South African Reacts to Why Nobody Lives in Wyoming

[@earlshannon1048]

I grew up in Colorado and I loved Wyoming only 570,000 people and the fishing and hunting is amazing. I will be moving back to Wyoming very soon.

[@bushmeatbandit4261]

sounds great i would love to take a hunting trip up there one day, just don’t think i could handle living there in the cold winters, born, and raised in Georgia recently relocated to south Louisiana, one of the reasons was for the warmer winters lol

[@barkerjames1980]

Thanks for the video! I live in Cody, Wyoming and was born and raised in southeastern Wyoming. Lived in this magnificent state my entire life!

[@wolfwalkerz6978]

@barkerjames1980 I live in Cody, Wyoming as well.

[@JasonMoir]

I lived in Wyoming for about a year. It's definitely not for everyone, but it is a beautiful state.

[@wolfwalkerz6978]

@JasonMoir You mean "state"

[@danaleestephens1686]

Love the quiet peace in Wyoming always beautiful place to visit

[@jusblazed1ful]

Your kids are adorable. And I hope that they are both feeling better real soon. Glad to hear you're feeling better as well.

[@JohnWarner-lu8rq]

I live in northern Wisconsin, and it's beautiful. yes, we get a fair bit of snow (good for the farmers in spring), and to keep the 11,000 lakes we have in good shape. Population of this city (town) is about 3200 people. And I love it.

[@wwiggins65]

Love Wyoming! My husband and I are planning to relocate there next year! We want to live in a small town that matches our morals and values better than where are now.

[@kentgrady9226]

Out of curiosity, what morals and values are those which you and your husband seek? What is it about small towns in general (I infer you haven't selected a specific one, given that you didn't specify) that increases the likelihood you will be amongst people of whom you approve? I'm genuinely curious, and I sincerely mean no disrespect. People of all walks of life and world views are pulling up stakes and relocating in huge numbers - and for reasons which have nothing to do with employment, or a long term retirement dream. Again, I mean nothing but respect for your reasons. I'm simply trying to understand why so many Americans seem so dissatisfied with their neighbors.

[@wwiggins65]

@@kentgrady9226 we actually have chosen the town we want to live in and have visited several times over the last few years. We are politically conservative, very patriotic and have Christian values. We currently live in a state that has become the complete opposite of what we stand for, so much so that many react violently if they know how we believe. So we will leave the same way all of our children have. My husband and I both work from home so employment will not be an issue either. Our reasons for leaving are the same as most others that are leaving their states I'm sure.

[@kentgrady9226]

@@wwiggins65 Thank you for the courteous reply. I sincerely appreciate it. The division I observe between different factions of Americans both puzzles and fascinates me - not in a good way, in either case. From a foreign perspective, it appears that *all* Americans are intensely patriotic. For example, American flags are everywhere, even if the building is a private home or business. The national anthem is sung before *all* sporting events, at all levels - not just national team competitions like the Olympics or World Cup. I understand that American children are compelled to pledge allegiance to the country before the school day may begin. Perhaps that seems normal, if one knows nothing else. Is a child permitted to refrain or abstain? I have traveled throughout the US. The number and variety of churches, synagogues, mosques, etc, staggered me. It seems out of character, given my understanding, that Americans are by and large more religiously devout than are other westerners. Well, bigotry has no place. No one ought to abuse you for what you believe or don't believe. And no one possesses the right to foist religious belief or doctrine on people who don't observe that religion. For example, I am not Jewish. It would offend me, if I lived in a nominally secular state, but I was compelled to keep kosher because my parliamentarian was an observant Orthodox Jew. I'm still not clear how one's politics are indicative of morality or immorality. My observation of Americans of both left and right leaning sympathy, is they are both convinced they are the last line of defense against the hobgoblins of apocalyptic doom. Obviously, both cannot be correct. It seems most likely that neither view is correct. People are just people, beautifully flawed and imperfect. I hope you and your husband enjoy Wyoming and your new neighbours. Thank you so much for engaging my question.

[@Tux.Penguin]

My brother and his wife lived in the second largest “city” in Wyoming for several years, so I had opportunities to visit that state. It seems to me that living in Wyoming requires a certain amount of rugged independence that most people lack.

[@help8help]

From western Nebraska to eastern Washington and eastern Oregon through most of Nevada and most of Utah excluding the Salt Lake metropolitan area plus Idaho and Montana it’s all mostly rural with relatively small cities which are few and far between. I think you’d love just about all of it. You could always spend winters In Arizona.

[@rmlrl1971]

My friend was born and raised in WY. We met through our husbands who were in the army together. With all the places she had lived, they decided to move back to WY.

[@jasonhale7155]

I've lived in Wyoming for 30+ years. Can't imagine living anywhere else.

[@yt.rage.gaming852]

I currently live in Sheridan Wyoming! I love it they only showed the barren prairie areas of Wyoming. Where I live it’s very green during the Summer!

[@kristykola7014]

I live in Sheridan as well!

[@manxkin]

Hmm, the narrator stated that Wyoming was carved out of Utah, Delaware and Idaho. Delaware? Anyway, I’m from Illinois and drove across the southern portion of Wyoming. From the border with Nebraska to Salt Lake City, Utah (well actually all the way from Chicago). The mountains, the vast high desert. I found it absolutely beautiful even from my limited vantage point from I-80. Talk about wide open spaces.

[@deanfirnatine7814]

Ya that was a mistake, Wyoming at least the part West of the Great Divide was part of Oregon Territory.

[@thedallasfan3153]

I grew up small town Texas. I'm now small-town Washington. I miss the food and people of Texas, but I don't miss the heat. I love the year-round mild climate of the Washington coast. Never too hot, never too cold and beautiful rainforest (not like that in other parts of the state).

[@brandyforsythe1882]

Hey Jono, praying for you kiddos. Being sick stinks. I'll take a small town over a city everyday!!!!

[@odieooops4171]

I grew up in a small city and now I live in a small town (population 4300). I miss where I grew up but I do love small town life ❤

[@monicakautzman4002]

Born and raised in Montana. Would not trade the Montana cold and snowy winters to live in over crowded cities.

[@beesnort3163]

Hope the kids start feeling better soon!❤

[@newgrl]

"Geography by Geoff" has a few videos on specific parts of the US where not many people live and some analysis on reasons why. They're pretty good and worth a look. Wyoming has both Yellowstone National Park, which is 2.2 million acres (~9000 sq km), and Grand Teton National Park, which is 310 million acres (1,300 sq. km). It's a beautiful state. It's high country with a mean altitude of 6,700 ft (2,040 m) above sea level. So, it's kind of a high desert, big sky (seriously... the sky goes on forever... it's hard to explain without seeing it) state with few people, lots of cattle, and some beautiful scenery along the way.

[@RobertJones-ux6nc]

Hope and Pray they both get feeling better soon, thats what happens to kids. But glad your doing better now, Jono. 🇺🇲🙏☝️✌️

[@Tux.Penguin]

Jono You seem to appreciate Wyoming. I recommend you continue learning about various places like this, and then plan to explore them in future visits to the US.

[@billythoman7622]

I grew up in western Wyoming and it is an amazing place with amazing people. Winter will be similar to Slovakia. My Great Grandparents move there from Slovenia become the scenery and weather were similar, although Southern Wyoming likely has more wind.

[@roadwary56]

Wyoming is my favorite state but it's so dang cold in winter. The whole state is 6000ft+. It's just one big mountain top with mountains that go up from there. Majestic as all get out. When you visit you fall in love with the vast natural beauty, enormous ranches. It's wild and free. I spent 9 months in Evanston, SW WY, worked on constructing a gas refinery at 9000ft elevation in the 80s. Started snowing in September. Wind never stops blowing there. A calm normal day the wind blows at about 25- 30 mph. I'm not young anymore. That life's for younger folks.

[@christinetracy4]

I was raised in Colorado , I have lived in Wyoming for8 years now. It is great! Beautiful mountain ranges, incredible wildlife and the friendliest people I've ever encountered. I've lived on both coast while in the Marine Corps and traveled all over the country and Wyoming is still the most special state in my opinion.😊

[@jewels82718]

🤠❤

[@dellaredwine9473]

Prefer small town living after living several years in a large city. In fact I live in a community between 3 small towns. As my son stated, 12 miles from everywhere. I love it and my neighbors are fantastic.

[@russellboynton9153]

I live in a small town,420 people live in the surrounding area. About 35 live in the town,no grocery store,gas pumps,mostly oil field related businesses,cattle ranches,and cotton fields. Love how quiet it is here in the evenings.Texas,by the way.

[@jewels82718]

I live in the sticks in NE Wyoming, close to Devil's Tower. I've been here 41 years and would never leave...I love living in a state where you see more antelope {northern pronghorn) than people most days. You can go riding, horses or 4x4's, and see the mountains and ranges in all directions without seeing another soul other than wildlife. ...and we have ALL KINDS of drinking games, but that is a heck of an idea! LOL 🤠❤

[@deanmccormick8070]

I think I read somewhere that they have the largest population of pronghorn antelope. Who like open grassland, so it's a grand place for them.

[@frand9174]

Would I rather live in a metropolitan area or a rural area like Wyoming? Tough question. What you want and what you need are two different things. I like the idea of the isolation and beauty of Wyoming. I grew up in an urban, inner city with all it's social issues. When I was younger I dreamed of living in a forested location in New England, where the only nuts were the ones that grew on trees. Now, at a much later time in my life, what I need is good healthcare and easy access to a commercial area for groceries and just everyday necessities. Like you, I hate cold weather. To me, cold is painful and hard to overcome. Heat, on the other hand, is just discomfort, easily overcome with air conditioning. I live in Florida now, and though it's not isolated, it is somewhat rural and ticks all the other boxes of what I need in a community.

[@EndlessIbis27]

I've lived in Laramie, WY for a little over a year and adore it. (Previously North Dakota and unfortunately Southern California before that. Grateful escape.) When it comes to the snow and blizzards, you kind of have to think of towns and settlements as islands. You simply don't leave town when it's blustery. This fosters a community spirit you just don't see elsewhere. Since it's a town with a university, the second hand shops are actually great for Winter gear, both daily and for sports. It's honestly not too hard if you've got the right equipment. Fresh snow is much better than packed down ice when it comes to both walking and driving safety, so constantly snowing times can be a blessing in disguise. It takes about 2-3 weeks to adjust to the altitude (athletes train up here for the blood oxygen benefits) and a full year to adjust to the cold levels. If it doesn't discourage you into leaving, the nature and the people will certainly be welcoming and community-minded. We take good care of eachother and the land.

[@ohbushwookie2850]

Grew up and lived in Montana for 30 years. Loved the small town living.

[@lynnettekertson8289]

I have lived in Wyoming most of my life. The people are for the most part are hard working, kind generous folk. There are trade offs...the weather can suck, there are barren spaces between towns. But the mountains are gorgeous, we see wild life on a daily basis, oh and have I mentioned cowboys! Come visit, you would fall in love. Live and well in Casper, Wyoming!

[@roubador]

I hear you, friend. I live in Iowa. It is only July, and I am already starting to dread the coming winter.

[@HeartbeatsPhotography]

American small town is honestly what America is all about! Avoid the huge cities!

[@themourningstar338]

6:32 That is not Wyoming LOL. It's Salt Lake City, Utah and the Utah state capitol building, taken from somewhere by the Hell Canyon/Ensign Peak trailhead.

[@Tbone1492]

My grandparents ranch is in Wyoming. I love to visit them. There's nowhere so peaceful with so much wilderness

[@markmalmquist2406]

Here in Idaho where I live in the Snake River Valley. Pocatello Idaho where I live is Part of the Oregon Trail area. Idaho has a lot of beauty to see and tons of natural hot springs and high mountain lakes to hike to. Also, it has great fishing and hunting here too. I love to watch your content and you seem like an awesome person.

[@patrickbateman7369]

Actually it's the OPPOSITE of what your thumbnail reads, the residents of Wyoming love their state and don't want or need anyone moving there and overpopulating their beautiful state!

[@waterfordMARTIN]

Well its not his thumbnail buddy..its his reaction to video named like this!!

[@MrDDiRusso]

The narrator slipped and said Delaware when he probably meant Dakota.

[@NannerBrams]

If you are referring to when he said Rhode Island and Delaware for comparison. He meant Delaware. He was saying that the 2 smallest states by land area have double the population of Wyoming

[@NannerBrams]

Nevermind. I see what you meant. 👍🏻

[@RogCBrand]

@@NannerBrams At about 2:30 he said Wyoming was carved out of Utah, Delaware and Idaho...

[@RogCBrand]

@@NannerBrams LOL! You're second post didn't show until I responded to your first...

[@deanfirnatine7814]

@@NannerBrams Maybe, I know the part West of the Great Divide was once Oregon Territory before it carved up into Oregon, Washington, Idaho, British Columbia and parts of Montana and Wyoming.

[@kylesummers1565]

Give me a small town or the sticks any day. I lived in rural WY for a time in the 90s and loved it. I actually added a Taco John's item to the menu because I ordered it so often. When you have towns named Meeteetse and Ten Sleep, I mean really, what more could you ask for?

[@brianhums5056]

Small town and I do live here close to Wyoming, less than 5000, but Wyoming is also probably the largest coal producer in the entire USA.

[@Cody38Super]

In Texas it's- winter from Dec.25 - Jan 1, pre-summer, summer, late summer.......that's all four seasons.

[@jasonkirkmeyer7625]

I’m currently watching from Casper, Wyoming. I hope you have a chance to come visit!

[@jeffrlasley]

I live in a small town and could easily be happy living in the sticks.Lived in a city once.Hated it.

[@JohnMiller-qg2vx]

I live in a small town, population is only 229, but I am close to several larger cities.

[@JohnLeePettimoreIII]

i lived in wyoming for a while, and did a LOT of work there. i can think of some reasons that not many people live there. 1. the economy isn't very good. hard to earn a living there unless you've inherited a business or work in a niche market. 2. it gets super stinking cold there. 3. some of the people there can be "less than welcoming" of what they consider to be "outsiders". not everyone, but a statistically significant number. 4. it can be difficult to get anywhere. of course this isn't the case ONLY in wyoming, but it doesn't help. 5. depending on your interests, there may not be a lot to do other than hit the bar/pub or stay home. i don't want to come off like i am bashing wyoming because the same can be said for other places in the region. people often go on about the outdoors and the scenery. but my response was always, *_"A sunset doesn't pay the bills, and mountains don't fill your belly."_* (yes, i tend to be a very pragmatic individual that focuses on the practical elements of life. perhaps that's why many that know me have referred to me as a survivor.)

[@D_Rat]

I grew up in Chicago and raised my kids in the Chicago burbs. My wife and i moved to Wilson Wyoming when they were grown. I ❤ Wyoming, it's beautiful. Plenty to do in all seasons if you love the outdoors. Great place to snowmobile, ski, ride horses(which i don't lol). No crime. Only drawback is it's kind of pricey, but its worth it for the privacy.

[@davidburney8463]

Well,lets see. ITS FRIGGING COLD and the wind is ALWAYS blowing at 45-60mph 24-7-365

[@ronwest7930]

It's a snowy cold and windy place in the winter. I've watched big rigs get blown off the road. I'll pass on large cities and all their problems.

[@mountainmonkey1984]

I am from Wyoming. Not living there now but...when I retire we are moving back.

[@mandeepeterson2297]

Wyoming winters are quite harsh. You would have a hard time with the cold. Thankfully, it also has a very dry climate, so you can wear layers for the cold unlike in more humour climates.

[@Flowmaster5001]

Our winters in Wyoming are known to hit -30 most winters

[@laurie6794]

Born and raised here in the ol' Equality State, a.k.a. Wyoming, and I can honestly say the bad press doesn't bug me because it means more wide, open spaces and more quiet. lol. Our beloved state isn't for everyone by a long shot, however, its beauty is also very unique and the people are loving, compassionate and very caring. I had to move around a LOT when I was younger during my service in the Navy but still came back here when I was discharged and I doubt I'll ever more away again. Love your reaction!

[@PoorMan972]

Fun fact: there is just one escalator in the state of Wyoming.

[@stormtrooperdavis6887]

I live in Cheyenne, Wyoming And yes the state is beautiful And yes the scenery is beautiful but the winters are so terrible

[@sabrecatsmiladon7380]

It's beautiful in the NW but the south is very difficult and dry. Wyoming is HIGH Altitude in many spots....7500 feet at Laramie. It gets cold there I think East Texas is the spot for you. Lots of trees, lakes, fishing, hunting, outdoors and mild winters....unless a brutal cold front comes through. like a couple years back.

[@smokeyverton7981]

Anyone else get dysentery on The Oregon Trail? Showing my age with that game

[@sadiemcnabb4444]

Everyone's died of dysentery. Or cholera. Or drowned while fording the river.

[@dylancummings398]

Hahaha I thought that's just how the game was always supposed to end I didn't even know you could actually make it to the end until I was older.

[@deanfirnatine7814]

Everyone at least once

[@Ghostgirl1967]

I was born in Wyoming. Beautiful state ❤

[@davidburney8463]

1 hour from a small village is a good place to start

[@markmalmquist2406]

I would love to live out in the mountains myself. I grew up in a big city and despise them.

[@bluflaam777]

I have family in Wyoming. (I was born in Denver- grew up around the Great Lakes). Wyoming. That's where the 'real' rodeos are.

[@j.d.7574]

🤣🤣 I spent 6 years growing up there and yes, its pretty empty between towns. Loved it though.

[@philmakris8507]

An interesting thing about WY is even though it has the lowest population it has the richest county in the nation on a per capita basis. Teton county home of the town of Jackson Hole

[@lakeknight8165]

Everything in that song is true I live in a small town population of around 1,000 and those things could never be done in my town without someone doing something about it

[@rchorsman6432]

I more thing, sorry. Check out the Devils tower in northeast Wyoming. Montana is the third largest state in the U.S. when we lived there in 2015 less than a million people do not know now, but nit much more. It is extremely beautiful. Fir the kids check out the ringing rocks outside Butte, Montana l. God Bless

[@davidburney8463]

Wow,they can give 1/4 miles of land to everyone and still have room

[@nucpsay1524]

I am glad you feel better , Wyoming is lovely. I saw you watched a song , May I make a song suggestion? It’s Heart playing Stairway to Heaven at the Kennedy Center Honors . It’s a love letter to Led Zeppelin . Cheers 🎉thank you for your page

[@Alex-kd5xc]

I reckon Wyomingites (is that what you call them?) have no issue with their state being so sparsely populated and are probably hoping it stays this way for many years to come

[@deanfirnatine7814]

Ya most are not very fond of the fact Jackson Hole has become the playground of the super rich, there is a great line in Taylor Sheridan's incredible movie Wind River where a older Native American man says "Jackson, isn't that full of millionaires?" and Jeremy Renner's character laughs and says "I think the billionaires drove out the millionaires years ago".

[@TDHSFV]

I live in LA and I like it. I also like going to nature and seeing wildlife. I love animals.

[@emaniburton9422]

I’d rather live downtown in a major city because when a big storm or flood hits. They always fix downtown first. Many rural areas struggle to recover after an emergency.

[@terrymcelroy1]

Wisconsin Tourist Attractions : 10 Best Places to Visit in Wisconsin

[@starman6280]

I live in northern Colorado, and have family who live in Wyoming (Cheyenne), and I can tell you that one of the biggest reasons I refuse to move to Wyoming is the fact that the wind blows so frequently and strongly that it is almost impossible to do anything outdoors. This despite the beautiful scenery and the allure of no state income tax, I will live in a state that has a powder puff for a governor.

[@oxx00111]

Likewise! I live in Fort Collins, CO, just 45 miles south of Cheyenne and can confirm. The wind is STRONG and constant in Wyoming! I would LOVE to live in a small town (20,000 - 60,000 people would be my target group).

[@davidcopple8071]

Texas is a great state during the winter

[@luketadlock5909]

Check out the crater of diamonds state park in Arkansas U.S.A to my knowledge it is the only place in the world that the public can dig for diamonds

[@bongdonkey]

I live in small rural California town. I dig it.

[@DebraRodriguez-fc3fk]

I live in a small own, but close enough to amenities.

[@amyroberts7248]

Im in the subburbs now and hate it, Im a country girl, and need to be back on the farm.

[@mimiv3088]

I'd love to live in the mountains alone. I'd just stock up everything I need. Going to town miles away once in a while to restock essential supplies I can't acquire from the land and livestock. I hate the city's. Like peace and quiet and nature. 😊

[@uwbadger79]

In answer to your question - I prefer living in a large metropolitan area. Grew up in a rural area and couldn't wait to leave.

[@michaeltipton5500]

I've only drive I80 across southern Wyoming. I thought it was awful. In some places not even sagebrush can grow.

[@alfredgregory9614]

I live way out in the country in Oklahoma and I’m staying here

[@nacy55]

I live in the state of Oregon and I want to get out. My plans are to either move to Montana Idaho or Wyoming. I would definitely prefer Wyoming because of its wide-open spaces.

[@gregkerr725]

I am not a city person....though I live on the outskirts of Atlanta.....way too many people!

[@jomamma1750]

People don't live there because the land is relatively infertile, making farming difficult and requiring large amounts of ranch land for livestock. Throw in brutal -40 and lower winters with strong winds, and you have a rather inhospitable area overall. Gorgeous place 'tho, and very nice people.

[@JohnGee123]

At 2:33 the robo voice says Wyoming was carved out of Delaware?

[@deanfirnatine7814]

Mistake

[@lindamacduff2566]

The hot springs...

[@dewilton7712]

I prefer rural areas. My town is 143 people and the county has only 24.7k people. Hopefully your back gets better.

[@abigailgerlach5443]

I'm from Wyoming.Wyoming is great if you are an outdoorsman. If you aren't, Wyoming is a great big empty hole in the middle of nowhere. The wind is miserable, the winters are frigid, and the summers are dry as toast.

[@deanfirnatine7814]

Not too windy in areas protected by the mountains or hills but ya you get out on flat areas like East of Rock Springs and it blows.

[@brendasusanchristensen7058]

Wyoming where I reside is a Great place to live. It's quiet, the people for the most part are good , decent , hardworking people! We don't want more people here. We don't want the antiAmerican views people from blue states try to bring in. We don't tolerate trouble. We watch out for our families and our communities. We have one of the highest population of gun owners and believe in our right to be armed and protect our family and community! We LOVE America, our culture and our Christian values!

[@chick3022]

Would Wyoming need another red blooded American? The kind that does respect people and the land.. conservative with decent morals.. believes in the constitution and is a veteran? I got my hand raised 🇺🇸

[@deanfirnatine7814]

I agree with you 100%

[@pebblehilllane]

I like living so far out in the weeds and woods that the possums deliver the mail.

[@lisadevona7601]

Small town I live in a small town now less than 5000 and in florida

[@frankmorris4790]

...because Wyo only has a two season year, July and Winter!

[@kylesummers1565]

It gets VERY cold in Wyoming during winter. I was there in 1989 and it was a brutal winter. I didn't start my truck for almost a month for fear of something breaking and the BLM told us to just stay home unless there was an emergency. However, if I'd had a 100K back then, that is where I'd be today instead of New Mexico. I love Wyoming.

[@appo9357]

I never beat The Oregon Trail. 😅

[@deanfirnatine7814]

Did anyone? tough game

[@appo9357]

@@deanfirnatine7814 no one I knew did.

[@leadlacedinkeater6539]

I want to love out in the sticks too

[@noahfesler3899]

I live in a small town outside of Los Angeles so half the time I want to leave and get the heck away from all the crazy people but also sometimes I like the crazy crap it’s a tough one

[@help8help]

There’s a saying in other states: Remember that no matter how bad your life is Some people have so much worse . . . They’re living in California right now. (Poor bastards!)

[@SilvanaDil]

It does get cold. The uber rich who want to escape the glare of Aspen, Colorado ski in Wyoming.,

[@jeffschutt4961]

Iv lived in wyoming for 46 years now.

[@rorlowski77]

I'm a country boy, stuck in the city.

[@deanfirnatine7814]

My sympathies

[@ataurus2at]

I'm definitely a small town girl. I hate big cities!

[@thomasaimone]

I actually prefer sagebrush over cities.