers mild, cool and splashed in sunshine. Weather is not terribly extreme and nights cool off nicely in summer after a rare hot day. It tends to be drier and windier than most locations within the U.S.. Winters are cold but not painfully so. Want to know what the weather conditions are like right now? Take a peek at current Wyoming Weather!

Sharp Seniors has 1 Senior Living Facilities in Wyoming

• 1 of them offer Senior Living