Why Laramie, Wyoming is a Diamond in the Rough

I was on Facebook the other day, and a post popped up on my news feed. A woman, from who knows where, tweeted

"If you're having a bad day, remember, there are actually people that live in Wyoming".

She got over a HUNDRED THOUSAND RT's. Yes, Laramie is probably quite different from your people covered streets and busy roads crying with honking taxis. I'm sure this woman was joking?- But when I tell people I'm from Laramie, Wyoming, this reaction isn't uncommon. Depending on the person and their background, I generally hear phrases along the lines of "I'm sorry", or "do you guys actually have cell phone service out there?" or "do you still ride your horses to work?". A few other common miss-assumptions include the the fact that everyone is a cowboy who owns horses and cattle and works on a ranch all day, we are all a bunch of uneducated hillbillies who hate diversity, that Wyoming contributes nothing to the USA, or that everyone drives a lifted truck. Despite the toothless small-minded rednecks, I chose to stay in this town after graduating college- and here are a couple reasons why...

1. "Low Population"

If you call just over 30,000 people, low, yes, we have a low population. When the college kids go home for the summer, we have about 20,000. Compared to some of the bigger places in Wyoming like Cheyenne and Casper, we are one of the smaller cities. I grew up in a town of about 500, so to me, this number is just about perfect. The average commute time is literally 12 minutes, but Judy down at the Rammer Jammer isn't all up in my business.

2. The University of Wyoming A.K.A Poke Pride 

Because there is only one 4 year institution in the whole state of Wyoming, the Poke Pride radiates, and unites not only Laramie residents, but the whole state. Imagine my shock when I drove all the way north through Wyoming and saw the UW mascot everywhere in places like Sheridan and Gillette. And I do mean EVERYWHERE. If you're graduating high school and considering UW, I highly recommend it. Which brings me to my next point...

3. UW FOOTBALL SEASON

Yes, you have CSU Football Season, and you have CU Football Season, but I guarantee you don't have a sold out stadium in 20 degree weather in December, and fans of 60 years coming from all over the state to sit in their same seats! Some wearing coveralls, some not wearing shirts or pants...but all of them singing "The Beer Song", UW fans are relentless! 

 Plus the stadium is amazing. 

4. A four wheeler or ranger can be a licensed vehicle! Yeehee!

5. The outdoor recreational opportunities are ENDLESS! 

I COULD LITERALLY GO ON AND ON AND ON AND ON AND ON AND ON AND ON AND ON ABOUT THIS! Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, rock climbing, hunting, swimming, skiing, snow shoeing, etc., all about 10-45 miles out of town. The more people you know, the more secret fishing/swimming holes you might come upon. If you like to sit on your hiney all year round or are scared of a good time, Laramie is not for you, dude. 

 6. Fun Small Town Events

Laramie is a close enough community that there is generally a couple great events each season that bring the whole town together. This includes Freedom Has a Birthday on the 4th of July, the Farmer's Market, Jubilee Days with carnivals, the brew fest, and rodeos, Scaramie, and live music year round. You basically live the Hart of Dixie, with less drama. 

7.  There are still simple, down-to-earth people, who live off the land and appreciate privacy, freedom, and hard work.

8. It's not weird if you're packing a gun. Wyoming has the most guns per capita in the United States. Wyoming: 195.7 firearms per 1,000 people. District of Columbia comes in 2nd: 66.4 firearms per 1,000 people, and Arkansas ranks 3rd: 41.6 firearms per 1,000 people. We don't call 911.

9. It is safe place to raise a family. Wyoming is ranked 8th on the safest states list, according to US News, with property crime ranking way higher than violent crime. Laramie also ranks 5th on the safest cities in Wyoming list. So, with that logic, out of all the cities in all the states, Laramie is like, really safe. Every once in a while, someone might steal a cow though. 

10. You know your neighbors, and they are usually pretty cool. I once came home to our neighbor weed whacking our lawn. Maybe he was sick of looking at our weeds, I don't know, but it was really nice. All of our neighbors also know my cat's name, and they don't mind when he comes and visits!

11. The Wildlife

Between the Laramie Peaks and the Snowy Range Mountains, you will be amazed at everything you see. From elk, deer, and antelope, to bears, wolves, and that mountain lion that came to visit us last month. You're not in Kansas anymore!

 12. IT'S FREAKING COLD IN THE WINTER SO IT KEEPS ALL THE WIMPS AWAY! 

I feel like I just spent the last hour writing an advertising piece for homes in Laramie, but that is just how much I love this little community! Feel free to disagree! (but you're wrong)