Laramie, Wyoming

What It Is Like to Retire in Laramie

Laramie is a college town in southeastern Wyoming, home to the University of Wyoming. It is a vibrant place to live and wonderful place for people who love the outdoors, thanks to nearby mountains and wilderness. The ruins of Fort Sanders, an old army fort, lie just south of the city. There are a number of locations on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Downtown Historic District. Located in the Laramie Valley. The population is about 32,000, with many more when the university is in session.

The Community Recreation Center features outdoor and indoor swimming pools, an eight-lane lap pool, a full-court gymnasium, cardio equipment, an indoor playground, along with regular fitness classes. There is also an Ice Arena.

In 2011, Laramie was named as the best city to retire by Money Magazine due to its scenic location, low taxes and educational opportunities. Photos of downtown historic district and City Hall courtesy of Wikipedia by Nyttend.

Where to Retire in Laramie and Home Prices

The median home value was $352,000 in mid 2023, according to Zillow.com, up considerably from just a few years before. There are different neighborhoods and developments to choose from.

What Is Special about Laramie

Laramie is a lively college town near the Medicine Bow mountains - a lot of people move here and never leave. There is no income tax in Wyoming. Laramie has 14 parks and residents have access to the University's 18 hole golf course.

What Is Not Special about Laramie

Laramie is very cold in winter and it is a fairly small town a long way from any city.

Who Will Like Retirement in Laramie

Folks who like living in a western college town will like it here.

Local Economy Is Driven by

The University is the major driver of the economy, although a number of high tech startups are in the area. It is also the County Seat.

Climate and Physical Environment

Laramie is in southeastern Wyoming about 40 miles from Cheyenne and 113 miles north of Denver. It is on a high plain between the Snowy and the Laramie Mountains. The Laramie River runs through town.The average January low is 8 degrees and the average July high is 79. Its elevation is above 7,000'.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Laramie Jubilee Days is a big annual festival to celebrate Wyoming Statehood Day on July 10. The University has  the Geological Museum. The Fine Arts Concert Hall on campus presents frequent concerts and recitals during the school year. The Laramie Plains Museum is located in the Ivinson Mansion near the center of town. There is also a children's museum.

Crime

The crime rate is well below average.

Medical facilities

Ivinson Memorial Hospital provides emergency services. Other hospitals are in Cheyenne, 30 miles away.

Transportation

Laramie Regional Airport.

Valuable Links

Laramie Chamber of Commerce