A Mapleton Overview
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2/13/2010
Mapleton is a gorgeous little town nestled in the mountains. Although Native Americans lived there long ago, it was settled by Mormon/LDS pioneers and stayed a small sleepy farming town for generations until just about 20 years ago. Now it hosts lavish houses/mansions and dwindling farms. It is still quiet, conservative, and largely residential - not much business, but it's really too pretty to be developed for business in my opinion. Don't go here if you want nightlife or diversity. People drive to Springville, Spanish Fork, and Provo for jobs, groceries, and other city-based amenities. This is a small town for people who are increasingly wealthy. It is conservative, largely Mormon (LDS), nice and safe, with lots of people who love to garden and care for their homes. There is plentiful camping/hunting/fishing going on. The north is full of nice suburban homes with mostly half-acre yards, the center of town is quaint and more of a hodge-podge of architectural eras and yard sizes, and the southern area of Mapleton hosts mansions that have to be seen to be believed and yards that are often acres big. The further East (toward Sierra Bonita mountains), the more lavish the homes are in general. The more affordable homes are towards the west. Mapleton is best for people who like living with LDS neighbors, love exploring nature, don't mind a bit of a drive for groceries, work, and entertainment, and you must LOVE the mountains (that is a prerequisite - it would be a total waste of perfectly gorgeous mountains otherwise). It is family-friendly, and quiet, and close to nature. The three downsides are: cold, cold winters (the air gets trapped by the mountains, causing a deep-freeze effect in Jan & Feb), a homogenous population (a downside only if you do not like living amongst conservative Mormons - some people do find it stifling), and rampant development. It is a bittersweet thing to know what it used to be like before it was developed. The natural beauty of the place is second to none, and it's hard to watch people building mansions in the foothills where I used to ride horses and hike for a spectacular view over the valley. The city does not seem intent on preserving the natural beauty of the mountains, opting instead to bow to the desires of private developers and mar the face of the mountains with new homes. The foothill trails were previously Mapleton's best feature, and it is coming to an end. Will Mapleton learn the concept of nature preservation before it's too late? At least it is a short drive to Hobble Creek canyon, and Uinta National Forest, and the nature there will be protected for years to come. Good luck, future Mapleton! I hope people will plan green spaces wisely so you will stay beautiful!
Bp | Malden, MA