Cheyenne Wyoming Area Expert Connie Webb: Connie Webb (Century 21 Bell Real Estate)

Good news to residents of Wyoming:  U.S. News has named Wyoming the "Best State to Build a Nest Egg."

Eight million jobs have been wiped out and portfolios have crumbled with the aftermath of the recession and Americans are still struggling to rebuild their nest eggs.  The housing market is still weak, unemployment rates continue to stand in the way of sustainable recovery and many long-term investments are back to where they were a decade ago.

U.S. News created an index to measure which states are the best for Americans to reside who are saving for retirement.  By looking at each state's housing market, unemployment rate, per capita income and taxes they were able to get a sense of where Americans are most likely to be able to tuck away money for their nest eggs.

The information used to form this index came from 2010 state-by-state income figures, unemployment rates from June 2010 and tax burdens from a 2008 study by the Tax Foundation.  Based on this information. the highest possible score that a state could earn was 42 points.

Wyoming scored 40 and took the crown as "the Best".  The reason for this?  Wyoming's loose tax code.  Residents don't pay taxes on wages or on capital gains which allows workers to save noticeably more of their earnings, both from investments and jobs, for use in retirement.  Wyoming residents also have well-above-average incomes compared to the rest of the country.  Only 5 states and the District of Columbia have higher incomes than Wyoming's per capita income of $45,584.  Wyoming's unemployment rate of 6.8% also contributes to their #1 ranking because it is also well below the national average.  Lastly, home prices are expected to grow 4.5% annually between 2010 and 2013 (according to Moody's Analytics).  Since most people heading towards retirement usually downsize once they get there, price appreciation will help them grow the size of their nest eggs.

States that ranked in close with Wyoming are New Hampshire (Score, 39), Alaska (Score, 38), Washington (Score, 32), and North Dakota (Score, 30).  And you are all probably wondering which states came in as "the Worst" states to build a nest egg, well those would include Ohio (Score, 9), California (Score, 11), Kentucky (Score, 12), Indiana (Score 14), and Georgia (Score 16).

All of us have been effected by this recession in one way or another.  Luckily for us, being residents of Wyoming, tests show that we are sitting in better condition than those residents of other states throughout the nation in terms of saving for retirement. 

I thought we could all use a little encouragement that things are and will continue to get better and hope you enjoy this extra tid bit of information!

View the full article released by Yahoo Finance, provided by U.S. News.

Beautiful scenery, great trails and fun in the sun; that's what the parks of Cheyenne are all about!  Whether we want to admit it or not, summer is passing us all by, and fast!  Take the time to enjoy one of Cheyenne's many parks this summer.

Absarraca Park:  Located N.W. of Carey at Kennedy Road, this park features boating, fishing, pond, picnic facilities, restrooms and a dump station.

Brimmer Park:  Located at Perhing Blvd at Windmill Road, this park features picnic facilities, play ares, concessions, softball field, restrooms, and a skate park.

Holliday Park:  Located at 19th Street at Morrie Avenue, this park features an art center, basketball courts, bike path, horse shoes, pond, picnic facilities, play areas, rental shelter, restrooms, four tennis courts and volleyball courts. 

Lions Park:  Located at Carey Avenue at 8th Avenue, this park features a beach, bike paths, boating and boat rentals, botanical garden, concessions, fishing, fitness trails, mini golf, picnic facilities and more.

Mylar Park:  Located at Seminole Road at Mylar Park, this park features a bike path, fishing, horse shoes, a pond, picnic facilities, play area, rental shelter, grills and frisbee golf.

North Park:  Located at Mynear Street at Ridge Road, this park features picnic facilities, play area, eight soccer fields, tree farm, archery ranges, restroom and concessions.

Pioneer Park:  Located at 1331 Talbot Court, this park features baseball fields, basketball courts, concessions, picnic facilities, play area, recreation building, tennis courts and restrooms.

South Park:  Located on Parsley Blvd, this park features softball fields, picnic facility, youth activity center and frisbee golf.

The following parks have shelters available for rental between May 1 and September 30 for $20/hour:

• Holliday Park
• Lions Park North Shelter
• Lions Park Gazebo
• Mylar Park
• Pointe Park
• Holliday Park West Picnic Shelter
• Sun Valley Picnic Shelter (located along 12th Street near Centennial)

Contact the Parks Department at 307.637.6429 to reserve a shelter.

With summer being half way over already, its getting to be that time to start planning for one of Cheyenne's biggest events of the summer:  Cheyenne Frontier Days 2010.   From Country music stars, to tours of historical Cheyenne, there is something for everyone to experience at this years event.

Musical Headliners

• KISS w. Alana Grace - July 23rd -Kiss is regarded as one of the most influential rock and roll bands of all-time, holding honors as one of America's top gold record champions, recording 37 albums over 36 years and selling over 100 million albums worldwide.  Together with Alana Grace, a prolific songwriter, singer, performer, musicians and a working actress poised to make a lasting impression.  (Buy Tickets on-line)
• Brooks & Dunn w. The Band Perry - July 24th -Superstar performers, Brooks and Dunn are on the true bedrock artists of contemporary country music.  Together with The Band Perry, siblings Kimberly, Reid and Neil Perry, who inherited a cross-pollinated love of country and rock & roll from their parents.  (Buy Tickets on-line)
• Aaron Tippin & Neal McCoy - July 25th -Tippin is a force of nature, a man whose passion for music fuels an array of other vigorous enthusiasms.  Together with Neal McCoy, the one-of-a-kind country singer and consummate live performer.  (Buy Tickets on-line)
• Clay Walker w. Glen Templeton - July 28th - Walker's dedicated work ethic, combined with talent have made him one of the most successful country acts of the past decade.  Together with Templeton, one of Country music's most promising up and coming stars.  (Buy Tickets on-line)
• Dierks Bentley & Miranda Lambert - July 29th -Bentley's ind of country has been a hybrid of honky-tonk, bluegrass, singer-songwriters, classic country and modern rock & roll, forging his own sound along the way.  Together with Lambert, two-time CMA Horizon Award nominee, who returns with a new album raising the stakes both musically and emotionally.  (Buy Tickets on-line)
• Sugarland w. Danny Gokey - July 30th -Sugarland is reinterpreting love in a raw-but-graceful collection of new songs, cutting a wide swath across country music.  Together with Danny Gokey, who is blessed with a voice that sing any style of music.  (Buy Tickets on-line)
• Alan Jackson w. Josh Turner - July 31st - Jackson will showcase his newest collection which has already generated a trio of back-to-back-to-back chart topping singles.  Together with Josh Turner, a country Barry White, whose burning voice can tease sensuality in unlikely places.  (Buy Tickets on-line)

Other Events

• Midway Carnival - July 23rd-August 1st - Bring the whole family for fun games, rides and good times.  $3 gate admission for 10 and older.
• Chuckwagon Cookoff - July 28-31st -Authentic chuckwagon crews compete in a free cooking demonstration.  Crews are given a standard set of ingredients, then judged on not only the wide range of foods produced, but also by wagon, tools and campsite.  FREE to public.
• Cowboy Church Service - July 25th - Services will be held in the B Stand and provided by Christian Cowboys.
• Fort D.A. Russell Days- July 23-25th -Historic home tours, military reenactments, tours of Minuteman III and Peacekeeper missile systems and more are on tap for those who dare to look back in history and forward to the future.  FREE to public.
• Free Entertainment in the Oasis - July 24th-August 1st - This is non-smoking area with specialty food vendors and shaded seating area.  FREE to public.
• Grand Parades - July 24, 27, 29 & 31st - Historic downtown Cheyenne.  Floats, marching bands, and Cheyenne Frontier Days peerless collection of antique carriages, automobiles and riders in period dress.  FREE to public.

Click for a full 2010 Event Schedule.

This event is for locals as well as newcomers to the city.  If you are traveling into town for this year's events, there are numerous accommodations available to you.  For more information call 1.800.227.6336 or visit www.cfdrodeo.com/.  Plan ahead and enjoy this wonderful event that showcases Cheyenne's history from the past, present and now the future.

Father’s Day, just like any other hallmark holiday, can get very busy, hectic and expensive.  All dad is looking for is a special day with his loved ones that he can enjoy by relaxing rather than working.  Here are a few simple ideas on how to keep the little ones busy as well as give dad a very special Father’s Day.

Cards From the Heart … Rather than going to your local card store, have the kid give dad a card that’s made from the heart.  With a few sheets of paper, crayons, markets flue and scissors, your children can create their own Father’s Day card for dad that is sure to be a keepsake.

Plan a picnic for Sunday afternoon … Pack up some sandwiches, a bag of chips, juice and some fruit and take dad to the park.  This is a low cost solution to avoiding long waits at restaurants as everyone likes to go out for Father’s Day brunch/dinner.

A Little R&R for Dad … Just let dad enjoy being a dad for the day.  Play ball outside or bring out the board games or cards for family game night.  Allow dad to get away from his day to day work and just enjoy his family.  Let him take a nap and while he’s sleeping bake some brownies or cookies to surprise him with when he wakes up.

These are just a few ideas on how to spend Father’s Day this year.  It doesn’t really matter what you do with dad or what you get him, but what does matter is the time you spend with him.  For more ideas and events going on this Father’s Day in Cheyenne visit the examiner.com.  I wish all the dads of the Cheyenne area a Very Happy Father’s Day this year!

Thinking about moving to Cheyenne or currently have your house on the market in Cheyenne?  Here is a snapshot of where Cheyenne’s real estate market stands as of June 2010 according to AOL Real Estate. 

Inventory of Homes:  The total inventory of available homes in Cheyenne, WY for June 2010 stands at 413 homes.  Foreclosures consume about 50% of the Cheyenne real estate market standing at 209 total homes.  Foreclosures can indicate problem areas, but given recent events, foreclosures can also be good purchase opportunities given their reduced cost.  The other 50% of Cheyenne’s real estate market is comprised of resale homes standing at 204 homes. 

Total Number of Properties:  There are currently 24,914 properties in Cheyenne.  61% of these properties are owned, 31% are being rented and 7% are currently vacant.  This vacancy rate of homes helps home buyers determine if a housing market has a weak or strong competition.  With vacancy rates being higher than ever right now, it doesn’t necessarily mean a bad thing because it will open a lot of opportunities for homebuyers to find a property at a low price. 

House Appreciation:  House appreciation provides three indicators of the home values trend in Cheyenne, WY.  The appreciation, which is currently at 2.6%6, signifies whether the market has increased or decreased in value.  So in Cheyenne’s case, it has decreased.  The housing median value, which is currently $183,834, shows the worth of a typical home in the area and the average market value for a home in Cheyenne for June 2010 was $164,010.

Average Days on Market:  The number of homes and the average time homes are on the market (for sale) in Cheyenne can indicate how long homeowners are willing to wait to sell their homes.  It took an average of 114 days for homes in Cheyenne to go from listing to a ratified contract.  In comparison to the rest of the state of Wyoming, homes are being sold more quickly in Cheyenne as the average number of days on the market for the rest of the state is at 162 days.  Conversely, average and maximum days on the market will help sellers set an expectation for how long it may take to sell a house.  Currently, the maximum number of days on the market is at 991 days.

Times are tough right now.  Those who currently have their home on the market are need for those who are looking to buy to act now.  Please contact me if you are looking to sell or looking to buy in the city of Cheyenne, WY.

Are you looking for a weekend get-a-away without actually having to get away?  Or do you know of someone who is looking to visit the wonderful city of Cheyenne but not sure what to do?  Spend a weekend at the The Historic Plains Hotel.

The Historic Plains Hotel has been a proud fixture of Cheyenne for almost a century, first cater to Wyoming's earliest cattle barons and oil tycoons, as well as travelers on their way to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.  Recently renovated, the Historic Plains Hotel once again serves travelers and dignitaries in sear of the experience of Western High Style.

Located on Central Avenue in Downtown Cheyenne, The Plains Hotel features 130 rooms and suites, its own restaurant, The Capitol Grille, Coffee Shop and full service day spa, Adora Spa.  It is also the perfect base station for your Old West outings:

• Across the street from the historic Union Pacific Depot
• Shopping, dining and museums all await you in downtown Cheyenne
• Convenient to the Wyoming State Capital and the Cheyenne Civic Center

Have you always wanted to give back to your community but were never sure how to go about it?  Well here is your chance!  There are numerous organizations throughout the Cheyenne community that could use your help.  Volunteering in Cheyenne is not only fun, but it is also a great way to show how much you care about the Cheyenne community.  Whether you have an hour a week to give, or an hour a month, we want your help!

Each month I will showcase an organization within the community of Cheyenne.  I encourage you to get involved within your community and to check out these volunteer opportunities!

Cheyenne Botanic Gardens

Located at 710 South Lions Park, Cheyenne Botanic Gardens inspires, beautifies and enriches the High Plains through gardening, volunteerism, education, inspiration and stewardship by focusing on 3 main areas:

• Plants – Exhibit diverse plant collections and landscapes
• Service and therapy – Provides meaningful opportunities for seniors, handicapped and youth-at-risk volunteers who are essential in growing the Gardens
• Education and Outreach – Provides educational and therapeutic opportunities and creating demonstrations in landscaping, gardening, renewable energy and sustainable earth-friendly solutions

The Botanic Gardens would not be able to operate sustainably without their volunteer resources.  They have the highest volunteer-to-staff ratio with over 90% of the physical labor being provided by senior, youth and handicapped volunteers. 

If you are looking to give back to your community while receiving horticultural therapy everyday, then Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is the place for you to volunteer!  For more information please contact Mr. ClausJohnson at 307-637-6458 or e-mail him at claus@botanic.org.

Looking for an exciting way to start out the summer?  If so, you've come to the right place.  Whether its a movie in the park or a get together with the ladies, Cheyenne is the place to be this June.  For a full list of events to enjoy, see the Cheyenne Events Calendar.

• June 4 - June 6- Cheyenne's First Annual Hispanic Festival - Three day event including a live performance on Friday night by Madafra, an alternative Spanish group from Denver, Colorado, live bands and Hispanic food on Saturday, and a car show on Sunday.  Free admission to the museum on Saturday and Sunday.  Click here to find out more about the Hispanic Festival being held at the Cheyenne Depot Museum and Plaza.
• June 8 - Movies in the Park - Pack some blankets and bring the whole family for Monsters vs. Aliens.  Free admission for all, but donations are appreciated.  For a full list of movies visit www.cheyenne.org
• June 12- FREE Community Picnic & Concert - Local Cheyenne churches invite you to spend a day with the family out in the sun.  Enjoy a live performance by the band, Esterlyn, free hot dogs, children's games and more at Lions Park.  For additional information visit www.meadowbrooke.org.
• June 26- Superday at Lions Park - Enjoy a day in the park with live music, carnival rides, food vendors and Special Friends Duck Derby.  Click here for more information on Superday.

I encourage you to get out and enjoy what Cheyenne has to offer this June, as well as to come back and tell me about the fun you had.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, (HSUS), moving with your pet can be just as stressful for them as it is for you. With this in mind the HSUS has designed a pamphlet called 13 Steps to Finding Rental Housing That Accepts Pets for concerned and responsible owners.

Gus, my English Bull Dog, is a puppy and if he got lost during a move - that would be heart renching for me.  So I thought I would try to inform and educate anyone who is interested in keeping their animals during a move.  I know that many military people have this problem even to the point of having to give away, sell their animals, or worse. For the military personnel there is a program, to foster, board, or help the service person to keep their animals when they are shipped overseas.  This commitment can be as long as three years for anyone who aides in this program.  The military personnel are required to pay for food, medicines, etc. 

Our own Cheyenne Animal Shelter, has a list for pet owners also which includes some good tips on traveling with small animals, such as hamsters, rabbits, gerbils, etc.  There are other tips on this website that I found to be sensitive and helpful.

I know here in Laramie County and the City of Cheyenne, there are ordinances pertaining to animals, wild and domestic. So if you are contemplating a move to Wyoming check out the ordinances and the American Veterinary Medical Association, (AVMA), for info on traveling with your pet  via car, plane, train, boat, or bus.

Let me hear from you about your moving adventures with Fluffy or Fido.

BusinessWeek's fourth annual survey of the Best Places to Raise Your Kids only confirmed what we've always known - Cheyenne is a great place to live and raise a family. BusinessWeek partnered with OnBoard Informatics, a provider of real estate analysis, to survey and chose a winner for each state. The survey concluded that, in Wyoming, Cheyenne is the best place to raise a family.  For 2010, the second runner up was Casper.

From the survey,"Cheyenne, the state's capital and largest city, plays on its western roots, particularly with the annual Cheyenne Frontier Days celebration, which includes one of the world's biggest outdoor rodeos. But it also has a symphony orchestra, theater companies, and a botanical garden."

They selected towns with at least 50,000 residents (Cheyenne population 54,872) and a median family income between $40,000 and $100,000 (Cheyenne $60,832). The list was then narrowed to towns using the following weighted criteria: school performance; number of schools; household expenditures; crime rates; air quality; job growth; family income; museums, parks, theaters, and other amenities; and diversity. For 2010, affordability, safety, and school test scores were given the greatest weight.While the median household income varies by state, they purposely weighted the results to prevent pricing out most people. That's why, towns like Greenwich, Conn., with good private schools, low crime, and abundance of cultural amenities, were left out. It just costs too much to live in those cities.

Onboard Informatics's data sources: Relative safety was measured by the "total crime risk," an index of the combined risks of rape, murder, assault, robbery, burglary, larceny, and vehicle theft. Crime scores were based on demographic and geographic analyses of crime over seven years. School performance was based on state reading and math test scores and came from Great Schools. Zoo data came from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and museum, theater, park, and recreation information came from InfoUSA. Air quality information came from the Environmental Protection Agency, household expenditures and diversity data were collected from the U.S. Census Bureau, and job growth data came from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.