The Old West of film and stories may be lost to time, but the places and towns from those days are still around. Many are still fascinating places to live, and they are certainly safer and more comfortable than they were back in those days. Here are a few Old West survivors that you might want to settle down in today.
Santa Fe is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a cosmopolitan city experience that still preserves the heritage of the Old West. The city itself is over 400 years old, and it was the final stop on the Santa Fe Trail. Today, it is committed to its heritage but also manages to support thriving a contemporary arts scene. This has led to it being named a UNESCO Creative City and one of the top places to live in the country.
Maybe instead of city life it's big sky country that you are after, and if so, Sheridan, Wyoming fits the bill. Its population is less than 20,000, but it's full of history. It isn't far from where General Custer's troops fell at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, and such legendary Old West figures as Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull hailed from the area. Today, this small town has 10 sites on the National Register of Historic Places.
Rodeo fans can find plenty to do outside of Dallas at events such as the Mesquite Championship Rodeo and the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Professionals, like those at Donna Lasater Real Estate & Property Management, know that the Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park recreates an Old West town. Today, Dallas is a modern, vibrant city, but there is plenty of cowboy culture in the surrounding area.
The gold boom first brought people to Durango, and when the railroad arrived, it became an Old West boom town. Durango still maintains some of those old steam trains today and also hosts a variety of Old West heritage events throughout the year including rodeos and even a cowboy poetry gathering. It's a terrific town to live in for people who are into outdoor activities and beautiful scenery.
Whether you are in search of peaceful small-town life or looking for more of a big-city experience, the Old West is still out there in its many modern-day permutations. There are a number of unique towns and cities that still maintain their Old West heritage while rooting themselves firmly in the modern day.
About the author: This article was written on behalf of Donna Lasater Real Estate & Property Management.