Affordable Western state for Gen-X'er (real estate, good schools, income)

[bluebird39]

Is there any place in the West to live anymore for us younger generation? We just moved to Michigan from Oregon to be closer to family and to afford to live on one income while our kids are little.

My husband's best job opportunities are in the West though (wildland firefighting), and I know we'll eventually move back, but where?

What Western state has good schools and affordable property? Is there such a place?

TIA

[DanC33]

Originally Posted by bluebird39

Is there any place in the West to live anymore for us younger generation? We just moved to Michigan from Oregon to be closer to family and to afford to live on one income while our kids are little.

My husband's best job opportunities are in the West though (wildland firefighting), and I know we'll eventually move back, but where?

What Western state has good schools and affordable property? Is there such a place?

TIA

Forget Nevada! Schools are some of the worst in the country, healthcare systems stink, way overpriced real estate and we were voted 2nd most dangerous state.There are some nice areas in northern California southern Oregon.

[dullnboring]

Utah has some pretty good schools and it isn't criminally expensive....yet.

[bluebird39]

Yeah, it seems like the SW state rate poorly in education. Maybe because so many retirees are moving there? Don't know...

What about the Rocky Mtn states?