Looking at moving to Wyoming, Idaho or Montana. (real estate, employment)

[MommaS]

My husband and I are looking at moving. We are not in a big hurry, but have talked a lot about it. I am from Southern Oregon, Medford area, and he is from Northern California. The real Nor Cal. Some people think Sacramento is northern california, but I'm talking about a town with 500 or less and about 3 hours from Medford. Anyways, we have lived in his hometown of Adin for the last 5 years before moving to Medford last year to look for more opportunities. Unfortunatley, Medford has been hit just like many others by the bad economy. So we are trying to find somewhere were we can raise two young kids (5 & 2) safely, but still make a decent living. My husband as been a firefighter with CAL-Fire for 6 years and I've worked as an EMT. We have been looking online at a few places but dont have our hearts set on anything yet. We want to stay on the west coast. We were looking at Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Any ideas as to good places to raise a family? We are used to rural living so that is not an issue for us. But we would also like to be somewhat close to shopping and other stuff. Thank you for your help!!!

[sunsprit]

Given the economic realities of the region right now, I think your priority to select a place to move to will be guided by where you can find gainful employment at a income level that will allow you to live "decently".

IMO, these Rocky Mountain States aren't inexpensive places to live ... although the appeal of low taxes and some lower expenses compared to where you are at now may sound attractive ....

The wage scales out here are much lower, too. You won't be gaining anything by finding a job paying so little that you can't find affordable housing and your costs of living met.

[NDak15]

This is good advice sunsprit. MommaS, I responded to your question on the Montana forum.

[Sunshinegirl4650atY]

Giving up 2 good jobs between you 2 would be an unwise choice to move without 2 jobs lined up that you can count on.

[MommaS]

Originally Posted by Sunshinegirl4650atY

Giving up 2 good jobs between you 2 would be an unwise choice to move without 2 jobs lined up that you can count on.

We wouldn't move anywhere without having found a job first

[NW Crow]

Sounds like you are still very flexible about where you might go but it may be hard to get many recommendations unless you give some further guidance about preferred town size to be near (under 5,000, 5-25,000 or bigger?) and how far you would be willing to go to get to a bigger town when needed or desired (1 hour, 2 hours or longer?) With even tentative answers to those questions, you can identify targets to check out further. You can always shift and look at others later but it would give you a place to start.

[bobbymcsnoddy]

I agree with Sunsprit. I live in Wyoming and the wages are pretty low here unless you're in the energy field. I also lived in Montana for many years and the same is true there (unless you work for the railroad). Both are good places to live, but if you're looking for "shopping" and city type amenities, Idaho and Montana are better options. The biggest city in Wyoming is still only around 55,000. I like the fact that Wyo. has no state income tax. Real estate here, however, is relatively expensive considering the remoteness of our location. FYI, my extended family lives in the Medford area. I'm with you... I'd get out and move to the Rockies.

[jody_wy]

Cache valley Utah or better Idaho

[Goin'toasquarestate]

Montpilier Idaho?

[jody_wy]

Originally Posted by Goin'toasquarestate

Montpilier Idaho?

That Bear Lake Valley You still got 50+ miles to Logan