Wyoming Realtors report continued population growth throughout the state, and anticipate brisk sales in 2005.

Cheyenne

"Cheyenne is a great city to raise a family or to retire in," says Realtor Connie Webb . "It has great schools, medical facilities, and it's close to large urban areas. With easy access for all outdoor sports, and just a great place to call home."

About the market, Webb suggests, "The City of Cheyenne continues to grow at a rate of about two percent per year changing the population from 53,011 in 2000 to 57,380 in 2004. Growth in population results in a strong housing market. Lower interest rates continue to fuel the housing market. We are expecting a strong housing market for the New Year. Unemployment rates are expected to continue to drop. While interest rates will increase, they will still be at unusually lower rates than in the past."

Jackson, Jackson Hole

"The entire Teton Valley is only 60 minutes from Yellowstone," say Realtors Chad and Dianne Budge , "Jackson is the hub of the entire Snake River Valley."

The Budges predict, "As we come to the end of 2004, Jackson Hole real estate stays on track for a record-setting year. The Jackson Hole real estate market passed noteworthy milestones with its year-to-date stats through the end of October. The Teton County, Wyoming market will well eclipse its previous high water mark set in 2000. This is due in part to the sale of the Teton Valley Ranch and the Bar BC Ranch - both extremely large sales. MLS data shows sales are up 10 percent and volume is up 14 percent on the year to date with 525 sales and $420.4 Million in volume through the end of October. If these same statistical trends continue through the end of the year, 2004 will be the strongest annual showing for Teton County since the year 2000 (and post 9/11/01)."

Gillette

"Gillette and all of Campbell County is seeing a lot of activity in both new home starts and resale homes as well," says Realtor Harry L. Kimbrough . "With the increased production and development in the methane gas industry, the coal mines and oil fields, this is one of the busiest years in recent history for home sales. Coupled with some of the lowest interest rates in history, it makes it a good market for both buyers and sellers alike."

Kimbrough suggests a reason. "Living in Northeast Wyoming provides families with a quality of life that is unsurpassed," he says. "Living in Wyoming also provides a very favorable tax climate for individuals and businesses alike."