My objective view - It's not for everyone
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9/19/2012
I have lived in SLC and many other places, so I feel I can be objective here: First it's a beautiful city. It is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges. There are really very few "ugly" areas. Most neighborhoods have some charm.
The weather is definite four seasons. Winter is cold but seldom severe. Summer gets hot but the dryness really helps. The evenings are cool. Spring is the most unpredictable. Cold and rainy for a few days, then gorgeous and warm for a few days, then repeated this pattern until summer hits. (Of course I've seen springs where it won't stop raining or springs where it's sunny every day from April on). Fall is exquisite. Beautiful colors and temperatures. If you love the great outdoors, you will LOVE it here! Fishing, hiking, snow-skiing, water-skiing, golf, walking, bicycling. It's ALL here. If you are not an outdoorsy person you may get bored (especially in winter if you don't ski).
The Economy: it seems to be VERY cyclical here. The pay is very low (they're tightwads) and good professional jobs are not very plentiful. Hourly service jobs pay pretty low. The cost of housing is very high considering the poor wages. Renting, in my opinion, has always been fairly reasonable.
Crime: Not bad overall for such a large city, but it's gotten worse... in the northwest quadrant of the valley mostly. There are gangs in that area.
The people: I think the people are really pretty very friendly overall (compared to say...Phoenix and other cities). However, the Mormons don't really want to associate with non-members. Most of their friendliness I find to be superficial and/or forced. They know how to act around each other but not around strangers (Non-LDS). They are just so engrossed in their church life. I personally don't care for most Mormons but I have worked for some and have been neighbors with some who don't discriminate. If you are not a church member you can make friends with other non-LDS pretty easily if you just put yourself out there. Go to a different church or join a club or organization (PTA, Masons, Elks, bowling league, fishing club, coffee groups)...Once you start meeting nice people in SLC they introduce you to their friends and your social life will blossom.
Kids: I do think it's a good place to raise kids but the Mormon kids can be cliquish. As I explained earlier non-Mormon kids need to get out and
find other kids of their ilk.
Culture etc.: This a good community for arts, entertainment and food. Good dance company, symphony, public radio and arts festivals. For young people there is some good night-life. The University of Utah provides a lot of culture. The actual part of the valley that comprises Salt Lake City proper is actually fairly liberal. The suburbs are the conservative parts.
Education: Top notch in my books. Good schools and University. Mormons value education.
In conclusion: if the dominant Mormon culture is a deal-breaker for you then don't aggravate yourself by moving here. That being said, they DO care about their community and it shows. But they do make the rules.
Daleelad | Houston, TX