Considering moving out West

[2Blade]

Me and my family are seriously considering a move out west. Wed like to take a vacation to go see Colorado and Wyoming and we may in April if we have the money.  But we were wondering what's the cost of living in both states?  Are the taxes any better then NY? And is the scenery and hunting as good as everyone says? Any help would be greatly appreciated or additional information. Thanks.

[LKH]

I live in AK and have a ranch near Lewistown, MT.  I'm always amazed that many times the cost for groceries and other items is actually higher in MT than here in AK.  

Rent in the very small towns is very reasonable, but these same towns are having trouble surviving.  Wages tend to be much lower.

[NorthernCaliforniaHunter]

Both Mother Earth News and Fortune 500 have a list of the best places to live. I compare the two because they are both looking at completely different criteria. Some places make it to the top 5 of both lists. Might find them online if you google search it.
Seems to me if you can homestead AND make a good living you're in the right place. I'm not in the right place, but roots are roots.

[Orion]

If you want to get away from folks, Wyomning is the place to do it.  Has the lowest population per square mile in the lower 48 I think, or one of the lowest.  Accordingly, it doesn't have the employment opportunities that Colorado has with big cities like Denver and others up and down the east slope. Hunting and fishing is good in either state, but usually not out your back door.  Have to drive some from most population centers to find it.  Good luck.

[Doug S]

The Black Hills are in the middle of the lowest unemployment in the nation. 3 1/2 % N.D S.D. and Wy. No income tax in S.D. and Wy. Houses cost more than in the east.
Check   townhunter.com and citydata.com for cost of living crime ect. comparisons.

Doug

[centaur]

Wyoming has no state tax, and sales tax is 5% on average. Depending on the kind of work you do, the job market is pretty good in comparison to other states, but most jobs are in the energy industry/oil and gas and coal. We are in a boom cycle now, but the bust will probably come back. Yes the hunting is great, as are many outdoor activities; since you are from NY, the winters won't be much of a shock like they are to those who move from the south. We are as a state "a small city with very long streets". About half a million people in the state. Jobwise, Cheyenne, Rock Springs, Casper and Gillette are the biggies; google Wyoming employment to get to the state job website.

Housing and food are fairly expensive, and don't even think about moving to Jackson; it is one of the most expensive places in the U.S. Poverty with a view.

[ron w]

Haveing been out west a few times, I think I might look to states like the Dakotas, Iowa,Nebraska. These states have good hunting,but are only a short drive to places like Colorado,Wyoming and New Mexico.Not to far from Texas either. It is really nice out west and the people, as a rule are super friendly!

[Tater John]

Don't rule out Kansas... Very centrally located

Rusty

[john fletch]

Being born and raised in Montana I am a bit biased, but unemployment is now terrible and house values have plummeted.  It is a great time to buy if you bring enough money to live on for a long time.

OBTW - also hard for me to imagine that Kansas is 'out west', at least after 1840!

[Angus]

Kalispel's a nice place, and you can make it to WA in a day's drive all on the interstate if you'd ever have a desire to see what rain really looks like. We spent our honeymoon in West Yellowstone and the Gallatins, chasing trout, gawking at the elk and buffalo.  Truly beautiful out there!  Employment's a little better in Washington, depending on where you are.  Leavenworth's a tourist town. Housing's not cheap, but utilities are really inexpensive. Hunting and fishing opportunities abound.  Check out Wenatchee as an alternative, with better employment opportunities depending on your line of work.  I'm retired, and don't even know (care) what day it is, but my wife's an RN, and needs to work yet. For people like her, you can write your own ticket.

ps: John, you're not biased!  If I could have convinced her Ladyship she could weather somewhat colder weather, we'd be in Hamilton or Stevensville now, maybe Lolo. Great country!

[Tater John]

Depending on where in Kansas you start, and what particular range you want to hit. You can be there in half a day. I can get to Cimirron N.M.in eleven hrs. leaving from Tulsa. About the same to Denver. Cost of living is less, the terrain is for sure flatter, but that is better gas mileage and less tranny wear. BIG bucks, too!
Probably rasal up a parire goat. He's from N.Y. I figured it was worth a try    

Rusty

[wapitimike1]

I've been toying with the idea myself. If I sell my house out east buy a shack and live like the unibomber on porcupines, I can do it!!

[ron w]

Have you ever ate a porcupine...? Might be other options.. lol...

[2Blade]

Ive been reading all the replies to my Mom and we really appricate it. Ill give the websites a peak im sure will have some more questions.

[nurayb]

Idaho and Montana have some of the worst pay rates in the nation.  But if you have money already now is the time to buy.