Rock Springs- Already searched...few questions (Cheyenne, Sheridan: sales, houses, transfer to) - Wyoming (WY) - City-Data Forum

molon labe · 07-28-2007, 10:08 PM

Hey everybody.... My wife and I are considering a move to Rock Springs (yes I know, I'm probably the umteenth person to say this here) and I'm wondering about the place on a comparative basis.

I've lived in Cody, and I currently live in Modesto, CA (Central Valley). Cody was definitely a nice place to live, and Modesto definitely sucks. I've read the threads I could find about Rock Springs, and I still have a few unanswered questions.

Anybody lived around or visited the Modesto area that could give me a comparison? How about Cody?

I'm familiar with the Wyoming winter, and I know that Rock Springs is a boom town. I'm also aware that meth is a problem there, although I would be willing to bet my last dollar that it's nowhere near the problem there that it is where I currently live. Modesto (affectionately known as "Methdesto" by it's POW's) is one of the worst places in the nation for methamphetamine. It's also been ranked worst city in the US, and has the #1 or #2 highest auto theft rate in the US. Having lived here for most of my life, I think I'm equipped to live in the worst place in Wyoming and still consider it an improvement.

The only reason we're seriously looking at Rock Springs is because of a potential job I am interviewing for next week. It's a sales job (tired of working in a shop) that starts at a fair wage and is not at an energy company, although it is a supporting industry (welding products). This outfit also has locations in Cody and Sheridan (my top two choices) so a transfer is not out of the question once I learn the ropes and wait for an opening.

I've noticed that housing is expensive there, although by Modesto standards it's not bad at all. In fact, the Modesto area has experienced a larger housing boom than the Rock Springs area in the last five years. Some houses in this area increased in value by 2X in that time. After looking at home prices online, I have come to the conclusion that the RS/GR area is not the place to buy land (unless you're using it only for stock), but there are some decent homes that can be had for a reasonable price (by CA standards, once again).

Is there anything I'm missing here? From what I can tell, we would be trading problems for problems (some of the same stuff between our area and RS) but on a smaller scale in RS and we would be picking up lower home prices, higher salary (if the job happens) doing something I would prefer to do, prime hunting/fishing, lower taxes and cost of living, more freedom (CA is basically trying it's best to become socialist) with regards to nanny laws and gun laws (or lack thereof), and fewer people (WY has 10,0000 fewer people than the county I currently live in).

Any thoughts?

tallgirl · 07-28-2007, 11:56 PM

As far as meth goes, I think it's in every small town. I don't think you'll find one where it isn't a problem. It's a huge problem in Wyoming in general.

As for rock springs, I think it's ugly, but that's just me. Atleast you might have the chance to transfer to Sheridan or Cody.

One bonus to moving to WY from CA - no state income tax here. Did you remember that one? Figure that into the equation as well. I'm guessing that you have nasty taxes in CA. Your property taxes in RS would probably be a heck of a lot less as well.

Atleast you are aware that you are considering going into an industry that is tied into the energy industry. I think most of the state of WY, if not all of it, is boom/bust and tied into energy.

dwilke · 07-29-2007, 02:28 PM

I don't think Rock Springs is all that ugly. I originally moved there in 1973, and yes, it was ugly back then. No housing, no phones - I remember waiting for about 6 months to have a phone installed in my 'trailer'.

But, I lived in Wyoming until 2004, and I have to say that Rock Springs has improved dramatically since 1973. Believe me - DRAMATICALLY! They now have green belts and a very nice rec center, plus lots more. I sure wouldn't put it down too much. It's much improved.

However, I don't live in Wyoming at the present time. I'm now retired and moved to Texas. I know lots of people complain about how ugly Rock Spring is now - but , they don't have a clue about what ugly is, unless they ventured there in the early '70's.

molon labe · 07-29-2007, 02:59 PM

Thanks for the replies....

I don't think RS is ugly.... I kind of like the high-desert landscape; it has a beauty all it's own. I would definitely prefer Cody or Sheridan, but we can't be too picky when we initially move.

I am aware of the taxes in WY. Between property taxes and income taxes we'll be able to save $4-5k per year with just a move. CA is ridiculously expensive in these areas.... The powers that be seem to think that it is appropriate to redistribute wealth for their programs.

The CA assembly (their approval rating is right up there with STD infection and stepping on rusty nails, but they have the districts so rigged that they keep getting elected) just passed a budget that is $700M over what the state has. They're willing to go 3/4 of a billion dollars into debt just to keep their social programs running. It's completely unconscionable, and the burden gets passed right on the the taxpayer.

Can't wait to run away......

Earniefan · 07-29-2007, 04:52 PM

We have lived in RS for three years. We own a business(building houses) and plan to be here for a few more years. If you're planning to move on in a few years, it's tolerable here. It's definately not somewhere that you say to yourself, wow, it's so great here, let's live here forever! With that said there are a lot of natives here - 2nd, 3rd, and even 4th generation. You get used to shopping online and the drive to SLC. We did just get a new restaurant that's awesome, believe me this is worth reporting. The choices for a nice meal and atmosphere are very slim. As far as Wyoming wind goes, it's not bad here. If you have any more specific questions I'd be happy to answer them for you. You can also PM me if you'd like.

molon labe · 07-29-2007, 04:56 PM

Thanks Earnie.... I think what you're saying runs right along with my impression at this point. I've also notice the apparent restaurant predicament.... how do you think a Chili's would do there?

Earniefan · 07-29-2007, 05:07 PM

Based on the fact that Applebee's had their biggest opening day of anywhere in the U.S. right here in little RS, Chili's would go gangbuster's! The new restaurant I was talking about is Coyote Creek Steakhouse, so you know where to go if you move here, ;O).

molon labe · 07-29-2007, 06:04 PM

Hmmm.... I guess investing in the restaurant business (something I would usually avoid like the plague) would be a consideration there.....

One thing I haven't asked about is internet service.....

What's available there in RS? Since my wife and I have an online business that we operate on the side internet is a must. I don't need T1 or T3 or anything like that, but I would definitely require cable or DSL at least. Any thoughts?

Earniefan · 07-29-2007, 06:40 PM

I have dsl through Qwest(phone service here) they updated it awhile back and it's much better. I believe it's the best you can get here. Keep in mind we have caller id and call waiting just not caller id/call waiting, which to me defeats the purpose. We had it in Cheyenne so it's not a Wyoming thing. This gives you an idea of how far behind we are here, technilogically.

Part of the reason for not having great restaurants is the service, which is directly related to the lack of reliable drug free help in this area willing to work for less than twenty dollars an hour.

molon labe · 07-29-2007, 06:47 PM

So a smaller two-horse outfit that simply provides outstanding food would be the way to go there huh?

I have a friend up in Cody who has told me the drugs are an issue up there as well. He said you can get ten jobs by midnight if you can simply pass a drug test.