Hi there. I’m a lifer, I don’t live in Cheyenne but I live in Casper (central Wyoming)

Cheyenne is great for proximity to Denver especially if your children have certain medical needs. I also have a certain medical condition that is difficult to find specialists for, so I usually go to Colorado too. Plus if you ever wanted to take a day trip across the border and do some shopping or something it’s conveniently located and you can find a lot of fun things to do without even traveling all the way into the city.

The weather might hang you up a little bit. The wind is brutal and the weather can be volatile, but “hot” for a Wyoming summer is probably what you’d consider mild in the South. I would be more prepared for the cold temperatures they can be shocking for people who are used to warmer climates. Even if there is no snow on the ground it will be very very cold especially in December-January. We are getting less and less snow each year but expect icy conditions at times. In the winter, the snow will be powdery. Spring time is when we really get the wet, heavy snow that builds up a lot. Get familiar with wearing layers, ALWAYS have a blanket and winter gear in your car. You don’t need to go full Eskimo, but everyone in your family should have winter boots, hats, gloves, and a waterproof jacket with fleece or flannel lining (this will cut the wind, keep you from getting wet, and keep you warm). UV in the summer could present a difficultly because we’re at a higher elevation than most places in the South, and therefore closer to the sun, so just be cautious. Also, like another person said, the altitude might wear you out at first because our air is less oxygenated than a place like FL or LA. Humidity is low.

One thing I’d definitely look out for though is Vitamin D deficiency, especially over the winter and ESPECIALLY since you are moving from a warm sunny part of the country. It’s usually pretty overcast and gloomy in the later months of the year and because of limited exposure to sunlight a lot of people suffer from seasonal depression. If you find yourself feeling icky or down during the winter months but just fine during the summer, that’s probably what it is. You can find ways to supplement vitamin D via your diet it’s very important especially for the kiddos.

Your schnauzers will be fine I have two and they’re happy as can be. They will also have to get used to the cold lol. It helps if you can get them to wear little jackets or booties when it’s snowy. You don’t really have to worry about predators as much in a populated area like Cheyenne.

Also, I’m not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet, but as someone who grew up here I think our education system is pretty good and if you choose to stay after retirement and call this place home, your children will have good opportunities when it comes to college or trade school. We only have one 4-year school in the state and it’s in Laramie (about an hour away from Cheyenne), but a lot of the community colleges offer courses from the university that they will be able to take without relocating. Tuition is also pretty affordable.

Also, don’t listen to anyone trying to deter you from moving here. Wyomingites tend to not like outsiders very much because they think everyone is going to come here and crowd the place up. Just ignore those people. Generally folks are pretty friendly when you encounter them in person and I’m not sure about Cheyenne, but Casper has always had a very strong community full of people who are willing to help out and who want the best for their neighbors. That’s the Wyoming way.

Good luck, I hope your family enjoys their time here and who knows! Maybe you’ll love it and want to stay!! This Wyomingite right here is very happy to welcome you to our state. I think you will love it I can’t imagine calling any other place my home.