Finding the perfect retirement destination involves careful consideration of multiple factors that contribute to quality of life. Our comprehensive analysis evaluates Wyoming towns across 5 key criteria: Overall Retirement Score, Walkability, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, and Transit-Friendly ratings. Each of these metrics offers valuable insight into what makes a community suitable for retirees seeking specific lifestyle preferences.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Wyoming’s best towns for retirees. The Overall Retirement Score encompasses numerous factors beyond our highlighted metrics, providing a holistic view of retirement suitability.
Here’s the list.
24. Alcova Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 91.75
- Walkability: 3.08
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 58.91
- Vibrant Score: 5.45
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Alcova
Alcova starts our list with a strong retirement score of 91.75. While not the highest on our list, this small community offers a desirable balance of factors appealing to certain retirees. The town features limited walkability (3.08) but surprisingly good urban sophistication (58.91) for its size and remote location. With minimal vibrancy (5.45), Alcova provides a peaceful environment ideal for retirees seeking connection with nature. Public transportation is limited. The median home price in Alcova offers good value, particularly for those interested in lake recreation and fishing at the nearby Alcova Reservoir.
23. Big Horn Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 91.98
- Walkability: 5.09
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 67.30
- Vibrant Score: 3.24
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Big Horn
Big Horn ranks just slightly higher than Alcova with a retirement score of 91.98. This community offers limited walkability (5.09) but impressive urban sophistication (67.30), providing good access to cultural amenities. With minimal vibrancy (3.24), Big Horn provides a peaceful environment with few distractions. Public transportation options are limited. The median home price in Big Horn tends to be higher than Wyoming averages, reflecting its desirability among retirees seeking a blend of cultural access and tranquility.
22. Guernsey – Glendo Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 92.03
- Walkability: 13.70
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 54.14
- Vibrant Score: 1.28
- Transit-Friendly: 14.76
About Guernsey – Glendo
The Guernsey-Glendo area ranks 22nd with a retirement score of 92.03. This region offers relatively good walkability (13.70) compared to many competitors and solid urban sophistication (54.14). With minimal vibrancy (1.28), the area provides a quiet lifestyle with limited distractions. It stands out with better-than-average transit options (14.76), a rare feature among Wyoming’s small towns. The median home price in this area tends to be quite affordable, offering excellent value for retirees interested in water recreation opportunities at Glendo Reservoir.
21. Cora Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 92.66
- Walkability: 4.96
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 53.63
- Vibrant Score: 1.88
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Cora
Cora ranks 21st with a retirement score of 92.66. This small community offers very limited walkability (4.96) but surprisingly good urban sophistication (53.63) for its remote location. With minimal vibrancy (1.88), Cora provides a very quiet retirement setting ideal for those seeking solitude. Public transportation is not available. The median home price in Cora reflects its location in the scenic Pinedale region, offering a balance of privacy and natural beauty for retirees seeking a connection to Wyoming’s pristine landscapes.
20. Ten Sleep Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.69
- Walkability: 7.63
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 32.79
- Vibrant Score: 1.25
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Ten Sleep
Ten Sleep takes the 20th position with a retirement score of 93.69. This small town offers limited walkability (7.63) and moderate urban sophistication (32.79). With minimal vibrancy (1.25), Ten Sleep provides a peaceful environment for retirees seeking quiet and simplicity. Public transportation options are not readily available. The median home price in Ten Sleep tends to be reasonable, offering affordable retirement options in a scenic canyon setting popular with outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking authentic small-town Wyoming charm.
19. Big Piney Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 93.93
- Walkability: 8.20
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 52.49
- Vibrant Score: 1.11
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Big Piney
Big Piney ranks 19th with a retirement score of 93.93. This town offers limited walkability (8.20) but decent urban sophistication (52.49) for its size. With minimal vibrancy (1.11), Big Piney provides a very quiet retirement setting ideal for those seeking tranquility. Public transportation options are limited. The median home price in Big Piney tends to be moderate, influenced by its position in Wyoming’s energy industry corridor while still maintaining its small-town character attractive to retirees seeking authenticity.
18. Kaycee Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 95.67
- Walkability: 12.04
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 71.47
- Vibrant Score: 0.35
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Kaycee
Kaycee secures the 18th position with a retirement score of 95.67. This small town offers limited walkability (12.04) but impresses with high urban sophistication (71.47), providing good access to cultural amenities despite its size. With an extremely low vibrant score (0.35), Kaycee offers one of the most peaceful environments on our list. Public transportation options are minimal. The median home price in Kaycee tends to be moderate, offering good value for retirees seeking cultural access in a quiet rural setting with strong connections to Wyoming’s ranching heritage.
17. Thermopolis Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.20
- Walkability: 58.10
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 59.27
- Vibrant Score: 50.47
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Thermopolis
Thermopolis ranks 17th with a retirement score of 96.20. This town stands out with exceptional walkability (58.10), far surpassing all other towns in our analysis. It also offers strong urban sophistication (59.27) and the highest vibrant score (50.47), providing a more active and engaged community experience. While public transportation remains limited, Thermopolis’ walkability compensates significantly. The median home price in Thermopolis offers excellent value considering its unique amenities, particularly its famous hot springs which attract retirees interested in therapeutic recreation options.
16. Lingle – Fort Laramie Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.30
- Walkability: 16.09
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 41.21
- Vibrant Score: 8.23
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Lingle – Fort Laramie
The Lingle-Fort Laramie area takes the 16th position with a retirement score of 96.30. This region offers relatively good walkability (16.09) compared to many competitors, with moderate urban sophistication (41.21). The vibrant score of 8.23 indicates a quiet community with some social activities. Public transportation options are limited. The median home price in this area tends to be among the most affordable on our list, offering good value for retirees interested in Wyoming’s historical heritage with Fort Laramie National Historic Site nearby.
15. Etna Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 96.59
- Walkability: 0.49
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 56.54
- Vibrant Score: 1.11
- Transit-Friendly: 0.86
About Etna
Etna ranks 15th with a retirement score of 96.59. This community has the lowest walkability score (0.49) among our top towns, indicating a dependency on vehicles for most activities. However, it offers good urban sophistication (56.54) relative to its size, providing some cultural amenities. With minimal vibrancy (1.11) and very limited transit options (0.86), Etna caters to retirees seeking a peaceful rural setting. The median home price in Etna reflects its location in the desirable Star Valley region, known for its stunning mountain views and proximity to Idaho.
14. Jeffrey City Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.15
- Walkability: 3.44
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 47.97
- Vibrant Score: 0.41
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Jeffrey City
Jeffrey City secures the 14th position with a retirement score of 97.15. This town offers very limited walkability (3.44) but moderate urban sophistication (47.97). With one of the lowest vibrant scores (0.41), Jeffrey City provides an extremely quiet retirement setting for those seeking solitude. Public transportation is not readily available. The median home price in Jeffrey City tends to be among the most affordable on our list, offering budget-conscious retirees a peaceful Wyoming option with wide-open spaces and spectacular night skies.
13. Saratoga – Encampment Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.30
- Walkability: 7.26
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 46.21
- Vibrant Score: 10.16
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Saratoga – Encampment
The Saratoga-Encampment area ranks 13th with a retirement score of 97.30. This region offers limited walkability (7.26) and moderate urban sophistication (46.21). With a vibrant score of 10.16, the area provides some community activities while maintaining a generally peaceful atmosphere. Public transportation options are minimal. The median home price in this region remains competitive, offering good value for retirees attracted to its outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly fishing and the natural hot springs that make Saratoga a destination for wellness-minded retirees.
12. Story Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.75
- Walkability: 10.07
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 72.01
- Vibrant Score: 0.43
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Story
Story takes the 12th position with a retirement score of 97.75. This community offers moderate walkability (10.07) and impressively high urban sophistication (72.01), providing good access to cultural amenities. With an extremely low vibrant score (0.43), Story provides one of the most peaceful environments on our list, ideal for those seeking tranquility. Public transportation is limited. The median home price in Story reflects its unique combination of cultural accessibility and peaceful atmosphere in a picturesque setting at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains.
11. Buffalo Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.77
- Walkability: 34.92
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 41.59
- Vibrant Score: 27.87
- Transit-Friendly: 10.25
About Buffalo
Buffalo ranks 11th with a strong retirement score of 97.77. This town distinguishes itself with excellent walkability (34.92) among our top contenders, making it particularly suitable for active retirees. It offers moderate urban sophistication (41.59) and a relatively vibrant community (27.87), providing more social and entertainment options than most other top towns. With some limited transit options (10.25), Buffalo provides a well-rounded retirement destination. Median home prices in Buffalo remain reasonable compared to many Wyoming communities, offering good value in a historic Western town.
10. Basin Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.24
- Walkability: 13.65
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 27.72
- Vibrant Score: 2.37
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Basin
Basin secures the 10th position with a retirement score of 98.24. The town offers better walkability (13.65) than many lower-ranked communities, though its urban sophistication remains modest (27.72). With minimal vibrancy (2.37), Basin provides a tranquil retirement setting with few distractions. Public transportation options are limited. The median home price in Basin tends to be more affordable than Wyoming averages, making it an economical choice for retirees seeking a quiet small-town atmosphere with a warm climate by Wyoming standards.
9. Wilson Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.27
- Walkability: 5.35
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 71.67
- Vibrant Score: 23.11
- Transit-Friendly: 29.42
About Wilson
Wilson ranks 9th with a retirement score of 98.27. This community stands out with excellent urban sophistication (71.67) and the highest transit-friendly score (29.42) among our top towns. Though walkability remains limited (5.35), Wilson offers a moderately vibrant community life (23.11), providing more entertainment and social opportunities than many competitors. Located near Jackson, Wilson’s median home prices tend to be higher, reflecting its premium location and amenities in one of Wyoming’s most scenic areas with easy access to Grand Teton National Park.
8. Ranchester – Dayton Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.42
- Walkability: 10.20
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 54.09
- Vibrant Score: 1.83
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Ranchester – Dayton
The Ranchester-Dayton area secures the 8th position with a retirement score of 98.42. This community offers slightly better walkability than some other towns (10.20) and decent urban sophistication (54.09), providing a balance of amenities. The extremely low vibrant score (1.83) indicates a very quiet lifestyle, and public transportation options are limited. The median home price in this area remains competitive for Wyoming, offering good value for retirees seeking a peaceful community with some amenities and stunning mountain views in the northern part of the state.
7. Kirby Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.85
- Walkability: 3.13
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 25.66
- Vibrant Score: 5.33
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Kirby
Kirby ranks 7th on our list with a strong retirement score of 98.85. This small town offers very limited walkability (3.13) and lower urban sophistication (25.66), making it best suited for retirees who prefer a simple, rural lifestyle. With a vibrant score of 5.33, the community maintains some social activities while remaining predominantly peaceful. Public transportation is not available. Kirby’s median home prices are typically lower than Wyoming averages, offering an affordable retirement option for those seeking authentic small-town Wyoming living with minimal distractions.
6. Dubois Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.48
- Walkability: 5.68
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 32.80
- Vibrant Score: 1.87
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Dubois
Dubois ranks 6th with an impressive retirement score of 99.48. The town features limited walkability (5.68) and moderate urban sophistication (32.80). It offers a peaceful lifestyle with minimal vibrancy (1.87) and no significant public transportation. Dubois appeals to retirees seeking a quiet mountain lifestyle with access to outdoor recreation, and its median home prices tend to be moderate for Wyoming retirement destinations. The town’s location in the Wind River Valley provides spectacular scenery and a unique micro-climate that’s milder than many Wyoming locations.
5. Centennial Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.72
- Walkability: 10.02
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 85.93
- Vibrant Score: 0.93
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Centennial
Centennial ranks 5th with an exceptional retirement score of 99.72. This town stands out with its remarkable urban sophistication score of 85.93, the highest among our top retirement destinations. Walkability is limited but better than some competitors at 10.02. The town offers a serene environment with minimal vibrancy (0.93) and lacks public transportation options. Median home prices in Centennial reflect its desirability, particularly for those who value cultural amenities in a quieter mountain setting near the Snowy Range with excellent access to outdoor recreation year-round.
4. Sundance Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.75
- Walkability: 7.81
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 47.14
- Vibrant Score: 15.46
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Sundance
Sundance secures the 4th position with its impressive retirement score of 99.75. The town offers modest walkability (7.81) and average urban sophistication (47.14), providing a balanced environment for retirees. With a vibrant score of 15.46, residents can enjoy some entertainment options while maintaining a predominantly peaceful lifestyle. Public transportation is limited in this area. The median home price in Sundance remains relatively accessible compared to other high-ranking retirement destinations in Wyoming, offering good value in this northeastern Wyoming community near Devils Tower National Monument.
3. Meeteetse Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.85
- Walkability: 5.35
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 48.54
- Vibrant Score: 0.34
- Transit-Friendly: 11.71
About Meeteetse
Meeteetse ranks 3rd with an exceptional retirement score of 99.85. This charming small town offers a peaceful atmosphere but has limited walkability at 5.35. Urban sophistication scores in the middle range (48.54), providing some cultural options. The town is notably quiet with a minimal vibrant score of 0.34, making it ideal for those seeking a tranquil retirement. It does offer some limited transit options with a score of 11.71. Median home prices in Meeteetse tend to be more affordable than many Wyoming retirement destinations, offering excellent value in a historic Western town with authentic character.
2. Kelly Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.96
- Walkability: 6.08
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 73.68
- Vibrant Score: 5.29
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Kelly
Kelly emerges as Wyoming’s second-best retirement destination with an impressive score of 99.96. This town shines with excellent urban sophistication (73.68), offering retirees access to cultural amenities despite its smaller size. Its walkability remains limited at 6.08, and the town offers a quieter lifestyle with a modest vibrant score of 5.29. Public transportation is not readily available. Kelly’s median home prices reflect the premium nature of this retirement destination, particularly given its proximity to Grand Teton National Park and the incredible mountain views it offers residents.
1. Teton Village – Alta Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 100.00
- Walkability: 2.50
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 68.65
- Vibrant Score: 18.28
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Teton Village – Alta
Teton Village – Alta tops our list with a perfect retirement score of 100, making it Wyoming’s premier retirement destination. While its walkability score is relatively low at 2.50, the area compensates with strong urban sophistication at 68.65, offering residents access to cultural amenities despite its mountain setting. The moderately vibrant community (18.28) provides entertainment options, though public transit options are limited. Median home prices in this area tend to be higher than Wyoming averages, reflecting its desirability and proximity to Jackson Hole attractions, world-class skiing, and the unparalleled natural beauty of the Teton Range.
Definition of Terms:
- Overall Retirement Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates a location’s suitability for retirees, incorporating factors such as healthcare access, cost of living, climate, safety, tax-friendliness for retirees, and community support services. The score ranges from 0-100, with higher numbers indicating better retirement suitability.
- Walkability: Measures how easily residents can navigate the community on foot. This factor is particularly important for retirees who may eventually limit driving or wish to maintain an active lifestyle through daily walking. Higher scores indicate areas where daily needs can be met without requiring a vehicle.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Quantifies access to cultural resources such as theaters, museums, educational opportunities, fine dining, and other enrichment activities. This metric is essential for retirees seeking intellectual stimulation and cultural engagement during retirement years.
- Vibrant Score: Evaluates the energy level and social activity of a community, measuring factors like nightlife, community events, and general bustle. This score helps identify locations that match a retiree’s desired pace of life, with lower scores indicating quieter communities and higher scores suggesting more active social environments.
- Transit-Friendly: Assesses the availability and quality of public transportation options. This consideration becomes increasingly important as retirees age and may need alternatives to driving, enhancing long-term independence and mobility within the community.
References: In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
- National Association of Realtors – Wyoming Profile https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/housing-statistics/
- U.S. Census Bureau Housing Data https://www.census.gov/housing/hvs/data/rates.html
- Wyoming Economic Analysis Division https://wyo.gov
- Zillow Wyoming Home Value Index https://www.zillow.com/wy/home-values/
