The North Platte River, which runs around and through Casper, is perhaps the most iconic fly-fishing destination in the world. An amazing abundance of the right kind of bugs, a stunning ecosystem and consistent year-round water temperatures combine to make this the perfect waterway for the beloved trout that anglers seek. For those who don’t love fishing the river is not only a beautiful site but also a place to kayak and hike and relax on the daily. 

A note for local about outdoor opportunity in Casper: *There's a nice spot about 15-20 minutes out of Casper, Big Muddy Pond, that's a perfect spot to take your dogs. Easy access, established trails, relatively little foot traffic, a pond and river to fish or play in, open grassy fields, a little wooded area, and just a nice/scenic location overall. Even some bald eagles nest nearby you can regularly get a good look at.*


A River Runs Through It

The Best Thing About Casper?

Casper is rated one of the hardest cities in the country to start a career. Limited local businesses and very low population in Wyoming can make it an ideal place to visit but a hard place to get a job and build a career. If you’re considering moving here then best to do so with a job you can do remotely. 

Here's a local with strong opinions on living in Casper: *It's 50/50 for me. The wind is absolutely bonkers some days, but that's just a part of life in Wyoming in general. I really hate the oil field culture here. A majority of the population is oil workers with $70k trucks that drive like they're blind, and act like the world owes them a blow job. You know the type, the guys with white Oakleys, a thin blue line decal, and who think Five Finger Death Punch is the greatest band on earth.*

*The construction here goes at a snails pace, and like I noted before the drivers here are psychopaths. But there is a lot to do, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities, and there is a thriving little art scene here among musicians, photographers and painters.*

Tough On Starting A Career

The Worst Thing About Casper?

Casper feels most like a mountain town built for an outdoor lifestyle. Everyone here is into fishing, mountain biking, running, climbing or snow sports. The area has 53 parks, 90 miles of trails, 30 playgrounds, four dog parks and most amazing: Fremont Canyon and the North Platte River when you really ache for the greatest of the outdoors. Beyond getting outside Casper is thought of as a conservative city by out-of-state measurements with a focus on family and community-building. It is at times rated the #1 city in the country for charitable giving and for a small city has wonderful history and general museums and a wide range of restaurant and nightlife options. Casper in particular and Wyoming in general rank #1 in the country for gun ownership so if knowing that there are 200 registered guns per 1,000 people bothers you then steer clear. 

To get a sense of your daily options for activities check out the Casper calendar of events: https://www.visitcasper.com/events/


Lifestyle of Casper

We don’t mean New York literally, but if you’re in any big city looking to find a different pace and lifestyle and are game for the more conservative populace then put Casper on your shortlist. It’s hard to imagine a better cost to outdoor beauty/lifestyle ratio than here.


Escape From New York

Why You Should Move Here Now?

Downtown Casper is working hard to build up to be a place that young professionals as well as families can have some fun. David Street Station, a newly built outdoor space for concerts and performances, is the centerpiece of this effort. It even has a splash pad for the summer that converts to an ice rink in the winter. Downtown also plays host to summer street parties called Casper Art Walk every first Thursday of the month. You will also find plenty of boutique shopping, excellent restaurants and plenty of microbreweries and craft distilleries all available a short walk from the downtown condos/apartments.  https://www.visitcasper.com/things-to-do/downtown/
- Downtown


Young Professionals

Downtown

Most neighborhoods in Casper are pleasant for families. The most notable cautionary tale you hear is to avoid “North Casper” although there certainly are locals in that area who defend certain sections. East Casper in particular is a more affluent part of town with bigger homes, bigger yards and better safety ratings. Casper College, Natrona High School and many of the excellent elementary schools are in this area of town and they serve as anchors for families looking to raise their children in a neighborhood with good schools. 
One particular street and area within East Casper is South Chestnut St. that was named the Nicest Place in Wyoming in recent years and a finalist for being the national winner. Tight communities and supportive families are hallmarks of both this particular set of blocks but much of Casper in general.
- East Casper
- South Chestnut St. 

Families

East Casper

Casper

**Questions about moving to or visiting Wyoming? Ask here!

Is Wyoming really as deserted as we’re lead to believe? I know the population is quite low compared to other states but that can be misleading. What’s the water situation there? Is the wind as fierce as some claim? How are the seasons? Is winter snow really bad or is it just just cold with a little snow (notwithstanding the mountains)? I’ve always planned to retire there because of the low population but I have yet to visit.**


To address the water question, there are some neighborhoods/developments just outside of Laramie (for example) that have to haul water because there is no potable water on the land. If you buy property outside of city/town limits, absolutely ask about the water situation.

To add to what Ox_Beagle said, I know that areas around Casper have the same issue. Northeast of town due to the well water not being potable, and higher up on Casper Mountain due to not being able to drill wells deep enough.

Just like any state, you’re going to have areas that are beautiful, but require extra work to live there, and areas that are less beautiful, but have all the amenities you desire.

**Things I would want to know before moving here**


Slippery roads and sidewalks are to be watched for, wear layers, include an extra pair of sunglasses, gloves, extra pair of shoes and socks in my car. I warm up my car well before going anywhere, I’ll try to download my music or morning shows at home on wifi because cell service isn’t great at peak times. Drive 20mph when you enter Evansville, drive 30mph when entering mills, have decent phone holders so you won’t get pulled over in Evansville or mills with your phone in your hand. Casper is said to be boring, so it might be. Hand warmers keep me happy whether disposable or rechargeable ones. I have bright lightbulbs in my bedroom to keep me happy, also I take vitamin d supplements to stay happy. The shorter days Maybe this was a long rant but welcome to Casper!! If you’re from California don’t tell that to people, say you from Nashville or Texas. Haha kidding! But maybe!

**Planning on moving to Casper and needing advice please**

I definitely recommend living in Casper! We love it here! Make sure you get your house inspected for Radon since it’s very common for basements in this area to have an unsafe amount of radon and it’s not tested in your general home inspection. Homes seem to be climbing in price all the time but it’s still much more affordable here than Colorado or other surrounding states. In terms of vehicles, four wheel drive is best for the winter when it’s snowy, but you can get by with a two wheel drive vehicle as long as you invest in high quality snow tires. Good luck!

**How is it living in Casper, Wyoming?**

It's 50/50 for me. The wind is absolutely bonkers some days, but that's just a part of life in Wyoming in general. I really hate the oil field culture here. A majority of the population is oil workers with $70k trucks that drive like they're blind, and act like the world owes them a blow job. You know the type, the guys with white Oakleys, a thin blue line decal, and who think Five Finger Death Punch is the greatest band on earth.

The construction here goes at a snails pace, and like I noted before the drivers here are psychopaths. But there is a lot to do, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities, and there is a thriving little art scene here among musicians, photographers and painters.

Last thing I say is AVOID Mills like your life depends on it

Casper, Wyoming

What's Up Doc?

Looklyloo Score: 79

We're on it!