Coming Home
Date: 05-18-2009
By: Ronna Boril
Email: rboril@casperforsale.com
Casper began as a crossing of the North Platte River for five westward trails. Fueled by energy development and ranching, Casper experienced economic booms and busts, which lead to period growth and development of the city over the last hundred years. The results of that growth are distinct neighborhoods geographically situated around the city, each with its own unique architectural styles and character.
Eastside
The areas commonly referred to as “the Eastside” began to develop in the early 1980s in response to growth resulting from an economic boom. Floorplans in the initial phases of the Eastgate subdivision consisted mainly of two–story, four–story and bi–level homes, and they sold quickly. The construction of the Eastridge Mall in 1984 spurred growth on the Eastside, and development has continued steadily since then. Although many older homes and newly constructed, shared–wall homes are in the $200s, most newer homes in Casper’s Eastside are in the $300s to $500s. Many homes in this area of town take advantage of Casper Mountain views or the rolling foothills at the base of the mountain. These homes also offer nearby access to local businesses, shopping, parks, creation and elementary, junior high and high schools.
Downtown/Casper College
Casper’s Downtown residential area surrounds a vibrant commercial center filled with boutique shops and locally owned businesses. These are some of Casper’s oldest homes, built around the turn of the 20th century. Designed and constructed by the artisans of the time, these homes showcase character and charm that resonates with those looking for quality construction and intimate details. This area contains a variety of architectural styles including Grand Federal, Georgian, Baroque and Craftsman. Home sizes and price oints vary greatly. Mature landscaping compliments the exterior features of many of these homes. Well established, tree–lined treets are common in this area, with ash, elm and cottonwood trees providing protection from the wind and sun, in addition to charm and beauty. The area is also sought after because of its close proximity to schools. Several elementary schools, Dean Morgan Junior High, and the historic Natrona County High School are all within walking distance of these neighborhoods. At the heart of downtown are the Wyoming National Apartments, one of Casper’s newest apartment developments. The building was once an eyesore in the Downtown area, sitting vacant and deteriorating for decades. Now the building has been restored and rehabilitated into apartments, many of which are subsidized for lower–income families.
Yellowstone District
Just west of Downtown is one of Casper’s up–and–coming rehabilitation projects. Currently the area is filled with commercial and industrial warehouses and vacant buildings, but it will soon be converted into a mixed–use business, residential and entertainment mecca, including shopping, restaurants, apartment buildings and condominiums. The area features nearby access to Downtown shops and the North Platte River, which offers a multitude of recreational activities.
North Casper
North Casper lies just north of the Burlington Northern Railroad and Interstate 25. It is one of the more affordable areas of town, and is made up of manufactured homes and older homes, primarily bungalow and cottage styles. The modest price range in this area provides affordable housing for families and seniors.
Midtown
Nestled between the downtown area and Casper’s Eastside, Midtown Casper has an eclectic mix of neighborhoods and developments, some new—some decades old. Residents enjoy close proximity to commercial retail centers, “big–box” retailers, and restaurants that line thoroughfares such as East Second and Twelfth Streets. The area also has easy access to several elementary schools, Frontier Middle School, and Kelly Walsh High School. Many of these homes were constructed during the 1970s. Ranch–style, two–story, four–story and bi–level floorplans are plentiful in this area and continue to be very popular today. Homes in well–maintained neighborhoods are typically in the low $200s to $400s.
Paradise Valley
With plenty of trees, nearby access to the North Platte River and views of Casper Mountain, it’s easy to see how Paradise Valley got its name. Paradise Valley began as a golf course subdivision in the 1960s. Popular bi–level homes were constructed in a family friendly price range. Redevelopment of the Paradise Valley Golf Course has spurred renewed interest in this area, and subsequent development to the west has added new architectural styles and larger homes. Paradise Valley continues to be a popular area where families can find a good value for their homebuying dollar. New developments like River Vista offer some of the most affordable, newly constructed homes in Casper.
Westside
Development to the west of the Central Business District began with the construction of the Westridge Mall (now an Albertson’s Grocery Store) and the Westridge neighborhoods. The area is bisected by CY Avenue, a major retail and commercial corridor on Casper’s Westside. Homes in Valley Hills and Sunrise Hills continue to be sought after, primarily for their heavy tree cover, family friendly nature, and close proximity to Casper Mountain. Further west are several new developments, which will contain mixed–use residential and commercial properties, and several dense residential properties including new apartment complexes and condominiums. Homes in Casper’s Westside are available at all price points,from the $100s on up to $1 million.
Foothills
Located just south of Wyoming Boulevard, the foothills of Casper Mountain offer private, secluded valleys and creek drainages with some of the most gorgeous homes in the city. Most areas offer beautiful views and an abundance of wildlife, including deer, antelope, song birds and wild turkeys. In many valleys and closer to the base of the mountain, pine and aspen trees flourish, adding to the secluded, wooded feeling. Prices for most homes in this area range from the mid $200s to mid $400s.
Bar Nunn
Just north of Casper on Interstate 25 resides the community of Bar Nunn. Bar Nunn originated as a World War II airbase. Homes were built along the runways, which later became wide streets. With views of Casper Mountain and lots of acreage, this area has developed substantially over the last several years, fueled by major developments of mid–range family homes. The community is just a few minutes from Casper’s Central Business District, meaning a close commute for working parents. Newer homes offer plenty of bang for the buck, with bi–level and ranch–style plans ranging from the $100s to $200s.
Senior Living
Casper continues to be a popular place for retirees. Our income tax structure and plentiful access to outdoor activities are appealing to active seniors looking to enjoy nature and get the most out of their retirement dollars. Developers in Casper have identified this niche market and have created an array of subdivisions to fill it. Rustic Pines was created to appeal to seniors looking to get the most out of life. These single–level homes are easily accessible, with floorplans from 1,200 to 2,000 square feet. The subdivision was built in a location close to essential services but shielded from heavy traffic. The development is overseen by a homeowners association offering residents maintenance–free yards and snow removal. Homes here range from the high $200s to high $300s. As residents become less independent, Casper offers several options to fill the void. Seniors looking for a minimal amount of help—such as basic assistance with cleaning and meal preparation—can find it with several companies around town offering independent living apartments and shared–wall villas. Later in life, if more care is required, those companies can increase the level of services they provide to eventually offer residential nursing care.
Ronna Boril is a Casper REALTOR™ with 26 years of experience in the commercial and residential market. Check out her ad on the back cover or for a complete listing of Ronna’s properties, visit www.casperforsale.com.
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