16 Pros and Cons of Living in West Valley City, UT

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If you’ve been contemplating moving to West Valley City, Utah, many questions may arise.

Many people know it for being the second-largest town in the state of Utah, not to mention one of the best places to live in the entire state.

West Valley City provides residents with affordable living, diversity, and a distinctive location.

To aid in determining whether West Valley City is the most ideal for you, continue reading to learn all there is to know so that you can make the most appropriate decision.

Pros of Living in West Valley City, UT

1. Affordable Cost of Living

West Valley City is reasonably affordable, yet it depends on where you’re moving from.

In comparison to the rest of the country, West Valley City has a good cost of living index score.

General living expenses in West Valley City look something like this:

• Cappuccino: $4.78
• Meal at a restaurant: $20.00
• 1 pound of chicken filets: $4.37
• 12 oz. bottle of water: $1.77
• Monthly metro pass: $85
• Average utility bill: $276

The real estate market in West Valley City is also reasonable.

The average price of a home here is $449,000.

2. Stable Economy

West Lake City’s economy is thriving.

The unemployment rate is 3.6%, much lower than the national average.

Over the past year alone, West Valley City’s job market has increased by 1.5%.

Moreover, future job growth is expected to increase to 39% over the next ten years.

The sales tax rate is 6.9%, which is slightly lower than the U.S. average of 7.3%.

With these numbers, it’s pretty simple to see why people are flocking to West Lake City.

3. Excellent Education

The second-largest public school district is conveniently located in West Valley City.

Not only is it a large school district, but it’s also one of the largest districts in the entire country.

More than 68,000 students attend schools within the Granite School District alone.

It’s an impressive district that has various awards to showcase.

Students attending these schools can count on an array of learning and curriculum options.

4. Rational Climate

You will have the opportunity to get a taste of all four seasons while living in West Valley City.

From hot summers to snowy winters, West Valley City offers it all.

Summers are regularly hot and dry, with temperatures varying between 93 degrees and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Winters, on the other hand, are cold and snowy.

Temperatures average around 23 degrees Fahrenheit.

Living in West Valley City provides you with a taste of both worlds.

5. Perfect for Outdoor Recreation

There are an endless number of hiking, walking, and biking trails in West Valley City.

Do you plan on partaking in your favorite outdoor adventure?

You won’t run out of options in West Valley City.

There are more than 30 beautiful parks in the city for both individuals and families to enjoy.

Do you enjoy skiing?

Feel free to check out more than 4 gorgeous ski resorts located within an hour’s drive from the city.

One thing is for certain, you’ll never get bored if you love the outdoors.

6. Affordable Housing

As of September 2023, the listing prices for homes had declined by 2.2%.

There are approximately nine neighborhoods in West Valley City.

Homes here range from 44.9K to 2.2M.

Overall, you’re sure to find something within your price range and affordable.

Homes sell just after 41 days of being on the market on average in West Valley City.

This means that homes are in high demand here.

7. Entertainment Is Plentiful

The town of West Valley City boasts entertainment.

Whether you’re looking for a concert, theater, or festival, West Valley City offers it all.

One of the most notable festivals is the Wasatch International Food Festival, which takes place once a year featuring some of the best restaurants in town and plenty of music and fun.

The Maverick Center, also located in West Valley City, is home to the Utah Grizzlies.

If you’re in the mood for a good old-fashioned hockey game, this is the place to be.

8. Great for Shopping

Who doesn’t enjoy shopping?

West Valley City has recently turned into a shopping and entertainment hub.

Families greatly enjoy the variety of shops and department stores located in Valley Fair.

This is a freshly remodeled center featuring a bowling alley, and over 20 restaurants.

Fairbourne Station is another perfect shopping center.

Here you’ll indulge in some of the best retailers and dining options.

Cons of Living in West Valley City, UT

1. High Earthquake Risk

Earthquakes are a real risk in West Valley City.

Since 1931 alone, there have been a total of 395 earthquakes in West Valley City.

This can be problematic for some who haven’t experienced earthquakes before.

Within the next 50 years, there is a 49.74% chance of a 5.0 magnitude earthquake occurring.

In Utah, large earthquakes may occur nearly anywhere but are most likely to occur within 100 miles extending north and south.

This includes Wasatch Front, Cedar City, Richfield, and St. George.

2. High Severe Storm Risk

Not only are earthquakes a concern in West Valley City, but severe weather occurs quite often here.

These include thunderstorms, windstorms, and winter storms.

West Valley City is also at a high risk of seeing hurricanes and even tornadoes.

They tend to see a lot of flooding during the warmest parts of the year.

During the winter, most of Utah, including West Valley City, sees heavy snow.

If you aren’t ready for the dramatic weather changes, West Valley City probably isn’t ideal for you.

3. Many Religious Institutions

West Valley City has proximity to various religious institutions, making it challenging for those who may not want to be a part of them.

This may or may not be a bad thing for people living in or considering moving to West Valley City.

West Valley City is only 9 miles from Salt Lake City, the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

With that being said, nearly 50% of people in Salt Lake County attend this church.

So, if you feel excluded because you aren’t a member of the churches here, you may want to reconsider West Valley City.

4. Poor Air Quality

Everywhere you turn in West Valley City, you’ll see mountains.

Let’s face it, the town is enclosed by them.

Because of this, you may struggle with air quality, particularly if you have any underlying respiratory condition.

The city normally deals with poor air quality following a snowstorm.

Yet it can still be worse once the other pollutants in the air mix in with everything else.

5. Lack of Quality Hospitals

Residents living here often complain about having a lack of quality hospitals in town.

The only hospital worthy of mentioning in the city is Pioneer Valley.

Currently, it is affiliated with the Intermountain Medical Network of hospitals.

Even with a name change, the resources and staff remain the same.

This hospital may be great for broken arms and cuts.

Nonetheless, if you need to have major surgery or dealing with serious health issues, you may have difficulties.

6. Has a Bad Reputation

West Valley City doesn’t have the best reputation.

People living here often face criticism for their city.

When residents tell other people that they live in West Valley City, they are often looked at in disbelief.

The crime rate isn’t the best in West Valley City and there aren’t many nice areas in town.

Often, West Valley is referred to as “the ghetto.”

7. Crime Rate

In terms of crime and safety, West Valley City has been given a grade of a “C.”

Crime that occurs in West Valley is 42% higher than the national average.

The rate at which crimes occur in the city is 26.58 per 1,000 people, within a regular year.

So you’re probably wondering what areas are the safest in West Valley City.

Typically, the areas southwest of the city are the safest.

8. Demographic

West Valley City is oppressed by middle-aged adults, mainly due to the type of jobs found here.

While this may not seem like the worst thing yet, you will have challenges finding resources in the area if you are taking care of an elderly or aging parent.

29% of the people living in West Valley are between the ages of 25 and 44.

Fortunately, the city is diverse and the types of people you meet will be friendly, unless you are middle-aged, of course.

You may find it difficult to make new friends.

Pros and Cons of Living in West Valley City, UT – Summary Table

West Valley City Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: West Valley City Safety Review

Safety Index:

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• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW