Hey, I've been here for 4 years and It's a a small town city with about 23,994 people. You can expect to pay around $2,433 for rent here. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
15 upvotes
6 Replies
Aiden Gomez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Fairview. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
Delilah Stewart
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 5 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is improving - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Doris R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Dallas about 15 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
Olivia L.
bump
18 upvotes
delilah_mama
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 7 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Eli Nguyen
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Greenfield area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
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