Making a blind decision (West Valley City, Sandy: real estate, houses, neighborhoods)

[klhart]

My spouse has an unexpected, but outstanding job offer in SLC. My main concern is moving our high schoolers. Where in the world do I begin to find quality, accurate information about this? It's hard to trust a realtor and obviously we don't know anyone in SLC yet. Many thanks in advance to all with the voice of experience willing to share!

[chazcrew]

Do you have any beginning parameters to work with? As in, how long of a commute do you want? Is the job on the north or south end of the valley, or right downtown? Do you want a more urban lifestyle, or something in the quiet burbs? How outstanding is the offer? Meaning, can you afford to live anywhere you want, or do you need to economize?

If you find specific areas or homes you're interested in, a realtor (or sometimes the listing itself) can tell you which school district it's in, and then you can research the high school that your kids would be going to.

You can also look at Utah Real Estate - Your One Stop Source for Searching Real Estate in Utah to see what kind of homes are out there, and what they're being listed at. Lots of people on here can give you information about different areas if you tell us what you're looking for. Congratulations on the job offer!

[klhart]

Thanks for responding. The offer would allow us to live just about anywhere. But were not McMansion people...a nice 4 bedroom with a great kitchen and nice patio for entertaining would be great. As for the commute, it depends on traffic. Does the traffic move or is it a bumper to bumper crawl? If there is a particular school district or high school that really stands out we'd probably start there and see what the real estate looks like. The school will drive where and maybe even what we buy, the house is not the priority.

[chazcrew]

Traffic is pretty bad these days. If you'll be working in SLC, then the drive from Davis County (north of SLC) can be terrible. It's not as bad from the south (Utah County), but it's still bad sometimes. Depending where you're coming from, it might be better or worse than you're used to. If you're coming from California, then this is nothing.

In general, the eastern side of Salt Lake tends to be the nicer side. You can find more diversity and a younger, hipper scene in the Avenues or Sugarhouse, or basically near the University of Utah. You can find older, classic houses in those areas as well, or you can look for newer neighborhoods full of families in some of the suburbs like Sandy, West Jordan, or South Jordan. Any of these areas would be an okay commute from each other (you still didn't mention where the job itself is located). There are a few neighborhoods I'd definitely avoid, like Rose Park, Magna, and West Valley City (although coolcats lives on the far west side of WVC and says there are some nice developments there now, so probably just really stay away from the Redwood Rd area).

I don't know about the schools, unfortunately. I can tell you more about Utah County schools, if you decide to look that direction and commute. Lone Peak High School (in Highland) is very good. Davis High School (in Farmington, in Davis County) is also good. But I don't know much about the SLC high schools. I think Granite is supposed to be a good district. Park City schools are good, if you're thinking of looking in that area. Once again, that would require a commute, and that commute is particularly hairy in the winter.

We need a SLC resident with high-school-aged children to chime in here!

[east_tennessee_family]

As with you guys, my husband has been offered a position that we should NOT turn down. We have a 13 year old son and he IS our main concern. I have LIVED on the internet for 2 days now and researched everything I can find but it's a scary situation. Good luck with your move. We are looking at Pleasant View because of the school reputation.

[alexei27]

You CAN trust some realtors. I wont advertise on here...but definitely contact me privately if you are interested in someone (and no it's not me!!!

I have bought and sold twice in SLC and have the most wonderful realtor.

PM me please!!

[eggalegga]

Will your kids be attending private or public school?

[east_tennessee_family]

you need to go read my post ie....North Ogden or Pleasant View...and look at what this nice retired lady just told me. Its appalling

[malindall]

Hey East!

I am also moving to Utah soon. I am considering South Ogden because I found a private school there that I really liked. Don't worry too much. I visited SLC for 5 days in August. The people are kind. They are not friendly in the sort of way that native southerners are, you sort have to initiate the conversation. But southerners are used to that!! LOL We basically become best friends with the girl checking our groceries, people standing in line next to us at the post office, anyone we come in contact with during the day!! LOL
Well, in Utah I found the people very friendly if you made the first move. Of course I was there only briefly but I liked it. When I shared with people the fact that I was relocating ,and how beautiful it was, and asked about the area, people were sooo helpful. I think we will both like it!

Malinda ( a native Texan)

[east_tennessee_family]

Thanks Malinda. whats the name of the private school? You are correct in saying we make best friends with whomever we come into contact with. Its a southern THANG.....can't seem to help ourselves.