If you're ready to finally make the move of your dreams to the American West, you may be struggling with deciding on just the right place for you and your family. This is an important decision, and one that should not be made lightly or on a whim. Consider your needs and wants before deciding where you might want to end up. The following are just four of the many communities in the West that are worthy of your consideration.
Eastern Oregon
With abundant small town charm, clean streets, and clearly visible displays of civic pride, Eastern Oregon communities resemble the towns of yesteryear. Opportunities for outdoor recreation are abundant here, neighbors know one another, and community activities are plentiful. Contrary to popular belief, Eastern Oregon isn't all high desert — the northeastern portion of the state is green and lush except in infrequent times of drought. Oregon is one of the most beautiful areas of the country, which is more evident when driving across it on a road trip.
Western Washington
With the Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound on one side and the Cascade Mountain Range on the other, Western Washington enjoys substantial natural beauty. The waterways and islands that dominate the marine areas of Seattle and the Bellingham areas are second to none. It is truly one of the most unique and diverse areas of the country. To add to attraction, the tax base provided by the abundance of skilled workers in the area thanks to the significant presence of the tech industry creates a high quality of life in most Western Washington communities. You can expect good schools, clean, abundant parks and other green spaces, well-cared for streets and highways, and many other amenities that combine to create a desirable place to live and raise a family.
Utah
One of the most visually stunning states in the entire country, Utah is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The red rock formations and canyons of the southern part of the state exude an ethereal beauty that has to be seen to be believed. Other areas feature high desert, forests, and mountains. Home builders in Utah know that a home in Utah will have plenty of refreshing outdoor recreation opportunities to choose from and look forward to. Utah also enjoys a highly-educated population, a vibrant economy with a thriving job market, and many types of communities from which to choose. Both Salt Lake City and Provo offer eclectic urban environments, while Heber City was recently named the eight best small town in the country. Utah towns and cities as a whole enjoy relatively low crime rates.
Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona is dramatically different from the rest of the state. Hot weather really isn't an issue there, for instance, and winters often offer ample opportunities for snow sports such as skiing and sledding. Flagstaff is small enough to have a charming small town ambiance but large enough to have most urban amenities. Nearby Sedona features some of the most breathtaking beauty on the planet, and the iconic Grand Canyon is an easy drive to Flagstaff's north. The entire city of Flagstaff is surrounded by a National Forest, and the area enjoys a vibrant art and cultural presence.
Taking a road trip throughout the American West is an excellent way to narrow down your many fine relocation options. You can also research areas of interest on the internet and various forum sites that exist. You can also utilize Facebook and Twitter to ask friends and family what they might know about your areas of interest.
Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn't on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter @RachelleWilber
