UW, Laramie Sit Atop ‘Best College Towns in America’ List

Once again, Laramie and the University of Wyoming have ranked highly on a list of the nation's best college and university communities.

This time, the city can say, "We're No. 1."

A website called TheTravel has put Laramie at the top of its list of the "10 Best College Towns in America in 2024" after looking at several factors, including campus offerings, vibrant downtown areas, a strong sense of community and outdoor recreation.

"Besides being home to Wyoming's only university, Laramie is brimming with fabulous experiences, from modern art to cultural adventures to quaint accommodations and unique shopping," the website says. "Its location in the Rockies also means plenty of fascinating outdoor recreational activities. It's one of the towns in Wyoming that is as fun as it is pretty and guarantees unforgettable memories."

In the top five, Laramie ranks ahead of Moscow, Idaho; Boone, N.C.; Gainesville, Fla.; and Clemson, S.C.

Additionally, the website RentCafe recently ranked Laramie and UW seventh on its "Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2024" list, with this description: "Serene charm: mountain tranquility meets academic excellence." The website also cited Laramie and UW's relatively low cost of living, diverse academic offerings and plentiful opportunities for student engagement.