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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
1/4
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.
Written By
John Moyer
Photography Contributed By
Elie Karam
Video By
Bill Jennings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Barbara Kuzma,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Laramie, WY sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Laramie, WY over the last 12 months is $400,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP. That's what you'll appreciate about this beautiful 2-Story home in north Laramie. Built in 2013 on a cul-de-sac, up high with incredible 360 degree views. The Cirrus Sky Trail is right out back and great elementary and middle schools just down the hill. Outstanding flow. Large living room with gas fireplace that really puts out the heat. 2 main level bedrooms, one is the
LOCATION! ONE BLOCK FROM WASHINGTON PARK & ONE BLOCK FROM LA PRELE PARK, WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING NEARBY. OODLES OF WINDOWS TO LET THE OUT OF DOORS INSIDE. COVERED PATIO. A VERY INVITING 3 BEDROOM ONE LEVEL HOME. ~NEW KITCHEN: 2020. ~NEW FLOORING KITCHEN & BATHROOMS: 2020. ~REMODELED TWO VERY SMALL BEDROOMS: 2020. ~ALL NEW CARPETING: 2020. ~COMPLETE INTERIOR PAINTING: 2020.
Enjoy the Private Gated Ranch Community of Wild Horse Ranch for only $3,700.00 per acre on this 53+ acre parcel on the dead-end of Ridgeline Drive. The Easterly border adjoins several hundred acres of Federal BLM land. The property is gently sloping with outstanding views of Sheep Mountain, the Snowy Range, and Boulder Ridge. Amenities on the gated community include private access to the boat
Elevate your Pokes living experience at The Social Laramie, providing 4-bedroom furnished and unfurnished floorplans steps from the University of Wyoming. Our prime location and private community shuttle ensure easy access to campus, restaurants, and downtown Laramie. With newly renovated communal amenities and thoughtfully designed interiors, we create an environment supporting every lifestyle.
Property Id: 1927124Beautiful 3 bed 2.5 bat home. 2 miles from the college. 1 mile from UW bus station. Back yard includes a gravel dog run. House has a one car garage and plenty of parking.
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.
