Valentine

I've only been here about 6 months, very quiet little town. Cost of living isn't what you would expect for an area that is mainly ranching, the housing cost are reasonable but taxes, groceries are outrageous. For groceries I've started stocking up and driving 130 miles south to North Platte every couple months and even spending 30-40 dollars on gas can save as much as 50% on monthly grocery bill. (No exaggeration)
Did I mention taxes, sales tax is just below 7% but the shocker is property tax, where approximately $500 per $30,000 assessment is levied in tax. Mind you this is on top of the already unfriendly high state income tax of 6.84%.

Valentine schools cost per child attendance $16,840.26 and 81% of this expense is burdened onto the local tax payers.
As far as recreation this area has plenty to offer and is very beautiful in its own rights.
Its just not in my opinion a very friendly retirement place. I should stipulate Valentine has many retirement age citizens who benefit from the homestead tax break which also raises newcomers moving into the areas burden of taxes. Its no surprise the area has zero growth or decreased growth over the years peaking in 1960's.

Climate, weather is beautiful in summer with occasional hot spells, some severe weather can be expected. Winters are cold at times with an average of 20 or more days reaching below zero. Snow generally isn't bad but what does fall tends to stay around for long periods.

Despite the negatives on cost of-living, Valentine does have that Norman Rockwell feel to it.