Pros and Cons of Moving to Sheridan, Wyoming:
What Locals Wish You Knew  

Thinking about moving to Sheridan, Wyoming? You’re not alone. Every month, thousands of people search for “moving to Wyoming” and “relocating to Sheridan WY” as they look for a smaller town with space, community, and a better pace of life.

Located at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan offers a rare mix of outdoor access, historic Western character, and genuine small-town connection. As a Sheridan Realtor who relocated here from Denver, I’m asked daily what life is really like — the good, the hard, and the surprises no one talks about. Before you pack the U-Haul, here’s what locals want you to know in 2026.

The Pros of Living in Sheridan, Wyoming

1. Jaw-Dropping Natural Beauty Without the Crowds 

Sheridan sits at 3,800 feet, framed by the Bighorn Mountains and endless blue sky. You can hike to hidden alpine lakes, fly-fish blue-ribbon trout streams, or ski in under 30 minutes—without lift lines or tourists fighting for parking. It’s mountain living without the chaos of Jackson Hole.

2. Cost of Living in Sheridan, Wyoming Still Feels Affordable 

One of the biggest perks of moving to Sheridan WY is affordability. Wyoming has no state income tax, low property taxes (around 0.58%), and a median home price near $420,000. Compared to Teton County’s $2M average, that’s refreshing. A three-bed ranch on a half-acre inside city limits is still possible under $500K—if you act fast.

3. A Real Sense of Community You Can Actually Feel 

Sheridan feels like a town that still makes time for each other. Thursday Night Live concerts, WYO Theater events, and Friday night football games pack Main Street. Neighbors wave whether they know you or not. One Denver transplant told me, “I’ve been to more dinner parties here in two years than twenty in Denver.” 

4. Remote Work in Sheridan, Wyoming Is Surprisingly Easy 

Thanks to Visionary Broadband and Spectrum, you can now run your business or Zoom meetings from a 100-year-old brick home with mountain views. Working remotely in Sheridan means peace, productivity, and fiber-fast connection.

5. One of the Safest Small Towns in Wyoming

Violent crime is almost nonexistent. Kids still walk to King’s Ropes after school for candy, and many locals still don’t lock their doors (though newcomers tend to—at least for the first few months).

The Cons of Moving to Sheridan, Wyoming 

1. Sheridan Winters Are Long, Cold, and Not for the Faint of Heart 

-30°F wind chills happen. Sidewalks can drift over in a night. Locals say, “If you can’t handle February, stay in Colorado.” Snow tires and a garage aren’t optional—they’re survival.

2. The Wind in Sheridan, Wyoming Is No Joke 

Expect 30–50 mph gusts - usually in the early months of the year. But the wind is  a wee bit bipolar here.  It's either 30mph - or COMPLETELY calm. And honestly, if that's the biggest price to pay for living in such a paradise area, it seems like a bargain. 

3. Job Opportunities Are Limited Unless You Work Remotely 

Unless you’re in healthcare, education, ranching, or energy, plan on remote work. The average local salary is around $48K—but subtract zero state income tax and low housing costs, and it balances out.  There are lots of local shops around and the high traffic seasons lend to the opportunity for part-time work. A trend seen around Sheridan is that folks have multiple skills and it's not atypical for you to have multiple jobs / roles. So don't be afraid to explore roles that might seem fun. 

4. Dating in Sheridan Can Feel Like a Small Pond 

Single and under 35? Expect to see the same 47 people on your dating apps—over and over again.  In all honesty, the dating pool is likely larger than you'd expect.  BUT you may not be seeing them on the online apps like you'd experience in a larger town. People here are face to face folks - living their lives and relating in a natural way. Technology is certainly a big part of the area but you might be better off to explore hobbies that put you with the people you'd like to meet.

5. Healthcare Access May Require Regional Travel 

Sheridan Memorial Hospital is excellent, but specialists often mean a 90-minute drive to Billings, Montana. Factor that into your planning.  Traveling to Billings and back is an easy day trip and is typically combined with the need for a Costco run or for the larger chain shopping. Just throw a cooler in your vehicle to get the frozen items home safely.

What Locals Say About Living in Sheridan Long-Term

Every long-timer says the same thing: “Visit in February. If you still love it when the wind is howling and it’s -20, you’ll never want to leave.”

Those who do stay rarely look back—Sheridan’s 5-year retention rate for transplants is among the best in the Mountain West. People come for the mountains, but they stay for the community, calm, and connection.

If you’re thinking about relocating to Sheridan or anywhere in northern Wyoming, connect with a local Sheridan Realtor who actually lives here (not in Cheyenne). I’ll help you understand which neighborhoods flood, which have fiber internet, and where the elk hang out in winter.  Having made the relocation myself recently, I will give you the specifics of what to watch for, how to transition ... and even which moving company to use if you're coming from Colorado!

Moving to Wyoming doesn’t get more authentic than Sheridan. It’s not perfect—but as one fifth-generation rancher told me while buying coffee for a stranger, “Perfect is boring anyway.”

Should You Move to Sheridan, Wyoming?

Living in Sheridan, Wyoming offers unmatched access to nature, strong community, and affordability — but it also requires comfort with winter, wind, and a slower pace.

For the right person, that tradeoff isn’t a downside at all — it’s the point.

Sheridan attracts people who are ready for fewer crowds, more breathing room, and a lifestyle centered around connection rather than convenience. If you thrive on big-city energy, endless entertainment options, and mild winters, this may feel like a major adjustment. But if you value quiet mornings, wide-open spaces, and a town where people still show up for one another, Sheridan can feel like a deep exhale.

The key is alignment. When expectations match reality, people don’t just move here — they stay.

That’s why I always encourage potential newcomers to visit during different seasons, talk with locals, and understand what day-to-day life really looks like before making the leap. Relocating to Wyoming isn’t about chasing perfection; it’s about choosing a lifestyle that fits who you are now — and where you’re headed next.

Thinking About Moving to Sheridan, WY?

Start with my Free Sheridan Relocation Guide, created for buyers relocating from Colorado and beyond. It’s filled with insights on cost of living, neighborhoods, acreage properties, and what life here really feels like. And if you'd like a sneak peek into my own transition from Denver to Sheridan - check this out.

📩 Request the Guide Here for details on the nearby cities, cost of living and relocation information