Firstly why Laramie, Wyoming?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Laramie
• State: Wyoming
• Population: 31,984 people
• Laramie’s quick summary would be Laramie sits over 7,000 feet high, battles strong winds, and bleeds brown and gold for the Wyoming Cowboys.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 2,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 2,000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 200
• Number of Homeless people: 50

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to the University of Wyoming attracting students and young professionals

Perk #1: Laramie Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 36%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 68%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Hispanic
• The median income is (and growing)  $46,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Laramie is $45,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-1000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Laramie’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,759
• Property Tax %: 0.82%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,000
• Rent for an average house: $1,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Downtown
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Laramie, Rock-River, Pine-Bluff, Albany-County, and probably could include Cheyenne
• Avg. Age of Homes in Laramie: 97 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.7%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Laramie’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Laramie are  Education, Agriculture, and Retail
• Laramie Job Scene: steady job market primarily in education and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: home to the University of Wyoming, modest tech presence with emphasis on education and research ,
• Laramie Resident’s pay $600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Laramie: 6%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 30 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 2

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Laramie

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $85 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-80 connects Laramie to the region providing critical access
• Commute Time: 19 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion on I-80
• Transportation Score: 25 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Laramie: 17,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Laramie: dot.state.wy.us/
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 60 of 100
• Local Airport: Laramie Regional

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Laramie’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Blizzards
• General Weather in Laramie is best described as cold winters mild summers with significant snowfall
• Winter Weather in Laramie i’d describe as very cold with heavy snow
• Spring Weather in Laramie can be described as cool with occasional snow
• Summer’s in Laramie are mostly cool and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Laramie is usually chilly with possible snow
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 6 days in summer
• Days in a row in Laramie below Freezing: 50
• Average Annual Rainfall: 11 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality generally unharmed by pollution
• Laramie Winter Air generally good air quality with minimal pollution risks

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Laramie Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Laramie 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Laramies’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Laramie County Library System

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Laramie Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Laramie only Doctors is about 10
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time Laramie only Police Officers is about 50
• Crime Rate Index: 10/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Laramie’s Monthly utility bill average is $85
• Laramie’s Monthly Gym Membership: $35
• Laramie’s Water Quality Score: 76

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Laramie

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 4 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: college town with a youthful vibe and outdoor activities
• You might enjoy local events at the Laramie Civic Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Laramie  features a vibrant nightlife with an array of bars restaurants and events focusing on community engagement

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Laramie

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features local diners and restaurants focusing on American cuisine
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 5 scattered around Laramie
• The Popular Sports Team is Local PickleBall Champs
• Top Level Political Climate in Laramie can be described as liberal college town with a focus on social issues and environmentalism
• Laramie’s Longer standing religious establishment is Laramie First Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Laramie Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Laramie has 5 Parks?
• Laramie Parks is Laramie’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Laramie Farmers Market normally open Tuesday 4pm-7pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, fishing, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Laramie Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Laramie can be described as moderate college town pace with a focus on education and outdoor activities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Laramie exploring nature picnics in parks hiking local trails
• The Cities people commute to from Laramie are

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Laramie or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic congestion on I-80. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Laramie’s Blizzards risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Downtown is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Laramie are .
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 10 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Laramie has 50 days in a row below freezing and 6 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Laramie people have an average (positive or negative) $-1000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   50 homeless people living in Laramie. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal college town with a focus on social issues and environmentalism could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Laramie.

Retiree & Senior Life in Laramie

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can qualify for property tax exemptions assisting with homeownership costs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Laramie Living Center
• Laramie Senior Center features diverse activities health resources and social events for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Laramie, Wyoming?

If Laramie, Wyoming ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Laramie, Wyoming, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!