"downsides" to Lander/ Riverton areas?

[rya700]

The 2 hospitals both being owned by 'lifepoint hospital corportation' is not a good thing as it is a for profit corporation based out of Tennessee and they have problems retaining nurses and experienced physicians. Apparently these are the only 2 hospitals in wyo that are 'for profit' and all others are nonprofits ran by the counties? I have always wondered about this.

Some peeps love the area, not everyone. just depends upon your own personal preferences. I heard there is alot of competition for teaching jobs.

[Rene67]

So appreciate everyone's feedback. We fit into the sub-categories mentioned- kids , church, outdoor sports enthusiasts. Major city shopping, i.e. Denver, isn't something we need. Something like the size of Ft. Collins a few times/ year suits us, especially w/ the internet. As far as entertainment, we're teachers, so if we're not doing things with our own kids, we're occupied with other people's at school functions. We'd have family closer than they are now and we travel several times/ year. For those that live in Lander/ Riverton, do you find winter is long because the snow stays on the ground and doesn't fully melt until summer ( like MN)? Or the temperature drops in Oct., skips spring and warms up in the summer? The lack of housing conerns me, but as far as class sizes, our current district packs them in and doesn't care- like over 30/ class. Yes, Brian, it is a sad reality with the Indian populations, but we have experience there and see our jobs as *trying* at least, to make a difference. Thank you for the bentonite warning- I'll look into that. And BTW Brian, you're from my old stomping grounds- grew up in Longmont. Thx again, everyone.

[Brian_M]

Be aware that if by "travel", you mean flying... Great Lakes out of Riverton is a Nightmare. They can't keep a schedule to save their business, often cancel flights, you have to fight with them to get refunds for those canceled flights and there's NO restitution for ruining a trip (I've done too many drives to Denver to try and salvage trips). They also "bump" people on their overbooked planes by lotto (not who checks in last)... nothing like wondering if your 2-week trip to Hawaii is going to start off by being bumped from a flight you paid for 6+ months earlier and checked in for 90+ minutes early.

Casper is a slightly larger hub with better options/cheaper prices. Air travel was one of the main reasons my wife and I left as my wife was working contracts in Alaska and living in Denver meant 8~14 hours Less travel in each direction.

BTW, I'm "from" Lander (1974~1993, 2005~2008). And I *never* found winter long (which depends on perspective).

[jody_wy]

I understand Lander has a nice under a roof in the ground .22 rifle/pistol range right next to town, They always had a good 4-H shooting sports team.
Good livestock sale barn in Riverton.

[Brian_M]

Originally Posted by jody_wy

I understand Lander has a nice under a roof in the ground .22 rifle/pistol range right next to town, They always had a good 4-H shooting sports team.

It's actually right in the middle of town, just behind the Mr D's grocery store. THAT is something I'll gladly talk up (I'm an Avid target/competitive shooter). 8-point line, manual target carriers to 50', sadly limited to rim-fire due to noise issues (the range can handle Much more, but it's loud and in a residential area so there were complaints). The Jr shooting club (separate from 4h and ROTC) rotates through busy years and lean years... I'm afraid it's going to be lean for awhile as my dad had been the driving force behind junior shooting for 30+ years. But they offer Adult rifle/pistol classes, a personal protection course (currently a requirement for the conceal carry permit, while it lasts, still a Fantastic idea).

There's an outdoor range just outside of town too, for all the large caliber weapons. One can shoot highpower up to 1000 yards (not common), and they just received (donation) a few clay pigeon machines.

Lander Valley Sportsmen's Association if Anyone wants more info and you can't find it there, say the word.

[WyoNewk]

Originally Posted by rya700

The 2 hospitals both being owned by 'lifepoint hospital corportation' is not a good thing as it is a for profit corporation based out of Tennessee and they have problems retaining nurses and experienced physicians. Apparently these are the only 2 hospitals in wyo that are 'for profit' and all others are nonprofits ran by the counties? I have always wondered about this.

Doctor and nurse shortages are almost universal in rural America, particularly family practice docs and gps, precisely what's needed most in small towns.

Many years ago I served on the doctor recruitment team for Gillette. Family practice doctors were highly sought after by communities throughout the country, and I understand that it's gotten even worse. There just aren't enough to go around. Most new doctors prefer specialties that pay better and/or allow for better hours. The days of the old country physician are mostly history.

A decade or two ago Lander was blessed with a lot of specialists, primarily because it was a nice place to live. Efforts were underway to make it somewhat of a regional medical center, with all the specialists that were moving into town. Apparently that didn't work out too well. No surprise here.

I heard there is alot of competition for teaching jobs.

That's true across most of Wyoming since teacher salaries are some of the highest in the country. That's a huge swing, btw. Twelve years ago when my wife moved here, Wyoming was at the bottom for teacher pay -- something like 45th or 47th.

[Froggie Legs]

My aunt moved out of Lander this year, but lived there happily for many decades. I lived there for just one year (about 12-13 years ago) and my then 9 yr old daughter attended the local school. Couldn't complain about the school system at all. Really wish some days we'd never have moved back to MN, but circumstances don't always allow for wishes.

The community swimming pool was very nice, as is the hiking.

Only attended the local Lutheran church in Sinks canyon a couple times so can't really say.
Winters are not comparable to MN winters, because you can get snow year round in Lander and the surrounding areas...and the heat is a dry heat there, not the horrid humidity we have in MN.


You said you are in the education field..are you accepting a position or hoping for one to open up? My aunt told me the last positions there in the HS had over 300 applicants... but perhaps she's exaggerating. I don't know, but with economic times as they are, I wouldn't move there without a job lined up.

Riverton was okay for shopping... don't really remember it as much.

My biggest problem/ challenge- getting used to the lack of green, especially in late July-August... everything feels "crunchy" dry, especially out of town.

[Rene67]

Froggie, thank you. For perspective, we've lived in the desert SW, and it doesn't get any drier, I'm telling you! I'm fr: CO and it felt "humid" practically compared to there. YEs, we're aware of the job comptetion and can't move without jobs lined up- family to support. We've tried for several years now, and this time the stars seem to be "aligning", so we're really hoping something pans out. My best friend lives in MN. SHe absolutely despises the winters. Just visited for the first time a couple of years ago.