Maybe it's just local legend, but rumor has it that Rawlins and Brooklyn, New York City, have a bond. A pigment containing hematite, an oxide of iron, was mined in town many years ago. They say that the red pigment, added to paint, the "Rawlins Red," was used as the original paint on the Brooklyn Bridge because of its anti-rust properties.
Rawlins, Wyoming, is in Carbon County
Maybe it's just local legend, but rumor has it that Rawlins and Brooklyn, New York City, have a bond. A pigment containing hematite, an oxide of iron, was mined in town many years ago. They say that the red pigment, added to paint, the "Rawlins Red," was used as the original paint on the Brooklyn Bridge because of its anti-rust properties.
Rawlins, Wyoming, is in Carbon County. In fact, it is the county seat, which means you are right in the heart of the action, such as it is in Wyoming! The population is just over 9,200 people, making it a pretty good-sized city for the area. The city took its name as a way to honor a Civil War General for the Union, John Aaron Rawlins. General Rawlins is said to have camped in the area back in 1867. Today, Rawlins is the home of the Wyoming State Penitentiary, which is a pretty major employer in the area.
Moving to Rawlins
If your apartment search is taking you to Rawlins, you're in luck. This is the West of the movies. The wide-open vistas of Rawlins are where the Buffalo once roamed and the deer and the antelope still play. Think cowboys and high desert, and starry, starry nights.
Rawlins is just over eight square miles in land area and it sits at 6,800 feet above sea level. If you're coming from the lowlands, you just might feel that high altitude at first.
There are certainly four seasons in Rawlins. The most important thing to know is that the high desert is windy. Most days you're going to notice that the wind is blowing. Also, winters are pretty chilly at this elevation. The average temperatures are in the 30's in winter, which means some pretty cold days. Summers are cool and dry with average temperatures in the upper 70's to low 80's. Even if it hits 90 degrees, the dry air makes it easy to get yourself cooled off though. There is not much snow or rain, with an average of less than 10 inches of precipitation a year
There are quite a few apartments for rent in Rawlins. Most apartment complexes will have you fill out an application; some may run a credit check or a background check. Just be prepared to put up the first month's rent and a deposit and it should be pretty easy to snag a rental apartment in Rawlins.
Neighborhoods of Rawlins
Wyoming Highway 287 forms a loop around the city center and Interstate 80/Highway 30, also known as the Lincoln Highway, bisects Rawlins into north and south. There are quite a few options when it comes to apartments for rent in Rawlins. Here are a few ideas.
South Rawlins and City Center: This area is where it's at in Rawlins. Easy access to the Interstate 80 and the stores and shops of downtown make the area between Highway 287 and the interstate the most desirable part of town. There are plenty of buildings and complexes with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments for rent. In addition, it's not uncommon to find all bills paid apartments. This is great news if you're scared of those heating bills for those cold and windy winter days!
North Rawlins: North Rawlins is certainly more sparsely developed than the south of the city center. There are a couple of apartment buildings up this way but more home rentals than anything else. The elementary school is in this area also.
Living in Rawlins
Rawlins does sit out in the middle of Wyoming, pretty much all by itself, but this doesn't mean that the city is isolated or that you have to feel lonely.
Transportation
If you want to go visit the Brooklyn Bridge, to see if the paint was from Rawlins, you can hop on Interstate 80 that goes through the south part of Rawlins. It may be a long distance to a major city, but the interstate is in great condition and it's a pretty easy drive. The nearest city is Laramie to the east about an hour and half. You can get over to the capital of Cheyenne in two and half. There is also bus service provided by Greyhound.
Recreation
Rawlins does not want for public parks and activities. The city is really focused on the outdoors and the Department of Recreation Services offers a full range of activities and facilities for residents. The Rawlins Family Recreation Center provides a fitness center, gym space and racquetball courts, as well as an indoor shooting range.
The town is dotted with many parks, such as Rawlins Springs at W. Davis St. and Bennett St. that offers picnic tables and an old railroad caboose to play on, and it's sister park Tully Park at W. Elm St. and El Rancho Dr. that has the other end, the railroad engine!
Outdoors
Hiking, mountain biking, but especially fishing and hunting are very prominent in Rawlins. There is great fishing to be had nearby. Seminoe Reservoir is a great place to go for some Walleye or Trout, and the infamous North Platte River is just down the road, with miles and miles of pristine running water for some expert fishing. This is a land that is proud of its hunting heritage and you can find plenty of outfitters to take you out for deer and elk if you're ready to get into the sport yourself.
For a little less hardcore outdoor fun, the city has created a walking path around the city center. The trail is approximately 6.8 miles in total distance and the city publishes a map of the trail for convenience. It's a great way to see the town and get your exercise.
Entertainment
There is a three-screen movie theater in town that shows the latest flicks. After a movie, there are plenty of options for a great meal too. There are the usual fast food stops, of course, but Rawlins has some great local favorites, too.
Rawlins may be the picture of the American West, but one of the best restaurants in town is Thai! Anong's Thai Cuisine is consistently rated at the top of the list by locals. Secondly, and still not serving up cowboy fare, is Rose's Lariat. This Mexican restaurant gets rave reviews for their red and green chili and liberal use of the Poblano! Other good options include Huckleberry's Espresso & Ice Cream and Buck's Sports Grill.
If you find yourself looking for an apartment for rent in Rawlins, rest assured that despite its remote location, the city has everything you might need or want and does it with a western flair!
