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Sarah Sanchez living

Is West Valley City getting better or worse?

Anyone else feel this way? Military spouse here. You can expect to pay around $1,445 for rent here. Poverty rate is 8.2%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Any advice would be great. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
6 upvotes

9 Replies

Delilah Baker
couldn't agree more
37 upvotes
Allison Murphy
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
36 upvotes
Amelia Allen
thanks for sharing
18 upvotes
Eli Mitchell
hmm interesting perspective
16 upvotes
Leonardo Castillo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a lawyer, 29, moved here 11 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Midtown and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The job market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Chicago, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.

**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
16 upvotes
Wesley Ramirez
facts
13 upvotes
Isabella Morris
+1
12 upvotes
Audrey Cox
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Highland for 5 years. Moved from Seattle for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.

**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Highland schools are better than expected. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited shopping options. And dating scene can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
chill_delilah33
as a local I can confirm
0 upvotes
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