Cheyenne, Wyoming

Sprawled across prairie land and flanked by the Laramie Mountains, the capital of Wyoming feels more rural than anything else, thanks in part to its lack of skyscrapers and despite a downtown featuring an abundance of shops and restaurants.

After all, Cheyenne still retains the charms of its Old Frontier days. Its roots go back to the Union Pacific railroad, which turned the city into a boomtown. That can be seen today in its Victorian-style architecture and museums dedicated to the city’s history, like the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum and the notable Cheyenne Depot Museum, a stunning venue hosting visitors as they wander through the railroad’s history.

Of course, Cheyenne’s location in the Rocky Mountains means there’s no shortage of outdoor activities and wildlife, whether that be bears or bison; you can see them up close at Terry Bison Ranch. A 30-minute drive away is the Medicine Bow National Forest, where the Vedauwoo Campground and Recreation Area features granite rock formations and some excellent rock-climbing opportunities; during the winter, it’s great for skiing and snowshoeing. In the opposite direction, but also not far, is the 4,000-acre Curt Gowdy State Park to explore.

In addition to rich history and outdoor beauty, residents also benefit from a cost of living and housing that’s lower than average, as well as no state income tax. Cheyenne offers a small-town atmosphere with urban amenities, making it the best of both worlds and putting it on the list for the second year in a row.