"I don't have orders yet. Is it too early to start?"
not even a little
Some of the smartest moves you'll make happen before the hard orders ever arrive.
This guide walks you through the logistics, the money, and the housing decision that quietly matters most, so when your orders come through, you're not scrambling. You're already a few steps ahead. Read it start to finish, or jump straight to the part keeping you up at night. Either way, I've got you.
Welcome to Cheyenne, I'm
Lexie Bowman
"This isn't your standard relocation guide filled with information you could just Google."
I didn't just start selling homes near F.E. Warren, I moved here on orders too. So none of this is theory. It's the exact playbook I've run for my own family and for 75+ others.
I'm an active duty military spouse myself, my husband's Air Force career started in 2013, and F.E. Warren became our first duty station in 2014 once he finished basic training and tech school. So when I tell you which gate to avoid at 4:30 on a Friday or which neighborhood actually keeps your utilities down, it's because I've lived it, not Googled it.
We're a family of five now, three kids, two of them born right here in Cheyenne. So when we talk schools, daycare, or pediatricians, I'm not just handing you a list, I've actually sat in those waiting rooms.
Instead of generic relocation tips, I'm sharing my personal insights, local secrets, and the kind of honest advice I wish someone had given me during our own first move here.
The stressful part on paper, but the part that goes smoothest when you know what's coming. Tap any step to open it up.
3–6 months out
Receive orders and start researching your new location.
2–3 months out
Begin the housing search and contact a real estate agent.
1–2 months out
Secure housing and schedule transportation.
2–4 weeks out
Finalize moving details and conduct home inspections.
Moving week
Complete your final walkthrough and sign closing documents.
Contact me right away. The earlier we connect, the more options you'll have. I've helped clients start their home search up to 6 months before their move to get ahead of the competition.
On-base housing waitlists can run 6+ months for certain floor plans or neighborhoods. Apply immediately even if you're leaning toward buying, it gives you a solid backup option either way.
May through August is our busiest PCS season, when inventory is lowest and competition is highest. If your orders land in summer, let's start early and be ready to move quickly when the right home shows up.
Try to close on your home about 2 weeks before your report date if possible. That gives you time to handle any issues before moving in, and adds flexibility with temporary lodging.
Gate 1: M–F, 7am–5pm. Arrive before 6:30am or after 4:45pm to avoid the worst of it.
Gate 2: M–F, 6:30–8:30am & 3–5pm. My secret weapon for avoiding traffic when it's open, way less congested than Gate 5.
Gate 5: Open 24/7 historically, though hours can shift, keep an eye on the base Facebook page.
Visitor Center (Gate 1): Lines run long depending on time of day, plan for at least 30 minutes and bring two forms of ID.
Commissary (Bldg. 720): Recently renovated, new bakery and flooring. Tuesday mornings are the quietest, avoid weekends and payday (the 1st and 15th).
Base Exchange (Bldg. 722): Right next to the Commissary, the food court has Bangkok Bites Thai food, worth checking out.
Medical Facility (90th Medical Group, Bldg. 160): The first and third Thursday of the month, everything closes at 11:30am, plan appointments around it.
Fall Hall Recreation: Rentals, an indoor rock wall, Awake Coffee Shop, a kids' play area, and the ITT ticket office. Rarely crowded, some of the best gear rental deals around.
North American Van Lines (Cheyenne): DoD-approved carrier.
Arrow Moving & Storage (Cheyenne): Locally based, strong documentation and paperwork handling.
DW Moving Company LLC (Cheyenne): Local, military-experienced team.
Staybridge Suites Cheyenne: Military rate typically $120–$140/night (call to confirm current pricing). Full kitchens (stove, fridge, dishwasher, microwave) in every suite, huge for a longer stay. 307-634-6370.
My Place Hotel-Cheyenne: Military rate starting around $109/night. Kitchens in every room, dog-friendly, and their Stay Rewarded membership knocks up to 10% off when you book direct. 307-634-1400.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Cheyenne: Military rate starting around $149/night. In-room kitchens, free hot breakfast, indoor pool, good if you've got kids along for the move. 307-475-1700.
Furnished housing, my go-to: Comfy House Rentals (303-828-4800), specifically caters to military families near F.E. Warren, not just business travelers. Rates typically run below extended-stay hotel pricing and often fit within TLA, ask them for a quote based on your dates. Utilities included, high-speed internet, fully equipped kitchens, 24/7 maintenance, flexible terms from a few weeks up to a year.
Private short-term rentals: Furnished Finder is the go-to site, built specifically for traveling professionals and military families, with no service fee for renters. Facebook groups for Cheyenne/F.E. Warren PCS families are worth checking too, owners often post there before listing elsewhere. Since these are private listings, verify directly with the owner, ask for recent reviews, and don't send money before seeing real photos of the actual unit. Always mention you're military, many owners offer 10–15% discounts that aren't advertised online.
Your PCS checklist
0 of 0 done
Part Two
Your Pay
Every entitlement that shows up in your PCS, and where the real money actually is.
01
Dislocation Allowance
Varies by rank and dependency status. An E-6 with dependents receives about $3,548, an O-3 with dependents about $4,042. Full rates by rank are at militaryonesource.mil.
02
DITY Move
You arrange and pay for your own move, and the military reimburses you what it would have cost them. You keep the difference if you spend less.
03
Temporary Lodging Expense
Covers up to 21 days of lodging for a CONUS move, split between your old and new duty station however your timeline requires.
04
Weight Allowances
Based on rank. Your Transportation Office can give you your exact allowance before you book your move.
find your number, one tap
Your F.E. Warren BAH
$2,217/ month
Across a 36-month tour ≈ $79,812
Official 2026 F.E. Warren AFB rates, effective January 1, 2026, sourced from the Defense Travel Management Office. Rates change annually and vary by individual circumstances, always confirm your exact figure.
The good news
Your BAH should cover most of your mortgage on a home in most neighborhoods around base, especially in Sun Valley or The Avenues.
The challenge
Current BAH rates typically fall about $200–$250 short of covering mortgage and utilities on homes larger than 2,000 sq ft. Many families budget a little extra from base pay to cover it.
My recommendation
If maximizing BAH coverage matters to your family, I can show you neighborhoods like Saddle Ridge where newer construction keeps utilities lower, or homes with energy-efficient features that cut monthly costs.
Part Three
"Where should I live?"
The single decision that shapes your whole tour. Let's look at every path honestly.
On-base housing, the autopilot move
Understandable, and worth applying for as a backup even if you're leaning toward buying.
Waitlists for certain floor plans or neighborhoods can run 6+ months, apply the moment you get orders.
No down payment, no mortgage process, and no home to sell when you PCS out.
You won't build any equity during your time here, and you don't control maintenance timelines.
Worth weighing alongside your specific family size and floor plan needs.
Long waitlistsNo equity builtMaintenance is out of your hands
Off-base renting, flexible, but you're paying someone else's mortgage
A solid option if you know your stay is short or your plans are still uncertain.
More flexibility if your timeline or orders are still up in the air.
Typically requires a security deposit plus first month's rent up front.
No equity built, and your rent payment doesn't come back to you.
I can help you find military-friendly landlords and short-term options too.
Upfront deposit costsNo equityTricky with pets
Buying, an option to invest in yourself
Laramie County home prices have grown 82% over the last decade, and homes now move in about a month, less than half the wait from ten years ago.
Your VA loan means no down payment required on homes under the $832,750 county limit.
Military families typically move every 2–4 years, so I focus on neighborhoods with strong resale value and short market times.
Many of my military clients keep their Cheyenne home as a rental after they PCS out, I can help you evaluate that too.
Wyoming's low property taxes and no state income tax help offset the market's recent price growth.
Fast-moving marketZero down with VAResale within 3–4 yrs
Ten years of the Laramie County market
This is straight from my MLS, median sale price and average days on market, single-family homes, Laramie County, 2016 through 2026 year-to-date. No guessing, no national real estate site averaging in the whole state.
Median sale price, single-family homes, Laramie County MLS data, 2016–2026 year-to-date.
82%Median price growth, Laramie County, 2016 to 2026
32 daysAverage time on market in 2026, down from 48 in 2016
6.2%Average annual growth over the past decade
Why buy near F.E. Warren
01
Steady demand
F.E. Warren keeps a constant flow of military families cycling through Cheyenne, so there's always someone behind you needing a home too.
02
A market that's actually cooled off, sensibly
After the 2021-2022 spike, growth has settled into a steadier pace, homes now average about a month on market instead of the 20-day frenzy of 2021. Good for buyers who want room to think.
03
Wyoming's tax advantage
No state income tax, low property taxes, and no sales tax on groceries. Over a typical assignment, that adds up.
Making your VA loan stand out
$832,750County VA loan limit, no down payment needed under this
21 familiesHelped purchase with VA loans this past year, including in multiple-offer situations
2/1 buydownOften saves more than negotiating price over a typical 3–4 year assignment
My presentation strategy: I showcase the strength of VA loans in every offer I write, highlighting guaranteed funding, competitive rates, and faster-than-average closing times in our market. My lender advantage: I partner with military-specialized lenders who provide a quicker close and personally call listing agents to confirm the strength of your pre-approval, so your offer carries real weight even with zero down.
My insider tips: work with lenders who specialize in military loans, since many local lenders know VA loans inside and out and some offer special military buyer incentives. Get your Certificate of Eligibility early too, some buyers face unexpected eligibility snags that can delay things if they're not caught ahead of time.
A real example: $350,000 today
Let's make this concrete. Here's what a home closer to the middle of most of our neighborhoods actually looks like on paper, VA loan, zero down, first-time use.
The Loan
Purchase price$350,000
VA funding fee (first use, 2.15%, financed in)$7,525
Total loan amount$357,525
Rate5.85%, 30-yr fixed
The Monthly Payment
Principal & interest$2,109
Property taxes$129
Homeowners insurance$175
Total monthly payment$2,413
An O-2E (BAH $2,427) essentially covers this on its own. An E-6 with dependents (BAH $2,217) closes the rest with about $196/month from base pay. No PMI and no down payment either way, the VA funding fee shown above is rolled right into the loan.
Three years from now
Based on your typical PCS timeline and Laramie County's actual 10-year average growth rate.
$14,375Principal paid down through your mortgage payments
$69,220Estimated appreciation at the 6.2% historical average
$83,594Estimated equity built, before selling costs
This is an illustrative example, not a guarantee or financial advice. It assumes a first-time VA loan use, current rates and my real MLS averages, and doesn't include HOA dues, maintenance, or the roughly 6–8% in typical costs to sell (agent commission, closing costs) if you sold at that 3-year mark. Rates, taxes, insurance, and appreciation all change. I'm not a lender or financial advisor, talk with one of the lenders below for numbers specific to your exact situation.
What you need to get pre-approved
Most lenders just need a few minutes and a handful of documents to get you pre-approved. That tells you your rate and, just as important, the price point that keeps your payment comfortable.
Your most recent LES
A current bank statement
Orders bringing you to F.E. Warren, once you have them
Your last 2 years of tax returns
Ages of all dependents
Your Certificate of Eligibility, or I can help you pull it
Planning for your military lifestyle
Military homebuyers have considerations my civilian clients don't face. Here's how I help you plan for what's ahead, not just the purchase in front of you.
01
Deployment-ready homes
Before you even make an offer, I help you evaluate properties with deployment in mind, from security features to maintenance requirements. We'll build a personalized deployment readiness plan, or even one for just trips to the field, covering everything from automated lawn care to trusted emergency contacts.
02
Future PCS potential
Military families typically move every 2–4 years, so I focus on neighborhoods with strong resale value and shorter market times, homes that stay easy to sell when your next orders come through.
03
Investment opportunity
Many of my military clients keep their Cheyenne home as a rental after they PCS out. I'll help you identify properties with rental-friendly layouts, durable finishes, and locations near base that attract future military tenants.
Property management solutions: when you receive your next orders, I can connect you with property management companies who specialize in caring for homes owned by service members, they handle everything from tenant screening to emergency repairs while you're stationed elsewhere.
Lenders who understand military needs
I've personally vetted these lenders based on their experience with military clients, their understanding of VA loans, and consistent on-time closings.
Every neighborhood here has a different personality. Here's my honest read on the four I recommend most to military families.
Saddle Ridge
East of base · ~15 min to Main Gate
HousingNewer single-family, twin homes, townhomes
Price range$330,000–$650,000
One of the most walkable, family-friendly newer communities in Cheyenne, with miles of trails, two parks, and about 80% of the neighborhood carrying zero HOA restrictions. The commute's longer, but you get more house for your money and a real sense of community.
Classic Cheyenne charm, tree-lined streets, walkable to downtown shops and restaurants, and one of the shortest commutes to base you'll find. Homes have more personality but often need some updating, so budget for that going in.
Sun Valley
East of base · ~15 min to Main Gate
HousingRaised-ranch and split-level homes
Price range$255,000–$420,000
One of the best-kept secrets for affordability in Cheyenne, you can land a solid four-bedroom with a two-car garage well under $400K. Tucked off the main roads, so it's quieter than neighborhoods near the interstate.
Sweetgrass
South of base · ~15 min to Gate 2
HousingNew construction in a master-planned community
Price range$500,000–$725,000
Cheyenne's newest master-planned community, with new construction options and trails connecting to the Greenway. A walkable village center with shops is planned but still a ways off, for now you're getting brand-new construction and a real neighborhood feel.
Part Five
Getting to know Cheyenne
You're moving somewhere with real character. Let's make sure you actually get to enjoy it.
Where's my base? Before anything else, it helps to see where F.E. Warren sits relative to the rest of Cheyenne. Good news: this is a small town, nothing here is more than about 15 minutes away, so commute isn't something you need to stress over.
Serves Cheyenne and F.E. Warren AFB. Includes 3 high schools (Cheyenne Central, East, and South), an alternative high school, 3 junior highs, and 29 elementary schools.
Private options
St. Mary's Catholic (PK–6), Trinity Lutheran (PK–8), Montessori School of Cheyenne (PK–K), and Destiny Christian Academy (K–12).
School Liaison Officer
F.E. Warren has its own on-base School Liaison Officer (Bldg. 213, Randall Ave) who helps with registration, special ed and gifted programs, and boundary waivers.
East Triad
Carey Junior High feeds into Cheyenne East High School, known for standout athletics and full-time counselors easing the transition into high school.
Central Triad
McCormick Junior High feeds into Central High School, known for strong AP access and dual enrollment with Laramie County Community College.
South Triad
Johnson Junior High feeds into South High School.
Which triad you land in depends on your specific address, not just which neighborhood you're near, so this is one of the first things I check with you once we start looking at homes.
Childcare
On-base CDC
Waitlists can run 6+ months, get on the list immediately upon receiving orders. Warren's Family Child Care program is a solid backup at the same subsidized rate.
307-631-2645
Little Beans Playhouse
Infants through school-age, licensed for 80 kids, with transportation to several local elementary schools.
4620 Grandview Ave, Suite 108 · 307-514-1300
Creative Compass
Ages 3 through Pre-K, small 5:1 class sizes, STEM and literacy-focused curriculum.
1215 E Pershing Blvd · 307-286-4369
Spouse employment
Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
The area's major hospital system, regularly hiring across clinical and administrative roles.
State of Wyoming / Laramie County
Steady public-sector openings in administration, education, and health services.
F.E. Warren AFB civilian/NAF
On-base jobs come with Military Spouse Preference, a DoD hiring preference that gives spouses priority consideration.
Wyoming's licensing boards are required to fast-track military spouse applications. Reach out to the relevant board directly with your current license info, and I'm happy to point you toward the right contacts.
Healthcare beyond the base
UCHealth Primary Care
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm. Accepts TRICARE.
5050 Powderhouse Road · 307-634-1311
Dellrange Pediatrics
Same-day sick visits available. Accepts TRICARE.
4605 N College Dr
Express Urgent Care
Open 7 days a week. Accepts TRICARE.
7124 Commons Drive, Suite C · 307-426-4060
Where the locals actually go
King Soopers
My go-to for the freshest produce and a solid bakery selection.
3702 Dell Range Blvd
Sprouts Farmers Market
Wyoming's very first Sprouts location, great for specialty and health-focused items.
5214 Rue Terre
Natural Grocers
100% organic produce, bulk foods, supplements, and free nutrition coaching if you want it.
1851 Dell Range Blvd
Blue Federal Credit Union
Branches on and off base, and it actually started right on F.E. Warren back in 1951. Part of the CO-OP shared branching network, so it moves with you at your next PCS.
Paramount Cafe
Downtown coffee shop with great coffee and an even better atmosphere.
PlayCity
Dedicated indoor playground with separate areas for toddlers and older kids, a great stop when the little ones need to burn off energy.
600 E. Carlson St.
Vedauwoo Recreation Area
30 minutes away, with amazing hiking, rock climbing, and camping most new arrivals don't discover for months.
Curt Gowdy State Park
25 minutes out, with 30+ miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing, and a boat launch across three reservoirs.
Lions Park
Sloans Lake for fishing and paddle boats, plus a municipal pool with two water slides, a family favorite all summer.
Out-of-town guest favorites
Smokey's BBQ
A Little Taste of Texas, a local food truck doing real Texas-style barbecue.
Westby Edge Brewing
Craft beer and artisan pizza at an actual family-friendly local brewery.
714 W 20th St
Mort's Bagels
Incredible breakfast sandwiches and New York-style bagels you won't find elsewhere in town.
Frontier Trampoline Park
The go-to rainy day activity to wear your kids out.
3501 E Lincolnway
Fridays on the Plaza
Free outdoor concerts every Friday, June through August, at Depot Plaza downtown.
Terry Bison Ranch
Train rides up to a real bison herd, horseback trail rides, wagon rides, and animals to feed. A guaranteed hit with kids.
Annual events worth planning around
Cheyenne Restaurant Week
April, a full week of local restaurants offering special menus citywide. Book popular spots early, they fill up fast.
Cheyenne Frontier Days
July, the world's largest outdoor rodeo with concerts and parades. Block off the whole second half of July, and book lodging early if you're PCSing in around this time.
Cheyenne Greek Festival
September, traditional Greek food, dancing, and live music at Frontier Park. Go early, the food lines get long.
Why Work With Me
How I serve military clients
My husband's commissioning, February 2024. Our kids have grown a bit since then, but this is us, the family behind Bowman Home Group.
I'll be your eyes and ears
Detailed video tours that show you everything, the good, the bad, and the real
I test water pressure, check cell reception, and open every closet
Narrated neighborhood tours with real distance from base
I'll handle everything while you're away
Attend inspections on your behalf with live video updates
Find and coordinate qualified repair contractors
Help set up utilities before you arrive, and handle key exchanges
I'll work around your military schedule
Available evenings and weekends around duty schedules
Comfortable working across time zones for deployed or overseas buyers
Experience with contingencies and power of attorney situations
I'll connect you with military-friendly pros
Lenders who specialize in VA loans and understand BAH
Inspectors who know what to look for in a home you might resell in 3–4 years
Contractors who offer military discounts and respect your timeline
My remote buying process
I've refined this through helping dozens of military families buy sight-unseen.
Initial strategy callWe discuss your must-haves, budget, and timeline.
Custom home searchDaily updates on new properties matching your criteria.
Virtual toursNarrated video tours where I point out the pros and the cons.
Neighborhood toursI drive the streets, check commute times, and scout local amenities.
Offer & negotiationLeveraging my local knowledge to get you the best terms.
Inspection attendanceI attend and video call you in for every inspection.
Closing coordinationDigital closing solutions or power of attorney options, whatever fits your situation.
My difference: I'll show you the water stain on the ceiling and measure the actual room dimensions, not just the pretty kitchen.
Commonly Asked Questions
Questions I hear every week
If yours isn't here, just reach out. These conversations are the whole reason I do this.
The sooner, the better! Even if you're 6 months out, reaching out early gives us time to talk through your needs, get your financing in order, and start watching the market for the right opportunities.
No! We can begin the research phase and even start looking at homes before your orders are finalized. For VA loan pre-approval and making offers, you'll typically need your official orders. Let's talk through your timeline and I'll advise on the best approach.
This is where my virtual buying services come in. Through video calls I can show you homes in real time, answer questions, and show you the details you'd want to see in person. I've helped many military families buy sight-unseen with great success.
A valid concern for military buyers. There are several contingencies we can put in place to protect you, and certain loan options work better for uncertain timelines. Let's talk through your specific situation so I can help you navigate it.
VA loans offer amazing benefits (no down payment, competitive rates, no PMI), but there are situations where other loan types work better depending on your circumstances. I'm happy to connect you with lenders who specialize in military relocations so you can see all your options.
This varies a lot depending on your rank, family status, and the local market. Rather than a generic answer, I'd rather sit down with you and review your full financial picture to find a comfortable price range that accounts for BAH, other housing costs, and your long-term goals.
Just some basics about your family size, housing preferences, timeline, and budget considerations. Then we'll schedule a call to dig into your specific needs. Reach out today and I'll send you my quick PCS questionnaire to kick things off.
The first step is a casual conversation about your needs, no obligation. If we decide to work together, I'll walk you through the buyer broker agreement and how I'll represent your interests throughout the process. Military relocations have unique considerations, so this initial consultation matters more than it might for a typical buyer.
Don't Just Take My Word For It
What military families say
5.0 ★ across 15 Google reviews. Here's what military families say about making the move with me.
★★★★★
We had a short notice PCS and Lexie was wonderful through the whole thing. She got to work immediately doing virtual showings, and when we found the house we wanted she made it happen. She was our advocate, at every inspection, our eyes on the ground since we couldn't be there.
Lauren B. · Short-notice PCS
★★★★★
Since we were buying a new construction home from out of state while going through a military PCS, there were a lot of moving parts. Lexie made the whole process so much easier than we expected, FaceTiming us through design selections and giving us updates on the build.
PJ V. · Out-of-state build, PCS
★★★★★
I wasn't able to fly out to see any properties in person, and Lexie did everything to make buying a home feel natural. She did walk throughs on multiple homes on video and commented on every good and bad thing she could see, down to loose floor boards and a funny smell.
Dan · Google review, sight-unseen buyer
★★★★★
Buying a home can be stressful, but Lexie made the entire experience so easy for us because of her dedication, hard work, and commitment to her clients. Even when we ran into a few hiccups along the way, she handled everything quickly and always made sure things got taken care of.
Maggie H. · Cheyenne home buyer
Let's Connect
You don't have to figure this out alone
10 years in Wyoming real estate, an active duty household of my own since 2013, and 75+ military families home. I share real talk about F.E. Warren and Cheyenne constantly, and when you're ready, let's make your move a smart one.
Reach out directly
However you prefer to connect, I'll respond quickly.
