Mills is a rural town in the western outskirts of Casper, Wyoming
Mills is a town of around 3,400 residents situated amid a patchwork of oil fields. It sits just west of Casper, which is known as The Oil City for its abundant energy resources. The town has a handful of shops, restaurants and community parks to enjoy. It’s bordered by the North Platte River, a major outdoor destination during the spring and summer months. “Mills is really an extension of Casper. It started off as an industrial area, mostly for the oil companies. Later, they started adding residential as more people came here for work. It’s pretty quiet, and it has some nice bars and restaurants,” says Realtor Greg Moline of Broker One Real Estate, who has been working in real estate in the area since 2007.
There’s a wide range of housing options in Mills
The town offers a wide range of housing options, with everything from century-old fixer-uppers to recently built Traditional-style homes. Ranch-style homes, cottages, townhomes and manufactured homes can all be found here, with lots typically running from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet. Its quiet streets offer picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and prairies. Prices range from around $280,000 to $460,000, depending on the size and age of the home. “It’s one of the more affordable areas to live around Casper. You get a lot of first-time homebuyers. There’s a good amount of new construction here as well, most of which happened after the last oil boom in 2006,” Moline says.
Residents walk to community parks and the North Platte River
Community parks are woven into the fabric of the community. Freden Park, Sunny Acres Park and Norene Kilmer Park are tucked away on residential streets, putting residents within walking distance of playgrounds, ball fields and picnic areas. During the winter months, there’s Wagon Wheel Roller Skating, an indoor roller rink and local gathering place that’s been in the community for more than 70 years. The North Platte River is a perennially popular place for outdoor recreation. White Water Park, Platte River Trails and the Three Crowns Golf Club are all riverside destinations within a few miles of town. “Floating, fishing and kayaking are really big around here,” Moline says. Mountains, prairies and open space are also within driving distance, Moline adds. “There’s a lot of hiking and open space around Casper. You’re 20 minutes from Casper Mountain and you’re about 20 minutes from the middle of nowhere,” he says.
The area is at risk for flooding and wildfires
Mills’ proximity to the North Platte River means that some neighborhoods are susceptible to flooding. Springtime sees the most flooding, largely caused by snowmelt runoff from the mountains. Flash flooding is more common during the stormy summer months. In addition to flooding, Mills, Casper and the surrounding region are at a high risk for wildfires. The Sheep Herder Hill Complex fire in 2012 burned several buildings in the area and many residents had to evacuate. Natrona County has implemented a range of precautionary measures to help prevent wildfires.
Honky-tonk bars, breakfast diners and an easy commute to Casper
The Beacon Club is a local fixture in Mills frequented by oil workers, ranchers and locals. The bar stays open late during the weekends, with live honky-tonk and country music. For breakfast and brunch, G-Ma’s Diner offers classic American fare in a cozy dining room. There’s also Buckin’ Brew, a drive-through coffee shop that’s a popular stop for people heading to work. Residents can stop for snacks and everyday essentials at Family Dollar and Dollar General, while artisan wares and local produce are found at The Milkhouse Farmer’s Market. Everything else is just a short drive into Casper.
Students attend Natrona County Schools
Natrona County Schools offers school choice for county residents. Students can start at Cottonwood Elementary School, which gets a C rating from Niche, before moving on to B-rated C.Y. Middle School. The last four years can be spent at B-rated Natrona County High, which has a range of specialty courses, including an International Baccalaureate program. The high school has an array of extracurricular programs, including athletic teams, a Dungeons & Dragons club and a local chapter of the Future Farmers of America.
Getting around Greater Casper and beyond
The main road in and out of Mills is U.S. Route 26, also known as Yellowstone Highway. It’s about 4 miles to downtown Casper, or about a 10-minute drive without traffic. For those who need public transportation, Casper Area Transit operates a bus line that travels between Mills and Casper. It’s about 6 miles to the Casper/Natrona County International Airport, and about 4 miles to the Banner Wyoming Medical Center.
