Getting dropped off in Laramie on Thursday (Cheyenne, Sheridan: car rental, subletting)

[Autodidactic]

I'm getting dropped off Thursday in Laramie, Wyoming. I've read a lot about the place on this forum, and think I will enjoy it there. I've just got some concerns I'm not going to be able to find housing, I'm an Army veteran with no criminal record but I've a 70lb ridgeless rhodesian ridgeback that I can not part with. He's a good dog and not on any breed restriction lists, but he is very muscular looking. I've been looking on the Laramie Boomerang and craigslist and most of the places have no pet policies and the ones that allow pets say something like (dogs under 20lbs ok).

I'm not opposed to living in a trailer, or dry cabin (if they even have these there) or even a 4 walled run down shack. Is there extended-stay motel/hotels there that will let me have a 70lb dog in them and aren't outrageously priced? Is the national forest close enough to the town that I could walk there and dispersed camp until I find a place?

I'll be arriving with about $1800 cash, I receive $1300 a month from the VA, for mild disabilities so will have some income until I can secure a place and get a job.

There seems too be very few listings for places, on craigslist and the boomerang, would walking around to trailer parks and asking if they have any vacancies be a decent idea? Is it actually feasible to walk to the national forest and camp? I know there is a 14 day limit and a fire ban right now probably. Or would I need to find a ride to it? Any suggestions/info would be very much appreciated.

[sunsprit]

I think you're setting yourself up for a very tough situation in Laramie with your limited finances.

Keep in mind that unless you have some special job skills, you will be competing against University or WyoTech students in a highly competitive and limited job market. The U students can fill many of the service industry jobs at low wages, and the WyoTech students are seeking those jobs or entry level positions in the automotive/truck trades ... at minimal wages.

Without personal transportation, getting around will be problematic ... if not virtually impossible. Laramie is a somewhat dispersed town in area, with two main concentrations of activity ... either the "downtown" strip or the area around the University, supplanted by the housing/school area by WyoTech. You will not be able to walk to campgrounds from town, and the RV or mobile home parks are rather remote around the area. The area around the UW caters to people for rentals and has a lot of amenities close by that you'd want ... but finding a rental to accept your pet will be a problem.

Motels (Quality Inn, for example) that are "pet friendly" may allow your dog in, but there is typically a minimum $10/night (and up to $25 additional in some places) additional charge for your pet ... with a basic room rate around $100/night, hardly affordable housing for the long term.

Unless you have a good-paying job lined up along with affordable housing nearby, you may want to re-think your plan to just be dropped off in Laramie ....

If you are planning on a longer duration stay, the transportation issue becomes even more critical when the brief summer time turns to fall and then a long winter period. If you are not acclimated to cold weather, Laramie will be a tough environment in just a few months from now.

[bawha]

I agree with Sunsprit.... you may have a tough go of it. Housing it always tough just because it's a college town and most landlords require the tenants/students to rent the unit through the summer months even if they plan to go home. There may be some options with subletting from a tenant that has had to rent an unneeded property throug the summer months. The UW housing department may be of help there.

Camping in the mountains will not be an option with no transportation. Even though Laramie's altitude is 7,200 ft you are still a long long hike from "the mountains".

Another option may be to check with the job service. There are several ranches in the area and good ranch hands, to help put up hay or fix/build fence, are always tough to find because of what the ranch can afford to pay. You may luck out and find something that also provides housing or at least would have camper you could live on the ranch.

Wish I could do more because you put your life on the line for my freedoms.... just a few ideas and a big Thank You for your service

[Autodidactic]

Thanks for the informative replies, I think I might pick a cheap vehicle up, and delay my trip up there and try to have a place/work lined up before I go.

[ElkHunter]

Laramie is not the best place for VA care. It does have a mobile clinic. Cheyenne has a VA Hospital as well as Sheridan. There are several clinics throughout the state.

Facilities in Wyoming - Locations

[NW Crow]

A couple recent listings that allow pets or "might"

1 bedroom loft, pets okay
Close To campus, basement apartment

Ramada starting at $68 per night http://www.kayak.com/Laramie-Hotels....ramie.6532.ksp
Motel 6 has weekly rates http://www.superpages.com/bp/Laramie...0118938992.htm

"Might" have affordable car rentals at this place in fort collins http://wheelsforrent.net/Home.html to get you started.

[Wyomama2]

I don't know about that. Laramie isn't exactly what I call 'affordable' when it comes to living expenses. There are some rinky dink motels on 3rd street but I don't know what they charge.

Why Laramie?