Wyoming offers wide-open spaces, stunning national parks, and small-town charm—but not every community is built with retirees in mind. New data from 2025 shows that older adults are increasingly passing over certain Wyoming towns, opting instead for places with better healthcare access, walkability, and amenities tailored to aging residents. While these 18 towns may work well for younger families, oil and gas workers, or outdoor adventurers, they miss the mark when it comes to meeting retirement needs. From low vibrancy to near-zero transit options, these places scored poorly on the Overall Retirement Score (ORS), a composite index that factors in everything from cultural life to car-dependency. Here are the worst places to retire in Wyoming this year—and why they landed on this list.
18. Lyman – Sparse Amenities and Car-Heavy Living
Lyman is a tiny town in southwestern Wyoming, near the Utah border, with a population under 2,500. It’s quiet and affordable, but retirees looking for variety in their daily routine may find themselves bored quickly. The town has limited healthcare facilities, almost no walkable infrastructure, and few senior-focused services. This isolation could be a drawback for retirees who value access to arts, dining, or public transit.
The lifestyle in Lyman is well-suited to car owners who don’t mind traveling for services or entertainment. It might be ideal for those who want peace and space, but for seniors who prefer walkable access to amenities or reliable public transport, Lyman is a tough sell.
Lyman – ORS 49.12
- Overall Retirement Score: 49.12
- Quietness: 77.82
- Walkability: 19.86
- Cultural amenities: 65.67
- Vibrancy: 13.08
- Car-Friendliness: 81.38
- Transit-Friendliness: 29.12
Lyman ranks highest on quietness and car-friendliness, but walkability and vibrancy are very low. That balance makes it an inconvenient choice for retirees without strong transportation options or a deep desire for solitude.
17. Green River – Lacking Engagement for Older Adults
Nestled along the Green River in southwestern Wyoming, this town is scenic and family-friendly. But for retirees, the charm can fade due to limited senior services, poor walkability, and a scarcity of cultural events. While the town is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, these don’t always align with what aging adults prioritize: healthcare proximity, ease of mobility, and social connection.
There’s also minimal public transit and a heavy reliance on cars, which may pose issues for retirees who eventually scale back their driving. Despite its peacefulness, Green River lacks the infrastructure to support aging in place.
Green River – ORS 48.90
- Overall Retirement Score: 48.90
- Quietness: 61.23
- Walkability: 20.24
- Cultural amenities: 39.14
- Vibrancy: 21.87
- Car-Friendliness: 84.37
- Transit-Friendliness: 23.36
While car-friendly and quiet, Green River’s low walkability and underwhelming cultural life bring its ORS down for older residents seeking more engagement and ease of access.
16. Casper – Urban But Not Quite Retirement-Ready
Casper is one of Wyoming’s largest cities and offers more in terms of cultural institutions, shopping, and dining. On paper, it seems like it should be a better fit for retirees. But the numbers tell a different story. Despite having some walkable areas and a decent vibrancy score, the city still falls short in key areas that matter to older adults—especially quietness and reliable transit.
Noise levels and traffic can be higher than what many retirees prefer. Add to that a lack of robust senior services and limited public transportation, and Casper quickly becomes less appealing to those seeking an easy, comfortable lifestyle in retirement.
Casper – ORS 47.19
- Overall Retirement Score: 47.19
- Quietness: 45.78
- Walkability: 46.85
- Cultural amenities: 48.80
- Vibrancy: 54.69
- Car-Friendliness: 80.82
- Transit-Friendliness: 16.60
Casper’s urban amenities are offset by middling walkability and poor transit access, making it a tough compromise for retirees who want both stimulation and simplicity.
15. Midwest – Quiet but Isolated
Midwest, Wyoming lives up to its name: it’s central, remote, and very quiet. While that may appeal to some, it also means there’s not much in the way of cultural enrichment or daily conveniences. The town has one of the highest quietness scores on the list—but the trade-off is a near-total lack of walkability and zero transit access.
Healthcare options are minimal, and daily errands typically require long drives. This kind of extreme rural environment might work well for self-sufficient retirees who prefer solitude, but it’s far from ideal for those looking to stay active and socially engaged.
Midwest – ORS 45.57
- Overall Retirement Score: 45.57
- Quietness: 95.05
- Walkability: 8.80
- Cultural amenities: 42.38
- Vibrancy: 3.21
- Car-Friendliness: 90.77
- Transit-Friendliness: 0
Midwest ranks high in peace and car access—but the absence of transit and amenities makes it a difficult place to age comfortably.
14. Pine Bluffs – Scenic But Not Senior-Friendly
Pine Bluffs sits on the Nebraska border and has deep agricultural roots. It’s picturesque and exceptionally quiet, with wide open spaces and a strong sense of community. But for retirees, the lack of infrastructure is hard to overlook. Public transit is nonexistent, and walkability is poor. While there are some cultural activities, they aren’t geared toward senior lifestyles.
The town’s high car-friendliness means you’ll need to drive for just about everything. That’s manageable early in retirement, but not ideal long-term. Seniors here might find themselves feeling stranded without good access to services or senior-specific programming.
Pine Bluffs – ORS 44.21
- Overall Retirement Score: 44.21
- Quietness: 86.94
- Walkability: 13.77
- Cultural amenities: 63.73
- Vibrancy: 2.83
- Car-Friendliness: 97.68
- Transit-Friendliness: 0
Great for peace and open roads, but limited mobility options and low vibrancy make Pine Bluffs less appealing for retirees who crave convenience and activity.
13. Arapahoe – Limited Services and Isolation
Located in central Wyoming, Arapahoe is a small, unincorporated community within the Wind River Indian Reservation. It has a quiet atmosphere and rural charm, but it falls far short in terms of senior-accessible infrastructure. Walkability is extremely low, and there are virtually no transit options.
Access to medical care and cultural amenities is also limited. This is the kind of place where residents need to drive long distances for everything from groceries to hospital visits. For retirees who want low noise but still need consistent services, Arapahoe may not deliver.
Arapahoe – ORS 43.68
- Overall Retirement Score: 43.68
- Quietness: 82.58
- Walkability: 7.00
- Cultural amenities: 25.27
- Vibrancy: 13.59
- Car-Friendliness: 79.98
- Transit-Friendliness: 0
Despite a peaceful setting, the severe lack of walkability and transit access leaves retirees with few options for easy daily living.
12. Rawlins – Some Perks, But Still Lacking
Rawlins is a city with a mix of historic charm and practical limitations. Located along I-80 in south-central Wyoming, it has a reasonably active downtown and a few cultural events throughout the year. However, beyond that, it struggles to meet retiree needs. Healthcare services are present but limited, and there’s no public transit system.
For those who still drive, Rawlins is manageable—but if mobility becomes an issue, the town’s layout and infrastructure pose serious challenges. Despite decent walkability compared to rural neighbors, it still lacks the full suite of amenities many retirees seek.
Rawlins – ORS 43.39
- Overall Retirement Score: 43.39
- Quietness: 71.37
- Walkability: 43.79
- Cultural amenities: 40.50
- Vibrancy: 39.38
- Car-Friendliness: 86.82
- Transit-Friendliness: 0
Rawlins offers moderate walkability and culture, but the lack of transit and long-term senior services drag down its retirement appeal.
11. Cheyenne – Busy Capital, But Not Aging-In-Place Ready
As Wyoming’s capital, Cheyenne is by far one of the most developed cities in the state. It hosts large events like Cheyenne Frontier Days and features several museums and galleries. However, for retirees, its noisy, car-heavy environment can be overwhelming. It also has very limited transit and a layout that isn’t very walkable in most areas.
Cheyenne’s amenities might attract younger residents, but its infrastructure isn’t well-aligned with aging needs. Seniors looking for a calm, accessible, and connected place to retire may find themselves frustrated here.
Cheyenne – ORS 43.38
- Overall Retirement Score: 43.38
- Quietness: 50.67
- Walkability: 46.81
- Cultural amenities: 46.66
- Vibrancy: 54.28
- Car-Friendliness: 79.89
- Transit-Friendliness: 4.52
Though rich in activity, Cheyenne’s low quietness and poor transit drag down its appeal for seniors seeking a slower pace and easier mobility.
10. Gillette – Energetic But Short on Senior Essentials
Gillette is an energetic town in northeastern Wyoming known for its coal and energy industries. It has a growing population and offers a relatively active environment. But despite its economic vibrancy, Gillette isn’t especially welcoming for retirees. Public transit options are scarce, and walkability is very low, which makes daily tasks a hassle for those without a car.
Cultural amenities exist, but they’re limited and geared more toward families and working professionals than aging adults. The town’s strong car-dependence and low senior-friendly infrastructure make it a mismatch for retirees who want ease and connectivity.
Gillette – ORS 43.05
- Overall Retirement Score: 43.05
- Quietness: 71.10
- Walkability: 16.06
- Cultural amenities: 47.63
- Vibrancy: 35.23
- Car-Friendliness: 84.15
- Transit-Friendliness: 11.24
Gillette offers decent cultural outlets but underperforms on walkability and transit—two things that matter more with every passing year of retirement.
9. Newcastle – Charming, But Poorly Connected
Newcastle sits near the Black Hills and boasts beautiful natural surroundings. It’s a quiet town with a solid sense of community, but when it comes to retirement livability, the picture isn’t so rosy. Healthcare access is limited, public transit is minimal, and despite being fairly quiet, the town lacks the kind of support network that helps older adults thrive.
Its charm may attract some, but retirees need more than scenic backdrops. With low walkability and weak cultural infrastructure, Newcastle isn’t equipped for long-term aging in place.
Newcastle – ORS 42.79
- Overall Retirement Score: 42.79
- Quietness: 86.79
- Walkability: 22.68
- Cultural amenities: 50.42
- Vibrancy: 21.45
- Car-Friendliness: 67.82
- Transit-Friendliness: 34.46
While it ranks well for quiet and offers decent transit relative to peers, Newcastle still lacks walkable neighborhoods and a vibrant, retiree-friendly environment.
8. Fort Washakie – Extremely Limited Infrastructure
Fort Washakie is a remote community on the Wind River Indian Reservation. It has strong cultural history and significance, but practically speaking, it’s not well equipped to support older residents. Walkability and transit are virtually nonexistent. Cultural activities are scarce, and essential services like healthcare and grocery stores may require long trips.
This town’s appeal is mostly for those seeking solitude or with deep local ties. Without a vehicle, aging here would present serious logistical challenges.
Fort Washakie – ORS 42.46
- Overall Retirement Score: 42.46
- Quietness: 76.46
- Walkability: 8.85
- Cultural amenities: 17.44
- Vibrancy: 4.79
- Car-Friendliness: 87.37
- Transit-Friendliness: 0
Though quiet and drivable, Fort Washakie’s complete lack of transit and amenities keeps it off the list for retirees looking for support and connection.
7. Evanston – Too Much Driving, Too Little Else
Located on the Utah border, Evanston has a pleasant setting and a mix of historic buildings and new development. But that’s where the good news ends for retirees. The town scores poorly on walkability, cultural amenities, and transit access. It’s a place built for cars—and lots of driving.
Seniors looking for accessible healthcare, vibrant community events, or pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods won’t find much here. While it’s not entirely without charm, Evanston doesn’t check many retirement boxes.
Evanston – ORS 42.36
- Overall Retirement Score: 42.36
- Quietness: 67.36
- Walkability: 23.80
- Cultural amenities: 31.80
- Vibrancy: 29.30
- Car-Friendliness: 79.64
- Transit-Friendliness: 5.58
The town’s isolation from senior-friendly infrastructure makes it a challenging environment for retirees looking to downsize their daily burdens.
6. Wright – Peaceful But Practically Empty
Wright is a very small town near Gillette that mostly serves energy industry workers. It has an excellent quietness score but very little else to offer retirees. There’s no public transit, walkability is near zero, and cultural life is minimal. For seniors hoping to enjoy their golden years with local events, dining, or healthcare access, Wright will likely fall short.
It’s the kind of place where neighbors know each other, but the infrastructure simply isn’t there to support the needs of an aging population.
Wright – ORS 41.77
- Overall Retirement Score: 41.77
- Quietness: 91.28
- Walkability: 3.19
- Cultural amenities: 38.43
- Vibrancy: 0.58
- Car-Friendliness: 75.27
- Transit-Friendliness: 8.39
Wright may offer serenity, but that comes at the cost of access, amenities, and any form of mobility support beyond driving.
5. Moorcroft – Extremely Low Access Across the Board
Moorcroft is another small town near the Black Hills that offers a lot of peace and quiet—but not much else. For retirees, this means no reliable transportation, very limited cultural or social options, and a lifestyle that depends entirely on driving.
The town’s infrastructure simply isn’t designed with aging in mind. With near-bottom scores in walkability and vibrancy, Moorcroft is one of the least engaging places to retire in the state.
Moorcroft – ORS 41.74
- Overall Retirement Score: 41.74
- Quietness: 81.87
- Walkability: 3.71
- Cultural amenities: 28.03
- Vibrancy: 0.62
- Car-Friendliness: 96.93
- Transit-Friendliness: 14.73
Despite solid car access, the isolation from enriching activities or walkable environments makes this town a poor fit for senior lifestyles.
4. Riverton – Low on Services and Connectivity
Riverton is one of central Wyoming’s larger communities, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to better retirement potential. While it scores well in vibrancy, many other factors hurt its appeal—particularly its lackluster cultural amenities and very low transit access.
It has a few walkable pockets, but retirees still need a vehicle to manage day-to-day life. Combined with limited healthcare and senior services, Riverton’s appeal as a retirement destination is low.
Riverton – ORS 39.79
- Overall Retirement Score: 39.79
- Quietness: 51.11
- Walkability: 38.22
- Cultural amenities: 18.03
- Vibrancy: 54.22
- Car-Friendliness: 77.44
- Transit-Friendliness: 11.58
Riverton offers some activity and energy, but lacks the core support systems that retirees need to live comfortably and safely.
3. Rock Springs – Not Built for Retirement Living
Rock Springs is a busy town along the I-80 corridor. It’s a major center for industry and transportation, but those strengths don’t help retirees much. The area is car-dependent, moderately noisy, and lacks high-quality cultural offerings geared toward older adults. Walkability is limited, and public transportation barely exists.
Though it’s a good place for a career in mining or logistics, retirement is another story. Rock Springs doesn’t offer the peace, simplicity, or support most retirees are looking for.
Rock Springs – ORS 37.35
- Overall Retirement Score: 37.35
- Quietness: 63.50
- Walkability: 31.36
- Cultural amenities: 41.43
- Vibrancy: 37.80
- Car-Friendliness: 79.01
- Transit-Friendliness: 19.88
Rock Springs’ car-centric layout and limited retirement infrastructure make it better for work than for winding down.
2. Mills – A Suburb Without Services
Mills, just west of Casper, offers residential living without much else. It’s often thought of as a bedroom community, and it feels that way—quiet, residential, and sparse on amenities. There are no hospitals, limited cultural options, and the walkability is poor. That makes life harder for older residents who need nearby resources and connection.
Even though it’s not far from a larger city, the lack of direct services means retirees here would need to travel often for basics like prescriptions, medical care, or social outings.
Mills – ORS 36.11
- Overall Retirement Score: 36.11
- Quietness: 77.99
- Walkability: 36.54
- Cultural amenities: 24.52
- Vibrancy: 31.21
- Car-Friendliness: 76.11
- Transit-Friendliness: 7.23
Mills is quiet and affordable, but severely lacking in the senior-specific infrastructure needed for aging well.
1. Warren Air Force Base – Harsh Conditions and Noisy Environment
Warren AFB is located just west of Cheyenne and functions primarily as an active military base. Unsurprisingly, it ranks dead last on Wyoming’s retirement suitability list. The environment is loud, fast-paced, and highly regulated. Civilians have limited access to services, and it’s definitely not structured for aging residents.
Noise pollution, frequent movement, and a lack of amenities like senior centers or walkable infrastructure make this a poor retirement option in every sense.
Warren Air Force Base – ORS 21.37
- Overall Retirement Score: 21.37
- Quietness: 17.81
- Walkability: 50.93
- Cultural amenities: 37.78
- Vibrancy: 44.76
- Car-Friendliness: 81.48
- Transit-Friendliness: 29.02
Warren AFB is loud, restricted, and wholly unsuitable for civilian retirement—especially for those looking to age in peace.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau – QuickFacts for Wyoming Cities
- Zillow – Zillow Research: Home Values and Market Trends
- Redfin – Redfin Data Center
- City-Data – City-Data Profiles
