Top Neighborhoods
Riverton isn't a city where every neighborhood is created equal. The difference between a quiet, family-friendly street and a noisy corridor near 90E can make or break your relocation, so let's cut through the noise and talk specifics.
Quick Compare: Top Neighborhoods in Riverton
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Rent Range | Best For | Walk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverton East | Quiet, suburban | $1,200-$1,550 | Families, commuters | ~35 |
| Downtown Riverton | Walkable, historic | $950-$1,300 | Young professionals | ~65 |
| West 7th Street | Blue-collar, evolving | $900-$1,200 | Budget-conscious | ~40 |
| Fremont County Edge | Rural, spacious | N/A (homes only) | Remote workers | ~10 |
Riverton East
Overview: This is where the city's newer money lives, especially along Valley Drive and near the Monarch Vista development. It's the go-to for families wanting modern builds and easy access to the highway without true rural isolation.
The Numbers:
- 🏠Rent: $1,200 - $1,550/mo (1BR) | $1,500 - $1,900/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $220k - $260k
- đźš— Commute: 8 min to downtown | 15 min to Lander St. industrial park
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~35 (Car-dependent, but sidewalks present)
Local Intel: Traffic on Highway 26 heading into town is worst weekdays 7:45-8:30am and 5:00-5:45pm. The real hidden gem is Sinks Canyon access—being 12 minutes from the park entrance means weekend hiking without planning. Avoid the older section near Broadway; property values plateau there due to road noise.
Who Thrives Here: Remote workers who need space for a home office and families prioritizing newer construction over character homes.
Pros & Cons:
- âś… Median home price is 14% below national average, giving strong buying power
- âś… Closest neighborhood to Sinks Canyon State Park for outdoor access
- ❌ Zero walkability; you'll drive for coffee, groceries, and dining
- ❌ Newer builds mean HOA fees in Monarch Vista ($120-180/mo) that some find restrictive
Schools: Fremont County School District #25. Ratings are "average" (5-6/10 on GreatSchools). Riverton High School is the main feeder; Rendezvous Elementary is newer and scores slightly better.
The Verdict: Move here if you want modern amenities and mountain access. Avoid if you crave walkability or character in a home.
Downtown Riverton
Overview: Centered around Main Street and the historic district, this is the only true walkable pocket. You're steps from the Riverton Museum and the iconic Wind River Hotel & Casino, which brings a unique energy.
The Numbers:
- 🏠Rent: $950 - $1,300/mo (1BR) | $1,250 - $1,600/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $150k - $190k
- đźš— Commute: 2 min to downtown (obviously) | 10 min to Central Wyoming College
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~65 (Most errands doable on foot)
Local Intel: The Saturday Farmers Market at the City Park (May-Oct) is the social hub. Parking is free but limited; if you don't have a driveway, winter snow removal is a headache. The area near the casino gets foot traffic noise late night—check any rental on Main St. between 1st and 3rd Ave personally.
Who Thrives Here: Young professionals working at Central Wyoming College or the County Courthouse who want to live without a car payment.
Pros & Cons:
- âś… Only neighborhood with true walkability to coffee (Gannett Peak Coffee) and dining (The Inn at Lander)
- âś… Lowest rent prices in the city proper
- ❌ Older housing stock means drafty windows and plumbing surprises
- ❌ Proximity to Wind River Hotel & Casino increases foot traffic and occasional noise
Schools: Same district as East (FCSD #25). Kids would attend Riverton Middle School; quality is average.
The Verdict: Ideal for singles or couples who want urban-lite living. Not suitable for families needing yards or quiet streets.
West 7th Street Area
Overview: This is the city's transitional neighborhood—older, affordable, and undergoing slow gentrification. Streets like West Park and Adams Avenue have a mix of longtime residents and new buyers flipping homes.
The Numbers:
- 🏠Rent: $900 - $1,200/mo (1BR) | $1,150 - $1,450/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $130k - $170k
- đźš— Commute: 6 min to downtown | 20 min to Shoshoni industrial corridor
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~40 (Car-dependent, but flat terrain)
Local Intel: The neighborhood is safe overall (Riverton's violent crime is 234/100k, already low), but property crime ticks up slightly near the 7th Street commercial corridor. The real opportunity is buying here—homes under $150k are still available, but that window is closing. The Riverton Community Pool is a 5-minute drive and a summer staple.
Who Thrives Here: First-time homebuyers with renovation skills or renters needing maximum square footage per dollar.
Pros & Cons:
- âś… Best value for renters: you get 20-30% more space vs. Downtown or East
- âś… Flat, grid layout makes biking easy; you can bike to most of town in 15 mins
- ❌ Higher property crime rates (beware of package theft; get a locking mailbox)
- ❌ Older homes require maintenance budgets; lead paint and asbestos are common
Schools: FCSD #25. Westside Elementary is here, rated 4/10—below district average. Consider driving kids to Eastside schools if possible.
The Verdict: Smart buy for investors or budget renters. Families with school-age kids should look elsewhere or plan to drive them to better schools.
Fremont County Edge (Unincorporated)
Overview: Technically outside city limits, this covers areas along Highway 26 west toward Lander and south toward Jefferson Lake. Think 2-5 acre lots, no HOA, and true dark skies.
The Numbers:
- 🏠Rent: N/A (single-family homes only; rare long-term rentals)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $250k - $350k (land + house)
- đźš— Commute: 15-20 min to downtown Riverton | 45 min to Lander
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~10 (You will drive everything)
Local Intel: The real draw is outdoor access—10 minutes to the Popo Agie River for fishing, 20 minutes to trailheads. However, internet is a serious issue. Starlink is the only reliable option; DSL is slow. Well water and septic are standard—factor $3k-5k annually for maintenance. Snow removal is on you; budget $500-800 per season if you can't handle a plow.
Who Thrives Here: Remote workers with high-bandwidth needs (thanks to Starlink) and outdoor enthusiasts who want to live where they play.
Pros & Cons:
- âś… No zoning restrictions; you can park an RV, build a workshop, or have chickens
- âś… Lowest property taxes in the county due to agricultural designations
- ❌ Emergency services are 20-30 minutes out; not ideal for elderly or those with health concerns
- ❌ No walkable amenities; a forgotten grocery run means a 30-minute round trip
Schools: Fremont County #25 (Riverton schools) or #38 (Lander schools) depending on exact location. Rural bus routes exist but are long—kids can spend 45+ minutes each way.
The Verdict: Perfect for self-sufficient buyers who value privacy over convenience. Avoid if you need neighborhood community or easy access to services.
Final Advice
For young professionals, Downtown Riverton is the clear winner—walkability to Gannett Peak Coffee and the County Courthouse outweighs the older housing stock. Families should target Riverton East despite the drive-everywhere reality; the newer homes and proximity to Sinks Canyon justify the trade-off. Retirees or remote workers wanting space and privacy will find the Fremont County Edge unbeatable, but only if they're comfortable with self-reliance and long drives.
Traffic patterns are predictable: Highway 26 is your main artery, and winter storms can shut it down quickly—keep a full gas tank and emergency kit from October to April. One counterintuitive tip: West 7th Street is the buy of the decade if you're handy; the city is quietly investing in infrastructure there, and prices will jump within 3-5 years.