Home to the University of Wyoming, Laramie is a laid-back college town 7,200 feet above sea level. “It’s definitely a college town, and you see students at the grocery stores and the restaurants and bars downtown,” says Darla Koenig of Mountain Valley Properties, who has nearly 15 years of experience in Laramie. “You’ll always see people in town wearing University of Wyoming gear, and we don’t have pro sports teams, so a lot of locals go to the football and basketball games.” The university was founded in 1886, four years before Wyoming became a state, and today it’s home to over 10,000 full-time students. It’s also Laramie’s largest employer, with 1,000 academics and 2,000 administrative workers on the payroll.
Laramie is also known for its robust outdoor scene. The town is located between the Snowy Range and the Laramie Mountain Range; locals take in the fresh mountain air while hiking, fishing and hunting. The city of just over 30,000 has a small, but bustling downtown district and annual festivals that bring the community together.
Laramie is a relaxed college town sitting 7,200 feet high in the Wyoming mountains.
The University of Wyoming is Laramie’s largest employer and a hub for education and research.
Downtown Laramie blends historic charm with modern shops, cafes, and local art.
Over 10,000 full-time students call the University of Wyoming in Laramie their home.
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Fishing the Laramie River and skiing the Snowy Range
While Laramie is home to running trails, biking pathways and over a dozen parks, locals tend to take advantage of the natural landscape for recreation. “We have camping, hunting, fishing and hiking all right here or very close by,” says Koenig. “Just outside of town, there’s a state park and skiing. We have everything.” Residents can walk from downtown to the Laramie River and fish for brown and rainbow trout. Less than 20 miles southeast of Laramie, Vedauwoo offers hiking trails with breathtaking views. The Snowy Range, 30 miles west, has some of the most notorious skiing and snowboarding runs in Wyoming. In the summer, the many lakes of the Snowy Range are filled with kayaks and paddleboards. Hunters can track big-horn sheep, elk and deer throughout Laramie and the surrounding areas.
Laramie’s scenic biking pathways offer a perfect ride through town and nature.
Snowy Range, just 30 miles west of Laramie, offers top skiing and snowboarding in Wyoming.
Vedauwoo near Laramie offers stunning hiking trails through unique granite formations.
Laramie residents enjoy an easy walk from downtown to the scenic Laramie River.
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Jubilee Days and Brewfest in downtown Laramie
South 1st, 2nd and 3rd streets form a lively downtown district packed with shops and eateries. “We have a great mix of restaurants,” says Patricia Leatherwood of Elevate Real Estate, who has over a decade of experience in town. “More and more keep popping up all the time.” Thai, sushi and Indian spots are scattered across downtown, but the classic American steakhouse is still the most popular dining option in Laramie. Antique furniture stores, clothing boutiques and sporting goods stores dot the walkable downtown district. “During the summer, downtown is where the farmers’ market is on Fridays. They bring in food trucks and have live music,” says Koenig.
Local festivals bring the community together, like Jubilee Days, a celebration of Wyoming’s Western culture each July. Thousands flock to downtown Laramie for the Jubilee Days parade, carnival and live music. Rodeo events like bull riding and barrel racing are the main draws. Also in July is Laramie Brewfest, celebrating Laramie’s growing beer scene. “It’s the three main breweries in town, but we also get breweries from all over Wyoming,” Leatherwood says.
Downtown Laramie is a vibrant hub filled with unique shops and local eateries.
The Library Bar & Grill in downtown Laramie offers great food, drinks, and a cozy vibe.
Mizu Sushi in downtown Laramie serves fresh, artfully crafted Japanese cuisine.
Downtown Laramie offers antique shops, boutiques, and sporting goods in a walkable setting.
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Single-family homes near University of Wyoming
As of January 2025, the median price for a single-family home in Laramie was $425,000, a 14% increase from the same time in 2024. “We don’t have a ton of inventory, but that’s typical for Laramie,” says Koenig. “We have seen a slight uptick, but people here tend to hold on to their homes.” Most homes are clustered near the university campus or the downtown district. Ranch-style and tri-level builds from the 1950s and 60s dominate the architectural landscape, but larger new builds are popping up in the western and southern parts of town. Townhouses and condos are popular near campus and have a median price of $370,000.
A striking modern Craftsman home in Laramie, blending rustic charm with contemporary design.
A historic Craftsman bungalow in Laramie, blending character with timeless appeal.
This early 20th-century brick apartment in Laramie blends historic charm with classic design.
This mid-century ranch home in Laramie features a classic brick exterior and low-pitched rooflines.
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The Albany County School District #1
Kids in the city attend the Albany County School District #1, which has a B-plus Niche rating and was named the ninth-best public school district in Wyoming. The district is comprised of 17 schools and serves over 4,000 students. Teens attend Laramie High School, which opened two new buildings in 2015, and has a B-plus ranking. In addition to the University of Wyoming, Laramie is also home to WyoTech, formerly the Wyoming Technical Institute. The school has nine programs preparing students for careers as auto and diesel technicians.
Indian Paintbrush Elementary School in Laramie fosters learning with a strong community focus.
Laramie Montessori School fosters independent learning for children aged 3 to 12.
Laramie High School offers top academics, athletics, and a strong sense of community.
Whiting High School in Laramie offers alternative education with a personalized approach.
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Chilly, snowy winters and mild summers
Laramie experiences all four seasons, with mild, dry summers and chilly winters. Summer highs top out in the low 80s, while winter lows typically reach the single digits. Winters come with frequent storms, as Laramie experiences an average of 48 inches of snow per year.
Quick flights to Denver
The University of Wyoming Transit System, also known as Roundup, provides bus transportation around town to students and the general public. Commuters can drive 50 miles east on Interstate 80 to Cheyenne or 130 miles down Interstate 25 to Denver. The Laramie Regional Airport offers daily flights to Denver. “It’s definitely a small airport, but it’s great for people who don’t want to drive the two-and-a-half hours to Denver,” says Koenig.
Crime rates below the U.S. average
According to the FBI, violent crime in Laramie has decreased each of the past four years and is below state and national averages. Property crime has seen a slight uptick in the past two years but remains below the U.S. average.
With nearly a decade of real estate experience, Wendy Van Fleet is the Broker/Owner of Prism Real Estate Solutions in Laramie, WY. Before relocating to Laramie in 2013, Wendy and her family resided in Northern Colorado, where she pursued her passion for art, producing and selling original works ranging from pastels to acrylic finger painting and unique steampunk jewelry crafted from dismantled clocks.
Wendy's journey to Laramie was influenced by her husband's decision to transition from a 17-year career in law enforcement to pursue a new path, ultimately leading them to the University of Wyoming School of Law. This relocation allowed Wendy to fulfill another lifelong passion – real estate.
Before marriage, Wendy spent eight years as a single parent in San Jose, CA, navigating the challenges of finding affordable housing while attending San Jose State University. Her personal experiences fueled her dedication to helping others find homes they can invest in, whether it's their first or forever home.
Despite facing personal and global challenges from 2020 to 2023, including her youngest child's medical journey, Wendy and her family have persevered. Prism Real Estate Solutions remained steadfast in providing personalized service to clients, adapting to changing circumstances with flexibility and resilience.
In reflecting on her experiences, Wendy emphasizes the importance of finding gratitude and balance daily, cherishing moments with family and friends, and engaging in activities that bring joy. Her love for the real estate business and dedication to helping people find their ideal homes and investment properties continue to drive her passion and commitment.
From navigating artistry to law enforcement and now real estate, Wendy Van Fleet's journey is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication to serving others in finding their place to call home.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
