Ranchettes, an unincorporated community just northwest of Cheyenne, WY, is one of Laramie County's most desired places to put down roots. With its open spaces, generous lots, and easy access to both city amenities and peaceful prairie views, Ranchettes offers a unique lifestyle that many Cheyenne locals cherish. If you’re considering a move to this community, here’s what you can expect from everyday life in Ranchettes.
The Community Vibe
Ranchettes feels like the perfect blend of rural charm and suburban convenience. Here, neighbors wave as you drive along roads like Four Mile Road, Hynds Boulevard, or Ridge Road. Despite the large lot sizes and spacious properties that create a sense of privacy, there’s a genuine neighborliness that brings residents together—whether it’s sharing eggs from backyard chickens or gathering for a block BBQ.
The area attracts families, retirees, and anyone looking for a quiet, laid-back pace of life. You’ll notice a pride of ownership throughout Ranchettes, with well-kept yards, lots of gardening, and the occasional horse roaming a fenced pasture.
Types of Housing
Housing in Ranchettes is defined by space. Most homes are set on one-acre (or larger) lots, with plenty of room for detached garages, barns, or even small pastures. You’ll find everything from sprawling newer ranch-style homes (especially along Horse Creek Road) to classic country houses that have watched generations grow up. Properties often feature mature trees, custom landscaping, and long driveways—perfect for those seeking a little extra elbow room.
Options include:
- Single-family homes (the most common)
- Custom builds and modular residences
- Occasional horse properties or hobby farms
Because of these larger lots, there’s more freedom for workshops, sheds, gardens, or even keeping a few animals—a rarity just a few miles from city limits.
Walkability and Getting Around
Ranchettes is built for those who appreciate privacy and open skies, not for those who rely strictly on foot travel. Its country roads—like Iron Mountain Road and County Road 228—are idyllic for morning jogs or evening strolls, but sidewalks are rare and destinations are spread out. Most errands or school runs will require a car.
However, the lack of urban congestion is a big perk. Smooth-flowing roads let you reach downtown Cheyenne in under 10 minutes, and traffic is rarely a concern within the neighborhood.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
Ranchettes is in Laramie County School District #1, known for its reputable public schools and supportive community spirit. Many families in the area send their kids to schools like:
- Davis Elementary (on Ridge Road)
- McCormick Junior High
- Central High School
School buses are a common sight, picking up children along the main roads and quieter side streets. The slower-paced, low-traffic roads make Ranchettes a safe place for kids to play, bike, and explore.
Families also love the abundance of land—perfect for backyard playsets, sports, and gathering with friends or relatives. It’s not unusual to hear about giant family games of tag, sledding parties, or even summer campouts in your own back pasture.
Parks and Green Spaces
While Ranchettes isn’t home to traditional city parks, its open layout feels like a neighborhood-sized park unto itself. Many residents enjoy:
- The sprawling grasslands and rolling hills viewable from their yards
- Easy access to nearby North Cheyenne Community Park, just a couple miles south, offering playing fields, trails, and space for community events
- Room to garden, raise animals, or simply wander beneath big western skies
Wildlife sightings are a bonus—deer, hawks, and the occasional antelope aren’t uncommon. If you crave the outdoors, Curt Gowdy State Park is also just a short drive west for hiking, boating, and fishing.
Safety
Safety is a significant draw for Ranchettes residents. Crime is notably low, thanks partly to the tight-knit community—neighbors look out for each other, and most properties are set back from the main road, naturally discouraging unwanted visitors.
The Laramie County Sheriff patrols the area, and most folks feel comfortable leaving doors unlocked during the day or letting kids play outside until sunset. The openness and visibility across lots add to the sense of security.
Proximity to Downtown Cheyenne and Major Employers
One of the unsung benefits of life in Ranchettes is its proximity to Cheyenne’s city center and major employers. You’re never more than a 10-15 minute drive from:
- Downtown Cheyenne (for dining, museums, shopping, and events)
- F.E. Warren Air Force Base
- Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
- Major shopping centers and grocery stores along Dell Range Boulevard
Commuting is refreshingly easy compared to bigger cities—most residents love that they can enjoy country living without sacrificing access to work, healthcare, or entertainment.
What Residents Love Most
Ask a longtime Ranchettes resident, and they’ll talk about the freedom and tranquility that comes with space. The sunrises and sunsets here—often painted in wide pink, gold, and purple sweeps—are unforgettable, especially with Cheyenne’s famous high-elevation skies.
Neighbors mention:
- The ability to have gardens, chickens, or horses
- Quiet evenings around a fire pit, with no city noise
- Star-gazing with little light pollution
- Friendly, helpful neighbors who respect privacy but are there when you need them
Ranchettes is also notable for its sense of tradition—many families have called the area home for years, if not generations. There’s a groundedness here that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Should You Consider Ranchettes?
If you’re seeking space to grow, crave a peaceful atmosphere, and want easy access to Cheyenne without being in the middle of urban hustle, Ranchettes offers a rare lifestyle. It may not be for those who demand walkability or love ultra-modern amenities, but for families, retirees, and anyone who values tranquil living, it’s hard to beat.
From Pony Express Drive to Horse Creek Road, life in Ranchettes ticks to a friendlier, quieter rhythm—one that locals wouldn’t trade for anything.