Wyoming
Wyoming is proud of its place in the settlement of the West, with many small towns re-enacting cattle drives and other Wild West events for tourists each year. The state still retains much of its western friendliness and independence, with the largest city (Cheyenne) having only 50,000 residents. No matter where you find an apartment in Wyoming, you will experience a warm, small-town feel.
Mining operations and firms that oversee the extraction of petroleum, natural gas and crude oil are the largest employers in the state. Most mining is of coal, uranium and, to some extent, copper. The second most important industry is tourism. Every year, people come to experience the "Old West" in towns that host Pioneer Days, western festivals and cattle drives. Agriculture is also important, although it is primarily sheep (for wool) and cattle. Wyoming is too arid to support large crop farms, although there is some oat exportation.
Outdoor Attractions
There are hundreds of Dude Ranches and Rodeos across the state and they draw record numbers just about every year, from Urban Cowboys to genuine ranchers looking to show off their skills. The horse and horseback riding is central to the culture of Wyoming, with even those living in cities often boarding horses for weekend use.
Yellowstone, one of the U.S.'s most famous national parks, features numerous hot springs and geysers, including Old Faithful. Tourists come to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park to enjoy the natural wonders and abundant wildlife. Also popular are rafting adventures on the Yellowstone and Snake Rivers.
There are three historic trails to travel in Wyoming – the Pony Express Trail, Mormon Pioneer Trail and the Oregon National Trail – all of which are reminders of the great western migrations. Small towns like Sheridan, Wyoming with small museums, historic downtowns and rustic historic buildings dot the landscape and encourage cross-state road trips.
Colleges and Universities
Because there are only about a half million people in the entire state, Wyoming is unique in having only two four year colleges – the University of Wyoming, well known for its environmental research facility, and Wyoming Catholic College, which was established in Laramie in 2007.
Real Estate and Housing
There is no individual income tax in Wyoming, so your dollar goes further when you're shopping for an apartment here. The cost of an apartment is in line with the national average, and with the largest city, Cheyenne, having only about 50,000 residents, you don’t have to worry about fierce competition or overcrowding. You can find reasonable apartments to rent in most of the larger towns, and all of them are family friendly with lots to do in charming downtown areas. If you enjoy grand scenery, look for apartments in Laramie or Casper, where you can see mountains in the near distance no matter where your apartment is located.