Utah, A great place to raise a family - 4/12/2009

Utah is a great place to live, and raise a family. I live in the Northern part of the state, and we get all 4 season here. The summers are dry and hot, usually anywhere from 80-100 degrees, (depends on month) Fall is my favorite (however does not last long) and you can pretty much count on having snow from Nov-March. I enjoy the spring here as well, However, you can expect 70 degree weather one day, and the following day it's snowing again. This usually happens middle of March, and April. The city I am in, sits right up against the mountains, and it's wonderful. I love that I can go out for a early morning run, and come across deer walking down my street. Being 5 minutes away from hiking trails, and 30 minutes away from several sking resorts is awesome! If you like the outdoors, Utah is great. If you are looking for a place with a great night life, Utah might not be the place. I feel safe here, and enjoy raising my family here.

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Mountains..... - 4/1/2009

The most peaceful, restful, beautiful place to go and disapear from your life and just enjoy everything little thing nature created and has to offer, camp for a week, weekend or just go up and hike for a day! Anyway you want, the mountains are a blessing for us to take advantage of!

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Housing Costs Still High - 3/27/2009

Despite the recent meltdown in the economy, housing prices continue to be higher here than national averages. Housing prices took a hit before the end of the year, and most devalued in the vacinity of 10-20%. However, with more homes on the market than one can keep track of, housing prices are expected to drop even further.

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Restrictive Culture - 2/15/2009

Utah is a land where Mormon beliefs are State Law. Prohibition exists and members of the LDS church practice segregation and discrimination of non-Mormons. I've lived here just over a year and can't wait to leave. The State Legislature is ruled by LDS members out of touch with the real world. And, they're going backwards.

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Snow Powder for Skiing - 11/22/2008

A much drier climate than most, but inversion layer traps dirty air here.

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Outdoor Activities - 4/30/2008

Excellent for outdoor recreation for Paragliding (point of the mountain)/hang gliding, hiking, boating, skiing, and horseback riding.

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The disparity between the politics and the people - 3/2/2008

I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon and have lived in the Salt Lake City area for 15 years now. I find the people here generally very friendly and accepting of others; however, I have serious problems with the politics of Utah. Although I am a moderate Democrat, I don't think the problem is just the fact that I live and work (and sleep) with Republicans. My problem is that of one party rule and the political gerrymandering, extremists, and punitive behavior with which it comes. It appears that the average Utahn is moderate and accepting of others' views. The problem is that the radical right has control over the selection of local representation. The Legislature appears to be controlled by the radical right; whereas, the Governor, which is selected by the State as a whole is typically moderate. However, the Legislature has gerrymandered itself a veto proof majority and wrests away power from the Governor, from the municipalities, and from the people with every chance it gets. I have seen an area which is Democratic get its tax base and its share of road funds attacked apparently because it is Democratic. However, the silent majority continues to be silent and people who have not lived outside small town Utah (as other than as a missionary) live in fear of the radical left and can't bring themselves to vote for even a moderate Democrat. In order to vote Republican in the Primary the Party rules say that you must declare that you are a Republican. You can vote in the Democratic Party without a declaration. I heard recently that 70 percent of Utah is "non-affiliated" with a party. They are not in love with Republicans, they just afraid. It is not easy to be a Democrat especially in the rural areas or during the Legislative session.

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crime - 2/27/2008

crime going up rapidly!!!not like it used to be.

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great oudoors - 11/25/2007

Excellent skiing in the winter (or snowboarding - for those who like that kind of thing) and excellent rock-climbing in the summer. You can also find excellent hiking, camping, and fishing all around the state.

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Variety - 11/3/2007

Utah may not have been known well, skiers being the exception, until the Olympics but has that ever changed! Variety is what makes Utah exceptional. From northern Utah and farms to Southern Utah and Zions National Park, you will find many things of interest in culture and recreation. With four seasons you can waterski,hoof it or horse it, fish, mountain climb, mine ,explore the desert and then place your fun in the sun toys away and be skiing & boarding down the mountain slopes usually by Thanksgiving with four or five resorts to choose from. If snow is not your thing, head south and visit St. George w/it's red rock beauty & slightly warmer winter. With a huge cultural variety it will be imposssible to not find a conversation of enjoyment and diversification.

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We would like to relocate.... - 9/17/2007

Investigating schools and housing, we are planning to move with in a year from now.

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hmmmmm - 9/6/2007

i live in salt lake city, utah. and i must say that i do not like it. the culture of mormonism is very, what shall we say, constrictive? if you are single and don't want to be married and don't want to have any kids, then this place will shut you out, and i am serious. there is no night life, and if you are "different" well, expect to be alone most of the time. it is almost impossible to be accepted here if you are not a mormon. finding friends that are open-minded is extremely difficult at best. if you are a loner and want to be that way, perfect. i can't wait until i am able to leave this place forever.

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Outdoor Recreation - 8/25/2007

If you're looking for a great climate (pretty mild winters and no humidity i the summer!), Utah is the plave for you. And the national parks are awe inspiring. There is something for everyone to enjoy!

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Hiking, fishing - 8/13/2007

Utah has amazing hiking and backpacking for any one! My husband and I can go backpacking, or we can take the little ones on day hikes. There are tons of trails all over the Wasatch Front. Fishing is also great!

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Spend Per Child - 8/11/2007

Utah has the wrong priorities when it comes to their children. We have a horrible reputation for lowest spending per child on eductaion. In addition, we have ridiculous pupil/teacher ratios. We need to clean up our act and focus on the child's future. We need to invest.

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Living in Utah and its culture - 8/11/2007

If you're planning on living in Utah, you must understand these things: In Utah, there is no seperation of Church and State...as a matter of fact, there's no seperation of Church and Anything. If you are fully integrated into the Mormon grid, you will be fine. If you're not a Mormon, your children will suffer and you will eventually learn that every aspect of your life will be affected in a negative way by the Mormons. Drinking liquor or caffeine is demonized, and smoking is not even allowed in public parks. Their lives are devoted to proving that each is a better Mormon than the next and it is assumed that non-Mormons are nothing. They have been told by their leadership that they should associated with non-Mormons. But, why should that even come up?

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Utah is doing great - 6/27/2007

Utah is doing great...most areas continue to remain constant

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Family Friendly State - 6/1/2007

Utah is a great place if you are raising a family.

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Lots to do. Not really many to do it with. - 2/27/2007

We moved here from CA last year. Views- A+ Recreation-B+ unfortunately every person we've run into, even friends from the past, is too comfortable in their own routines that nobody really commits to going out and having fun. Also the political climate is either VERY right wing or VERY left. No down the middles. Oh well. P.S. Worst drivers in the 30 states Iv'e been through.

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Utah appreciation rate still very strong - 1/16/2007

The OFHEO report shows Utah appreciation as being very strong

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