What Are the Best Neighborhoods to Rent in Laramie, WY?
If you are asking What Are the Best Neighborhoods to Rent in Laramie, WY?, then this guide is made for you. Whether you are a student, a small family, or someone moving for work, choosing the right place to live can make a big difference. I’m a real estate broker with experience in Laramie rentals, and I want to help you find a neighborhood that fits your budget, safety needs, and lifestyle.
1. Understanding Rent & Market Trends in Laramie
Before picking a neighborhood, you should know what rent costs are like in Laramie:
- The average apartment rent in Laramie is around $1,648/month for about 947 sq. ft. according to RentCafe.
- Some apartments are cheaper, especially studios or smaller 1-bedrooms. Neighborhoods further from downtown or university tend to have lower rents.
- Vacancy rates can be higher in some neighborhoods. More vacant units usually means more options for renters to negotiate.
2. Top Neighborhoods to Consider
Here are some of the best neighborhoods to rent in Laramie, WY, with pros & cons to help you choose:
| Neighborhood | Who It’s Good For | Pros | Things to Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Center / Downtown Laramie | Singles, young professionals, people who want walkability & amenities | Close to shops, restaurants, university, transit. Historic homes + small apartments. | Rents can be higher. Parking might be harder. Noise levels more than in suburban zones. |
| Laramie North | Budget renters, those wanting more space & quieter surroundings | Lower rents (often well below some other parts of Laramie). More rural feel. Good option for homes/apartments. | Fewer shops/amenities close by. Might need car or reliable transport. Some areas are older housing. |
| West Laramie | Families, outdoor lovers, people wanting quieter but still accessible areas | More suburban, good schools, parks, quieter streets. Good mix of housing types. | Commute might be longer if working downtown or at university. Some properties older, so check condition. |
| Tree Area / University Neighborhood Historic District | Students, faculty, people who like character in homes | Beautiful older houses, tree-lined streets, close to University of Wyoming, charming environment. | Historic homes may have quirks (older plumbing, maintenance). Costs for upkeep, possibly higher utilities. |
| South Laramie / Hillcrest | Families, people wanting suburban feel + good schools | More new or newer construction, parks, good community feel. Less traffic. | Some distance to downtown. Fewer public transit options. Might have fewer small rental units. |
3. What Renters Look for in a Good Neighborhood
As a broker or someone helping renters, I’ve seen that these are the things people care most about:
- Safety & low crime: If you feel safe walking at night, that matters.
- Schools & parks: Especially for families, schools like Indian Paintbrush or other well-rated ones are big draws.
- Proximity to work / university: Shorter commute means less cost and less stress.
- Quietness: Away from busy roads, traffic noise, etc.
- Amenities nearby: Grocery stores, gyms, shops, restaurants.
- Housing quality: Good heating (important in WY winters), insulation, condition of appliances.
- Affordability & hidden costs: Rent + utilities + any extra fees. Sometimes cheaper rent comes with higher utility costs.
4. Pros & Cons: What You Give Up vs What You Gain
Every neighborhood has trade-offs. Here are what you might sacrifice and what you get:
| What You Gain | What You Might Sacrifice |
|---|---|
| Closer access to daily needs, transit, and activities | Higher rent and less peace and quiet |
| Strong schools, green spaces | Longer commute or less walkability |
| Character & charm in older homes | Possible older fixtures, less modern designs |
| Lower rents in outlying neighborhoods | Slower access to amenities, fewer options for public transport, more driving needed |
5. My Tips for Finding the Best Rental for Your Needs
Here are tips based on what I do as a real estate broker:
- List what you need first
Decide: budget, number of bedrooms, pets or no pets, parking, how far you are willing to drive daily. - Visit in person if you can
Walk around the neighborhood. Check traffic, noise, how close shops are, how safe it feels. - Talk to locals
See what renters say on forums or Reddit about landlords, maintenance, snow removal, etc. - Check lease terms carefully
Does rent include utilities? Is there extra charge for snow removal? What about maintenance? - Consider timing
University areas have high demand during start of semesters—waiting until off-peak may give better options. - Compare multiple options
Don’t settle for the first decent place. Sometimes one street over is much cheaper or quieter.
6. Final Thoughts
If I were helping you personally, I’d suggest starting with Downtown or the Tree Area / University Neighborhood if you like being close to the university or want walkability and character. But if your budget is tighter, Laramie North or West Laramie often gives more value for money without too much compromise.
Remember, the best neighborhood for you depends on what you care about: safety, commute, cost, quiet, or community. Use this guide, walk the areas if you can, and find what feels right.
