3 Things to Know When Relocating From NYC to Wyoming

When it comes to wide open spaces and beautiful landscapes, the state of Wyoming is second to none. As the 10th largest state in the country by area, Wyoming offers its residents plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore. With mountain views, lakes, rivers, and valleys, there’s a little bit of everything, even for adventure-seekers from the city. As such, more and more people are realizing the beauty and potential of Wyoming and deciding to relocate. If you’re hoping to resettle in Wyoming this year, keep reading for three of the most significant things to keep in mind as you make the move.

Before you relocate to Wyoming, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the local real estate market. Particularly, houses for sale in Jackson Hole have grown in popularity, with year-over-year increases in value of more than 61%. Median prices for Jackson Hole real estate are currently at $3.6 million. These properties feature stunning views of the mountains, ample living space, and anywhere from two to five bedrooms. Only around 100 properties are available in Jackson Hole, making it more important than ever to work with a real estate agent who has experience in the area to secure your new home.

Relocating from a place like New York City to Wyoming is a major move. Whereas New York City is a bustling, densely-populated urban area, Wyoming is more rural, spread out, and composed primarily of suburban communities. Condos in New York City are surrounded by the sparkling street lights of the aptly nicknamed City That Never Sleeps, while houses for sale in Jackson Hole are blanketed beneath an endless expanse of stars in the Cowboy State.

Once you settle into your new home, you’ll need time to adjust to the different environment, landscape, and culture. Residents of Wyoming love the outdoors, and their lives are built around their enjoyment of them. There are monuments, geographic wonders, and national parks seemingly around every corner, whether you’re passing the Grand Tetons or taking a trip to Devil’s Tower. With its cowboy boots and rodeos, Western culture is alive and strong in Wyoming, and many of the bigger cities still retain a tight-knit, small-town feel. Altogether, before looking into Jackson Hole real estate and moving to Wyoming, take the time to get to know the local lifestyle. It’ll help you transition more smoothly and start feeling at home faster.

The community in Wyoming, especially in Jackson Hole, comes together mainly through their love of outdoor recreation. If you want to invest in Jackson Hole real estate, you won’t be disappointed by the number of nearby year-round activities. The Jackson Hole area alone has over 50 trails, a mere fraction of the total of 640 spread across the state. When it comes to hiking, Wyoming residents rarely, if ever, need to search for new paths to explore.

But that’s just the beginning. Wyoming is also one of the best states in the country for horseback riding, with nearby ranches like Willow Creek or the Mill Iron Ranch inviting relocators to experience the best of Wyoming’s western lifestyle. Grand Teton National Park is a stunning collection of lakes, trails, and scenic views, located only five miles from Jackson Hole. In the winter, the surrounding mountains come alive with skiing and snowboarding runs. For extra fun in the snow, residents can book a dog sledding trip with local businesses like Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours. Of course, nothing tops a visit to Yellowstone National Park. Stay for a week before you search for homes for sale in Jackson Hole to see all the world’s first national park has to offer, from fantastic campgrounds to wildlife viewings, geysers, and natural hot springs.

Whether you’re investing in houses for sale in Jackson Hole or another part of Wyoming, the state has several great museums and entertainment venues to peruse. The National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson features 14 distinct galleries celebrating all things landscape and wildlife. After taking in the artwork, get a glimpse of the real thing next door at the National Elk Refuge. Cheyenne is home to the Old West Museum, the world's largest collection of antique rodeo and western memorabilia. Casper, Wyoming, features the Nicolaysen Art Museum and Discovery Center, the former being a fantastic contemporary art house that features rotating exhibits. The latter is an interactive space where kids can take part in year-round programming like Art Play and Preschool Picassos or workshops and classes, including private art lessons and art for processing grief.

For live music and performances, Jackson features the Pink Garter Theatre, a repurposed movie house that now showcases solo acts and bands.b The Jackson Hole Playhouse and the Center for the Arts on Glenwood Street are two additional theaters in town that put on plays and musicals. Cheyenne has the Cheyenne Civic Center, while Casper is home to the Ford Wyoming Center, an arena that hosts concerts, hockey games, and other events.

Downtown Jackson — namely, Town Square —  is where you’ll go for shops, with boutiques like Terra selling clothing for women and children. Penny Lane is a cute shop on Glenwood Street for women’s fashions, while Lucky You is one of the many spots in town for gifts and novelty items. Downtown Jackson also has well-known retailers like Lululemon.

A good portion of the top restaurants in Wyoming can be found in Jackson. Gather is one great option that serves incredible American fare and some of the best desserts in the city. For an even more upscale experience, there’s the Snake River Grill. The Kitchen is a good spot for seafood, while the Calico Restaurant, in neighboring Wilson, is an ideal spot for Italian.

Partner with a top real estate group when you move to Wyoming. The Icuss Group specializes in Jackson Hole real estate, helping clients secure even the most unique and in-demand homes in the area. When you’re ready to learn more about available houses for sale in Jackson Hole, reach out to Mark Icuss of the Icuss Group.