Lander, WY

Tucked against the base of the Wind River Range in central Wyoming, Lander is a welcoming mountain town of about 7,500 residents. It offers a laid-back pace of life with quick access to world-class hiking, rock climbing, and fishing. Sinks Canyon State Park sits right in your backyard, making it easy to finish up the workday and head straight into the canyon for an evening on the trails.

ATTRCharles Willgren from Fort Collins, Colorado, United States / CC BY 2.0

The town has a distinctly outdoorsy culture, anchored by the headquarters of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). Main Street has an active, friendly feel, lined with local coffee shops, craft breweries, bakeries, and gear shops. Between the strong local schools, regional healthcare services, and a close-knit community, Lander gives newcomers a comfortable and practical place to settle down.