Laramie questions (Cheyenne, Cody: real estate, loans, first time home buyer)

[Crazymomof3]

We were offered a transfer months ago, and we turned it down, as we would be moving in winter and it was bad timing. However, my husband's company has since re-offered him the transfer, along with a salary increase. We are coming from Austin, TX, and in my opinion, have a high cost of living. Before we make this decision, I have some question for y'all.

1. It appears that real estate is pretty high-is that true?

2. Is it difficult to find good, fresh produce? Also, is it costly?

3. We're coming from extreme, nasty heat to some cold winters. What can we expect for a utility bill in the winter, i.e. 1500 sq. foot home?

4. What are the current fuel prices? We paid 3.89 yesterday. Yikes!

5. Are new homes being built in/around Laramie?

6. How are the schools?

7. Is there a YMCA type facility for children?

8. I heard that there is a Wyoming home buying program...does anyone know anything about this?

We may have some divine intervention going on here...the Jeep my husband bought is originally from Wyoming; he had a recruiter from Wyoming call him and send him a letter just the other day; his company re-offered the transfer just yesterday even though we declined in Feb.

We love the outdoors, but the heat in Texas can be oppressive. Simply put, we are looking for outstanding quality of life for our children, a slower pace, and opportunity.

ANY input is so appreciated! This decision has to be reached by Tues. 11 am CST.

Thanks guys!

[msdmckee]

I've noticed that WYO2008 is none to happy to be in Wyoming, but there are lots of others who are more than happy to be here.

Laramie has good schools, you can check them out at the web site GreatSchools.net Being that is it a land-grant university, (check out your history, it was/is a proud project) There are an above average amount of "intellectual" opportunities available. I see the glass half full and the pitcher comin' across the room.

Winters can be long, the summers sweeter than you can imagine. You will trade your high AC bills for high heat bills.

Like any other place in the nation, fresh fruits & vegetables are available all year round. Something we take for granted, yet 40 years ago was hard to imagine.

There is a YMCA and other facilities for kids

The WCDA (Wyoming Community Development Corporation) does help first time home buyers under certain income guide lines. It generally just helps you with a tab bit better interest rate and perhaps not as much down payment. But it is for first time homebuyers only, and I'm guessing there is a residency requirement as well. You can check them out on line by typing the above in a search engine.

Fuel is running about the same...$3.89 for regular, deis. is quite a bit more.

Not state income tax in WY, so that might help your bottom line.

Just commented to my sweetie today, there seems to be alot of texas tags drving WY streets!

[WyoMama]

OK...Wyo2008 has a bit of a disagreement with Wyoming. Laramie is an old town - and could use some cleaning up, but to SOME that is part of its charm. Yes, there is a walmart but there are also many other stores there that are actually useful stores, unlike many other towns that are not at all self-sufficient. As it is a college town there is as in most of our towns here a housing crunch but there are plenty of places to buy land & build & I can't imagine there are not developers building as we speak. The winters are pretty harsh as it is at 7000' & can be hot for a short period of time during the summers but as in many Wyo towns it can snow in any month of the year - truly. Is in reasonable distance to several shopping areas / cultural events - hour to Ft. Collins (home of Colo State Univ), a couple of hours to Denver, an hour or so to Cheyenne, beautiul mountains minutes away with a lot of hiking & glacier peaks to climb & go camping. Most Wyo schools are quite good; can't speak specific to Laramie, but would guess are average to above average.

Produce? Not likely. Might want to take trips to Ft. Collins for a little more decent produce. And the growing season is very short at that altitude. I am in Cody (northwest corner) and our growing season at a little under 5000' is about 90 days max & you have to be ready to cover all the time - because of late frosts & hail.

There is NO telling what you could expct a heating bill to be. MANY homes in Wyo are hot water heated, which I personally hate, but depends on how old / insulated it is, it's exposure to snow, single pane/double pane windows, other weatherization in place, A WOODBURNING STOVE is definitely preferred, but the winters are rather long there for heating unless you are like me & can get by living in the high 50's & low 60's in the house. And our heat bills in our old barely insulated house is about $100-230 a month. Electric heat would be advisable...Anyway, hope that was some help - if the house is somewhat protected from wind & has access to decent sunshine you may be able to keep those bills down a little. Yes, WCDA loans (I think are in most or all states) are available - my oldest son just got one in Sept & is how I bought my home that is now paid for. May be a POS & cave, but is PAID FOR.

As far as what is avail. for rec center type things I'm not sure at all but imagine there is SOMETHING with the univ. there. Hope you get more helpful information soon....good luck!!!!

[wyolady]

Originally Posted by msdmckee

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There is a YMCA and other facilities for kids

I only left 5 short years ago when they just approved the rec center, but it definitely isn't a YMCA - did they build a Y as well? The rec center is nice but can be a bit pricey depending on services you want.