I don’t know about you, but I love a good pro and con list, especially when I’m working with a team. Weighing my options gives me the headspace I need to consider different perspectives and learn new things when there are gaps in my knowledge.

As a realtor, I think it’s especially important to weigh the pros and cons of a potential move, particularly to a new city. Leaving home isn’t a decision that most people make on a whim. With your life as you know it at stake, you start to question things that never fazed you before.

Do you want the convenience of a big city or the quiet of a small town? Will you have to pay state income taxes? Is there a Target nearby (and is that a pro or con for your wallet)?

Now, I may be biased, but there are certain aspects of Laramie that just can’t be beaten. Our town is often compared to Cheyenne (WY), Fort Collins (CO), and Jackson (WY), but there are a few distinct pros that make Laramie special.

First and foremost, if you have kids, you can feel confident sending them to a Laramie public school. Cheyenne’s schools are great, too, but Laramie’s secondary curriculum often leads to the highest test scores in the state. Plus, our laundry list of extracurricular activities is every active child’s dream.

Another thing that sets Laramie apart is the sheer volume of family-owned restaurants. While other cities are oversaturated by cookie-cutter franchises, ours is packed with fresh, delicious food at various price points. Our breweries and bars offer fun, safe nightlife that won’t break the bank. This makes downtown Laramie one of my favorite places to spend a Saturday night.

Unlike Cheyenne and Jackson, Laramie provides nearby mountain recreation, and unlike Fort Collins, we don’t pay state income taxes. Our small-town vibe rivals Jackson’s—minus the snobby billionaires. And to top it off, the cost of living is incredibly reasonable.

Sounds like heaven, right? So what’s the catch?

Honestly, there isn’t one. Laramie has a low crime rate and moderate temperatures in both summer and winter. And while we don’t have a Target, I think the glorious mountain views make up for that.

But the best thing about living in Laramie? That would be the people.

Our city is made up of a diversity of beliefs, demographics, and cultures from all over the world, and we seem to attract the best of all groups. No matter where you go, there’s a friendly face to meet you, hold the door open, and say hello. Ours is a slower pace of life, and that’s how we like it.

People here are just different—in a good way.

So, while I definitely think you should make your own list of pros and cons, if you’re considering a move to Laramie, be sure to get to know our community. Visit our schools, restaurants, and mountains, and talk to the folks you encounter along the way.

I think you’re going to love it here.